Visit the Hidden Gem Small Town Right Next Door to Bayou Segnette State Park

Ask Louisianans about Bayou Segnette State Park, and many will tell you that they love its floating cabins, spacious campsites, and wave pool. Oftentimes, the park is marketed to travelers as a spot for swamp tours and gator sightings near New Orleans (NOLA). What many visitors might not know is that the park is located in Westwego, a town on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. This small town near Bayou Segnette State Park might fly under the radar, but it’s destinations like these that reveal the true personality of the Bayou State. Let’s see why this town is worth visiting. 

Why This Town is the Perfect Base for Bayou Segnette State Park

When visiting attractions or state parks near New Orleans, it’s easy to stay in the touristy spots around the city - we’ve all done it. And I get it. You can ditch the car and walk or Uber to so many places in town. But of course, having that access comes with higher price tags and sometimes crowds. If you want to get away from those busy corridors, then consider Westwego as your base camp the next time you come to explore Bayou Segnette State Park.  

Westwego is only a 15-minute scenic drive from NOLA along the Crescent City Connection over the Mississippi River. Moreover, if you want to fish, kayak, or boat, Bayou Segnette State Park is just a quick five-minute drive from the heart of the town. Technically a city of about 8,000 residents, you’ll find folks here chatting about fishing on the bayous, what fresh seafood to buy at the Shrimp Lot, or when the next event is at the Farmer’s Market. A stay in Westwego will give you a glimpse of life in the best parts of Louisiana. The city is a convenient hub to Creole culture near NOLA and connects to Cajun country in rural Acadiana, all while discovering that hypnotic flow of the bayou. 

What to Do in Westwego

Unlike the high-energy vibe of NOLA, Westwego is more of a low-key spot where everyday life flows with the bayous' slow pace. If you’re visiting for the first time, start on Sala Avenue at Salaville, a small historic district in town. There is a walkable tour that takes you to the Westwego Historical Museum. Here, you can learn the history of the town and how it got its name (which legend has it came from the call of a train conductor, “west we go.”) From there, stop by the Westwego Farmers and Fisheries Market to chat with the locals and to pick up goodies from the vendors. If you get lucky, you might even catch a performance at the amphitheater here. 

Recently, the city rebranded a district near Bayou Segnette as Gator Town, which, after you visit, you will understand why. Aside from seeing gators sunning on the banks of the bayou, this area makes you feel like you’re in deep Cajun country, even though you’re only 20 minutes from NOLA. You’ll find the Shrimping Lot, an open-air market where folks come to buy fresh shrimp, crab, fish, and more. It’s the kind of place where the smell of Cajun cooking lingers in the air. And if you stop by Market Wego, you can get gator sausage and crispy cracklins infused with bold Cajun flavors. From Gator Town, book a swamp tour with Ultimate Swamp Tours or head to Bayou Segnette State Park, one of Louisiana’s best state parks, to hike the trails, fish, or paddle on the waterway. And end your day at the edge of the Mississippi, watching the sun as it sets over the river. 

Where to Stay Nearby

Don’t expect to find major hotels in Westwego. In fact, there are only a handful of economy hotels in town. But the good news is that there are vacation rentals and cozy cottages, where you can stay surrounded by friendly locals. This cute two-bedroom cottage is walking distance from Gator Town, it sits near the bayou, and is less than two miles from the park, giving you easy access to the area. Plus, it’s a quick drive to NOLA, and if you want to drive to Avery Island or Lafayette in Cajun country, they’re about two hours away. Plus, the floating cabins at the state park would be a great way to wake up with views of locals fishing, paddling, or boating on the bayou.    

What to Know Before You Go

The city of Westwego is not your tourist destination with commercialized spots. It’s a hidden gem town on the quieter side of the Mississippi, where families with rich culture come together to live a relaxed life near the bayou. This is the kind of place where oral history and tradition stay alive, and the locals will make you feel welcome. You can visit year-round, but come in October for the Bridge City Gumbo Festival to eat Cajun food, dance, and ride carnival rides. Because Bayou Segnette State Park has a wave pool and floating cabins, summers, weekends, and holidays are typically busy. Visit on a weekday or during the shoulder season (November to March) for cheaper cabin rates. 

The next time you’re in the area and you want a glimpse into life outside of NOLA, hop in your car and cross the Mississippi to Westwego. Not only can you experience local culture through food and music, but you might find yourself trading your phone to watch life on the bayou unfold. We’re talking quiet mornings fishing on the waterway, locals paddling by, or watching gators make their way to sunbathe on the river banks. Or even better, you might find that watching the sunset over the Mississippi is better than walking down Bourbon Street with a daiquiri in your hand.