Slidell Car Rental

Guide to Slidell

Geography

Slidell is situated on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain in the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is a part of the St. Tammany Parish and has an estimated population of only around 27,000 residents. While this might make Slidell seem like an insignificant backwater town, its location 30 minutes north of New Orleans makes it an important stopover for visitors to the big city as well as the surrounding bayou. Many visitors also choose to stay in quieter Slidell and commute to roaring N’awlins during peak tourist rush.

Climate

The climate in Slidell can be categorized as humid subtropical, where the summers are long and humid while winters are typically short and mild. The temperatures can range from 43℉ and 93℉ year-round. The best time to visit Slidell would be during the spring season (March-May) when the city comes alive with colorful flowers at peak bloom. Alternatively, autumn (September-November) is also a good time to visit as the weather is most pleasant and flights and accommodations are the least expensive.

Culture

Slidell got its name from John Slidell, the American politician and Confederate ambassador to France.

Things to do in Slidell

Discover the town’s historic treasures

Starting at Olde Towne Main Street, the main artery of Slidell, leisurely amble through the various historic sites, quirky shops, restaurants, apothecary rooms, and charming cafes as you eat, shop, and explore the northern part of New Orleans. If antiques intrigue you, make sure to find Slidell’s famed antique district which showcases everything from quirky collectibles to immensely valuable antique jewelry and furniture. Do not miss Barbara’s Victorian closet while you’re there. Afterward, head towards Carey Street to peruse through the local art shops before ducking into Slidell Cultural Center, which boasts a contemporary gallery showcasing some of the most respected artists from the area. If you think you can squeeze in just one more thing into your itinerary, check out the photographs and handicrafts at Slidell Museum, telling the town’s fascinating story.

Stroll through a lush urban park

A popular hideout for Slidell and New Orleans residents searching for the kind of nature-based tranquility that only old-growth can provide, Camp Salmen Nature Park features abundant local flora and fauna. Located at Parish Parkway, the park is spread across 130 acres and houses an incredible variety of animals and birds. It attracts aviary aficionados and birdwatchers who like nothing more than to find a comfortable spot to sit and wait to catch a glimpse of a Red-Tailed Hawk or a Mourning Dove through their binoculars. The park also has scenic trails for the runners and hikers, as well as a kid’s play area, three pavilions and an amphitheatre.

Picnic at a heritage park

Cross the river Bayou Bonfouca to reach Heritage Park, one of the most social spots in Slidell. You’ll normally find people spread across the park with their family and friends enjoying a relaxed picnic, getting a barbecue grill going, or playing frisbee. There are three pavilions which you can rent to host a BBQ or have team bonding activities. For kids, there’s a large playground as well as a splash pad to fully indulge their playful spirits. You can also go on a gentle boat ride to catch a music event or festival at the on-site amphitheatre. Heritage Park is a great place to go with a group on a weekend to truly experience Slidell’s lively atmosphere.

Eating out in Slidell

Slidell’s cuisine is made up of classic Louisiana favorites and staples like beignets (a deep-fried pastry with powdered sugar sprinkled on top), po’boy (a sandwich made with french bread and stuffed with roasted beef or deep-fried meat), jambalaya and gumbo (both variations of hearty cajun-flavored stews with rice, meat, seafood and vegetables).

That being said, some of our top restaurant recommendations in Slidell are:

Palmettos on the Bayou, which features a core menu focused on creole and Cajun-style American cuisine. Try their shrimp and grits or jambalaya while looking over the peaceful bayou. Specialising in seafood delicacies, Southside Cafe makes incredible gumbos. You can’t go wrong with either their seafood gumbo or their Irish channel gumbo. For a classic American hamburger and pork chops, Restaurant Cole is a treasure for hungry stomachs. The attached Maple Room also serves mean cocktails.

Slidell Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Slidell is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), about 35 kilometers from the town center.

Getting around

New Orleans Regional Transit Authority provides bus services throughout Slidell and connects it with NOLA. Many visitors also choose to rent a car for maximum comfort and flexibility to explore the Bayou State on their own schedule. Some of the most reliable rental car agencies in Slidell include Enterprise, Budget and Hertz.