Mandeville, Louisiana is one of the state’s oldest yet most captivating cities. It’s positioned right on Lake Pontchartrain. In the 1950s, Mandeville was linked to Lake Pontchartrain via what’s now known as the Causeway; it’s the longest bridge in the world! History still reigns within Mandeville. Even tourists come from far and near just to sample the festivities that they have heard so much about that the lakefront rentals and Airbnb vacation rentals run out during festival season. Getting curious now? Learn some of the best things to do in Mandeville, Louisiana.
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1. 30 by Ninety Theatre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Get your acts together for 30 by Ninety. This quirkily named performing arts theater in Mandeville was founded in 2014 and strives to become the premier live theatre destination in the region. It is a non-profit venue for quality live entertainment. 30 by Ninety also provides numerous opportunities for the local community to get involved in its operations by having open auditions for its shows, offering volunteer work for its stage productions, and partnering with local businesses.
This intimate theater consistently puts on excellent shows, among its popular acts are Matilda, Arsenic & Old Lace, Noises Off, and Crimes of the Heart. Opening nights are often reviewed as fun and brilliant. There are refreshments and snacks available during the shows like sparkling wine and petit fours.
30 by Ninety Theatre
Address: 880 Lafayette St, Mandeville, LA 70448
Website: 30 by Ninety Theatre
2. Barley Oak
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Barley Oak knows its way around beers. It features over a hundred kinds of craft, micro, and specialty beers sourced both locally and internationally. Aside from being a two-story premier beer pub, it is also a restaurant located near Lake Pontchartrain. Explore its loaded menu of delightful dishes and snacks that pair perfectly with its wide array of beverages. It has a casual vibe that is made more relaxing by the seats allocated by the fireplace, stocked bar, and outside patio.
Grab a drink and head to the balcony for panoramic lake views, a natural spot for the rowdy and the romantic. Barley Oak hosts happy hours during the weekend from 3pm to 6:30pm. Score your favorite beer bottles for less and get entertained by the staff for some beer talk.
Barley Oak
Address: 2101 Lakeshore Dr, Mandeville, LA 70448,
Website: Barley Oak
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 2am
3. Ruby's Roadhouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A classic dive bar in the Northshore, Ruby’s Roadhouse is your unpretentious joint for awesome bands and drinks. Its interior closely resembles the exterior. Old wood floors, a large stage, and a rustic bar accentuate the inside space. It is a neighborhood bar during weekdays and transitions to a lively joint as the weekend approaches. Ruby’s sets the mood for a party by bringing the best music in town, among the acts that play here are Little Freddie King, Rockin Dopsie, Tab Benoit, and The Iguanas.
Although a local dive bar, the crowd can get diverse as bikers, professionals, and sports fans frequent the place.
Ruby's Roadhouse
Address: 840 Lamarque St, Mandeville, LA 70448
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 2am; Sat - Sun: 9am - 2am
4. Canoe & Travel Adventures - Canoe & Kayak Eco Swamp Tours
Want to know more about the bayous and swamps of Louisiana? Try the Canoe & Kayak Eco Swamp Tour! Located on the Mandeville, LA border, it’s ranked as the #1 boat tour! It’s a very educational adventure with outdoor canoeing, hiking through the swamps, and other thrilling functions for the whole day - maybe more! You really don’t want to miss out on this attraction in Mandeville!
Canoe & Kayak Eco Swamp Tours
Address: 24401 US Highway 190, Lacombe, LA 70445
Website: Canoe & Kayak Eco Swamp Tours
5. Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall
If you’re craving something classy with a little jazz music, Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall is just the place for you! This ragtime joint even hosted legendary people such as Bunk Johnson, Kid Ory, and yes, Louis Armstrong! Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall is just ample with greatness; they serve drinks to go with their famous hot, delicious soul food cooking! Grab your dancing shoes and a dazzling dress to have yourself, your family, and friends a good time!
Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall
Address: 4030 Lamarque St., Mandeville, LA 70448
Website: Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall
6. Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park has quite an interesting historic background. For instance, Fontainebleau was once a sugar plantation and was named after a beautiful forest in Paris. This park is 2,800 acres (1,133 hectares) located right on Lake Pontchartrain. On a clear day, you can sail on a sailboat, sunbathe on the shore, or walk along the old railroad track which is a part of the Tammy Trace. The Fountainebleau State Park has cabins and campsites for your enjoyment! Trust me, you will not be bored for a minute! You will be too busy having fun.
Fontainebleau State Park
Address: 62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, LA 70448
Website: Fontainebleau State Park
7. Jean Baptiste Lang House & Gift Shop
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This Anglo-Creole home was owned by Jean Baptiste Lang, a tobacco merchant. Did you know that the Jean Baptiste Lang House survived the Civil War and was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Katrina? This house is a true survivor of not just a natural disaster, but a major war as well!
The Jean Baptiste Lang House is just another intricate part of history that has become one of the interesting places to go in Mandeville. Tour the house to see the historic plaques along with the engraved bricks. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out to buy a souvenir or two!
Jean Baptiste Lang House & Gift Shop
Address: 605 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA
Website: Jean Baptiste Lang House & Gift Shop
8. Lake Pontchartrain Harbor Marina
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Lake Pontchartrain Harbor Marina is the perfect setting for families to welcome themselves. Between an evening with friends and family, or a night with your significant other; you will be pleased either way! Parallel from the Causeway, Lake Pontchartrain Harbor Marina is accessible with comfortable lodgings. The only difficult choices to make will be between fine, casual, or fast food. Where to shop is another problem you will have when it comes to numerous stores, boutiques, and markets!
Lake Pontchartraiin Harbor Marina
Address: 225 Antibes St W, Ste 1, Mandeville, LA 70448
Facebook page: Lake Pontchartrain Harbor Marina
9. Painting With A Twist - Mandeville
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Ready to express art and painting in a Topsy Turvy style? Try Painting With A Twist in Mandeville! You can paint and design anything from tote bags, cards, landscapes, abstracts, all with a glass of wine to boot! Most of the classes occur at night from ages 18 and up only! You will appreciate the different themes to choose from as the instructors assist you. Let the mad artist out in your masterpieces!
Painting With A Twist - Mandeville
Address: 2121 North Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, LA 70471
Website: Painting With A Twist - Mandeville
10. Mandeville Trailhead Community Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you want to buy or see a variety of foods, you may want to go to the market. Yes, the Mandeville Trailhead Community Market! It’s a public place to buy food, crafts such as purses, chairs, and other outdoor home decorations. Since the market is also apart of the Mandeville Trailhead, you will enjoy mingling with the locals of the neighborhood and the entertainment to ease your mind into relaxation.
Mandeville Trailhead Community Market
Address: 675 Lafitte Street, Mandeville, LA 70448
11. Northshore Lakefront
Though its official name is Mandeville Lakefront, most refer to it as the Northshore Lakefront. Did you know that the Northshore Lakefront has Native American origins? It’s the home of multiple creative locals such as Chef John Besh, Amanda Shaw, and many more! Northshore Lakefront is a beach; you can swim, ski, or even fish to your leisure without disturbances. Basically, you can consider Northshore Lakefront as your own private island.
Northshore Lakefront
Address: 68099 Highway 59, Mandeville, LA 70471
Facebook Page: Northshore Lakefront
12. Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center: The Water Feature
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Worried about your children swimming in a large body of water? Put those fears to rest with Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center: Water Feature. There’s a small fountain that shoots water up into the air as the kids happily run and get wet. It’s totally safe with your supervision. The Mandeville Trailhead and Culture Interpretive Center is apart of the Tammy Trace. Also, free entertainment, educational demonstrations, and prepared food makes this place as close as to Disneyworld as you are going to get!
Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center: The Water Feature
Address: 675 Lafitte St., Mandeville, LA 70448
Website: Mandeville Trailhead and Cultural Interpretive Center: The Water Feature
13. Chafunkta Brewing Company
If you get weary of all the historic sightseeing, go and grab you a beer at Chafunkta Brewing Company! It was founded back in June 2011 by Josh and Jamie Erickson. If you’re wondering about the word ‘Chafunkta’, it was an Indian settlement what is now the city of Mandeville, LA. Awarded Best Beer for Bayou Blaze at the 2015 Battle of the Shore “Beer & Brat Off,” they sell a multitude of beer and alcoholic beverages such as Old 504, Kingfish Ale, Bayou Blaze, and more! Get your friends, share some selfies, and partake in a night of merriment!
Chafunkta Brewing Company
Address: 21449-2 Marion Ln, Mandeville, LA
Website: Chafunkta Brewing Company
Get in on the fun!
Trust me, this city is packed with action, history, and enjoyment that you’ll never question about what to do in Mandeville, LA. It is like a movie with all the genres rolled into one! You won’t be disappointed once you set your foot in this city! If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out some New Orleans cabins to book for your trip.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Mandeville, Louisiana
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