Nearly three-quarters of St. Bernard Parish consists of water. Along a 27-mile stretch of the Mississippi River, the parish extends through a landscape of wetlands, bayous, and waterways. Here, water is more than just a backdrop: At select locations, it connects nature observation with opportunities for paddling, fishing, and exploring by boat.
Wetlands and Waterways
At the 40 Arpent Wetlands Observatory, access to the 40 Arpent Canal is via a lagoon by the boathouse, where visitors can canoe and kayak. A footbridge offers a view of the central wetland unit. Visitors can also see old-growth cypress trees and observe native birds at the observatory. This brings water activities and nature observation together in one place.
St. Bernard State Park spans 358 acres along the Mississippi River. Its features include man-made lagoons and a nature trail; the park is also a designated stop on the America’s WETLAND Birding Trail. A boat launch is located 0.1 miles from the park entrance, providing access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Ecotours also add to the opportunities on the water: St. Bernard Ecotourism offers a 27-seat excursion boat. In St. Bernard Parish, three sites are also connected to the America’s WETLAND Birding Trail and the Mississippi River Birding Trail. The various offerings focus on different activities—from paddling on the canal and birdwatching to an ecotour aboard the excursion boat.
Traveling the San Bernardo National Scenic Byway
The San Bernardo National Scenic Byway runs for 29 miles along Louisiana Highway 46, from the boundary between Orleans Parish and St. Bernard Parish to the fishing villages of Yscloskey and Delacroix Island. Historic plantation homes and a historic courthouse lie along the byway. The route thus offers clear geographic orientation as well as several glimpses into the history of the parish.
Roadside stands selling fresh produce and seafood are also part of the experience along the byway. They are a practical addition to the historic sites and scenic route—without turning the entire journey into a single culinary theme.
Discover Architecture and History
Old Arabi includes two large historic districts: the Old Arabi Historic District covers 150 acres, and the Friscoville Street Historic District covers 160 acres. The architecture that defines Old Arabi dates predominantly from the 1880s to the 1920s. The styles cited include Italianate, Eastlake, Colonial Revival, and Bungalow. Those interested in architectural history can explore different styles here within a clearly defined time period.
The Los Isleños Museum & Village is considered the last surviving testament to Spanish Colonial Louisiana. St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery, meanwhile, is the oldest existing burial ground in the New Orleans metropolitan area. The two sites point to different aspects of the region’s past: Spanish Colonial Louisiana and the history of burial grounds in greater New Orleans.
Chalmette Battlefield was the site of the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 1815. The grounds are open to pedestrians year-round from sunrise to sunset. Since operational details may change, check the National Park Service’s current guidance before visiting.
Discover more destinations: St Bernard, Chalmette, Tangipahoa Parish, Iberia Parish, Winn, Vermilion, Natchitoches Parish, St Charles.
For the main travel overview: Louisiana.
