Harahan is within Jefferson Parish and has a population of 9,277 as of the 2010 census. Developed as a railroad town in 1920, Harahan gets its name from James Theodore Harahan, president of the Illinois Central Railroad from 1906 to 1911. It's nestled in a bend of the Mississippi that at one time was surrounded by plantation homes.
French settlers were granted land in 1718 that they called the Tchoupitoulas Coast, named after the Tchoupitoulas Native Americans. Before the arrival of the French, the New Orleans area had been occupied by Native Americans for hundreds of years. The Chitimacha were the earliest known inhabitants in the area. Today, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana is one of three federally recognized tribes in the state.
Nicknamed the City of Friendship, Harahan is primarily a bedroom community for commuters. It has plenty of restaurants, businesses, and family-friendly activities, including four parks with playgrounds, recreational facilities, and trails. Neighboring Elmwood is more of a business community, but it doesn't have the green spaces that Harahan does, so the two communities complement each other. Harahan was upgraded from a town to a city in 1953 when it grew to include 22 more people than the 5,000 necessary for city status.
When are the best times to visit Harahan, LA?
Summers are hot in Harahan with average highs consistently in the low 90s Fahrenheit. Your best bet for outdoor activities would be to travel between April and mid-May or between late September and the beginning of November, when average temps range from the mid-70s to mid-80s. The hottest time of the year extends from mid-May to late September.
The warm and hot seasons will generate higher hotel rates than the rest of the year, so book early for the best deals. During the cool season, from December to late February, high temps will be in the low to high 60s. If you travel during this time, you'll find the cheapest rates, and the lows will still be fairly comfortable in the upper 40s and low 50s. Another good time for lower rates would be late winter and late fall when you'll enjoy temperatures in the 70s.
Of course, this period excludes the Mardis Gras season, highlighted by Shrove Tuesday, which falls somewhere between early February and early March. Hotels could be full in the New Orleans-Metairie Metropolitan Area during Mardi Gras.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Harahan, LA:
Harahan by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in Harahan, LA. You can use these line graphs to determine the most cost effective dates to stay in Harahan for upcoming travels.
What are the luxury hotels in Harahan, LA?
4 Star Average Prices: $197.86
At the Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans Elmwood in Harahan, you can relax and feel at home with luxurious comforts. The elegant studio and one-bedroom suites come with fully equipped kitchens, furnished living areas, flat-screen televisions, desks, upscale beauty products, and free Wi-Fi. The aparthotel offers an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, a 24-hour business center, barbecue grills, and free breakfast. You can take advantage of the free grocery-shopping service while also checking out the great restaurants in and around Harahan.
In Metairie, 4 miles from Harahan, you'll find the upscale Residence Inn by Marriott New Orleans Metairie. The spacious suites, available in both studio and one-bedroom options, are decorated in a fun, modern style and feature full-size kitchens and separate living areas. You'll also enjoy a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel provides an outdoor pool, a spa tub, and a fitness center for recreation and exercise. You can get snacks, beverages, and other foods at the on-site grocery store. A free buffet breakfast is served each morning. Business travelers can make use of the 24-hour business center.
What are the affordable hotel options near Harahan, LA?
3 Star Average Prices: $135.16
Consider some of the following affordable hotel options near Harahan. Best Western Bayou Inn in Westwego is 4 miles from Harahan and 9 miles from the Audubon Zoo. Your budget-friendly but pleasant room will have a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, an LCD television, a refrigerator, and complimentary wired and wireless internet access. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, and free breakfast. You can also meet fellow guests at the free reception held on select days.
Also in Westwego, the studio suites at Candlewood Suites Avondale-New Orleans are great for the price. The suites have kitchens with refrigerators and stovetops, flat-screen televisions with premium channels and DVD players, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Larger suites are also available if your budget has some flexibility. You can use the business center, have a picnic on the grounds, or grab snacks, drinks, and necessities at the on-site convenience store.
2 Star Average Prices: $93.17
What are the best hotel discounts in Harahan, LA?
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Metairie New Orleans in Harahan offers discounts to government employees, members of the military, older adults, and AAA members. You'll be comfortable sleeping with premium bedding, and you can lounge on the sofa bed. Your suite will feature a full kitchen, a plasma television, a desk, and free wired and wireless internet access. Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites are available. An outdoor pool will keep you refreshed, and you'll get a good workout at the 24-hour fitness center. If you need to get some work done, head to the business center. Don't forget the free continental breakfast to start your day off right before exploring Harahan.
The Radisson Hotel New Orleans Airport in Kenner, 4 miles from Harahan, offers discounts for older adults, AAA members, and government and military members. You'll enjoy a pillowtop bed with premium bedding, LED televisions, and free wired and wireless internet access. Dine at the 4Corners Bistro or visit the bar. You can also get room service during limited hours. A buffet breakfast is available for a fee. Cool off in the outdoor pool or get in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center. If you need to get work done, you can set up at the 24-hour business center.
What are the best hotels in Harahan, LA?
Consider a stay at one of the following best hotels in Harahan. You can find shops and restaurants near your hotel in Harahan when you stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Elmwood/Clearview Parkway Area. The sunny hotel has an energetic vibe with its bold decor, highlighted by bright blends of blues and greens. You'll enjoy lovely views from your spacious room, which will be equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, LCD television, work desk, coffee and tea maker, and free wired and wireless internet access. Head outdoors for a swim in the pool or use the barbecue grills in the picnic area. You can take advantage of the 24-hour business center, relax in front of the lobby's fireplace, and enjoy the free buffet breakfast. You'll also get free use of a nearby fitness center.
If you're flying, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel New Orleans Airport in Kenner puts you close to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport for easy arrivals and departure. The hotel's free shuttle will transport you. Rooms feature premium bedding, sofa beds, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, designer toiletries, work desks, and free wired and wireless internet access. The hotel has two restaurants, a coffee shop, and a bar, and you can get room service during limited hours. Cool off in the outdoor pool after a hot day of sightseeing. You can also enjoy the 24-hour fitness center and the business center.
Leave the car in the parking lot and get around with the free shuttle when you're visiting nearby attractions. You can also rent a limo and town car service.
What are the best things to do in Harahan, LA?
Visit Bayou Segnette State Park near Westwego for loads of outdoor fun, including boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking, and swimming in the wave pool, which is open Thursday through Sunday and on holidays. You'll see abundant wildlife and vegetation in the park's wetlands. Bring along your camera to get gorgeous scenic photos. You may even see an alligator!
Have a day of fun at Adventure Quest Laser Tag on South Clearview Parkway in Harahan. In addition to laser tag, you can play bumper cars, enjoy cosmic golf, solve an adventure maze, and have fun in the arcade. The facility offers weekly specials.
Be sure to check out the most popular restaurants in Harahan. Seither's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a prized seafood restaurant that serves classic Southern foods such as crawfish, shrimp po'boys, and fried green tomatoes. Zoe's Kitchen specializes in Mediterranean flavors with a Southern twist, while Oak Oven is a casual Italian restaurant that weaves in Southern Louisiana influences for unique dishes. Theo's Pizza is an award-winning local chain with unusual pizza toppings such as yellow squash and goat cheese.
The annual St. Rita Pecan Festival celebrates the popular pecan with lots of food choices, such as pecan pralines, pecan pepper jelly, and, of course, pecan pie. This festival features live music and fun activities for kids and adults alike. The weekend-long event is held in November each year.
Harahan, Louisiana, offers walks along streets lined with centuries-old pecan and oak trees, shops and restaurants that locals love, and plenty of green space. Book a trip to enjoy life in this lovely city.
FAQs about hotels in Harahan
Recent traveler guest reviews of Harahan, LA
Below are reviews of the city of Harahan, LA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Plenty of restaurants around the hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
Carolyn J., from 27-Jun-2026
"There for a wedding"
Score
5.0 / 5
There for a wedding. The venue was beautiful.
Virlee T., from 21-Jun-2026
"Quiet"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quiet
Lashaun T., from 08-Jun-2026
"Great Seafood!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Great seafood!
Dean K., from 15-Sep-2025
"Close to Kenner"
Score
4.0 / 5
It was close to Kenner and that is where I needed to be.
Joseph F., from 27-Aug-2025
"Felt safe ."
Score
4.0 / 5
Diana D., from 24-Aug-2025
"Great Location"
Score
4.0 / 5
Awesome, lots of places to dine out.
Stacey J., from 23-Jul-2025
"Things To Do"
Score
4.0 / 5
Harahan was very busy. It had a lot of restaurants.
Stacey J., from 21-Jul-2025
"Nice"
Score
5.0 / 5
Was nice.
Vicky H., from 09-May-2025
"Everything Within Walking Distance"
Score
4.0 / 5
Hotel has everything within walking distance.
Sheratina W., from 22-May-2023
"Convenient."
Score
5.0 / 5
Convenient.
John F., from 22-Mar-2023
"Conveniently located near stores and restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
There were stores and restaurants nearby.
Trina B., from 14-Jul-2022
"Food & Shopping!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Food and shopping available!
Gregory L., from 29-May-2022
"Great place to stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Hotel great, breakfast great, staff was great too, thank you!
Kay M., from 25-Dec-2021
"Nice"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice area
Mary O., from 02-Dec-2019
"Lots of food choices nearby"
Score
5.0 / 5
There are places to eat near the hotels. Stores that have items for an overnight stay are nearby as well.
Robert W., from 12-Aug-2019
"Really loved the location"
Score
5.0 / 5
Really loved the location. Close to major roadways, shopping and restaurants. Felt very safe. Well lighted, clean and easy to get around without traffic issues.
Terry V., from 10-Aug-2019
"Amazing Stay!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Close to everything it reminds me of my hometown.
Breuna B., from 02-Dec-2017
"Very Kind"
Score
5.0 / 5
We encountered nice, kind people and there was good food and a fabulous bakery close by.
Kathryn V., from 28-Nov-2015
"Pleasant"
Score
5.0 / 5
Food establishments were plentiful, traffic was light, entire area was pleasant to drive in and through.
Dennis G., from 10-Mar-2014
The average traveler rating of the city of Harahan, LA shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 20 reviews