Trip to Bayou-stay overnight?

Question

Hi—I am planning a trip to New Orleans March 15-22 with my husband and 11-year old son to New Orleans. We plan to stay in the French Quarter, Chartres st. I have read that spring break crowds won’t be too much of a problem but I am a little concerned about St. Patrick’s day crowds. (I know the parade is Saturday, March 15, so maybe we should arrive March 14 or 16, not sure yet.) We do plan to see the Bayou area. Would it make sense to go to the Bayou area on St. Patrick’s day and just stay over in a hotel there that night? We could have dinner somewhere there and do a little more exploring in the morning, before returning to New Orleans March 18, post-St. Pat’s revelry.

Thank you for reading my question and for any assistance!

Answer

Your trip to New Orleans sounds like a lot of fun, and staying in the French Quarter will put you in the heart of the city's vibrant atmosphere. As for your concern about the St. Patrick's Day crowds, you’re correct that the parade and festivities on Saturday, March 15, can draw large crowds, particularly in areas like the French Quarter and the Irish Channel. While the French Quarter will definitely be lively, it can also be chaotic, and the celebrations can get rowdy, especially in the evening. Since you’re traveling with your son, it’s a good idea to think about how to balance the excitement with some quieter, family-friendly activities.

Heading to the Bayou area on St. Patrick’s Day could be a great way to avoid some of the rowdy crowds in New Orleans, and it would give you a chance to experience a different side of Louisiana. The Bayou region offers beautiful natural landscapes, wildlife, and a peaceful environment that could be a refreshing contrast to the revelry in the city. Spending the night in the Bayou after the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations could also be a smart idea, as it would give you a more relaxing setting to unwind, especially for your son.

Here are a few things to consider when planning your Bayou trip:

Proximity to New Orleans: The Bayou area is not far from New Orleans—roughly 30 minutes to an hour’s drive depending on where you go. Popular areas to visit include the Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, and the Honey Island Swamp. These areas offer boat tours, wildlife viewing, and hiking, making them great for family exploration.
Accommodation: There are a number of hotels and inns around the Bayou area that cater to visitors wanting a quiet, nature-filled retreat. You could look for a charming bed and breakfast or even consider staying on a swamp tour boat or in a lodge for a more unique experience. Staying overnight will give you time to enjoy the quiet beauty of the Bayou and explore more in the morning before heading back to New Orleans.
Activities for Kids: The Bayou is a great place for family-friendly activities, such as swamp tours where you can see alligators, egrets, and other wildlife. Many tour companies offer boat rides through the swamp, which can be a fun and educational experience for your son. It’s also a great way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

As for your timing, arriving in the Bayou on either March 14 or March 16 could work well. If you arrive before the St. Patrick's Day parade (March 14), you can avoid the crowds altogether, get settled in, and enjoy a relaxing evening. If you wait until March 16, you'll have the chance to enjoy the aftermath of the parade and avoid some of the more intense crowds, giving you a bit of peace as you head out for the Bayou.

After your stay in the Bayou, you can head back to New Orleans on March 18 for a more relaxed experience as the post-St. Patrick's Day crowds start to disperse. This will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds—avoiding the chaotic revelry and then returning to the city when things calm down.

In summary, staying overnight in the Bayou area on St. Patrick’s Day is a great idea for a more relaxed family experience. It will allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana while avoiding the intense crowds in New Orleans. You can return to the city on March 18, refreshed and ready to enjoy your remaining days in New Orleans.

Trip to Bayou-stay overnight?

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