Jean Lafitte

This little museum within the city hall explores the history of privateering and the town of Jean Lafitte and the surrounding wetlands with its respective fauna. It includes a nature trail to a lagoon.

Looking at the bow of this ship from afar, you might be confused into thinking that it's an actual antique from the 18th century. However, when you walk up close to it, it is apparent that the wooden frame is just a facade, built over a metal armature. According to the Jefferson Parish tourism website, it's the bow of the prop ship The Black Pearl from one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Part of the Jean Lafitte National Park system. Trails and elevated boardwalks through forest, wetland, bayous, and swamp. One can often see wild alligators in the water under the foot bridges. Especially impressive in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom. From New Orleans: Take the Crescent City Connection Bridge across the Mississippi and get on the West Bank Expressway. Exit at Barataria Boulevard, turn south and follow the signs.

Here you can go on a high thrills adventure through marshland and open water aboard an air boat and explore the fringes of the Mississippi Delta. Just hold onto your hat.

Another albeit more leisurely boat tour with the likely prospect of alligator sightings.