Mandeville is a well-organized city on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The city's layout makes it easy to explore at a steady pace. The lakefront, downtown district, and surrounding trails offer different ways to experience the area without traveling far. You’ll find unique activities in every part of town. Some lean recreational, like fishing or kayaking. Others are tied to local food or seasonal events. Each one offers something specific and rooted in the area.
If you’re looking for things to do in Mandeville, LA, these activities highlight the city's offerings.
Walk or Bike the Lakefront Path
The lakefront path along Lakeshore Drive is one of Mandeville’s most consistent destinations. It stretches for several blocks along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and offers uninterrupted views of the water. The path is wide, flat, and designed for walking, jogging, or biking. People use it throughout the day, and the setting remains calm even during peak hours. Benches, lawns, and oak trees line the area.
The path is popular for solo exercise and casual strolls alike. It’s common to see residents stop along the way to sit, take in the view, or catch up with neighbors. The entire area is easy to access, and street parking is nearby. Many locals work this activity into their daily or weekly routine, especially during cooler months. It’s a straightforward and steady part of the Mandeville lifestyle.
The path is popular for solo exercise and casual strolls alike. It’s common to see residents stop along the way to sit, take in the view, or catch up with neighbors. The entire area is easy to access, and street parking is nearby. Many locals work this activity into their daily or weekly routine, especially during cooler months. It’s a straightforward and steady part of the Mandeville lifestyle.
Launch a Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Pontchartrain
Lake Pontchartrain offers access to paddling activities, with several points along Mandeville’s shoreline suitable for launching a kayak or paddleboard. The lake’s calm conditions are ideal for beginners and those looking for a laid-back experience. Public launch sites can be found near the lakefront, including Sunset Point and the areas near the harbor.
Once you're out on the water, the views of the city and the lake give you a different perspective. Depending on conditions, you can stay close to shore or move out farther into open water. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to paddle. Some locals bring their equipment, while others rent from businesses near the lakefront. This activity is quiet, flexible, and built into the flow of life here.
Once you're out on the water, the views of the city and the lake give you a different perspective. Depending on conditions, you can stay close to shore or move out farther into open water. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to paddle. Some locals bring their equipment, while others rent from businesses near the lakefront. This activity is quiet, flexible, and built into the flow of life here.
Visit the Saturday Farmers Market at the Trailhead
The Mandeville Trailhead hosts a farmers market every Saturday morning. This weekly event includes produce, baked goods, handmade items, and small prepared meals. The market layout is easy to navigate, and vendors typically set up early and stay until around midday. Music is often played live from a small stage under the pavilion.
People come here to shop, meet friends, or just sit and enjoy a few hours outside. Tables and benches surround the market area, making it comfortable to linger. Vendors often rotate with the seasons, but staples like fresh bread, coffee, and jams are consistently available. It’s a dependable way to support local businesses and stock up on specialty goods in one stop.
People come here to shop, meet friends, or just sit and enjoy a few hours outside. Tables and benches surround the market area, making it comfortable to linger. Vendors often rotate with the seasons, but staples like fresh bread, coffee, and jams are consistently available. It’s a dependable way to support local businesses and stock up on specialty goods in one stop.
Take a Ride or Run on the Tammany Trace
The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile rail trail that passes directly through Mandeville. The paved path supports walkers, runners, and cyclists. It starts at the Mandeville Trailhead and continues through nearby towns, including Abita Springs and Covington. You can use it for casual exercise or longer-distance rides.
The surface is smooth, and shaded sections with benches are placed along the route. Water stations and rest stops appear at regular intervals. People who use the Trace regularly often keep a predictable schedule — mornings for cyclists, evenings for joggers. The trail stays well-maintained and allows for a long stretch of uninterrupted outdoor time. Access is free, and no permits are required.
The surface is smooth, and shaded sections with benches are placed along the route. Water stations and rest stops appear at regular intervals. People who use the Trace regularly often keep a predictable schedule — mornings for cyclists, evenings for joggers. The trail stays well-maintained and allows for a long stretch of uninterrupted outdoor time. Access is free, and no permits are required.
Attend a Concert or Outdoor Movie at the Trailhead
During certain parts of the year, the Mandeville Trailhead hosts outdoor concerts, movies, and seasonal events. The pavilion and open green space are designed to handle large groups, and the schedule typically includes live music from local or regional bands. Seating is open, with many people bringing their own chairs or blankets.
Events like these are usually held in the late afternoon or evening. The space includes lighting, sound equipment, and temporary vendor stations. Food trucks and pop-up booths often accompany these concerts or movie nights. Attendance is casual, and most events allow you to come and go freely. This is a good way to stay connected to local happenings without planning far in advance.
Events like these are usually held in the late afternoon or evening. The space includes lighting, sound equipment, and temporary vendor stations. Food trucks and pop-up booths often accompany these concerts or movie nights. Attendance is casual, and most events allow you to come and go freely. This is a good way to stay connected to local happenings without planning far in advance.
Try Local Brews at Old Rail Brewing Company
Old Rail Brewing Company sits just off the Tammany Trace near the Trailhead. This local brewery serves in-house craft beer and operates a restaurant with a menu focused on regional ingredients. The space includes a large indoor dining area and an outdoor patio that looks out toward the trail.
Beer offerings rotate by season and often include lagers, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The menu consists of burgers, small plates, and Southern-style entrees. Locals use Old Rail as a meeting place after walks or bike rides. It also serves as a casual stop during weekends and community events. The location makes it easy to visit without needing to leave the central area of town.
Beer offerings rotate by season and often include lagers, IPAs, stouts, and seasonal specialties. The menu consists of burgers, small plates, and Southern-style entrees. Locals use Old Rail as a meeting place after walks or bike rides. It also serves as a casual stop during weekends and community events. The location makes it easy to visit without needing to leave the central area of town.
Watch the Sunset at Sunset Point
Sunset Point is a quiet lakefront area located at the western end of Lakeshore Drive. It includes a long fishing pier, grassy spaces, and benches that face the water. As the name suggests, this is one of the best places in Mandeville to watch the sun go down over Lake Pontchartrain. The area remains quiet and steady, especially in the evening hours.
Locals often bring folding chairs or picnic snacks and settle in for the view. The pier is used for fishing, walking, and quiet reflection. If you’re looking for things to do in Mandeville LA that don’t require planning or equipment, spending time at Sunset Point is one of the most dependable choices.
Locals often bring folding chairs or picnic snacks and settle in for the view. The pier is used for fishing, walking, and quiet reflection. If you’re looking for things to do in Mandeville LA that don’t require planning or equipment, spending time at Sunset Point is one of the most dependable choices.
How to Find Great Real Estate in Mandeville
If you’re buying, selling, or investing in real estate in Mandeville, Allison Vencil brings the experience and local knowledge you want on your side. A New Orleans native with over 20 years in Sales, Real Estate, Property Management, and Marketing, Allison has worked with residential, commercial, and investment clients across the region. She’s certified as a Luxury Home Specialist but works confidently at every price point.
No matter your goals, you’ll have a dedicated expert who understands the local market and how to guide you through every step. Reach out to Allison Vencil to start your real estate journey in Mandeville with someone who combines professional insight with personalized service.
No matter your goals, you’ll have a dedicated expert who understands the local market and how to guide you through every step. Reach out to Allison Vencil to start your real estate journey in Mandeville with someone who combines professional insight with personalized service.
