10 Must-See Small Towns in Louisiana
Head Out on a Road Trip to the Towns of Louisiana
The small towns of Louisiana are the backbone of Cajun heritage and places where you can best discover the state’s historic beginnings. Louisiana is home to the legendary Creole and Cajun spices, as well as a unique Louisiana dance style and some of the friendliest people one can meet on a trip through the South.
You’ll cross paths with alligators and other wildlife, dine at mom-and-pop barbecues, and cut a rug to the sounds of bayou music. You can also enjoy some of the many festivals that these lovely humble towns have to offer. The heart of Louisiana will leave you with a full belly and memories to last a lifetime.
10 must-see small towns in Louisiana
- Natchitoches
- St. Martinville
- Breaux Bridge
- Donaldsonville
- Covington
- Abita Springs
- Bastrop
- Houma
- Lutcher
- Eunice
1. Natchitoches
An antique town full of American history and culture
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Historia, Foto
Natchitoches is one of the oldest French settlements in Louisiana, and it boldly reflects its roots even today. The town features several stores on Front Street and within the Historic District, but none is as renowned as the oldest store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile. Here, you can admire the classic architecture and find unique gifts to commemorate your visit.
Educate yourself with a guided tour through the old French Fort St. Jean Baptiste and take a stroll through the Cane River National Heritage Trail. Satisfy your taste buds with Natchitoches’ original cuisine, spicy meat pie, and end your evening with a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area.
Natchitoches
2. St. Martinville
A home of poets and gators
Categoría: De aventura, Económico, Historia
St. Martinville is the quintessential Louisiana Bayou town, boasting enchanting swamplands and towering trees. Spend hours touring through Evangeline Oak Park, where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic under the famous tree made legendary by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “Evangeline.”
For an authentic Cajun experience, consider taking a guided boat tour through the swamps, where you can spot alligators and turtles among the beautiful, moss-draped trees. Stop at Robert’s Lounge to share a drink and enjoy good conversation with the friendly locals.
St. Martinville
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3. Breaux Bridge
A hub full of music, antique shops, and Cajun cuisine
Categoría: Parejas, Gastronomía en , Vida nocturna
Breaux Bridge is a town vibrant with Cajun culture, known as the “crawfish capital of the world.” If you visit this small town in May, be sure to catch the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, offering an overload of signature spices and Cajun flavor.
If you can’t make the festival, you’ll be pleased to find the best po’ boys, gumbo, seafood, and of course, boudin sausages at the quaint restaurant named Chicken on the Bayou. As the sun sets over the winding Bayou Teche river, make your way to the renowned La Poussière Cajun dancehall, where you can enjoy a drink and dance the night away in true Cajun style.
Breaux Bridge
4. Donaldsonville
A pit-stop town for lovers of fine architecture
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Donaldsonville is a quiet and historic town built along the Mississippi River. In the early 1800s, it was used as the pirate headquarters of Jean Lafitte due to its strategic location on the “Mighty Mississippi.” You can still walk the levee on this great river and watch the ships cruise in and out of the river, which makes for a peaceful sunset experience.
Explore the antique shops and admire the 18th-century architecture of the historic district. For those interested in experiencing a New Orleans-style cemetery without the usual crowds, Ascension Catholic Cemetery is a sight to see. When hunger strikes, head to Grapevine Cafe, one of the favorite Creole eats in town.
Donaldsonville
5. Covington
A modernized small town with the Louisiana touch
Categoría: Gastronomía en , Vida nocturna, De aventura
Covington is the perfect small town for younger travelers looking for fun days and nights in a rural setting. Dive into the vibrant local art scene at St. Tammany Art Association, rent a bike at Brook’s Bike Shop, and hit the scenic Tammany Trails.
For a unique challenge, test your survival skills with the futuristic and mystery-filled escape rooms at Escapology, a local favorite. As the day winds down, enjoy some freshly shucked oysters at one of the town’s seafood eateries before wrapping up the night with some live music at Columbia Street Tap Room and Grill.
Covington
6. Abita Springs
A Louisiana town dedicated to the arts
Categoría: Parejas, Historia, Exótico
Abita Springs boasts a rich history that dates back thousands of years as Native American land, a heritage proudly showcased at the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum. For those intrigued by quirky exhibits, the Mystery House Museum promises a fun and unusual experience. As you continue exploring, enjoy a culinary and artistic treat at the Abita Springs Art & Farmers Market, where local flavors and crafts come together.
Before you leave, make sure to visit the Milicevic Family Vineyard for a taste of local viticulture and tour the Abita Brew Pub. This beloved establishment is home of the award-winning Abita Beer, crafted with the natural spring waters that the Native American Choctaw believed to possess medicinal properties.
Abita Springs
7. Bastrop
A popular town for nature enthusiasts
Categoría: De aventura, Económico, Foto
Bastrop is best appreciated by spending a day, or even a full week, at Chemin-A-Haut State Park. The park offers everything you need to fully enjoy Louisiana’s bayou as well as the comforts of home. This 503-acre (204-hectare) park is riddled with hiking trails and offers fully furnished cabins. Rent a boat, go camping, and take a refreshing dip in the in-ground pool.
A short trip outside the town will lead you to the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where you can continue your nature hikes and enjoy swampland kayaking. When hunger strikes, don’t miss the chance to dine at one of the town’s oldest establishments, Slayden’s Barbecue, for an unforgettable meal.
Bastrop
8. Houma
Where swampland tours, art, and Cajun food are on the menu
Categoría: De aventura, Gastronomía en , Foto
Houma is a bayou town with character and offers fun for all. Enjoy guided fishing tours, fan-boat adventures through the swamp, and local museums and art galleries. The architectural beauty of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral is a must-see, showcasing the town’s historic charm. If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, The SandBox is the place for you. It hosts a weekly volleyball tournament and other activities, all within shouting distance to the outdoor bar.
Weekends in Houma are the perfect time to take in Cajun music and mingle with the locals. If you’re craving Creole and southern cuisine, don’t miss Big Mike’s BBQ Smokehouse which offers a delicious array of dishes that will satisfy all your cravings.
Houma
9. Lutcher
You’re welcomed with open arms at this peaceful rural town
Categoría: Parejas, Historia
Lutcher, Louisiana, is a town steeped in history, originally founded as a logging town centered around a sawmill. With a population of around 3,000, you’ll be greeted with genuine southern hospitality. Enjoy the charming atmosphere at The Carriage House Restaurant, styled after the 1800s, and savor the beautiful landscapes and delightful cuisine at Oak Alley Restaurant. Let the wind blow through your hair in true Louisiana fashion on a flat-bottom fan-boat ride blazing through the swamplands.
For an insightful look into Lutcher’s past, a visit to Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site is essential. If you’re here during the Christmas season, don’t miss the Bonfire Festival, celebrates the town’s sawmill legacy most vividly and culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.
Lutcher
10. Eunice
A musical town for musicians and music lovers
Categoría: Parejas, Ir de compras, Vida nocturna
Eunice and Cajun music history go hand in hand. Be sure to tour the 1920s art-deco Liberty Theater, a historical gem that offers a nostalgic journey back in time. This historical theater features a great selection of films and is renowned for its outstanding sound system, often used to broadcast live traditional Cajun tunes.
Pick up a handcrafted accordion at Marc Savoy’s Music Center, where you can also enjoy the sounds of the fiddle, steel guitar, piano, and other instruments serenading the evening audience. Eunice also hosts the Cajun Mardi Gras Festival annually, adding to its lively celebrations with vibrant music and traditional festivities. If you’re a history enthusiast, don’t miss the Cajun Music Hall of Fame.
Eunice
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