

Discover the New Orleans locals know and love. Beyond the clubs and cobblestones is a vibrant city full of neighborhood gems, family-run restaurants, late-night dive bars, backstreet music, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences you won’t find on the usual tourist map.
At Beyond the French Quarter, every recommendation is hand-picked and curated to help you explore the true heartbeat of the city—across every neighborhood, bayou, and back porch. Come see the real New Orleans, one unforgettable moment at a time.
tours & events
$60 Adult / $25 Child (under 16)
$1,500-private tour
Accommodates up to 28 guests
Our Nature and Wildlife Tour takes you off the map and into one of southeast Louisiana’s most fragile and important landscapes. On this guided wetland excursion your guide will explain the mechanics and stakes of coastal restoration—why marshes are disappearing, how salinity and subsidence reshape shorelines, and which restoration techniques (living shorelines, replanting, and targeted sediment work) are being used to give this place a fighting chance. You’ll come away understanding how hurricanes, development, and changing river management have altered the delta. Expect to spot alligators basking along the banks, wading egrets and herons threading the shallows, and a lively cast of migratory songbirds and raptors that use the bayou as a seasonal highway. Guides point out feeding behavior, nesting sites, and the subtle cues that signal a healthy—versus stressed—wetland. This tour is aimed at curious visitors who want more than postcards: it’s an immersive look at how people, policy, and nature intersect in Louisiana’s coastal wetlands. - Timeframe: 1 hour 45 min tour - Slots: 10am, 2pm & 6pm - Restaurant Bar & Grill on-site: Enjoy the Wharf’s full-service bar and grill "Lucille's Landing" - Parking: Free parking is on-site at your convenience - Cruise accommodations: up to 28 guests - Restrooms: Available on board, on dock and in restaurant
$75 person (21+ only)
$1,800 - private tour
Accommodates up to 28 guests
Our Cocktail Cruise is a 2 hour cruise through the winding channels of Bayou Bienvenue, just minutes from New Orleans but feeling a world away. This stylish cruise blends laid-back luxury with coastal charm, offering a setting where guests can relax, mingle, and enjoy the scenery at an unhurried pace. Perfect for a lively, relaxed ride where coastal scenery and good company take center stage. As the boat glides through the bayou, keep an eye out for wading birds, raptors, and the occasional alligator basking at the water’s edge. The intimate, open-deck design provides unobstructed views and an easygoing atmosphere ideal for corporate retreats, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays or holiday events. For a side of New Orleans few visitors get to see, this cruise delivers a memorable blend of scenery, sound, and sophisticated fun. Food & drink available on site with a retail store stocked with local beers, seltzers & sodas as well as a full bar on the wharf and a restaurant upstairs. - Timeframe: 1 hour 45 min tour - Covered Pontoon with Speakers, lights, & dance floor - Wildlife Sighting: Louisiana’s Gators, egrets & herons, etc. - Restaurant Bar & Grill on-site - Parking: Free, On-site convenience - Accommodations: Up to 28 Guests - Restrooms: Available on board, on dock and in restaurant - NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK ALOWED ON PREMISES.
$140/person
Seasonal Seafood Experience
Experience an Authentic Cajun Seafood Boil like no other. First, you'll explore the scenic bayou that is the source of it all via a 30-person party boat for an hour as you learn the process and systems of securing the catch. Then, back at dock you learn how the live seafood is prepared by a master chef who grew up perfecting the art of boiling seafood the Louisiana way. This hands-on culinary event brings together a nature-based bayou tour, fresh Gulf seafood and bold local flavors while learning the time-honored traditions, techniques, spices, and stories behind how we boil shrimp, crawfish, crabs, and more that make a true New Orleans boil unforgettable. After the cooking comes the best part: gathering around the table, rolling up your sleeves, and diving into a feast piled high with perfectly seasoned seafood, corn, potatoes, and all the fixings. It’s an immersive, delicious taste of New Orleans culture you won’t find anywhere else. It’s part nature tour, part cooking lesson, part cultural experience, and all fun!
$115/person
group rates available
Our Bayou Brunch, offered by Maison Courteaux & Beyond the French Quarter pairs easygoing waterside brunch with an intimate Bayou Bienvenue cruise. The experience begins at Lucille’s Landing with a generously catered buffet at Mason Courteaux showcasing local favorites: Gulf-inspired dishes, seasonal sides, and an array of cocktails served waterside and laid out so you can linger, socialize, and soak up the marshland atmosphere. After brunch you board a comfortable 28-person pontoon party boat for a one-hour guided cruise through the channels of Bayou Bienvenue. The boat’s open layout gives unobstructed sightlines for photographers and birdwatchers alike as guides point out migratory and resident birds, marsh flora, and the occasional alligator basking at the water’s edge. It’s an easy, scenic way to see the natural side of greater New Orleans—relaxed, social, and distinctly local—perfect for visitors and outdoors-minded residents who want more than the usual tourist route. - Schedule: 1 hour Brunch Buffet, then 1 hour Party Boat Cruise - Boat Tour: covered pontoon boat cruise in Bayou Bienvenue - Order of Events: - Brunch buffet with cocktails overlooking the Bayou - Second Line to your Swamp Tour Party Boat - Bayou Beinvenue boat cruise featuring wildlife sightings and toasts - Celebratory toast to the bachelorette/bachelor/birthday, etc. upon cruise exit - Party Time: Music & Professional Hosts from our staff - Food: Louisiana Style Brunch Buffet - Restaurant Bar & Grill: Full-service bar and grill at Lucille's Landing - Parking: Free on-site parking - Accommodations: Up to 28 Guests - Restrooms: Available on board on dock and in restaurant
$1,500 - Fishing Charter & Filet Lesson
$3,000 - Premium Experience (includes Fishing Charter & Filet Lesson, dinner & luxury transportation)
Accommodates up to 6 guests
Discover the bayous of Louisiana as you chase the prized Bayou Slam—Speckled Trout, Redfish (Red Drum), and Flounder. This one-of-a-kind charter combines world-class inshore fishing with the unforgettable flavors of Creole cuisine. Your adventure begins with door-to-door black car service from your lodging to the marina. Step aboard a top-of-the-line bay boat, where Captain Mike will welcome you and guide your group on a search for the perfect catch. After the trip, Captain Mike and his crew will clean and prepare your fish for cooking. From the marina, you’ll be transported to an authentic New Orleans restaurant, where a Chef will craft a custom lunch featuring your fresh catch—prepared with local techniques, seasonings, and true South Louisiana flair. Relax with a cold beverage and enjoy a meal you’ll never forget. Why settle for a standard fishing charter when you can experience genuine South Louisiana culture from water to table? 4–5 hour charter Total Tour Time 7-8 hours What's included: Selection of beverages; snacks, lunch, Transportation, all gear needed, bug spray and sunscreen Accommodates up to 6 guests Custom Chef’s Lunch
$75 person (21+ only)
$1,800 - private tour
Accommodates up to 28 guests
Krewe of Bienvenue brings Mardi Gras to the water—a festive, stylish party cruise through the winding channels of Bayou Bienvenue. Enjoy a lively soundtrack, brilliant costume energy, and the sights and sounds of Louisiana’s wetlands while you toast with friends and collect beads. The vibe is celebratory but refined: think parade-level fun with room to relax and actually enjoy the scenery. Private charters include a complimentary King Cake and a bag of carnival beads to kick off your celebration, plus a licensed captain and crew to handle the rest. Ideal for groups, corporate outings, bachelorette parties, or anyone who wants the joy of Mardi Gras without the crowd—reservations recommended to secure your krewe.
$1,500 - Bowfishing OR rod/reel charter
$2,000 - Rod/reel & Bowfishing combo
$3,000 - Premium Combo Experience
Accommodates up to 6 guests
Discover the bayous of Louisiana as you chase the prized Bayou Slam—Speckled Trout, Redfish (Red Drum), and Flounder. This is world-class inshore fishing in the heart of the sportsman's paradise. Your adventure begins with door-to-door black car service from your lodging to the marina. Step aboard a top-of-the-line bay boat, where Captain Mike will welcome you and guide your group on a search for the perfect catch. After the trip, Captain Mike and his crew will clean and bag your fish for travel.
hook & bowfishing charters
$1,500 - Bowfishing OR rod/reel charter
$2,000 - Rod/reel & Bowfishing combo
$3,000 - Premium Combo Experience
Accommodates up to 6 guests
Experience the thrill of Louisiana’s coast like never before. This charter blends classic afternoon fishing with the excitement of nighttime bowfishing under powerful deck lights—using the latest high-performance gear for both rod-and-reel action and bowfishing. Your trip begins in the afternoon as you target speckled trout and other coastal species with Captain Pip. You’ll enjoy top-tier equipment, a selection of beverages, premium cigars, and all the essentials—including bug spray and sunscreen—to keep you comfortable on the water. As the sun goes down, the real adventure begins. The rods get packed away, the lights come on, and the bows come out. Glide through the shallow waters of the bayou in a custom triple engine 24 foot hybrid boat outfitted with high output bluetooth speakers as you hunt for redfish and flounder with specialized bowfishing setups. The glowing lights reveal the movement beneath the surface, creating an unforgettable night-time experience. Afternoon rod-and-reel fishing for speckled trout + coastal species Nighttime bowfishing for redfish and flounder under high-intensity lights Latest fishing and bowfishing gear included Selection of beverages & premium cigars Bug spray and comfort essentials provided Accommodates up to 6 guests Door-to-door transportation available upon request
$60 Adult / $25 Child (under 16)
$1,500-private tour
Accommodates up to 28 guests
Wings of the Wetlands, our Birding Tour glides into the hidden marshes of Bayou Bienvenue on a 1 hour 45 minute guided boat birding tour led by a licensed captain and an experienced bird guide. As you thread through waterways and open tidal flats around the bayou, your guide will point out habitat features, assist with identification, and share natural history and conservation notes. Expect excellent opportunities to see the bayou’s signature wading and water birds—great blue herons, great and snowy egrets, little blue and tricolored herons, roseate spoonbills, white and glossy ibises, anhingas, double-crested cormorants, wood storks and of course it's iconic Great Brown pelicans—alongside raptors like osprey, bald eagles and red-shouldered hawk. During migration seasons you may also encounter shorebirds and a variety of migrant songbirds and warblers that stop through the wetlands. Bring your camera and binoculars for close, respectful viewing and a memorable glimpse of Southeast Louisiana’s rich birdlife. This tour includes a complimentary bottle of water and a souvenir local bird guide booklet to help you keep track of sightings—perfect for first-time birders and seasoned spotters alike. - Timeframe: 1 hour 45 min tour - Slots: 8am; 12pm & 4pm - Restaurant Bar & Grill on-site: Enjoy the Wharf’s full-service bar and grill "Lucille's Landing" - Parking: Free parking is on-site at your convenience - Cruise accommodations: up to 28 guests - Restrooms: Available on board, on dock and in restaurant
$195/person
group rates available
Bayou Nature Tour & Authentic Cajun Meal
Discover the natural beauty of Louisiana’s bayous on this eco-focused adventure. Cruise through quiet marshes and winding waterways as you learn about local wildlife, coastal habitats, and the importance of protecting South Louisiana’s fragile ecosystem. Captain Pip will guide you through the bayou, pointing out native plants, birds, and marine life while sharing the rich history and culture of the region. Your experience begins with door-to-door black car service from your lodging to the marina. Step aboard a modern, comfortable boat and settle in for a peaceful, educational journey through some of the most unique wetlands in the world. After your tour, transportation will bring you and your party to one of New Orleans’ most authentic restaurants "337", where Chef Tiger will prepare a custom lunch inspired by local ingredients, techniques, and traditions. Relax with a cold beverage while enjoying a meal rooted in true South Louisiana flavor. 3 hour eco-friendly bayou tour Total tour time is : 5-6 hours Selection of beverages included Map of area explored and Bird Identification guide book Luxury door-to-door transportation Accommodates up to 6 guests Custom Chef’s Lunch (Chef’s Choice)

unique experiences

Ready to Zip on down the Bayou? Whether you’re an individual looking for some excitement, or a corporation searching for a team building event, our 1.5mi long course taking guests approximately 1-1.5hr to complete. Riders begin the adventure from atop our 60 foot start platform, with complete views of the magnificent Maurepas Swamp, Lake Ponchartrain, the historic town of Frenier, and even the New Orleans skyline! As riders traverse the course, they will enjoy 5 separate zip lines, two suspension bridges, and our beautiful one of a kind spiral cypress tree staircase.
The Blue Crawfish offers a stunning and versatile Boutique Hotel with event space perfect for any occasion. Located in the historic Treme' neighborhood, just minutes from the French Quarter, Superdome, and Downtown New Orleans, the Blue Crawfish Hotel & Lounge is a boutique hotel, bar, restaurant, and live entertainment venue designed for travelers who want an authentic New Orleans Experience.
Tipitina's is one of New Orleans' most iconic music venues of all time. Since 1977 Tipitina's has stood at the corner of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street in Uptown and has hosted some of the most influencial and important bands of the last several decades.
Just Uptown from the French Quarter, Audubon Park offers one of the most beautiful and relaxing green spaces in New Orleans. Shaded by century-old live oaks and lined with smooth walking and biking paths, the park is perfect for a peaceful morning stroll, a lazy afternoon picnic, or a scenic jog around its tranquil lagoon. As you explore, you’ll spot turtles sunning on logs, egrets and herons hunting along the water, and locals unwinding beneath the sprawling oak canopies that make this park so iconic. More than just a pretty place, Audubon Park is woven into the everyday life of New Orleans. It sits beside the historic campuses of Tulane and Loyola, connects to the Audubon Zoo, and offers golf, playgrounds, and quiet birdwatching pockets throughout. Whether you’re looking to slow down between busy sightseeing days or want a glimpse into how locals enjoy the outdoors, Audubon Park is an easy, refreshing escape—and one of the city’s most timeless treasures.
The mural starts at the 1900 Block of Tchoupitoulas near Wal-Mart and ends at NOLA Brewing. Under the artistic direction of renowned New Orleans artist Jamar D. Pierre, NOIM is in the process of painting a roughly one-mile long stretch of the Tchoupitoulas floodwall. Organized as an historical timeline of New Orleans beginning in the 1700s, upon completion, the mural will document over 300 years of New Orleans history up until present day.
Located inside Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo features exotic and endangered animals from around the globe. Amidst canopies of great oak trees, experience the wonder of nature in a shaded wonderland that includes beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine, kids' play areas, and more. Explore unique natural habitats such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and see white alligators before grabbing some jambalaya at the Cypress Knee Cafe. Or, grab an icy snowball treat and head over to Jaguar Jungle after passing iconic Monkey Hill.
Located just Beyond the French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium is consistently top ranked, voted as the #9 Best Aquarium by Newsweek Readers’ Choice and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. The Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and the Gulf. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators, the Aquarium offers you an experience you’ll never forget.
A social, cultural and learning resource for children and families. Indoors and out, there are tons of hands-on ways to learn literacy, health and wellness, arts and culture, environmental education, and STEM.
A short drive from the city, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve offers an immersive look at the wetlands, wildlife, and deep cultural history that shaped South Louisiana. The Barataria Preserve—one of the park’s most popular units—features raised boardwalks and trails that wind through cypress swamps, marshes, and hardwood forests, giving visitors an up-close view of alligators, turtles, wading birds, and the rich plant life of the bayou. It’s peaceful, easy to explore, and one of the most authentic ways to experience Louisiana’s natural landscape. But Jean Lafitte is more than scenery—it’s a place where history and nature meet. Rangers and interpretive displays share stories of the early settlers, Native American communities, and the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte, whose influence helped shape the region. Whether you’re here for a quiet walk, wildlife photography, or a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s past, the park offers an unforgettable escape that feels far removed from the city, yet sits just minutes from New Orleans.
food & drinks

dakar
If you haven't heard of this one yet, your friends sure have. Dakar has quickly become one of the city's must-go-to's in the last couple of years. Nestled on a picturesque block of Magazine St. Chef Sarigne Mbaye has built something quite special with his fusion of West African and southern Creole influences that elevates the city's international offerings while still being a true New Orleanian masterpiece.
commander's palace
This garden district staple boasts one of the best restaurant experiences in the city. While it can get a bit pricey (especially if you like great wines) you get what you pay for. For that one dinner you packed your dress shoes for, this is it. Try their brunch for one of the most festive meals in the city.
Gris Gris
A Magazine Street standout where refined Southern classics and the easy-going spirit of New Orleans come together in a lively two-story setting featuring a chef’s counter, balcony seating, and a warm, neighborhood feel. Since 2018, it’s been celebrated for creative, comforting dishes like shrimp and grits, chicken and dumplings, and its signature Oyster BLT, all paired with seasonal cocktails and genuine local hospitality that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
337 by Chef TigeR

A vibrant Cajun-Creole gem nestled in the heart of New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood. Founded by Saint Martinville native Chef William “Tiger” Leon, The 337 brings the rich flavors and cherished traditions of Cajun home cooking into a refined yet relaxed sit-down dining experience. Here, time-honored family recipes like sauce piquant, catfish courtbouillon, and smothered chicken are elevated with thoughtful presentation, celebrating the culinary heritage of Louisiana with every bite.
bacchanal
This is one of those hidden gems that will stay with you long after you leave. From a top-notch wine selection to some of the city's best jazz performances this place will make it worth finding it. Tucked away on the edge of the Bywater in an area that might make you wonder if you have the right address, you'll find a corner door to a seemingly quaint little wine store. But looks are deceiving.
The Tchoup Yard
a lively patio bar on Tchoupitoulas Street where New Orleans’ casual social scene comes alive with wide-open outdoor seating, ice-cold drinks, and good food from Karibu Kitchen and rotating local food trucks. With plenty of picnic tables, multiple bars, frozen cocktails, a solid beer selection, TVs for watching the game, and a dog-friendly vibe, it’s the perfect laid-back spot to gather with friends, unwind after a long day, or enjoy a sunny afternoon in true Crescent City style.
Atchafalaya
Atchafalaya restaurant is the perfect choice for those wanting a memorable meal in a historic and enchanting setting. Locals and tourists alike, return often for thier contemporary creole cuisine, attentive service, warm hospitality, and expertly crafted cocktails. They feature live music and a "bloody mary bar" during thier Sat./Sun brunches.
Turkey & the Wolf
Many people standing in line outside this Lower Garden District staple are often with thier luggage in hand. For some, this is the first place they visit when arriving or the last thing they want before heading home. That tells you all you need to know about Mason Hereford's Turkey and the Wolf. Nostalgia served up on thick, warm toast.
Jacques-Imo's
An Uptown New Orleans institution known for its bold and creative Cajun-Creole soul food served in a fun, eclectic setting filled with local character. Since 1996 this beloved spot has drawn locals and visitors alike for generous portions of imaginative classics like shrimp and alligator sausage cheesecake, fried chicken, and rich Creole stews, all enjoyed with a spirited atmosphere that captures the city’s vibrant culinary culture.
ABOUT US
A passionate collective of local residents and businesses, we’re dedicated to sharing the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of this incredibly diverse city with visitors who are ready to explore beyond the expected. New Orleans is more than the French Quarter—it’s a living, breathing place full of stories, traditions, and hidden corners waiting to be experienced. We’re proudly owned and operated by true New Orleanians, born and raised here, with a deep love for everything this city has to offer.
There’s a spirit to Louisiana that’s hard to explain until you experience it for yourself. It’s in the food, the music, the waterways, and most of all, the people. Spend a little time with locals, and that unmistakable flavor starts to come through—warm, welcoming, and full of character. With years of experience in tourism and on the water, we’re committed to creating experiences that feel authentic, personal, and memorable.
Our goal is simple: to help visitors connect more deeply with this place we call home. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, we want you to leave with a richer understanding of Louisiana’s culture, its landscapes, and its resilience—and maybe even a few stories you didn’t expect to take with you.

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contact US
Beyond the French Quarter Tours
6301 Paris Rd.
Chalmette, La 70043
info@beyondthefrenchquarter.com
Tel: (504) 249-8961






























