Exploring Louisiana’s Northshore Region

When you cross Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain on the Causeway Bridge — one of the world’s longest at nearly 24 miles long — you can feel the pace of life slow with each passing mile. The communities of the so-called Northshore region are laidback but still offer plenty for a visitor on a daytrip or short weekend excursion.

Base your trip around the towns of St. Tammany Parish, with gems like Madisonville, Covington, Abita Springs and Mandeville. Each have charming, historic downtowns that feel like the Old South, and are full of unique restaurants and small shops selling crafts and antiques.

Consider renting bikes to peddle the St. Tammany Trace, a former railroad that is now a flat, multi-use trail running almost the entirety of the parish’s length. Or stretch your legs along Madisonville’s lakefront trail, where you can watch kite-surfers and sailboats and possibly spot an alligator.

For other hikes, head to parks like Fontainebleau State Park, Big Branch Marsh, the Northlake Nature Center and Fairview-Riverside State Park, where you can explore the cypress bayous and spot interesting birds and other wildlife.

Be sure to stop for a tour and tasting at the Abita Brewery, one of the region’s best, located in Abita Springs.