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Gretna

1035 Huey P. Long Ave · Gretna, LA

Why you should go…

Gretna is a city in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, reachable by a free pedestrian ferry. Its downtown forms one of Louisiana's largest National Register historic districts, with landmarks including the David Crockett Firehouse, home of the Louisiana State Fire Museum, and the German American Cultural Center. The city's Tourism Office operates from the Heritage House Welcome Center and coordinates a Saturday farmers market and a monthly art walk.

  • #history
  • #museum
  • #walking
  • #riverfront
  • #small town

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Gretna, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Commander's Palace

    $50+

    A Garden District institution serving haute Creole cuisine under its landmark turquoise-and-white awnings.

    1.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Garden District

    Free

    Live oaks and antebellum mansions line the streets of this historic Uptown neighborhood.

    1.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Mardi Gras World

    Under $25

    Walk through the warehouse where Blaine Kern's Studios builds the giant floats seen in Mardi Gras parades.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    The National WWII Museum

    $25–$50

    A Smithsonian-affiliated campus of pavilions, oral histories, and a 4D film narrated by Tom Hanks.

    1.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    St. Louis Cathedral

    Free

    The oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the United States anchors Jackson Square.

    2.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    French Quarter

    Free

    Wrought-iron balconies, jazz spilling out of doorways, and 300 years of history in one walkable grid.

    2.8 mi awayMore like this