Gretna Ferry Landing - Image 1
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Gretna Ferry Landing

4.3
·58 reviews·Gretna, United States

Gretna's levee offers breathtaking New Orleans skyline views and a scenic riverfront trail, perfect for walks and cycling.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

November evenings

Live music & city lights

CrowdMedium
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Gretna Ferry Landing - Image 1

Gretna Ferry Landing

Best Time

November evenings

Live music & city lights

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gretna's levee offers breathtaking New Orleans skyline views and a scenic riverfront trail, perfect for walks and cycling.

4.3
(58 reviews)

"Awesome view of the city and bridges at night!"

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TIP

Check Ferry Status

Gretna Ferry is closed; use Algiers Ferry for river crossings.

Evening Views

The New Orleans skyline is spectacular at night from the levee.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New Orleans Skyline View

New Orleans Skyline View

Gretna Levee

Breathtaking panoramic views of the New Orleans cityscape, especially stunning at night.

Mississippi River Walk/Bike Trail

Mississippi River Walk/Bike Trail

Gretna Levee

A paved trail stretching past Federal City, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Live Music Evenings

Live Music Evenings

Gretna Levee

Experience local musicians performing live, particularly vibrant during November evenings.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Status & Alternatives

The Gretna Ferry Landing's ferry service is currently shuttered. For river crossings, consider the Algiers Ferry. The levee remains a prime spot for city views and recreation.

Evening Ambiance & Access

Enjoy the beautiful New Orleans skyline at night from the Gretna levee. It's a popular spot for live music in November and offers easy access to downtown Gretna's dining scene.

Best Times

When
November evenings
Why
Live music & city lights
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What’s the best way to experience the Mississippi River while visiting New Orleans?

Check Ferry Status

Gretna Ferry is closed; use Algiers Ferry for river crossings. Reddit

Evening Views

The New Orleans skyline is spectacular at night from the levee. Reddit

reddit.com

staying in Gretna over Mardi Gras. is this a bad idea?

reddit.com

Greater New Orleans Bridge

Bike & Stroll

Enjoy the paved trail along the Mississippi River for a relaxing walk or ride. Reddit

Local Eats Nearby

Conveniently located near Gretna's downtown restaurants. Reddit

reddit.com

Cruise during Mardi Gras

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Ferry Status

Gretna Ferry is closed; use Algiers Ferry for river crossings. Reddit

Evening Views

The New Orleans skyline is spectacular at night from the levee. Reddit

Bike & Stroll

Enjoy the paved trail along the Mississippi River for a relaxing walk or ride. Reddit

Local Eats Nearby

Conveniently located near Gretna's downtown restaurants. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(58 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Gretna levee for its stunning New Orleans skyline views, especially at night, and its pleasant walking/biking trail. While the ferry service is defunct, the levee offers a great recreational space and access to nearby dining.

"The damn ferry doesn't run anymore but the levee is awesome with a nice view of the city ...and benches are available to chill on to write another novel...well protected by Gretna's finest..."

Stacy Hicks

"Nice place to listen to live music in the evenings during November. Very convenient as it is close to many restaurants in downtown Gretna. Beautiful view of New Orleans and the bridges at night."

Hayes Weggeman

"Found the ferry service to be totally lacking (operations have been shuttered for some time), Algeirs ferry is operational. Walking/bike trail is paved past Federal City ~5 miles. 6 or 7 visits and found the trail free of migrating chinchillas each time."

Dave Cochran

What People Like

Spectacular city views
Paved levee trail
Evening ambiance

What People Dislike

Ferry service closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

While the Gretna Ferry is no longer operational, you can access the levee area by car. Parking is available nearby. For river crossings, the Algiers Ferry is the active option. Reddit

Information on specific bus routes to the immediate landing area can be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules for Jefferson Parish. The Algiers Ferry is accessible via public transport in New Orleans. Reddit

Yes, you can drive to the vicinity of the Gretna Ferry Landing. Parking is generally available, though it can be busier during events. Reddit

Driving and parking near the levee is the most straightforward method. The levee itself is easily accessible on foot once you're in the area. Reddit

Directly from New Orleans, you'd typically use the Algiers Ferry and then potentially a short drive or taxi to reach the Gretna side for views. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to the Gretna levee and the walking/bike trail is free and open to the public. Reddit

The Gretna Ferry Landing itself, as a public access point to the levee, does not have strict operating hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight or early evening hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for walking or biking on the levee trail. It's a public amenity. Reddit

Generally, the levee is open for recreation. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding park rules or temporary closures. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, public parks and trails often have leash laws. It's advisable to keep pets leashed and clean up after them. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy stunning views of the New Orleans skyline, walk or bike the paved levee trail, and sometimes catch live music in the evenings. It's a great spot to relax. Reddit

The most popular views are of the New Orleans skyline, including the city's bridges and architecture, especially beautiful at sunset and night. Reddit

Yes, the levee trail is paved and extends for several miles, making it ideal for cycling. Reddit

Yes, benches are available along the levee, providing comfortable spots to enjoy the river and city views. Reddit

Reviews suggest it's well-protected by local law enforcement, and it's a popular spot for evening activities like live music. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there aren't restaurants directly at the landing, it's conveniently located near many dining options in downtown Gretna. Reddit

Downtown Gretna offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, likely featuring local Creole and Cajun cuisine, as well as other options. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own food and have a picnic on the levee, enjoying the views. Reddit

Food vendors may be present during special events or live music performances, but it's not a consistent feature. Reddit

Research local Gretna restaurants for specific recommendations, as options can vary. Many are within walking distance of the levee. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The New Orleans skyline, especially at sunset and night, is the prime subject. The Mississippi River and bridges also make for great shots. Reddit

Golden hour (just before sunset) and blue hour (just after sunset) offer stunning light for capturing the city skyline. Nighttime provides a vibrant, illuminated view. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expansive skyline. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography at night. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of any private property or specific event restrictions. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to FAA regulations and local ordinances. It's crucial to check current rules before flying a drone in this area. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Gretna levee offers a fantastic, open space for families. The paved trail is perfect for strollers and young cyclists, allowing kids to burn off energy safely while enjoying the river breeze. The wide-open views of the Mississippi River and the distant New Orleans skyline can be captivating for children, sparking their imagination. It's a great spot for a relaxed afternoon picnic, with plenty of room to spread out. Reddit

While there aren't dedicated playgrounds, the sheer expanse of the levee provides ample room for running and playing. Parents should ensure children are supervised, especially near the river's edge. The proximity to downtown Gretna also means easy access to family-friendly dining options after a day of exploring the levee. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Cyclists

For walkers and cyclists, the Gretna levee is a dream. The paved trail is well-maintained and extends for several miles, offering a smooth and continuous path. You can enjoy a peaceful stroll or a vigorous bike ride with the Mississippi River as your constant companion. The views of the New Orleans skyline provide a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop to your activity. Reddit

It's a popular route for locals and visitors alike, creating a pleasant, active atmosphere. The trail is generally free of major obstacles, making it accessible for various fitness levels. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan on covering a significant distance. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find the Gretna levee a treasure trove of visual opportunities. The New Orleans skyline is the star attraction, offering dramatic perspectives, especially during golden hour and blue hour. Capture the iconic bridges, the city's unique architecture, and the bustling river traffic. At night, the city lights create a vibrant and energetic scene, perfect for long-exposure shots. Reddit

Beyond the skyline, the river itself and the vastness of the Mississippi provide opportunities for capturing serene water reflections and expansive landscapes. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping cityscapes and a tripod for low-light conditions. The levee offers unobstructed views, allowing for creative compositions without many foreground distractions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Gretna Levee Experience

The Gretna Ferry Landing area is now primarily known for its expansive levee, offering unparalleled views of the New Orleans skyline across the Mississippi River. While the ferry service itself has ceased operations, the levee has transformed into a popular recreational spot. Visitors can enjoy a paved walking and biking trail that stretches for miles, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon or an invigorating bike ride. The levee is particularly well-regarded for its scenic beauty, especially during the spring and fall months when the weather is pleasant. Reddit

At dusk and into the night, the levee truly comes alive with a different kind of charm. The illuminated skyline of New Orleans provides a breathtaking backdrop, making it a favorite spot for photographers and those seeking a romantic evening. During certain times of the year, particularly in November, the area hosts live music events, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the already picturesque setting. This blend of natural beauty and community events makes the Gretna levee a unique destination. Reddit

For those looking to extend their visit, the levee is conveniently located near the heart of downtown Gretna, which boasts a variety of restaurants and local eateries. This proximity allows visitors to easily combine a scenic outing with a culinary exploration. While the ferry is gone, the levee itself offers a compelling reason to visit, providing a tranquil escape with a spectacular urban panorama. Reddit

Navigating River Crossings

It's crucial to note that the Gretna Ferry Landing no longer operates its ferry service. This means that if you intend to cross the Mississippi River between Gretna and New Orleans, you'll need to utilize alternative transportation. The Algiers Ferry is the primary operational ferry service in the immediate vicinity, connecting Algiers Point (across from New Orleans) to the New Orleans side. Travelers seeking to experience a river crossing should plan their journey accordingly, as the Gretna landing is not a functional ferry terminal. Reddit

For those who were specifically interested in the Gretna ferry experience, it's worth understanding that its closure has shifted the focus of the landing to its levee and recreational aspects. However, the spirit of river access and views remains. The Algiers Ferry, while a different point of departure and arrival, still offers a similar experience of traversing the mighty Mississippi. It's advisable to check the schedules and operational status of the Algiers Ferry before planning your trip. Reddit

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