Overlooking the Mississippi River, Harvey is a largely residential district directly south of New Orleans. It was founded as a company town by Joseph Hale Harvey in the 19th century and is traversed by a slave-dug canal that connects the Mississippi River to Bayou Barataria.
Things to do in Harvey
Travelling with kids? Head to the Airborne X Adventure Park, which is packed with trampolines that will appeal to all ages. They can swing through the air on the trapeze or practise their slam dunks before working on their balance on the battle beams. The Airborne X Adventure Park also boasts a climbing wall, a ropes course and a gaming arcade, plus a cafe where parents can relax.
Adjacent is the Westbank Village Shopping Center, where you’ll find local retailers and a handful of eateries. You can shop for clothing at Burlington, pick up festive supplies at Party City or browse shoes at the Skechers. Nearby is a multi-screen cinema complex where new releases and 3D films are screened.
Harvey makes an excellent base for exploring Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a sprawling area of wetlands best visited aboard a boat tour. It’s named after the French pirate Jean Lafitte, who was active in the area during the early 19th century and encompasses several cultural landmarks of the Cajun people. Occupying the site where the 1815 Battle of New Orleans took place is the Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery.
Getting around Harvey
Harvey is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of New Orleans and 30 minutes from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses connect to Harvey and travel throughout the neighbourhood while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the area.