7 Best Downtowns In Louisiana

In Louisiana, there is nature to explore, historical architecture to admire, and, of course, an almost endless number of restaurants serving local seafood dishes in traditional Cajun and Creole styles. Maybe it is the restaurants in Breaux Bridge that appeal to you; maybe it is the antiques in Denham Springs. Perhaps it is the museums in Eunice. No matter your preferences, the downtowns in the seven cities on this list host so many attractions that there truly is something for everyone.

Natchitoches

Perhaps the town that above all others represents Louisiana's culture best, Natchitoches, is every bit as historic as it is intriguing. Downtown itself contains a 33-block National Historic Landmark District, so knowing where to even begin is nearly impossible. Fear not: there are no wrong answers, and no shortage of streets to explore. However, the Chateau St. Denis Hotel, a French Creole brick building that houses Lounge 1714, is a perfect place to start and an even better place to enjoy a drink or a meal after a long day of exploring the surrounding historic area. Nearby, visitors can find the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a building whose construction began in 1857, and the Steel Magnolia House, built in the 1800s and now a bed-and-breakfast overlooking the Cane River.

Plenty of places offer the famous Natchitoches meat pie. Lasyone's is one of the best, and conveniently also located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant is the place to find a robust menu of other Creole dishes.

Covington

Artsy and saturated with charm, Covington is a warm and welcoming town anyone would be glad to visit. Like Natchitoches, many of its historic downtown streets are almost the same today as they were over a hundred years ago. On East Boston Street, visitors can find The Dakota, an upscale restaurant specializing in local Louisiana cuisine, and nearby the Southern Hotel, established in 1907 and retaining much of its original decor and hospitality.

Its art-friendly disposition is what gives Covington its strongest appeal, however. The Marianne Angeli Rodriquez Gallery is a local favorite, as is its neighbor across the road, St. Tammany Art Association, which offers workshops along with collections and region-specific exhibits. For those seeking a sophisticated and cultured exploration into the best that Louisiana has to share, Covington is the perfect place to visit.

Denham Springs

The town of Denham Springs has made significant efforts to preserve and promote its downtown district. Historic yet beautified, this area offers shopping and dining options for all who wish to explore it. The heart of Denham Springs is home to its Antique Village: here, tourists can explore a variety of stores, like Heritage House Antiques and Rusty Rooster (among many others), to experience regional history through the structures of the buildings and the items they sell.

Also home to culinary establishments, the Village is home to Le Chien Brewing Company. The brewery brings a variety of handcrafted beers to Denham Springs. Serving food and hosting live music, this dog-friendly establishment is a town favorite. Not far away, the Whistle Stop is a cafe likewise treasured by locals. Serving an array of baked goods and hot drinks, this charming restaurant makes for a perfect break in a day of exploring the rest of antique downtown Denham Springs.

Eunice

Much of Eunice's culture leans into Cajun roots. One of the most iconic landmarks in Eunice is the Cajun Music Hall of Fame & Museum, located right off the main road. The Museum seeks to preserve and showcase the history of the region's unique music and memorabilia. Best of all, admission is free.

Next door to the Cajun Music Museum is another: the Eunice Depot Museum. Housed in a restored train depot, this museum has exhibits and collections that depict the lifestyles of Eunice's earliest settlers. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the nearby Prairie Acadian Cultural Center. The Center likewise explores the diverse history of race and culture in Eunice's beginnings, and offers cooking demonstrations, live music, and dance performances.

Breaux Bridge

Deemed the Crawfish Capital of the World, Breaux Bridge is a hub of delicacy and delight. Downtown can be explored with the languid Bayou Teche only blocks away. Lagniappe Antiques Mall, like the Antique Village in Denham Springs, is home to dozens of stores where one can find local artistry and pieces of Louisiana history. For a cozy weekend away, consider staying at the Bayou Teche Bed and Breakfast, in a restored Acadian home located in the heart of the old town.

But of course, the Crawfish Capital of the World offers excellent eateries for those desiring a taste of genuine Cajun food. Every Saturday, guests can embark on the Cajun Food Tour, a walking tour that visits the best that Breaux Bridge has to offer. Among the stops is Buck and Johnny's, which offers breakfast through dinner, all with a Cajun flair. Tante Marie is another stop: with roots dating back to 1921, this historic property-turned-restaurant is a go-to for breakfast and lunch, and frequently hosts Cajun jams. Sip on some good coffee and enjoy live music in this history-laden building.

Houma

Located deep in the bayou, Houma is a town surrounded by some of the most unique topography and wilderness in the country. This town is a perfect place to explore the wondrous waterways of the bayou, and Cajun Boats & Floats, located on Main Street, is the place to rent kayaks or book a pedal boat ride so you can journey at your own pace. Not to be outdone, Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum offers not just revolving exhibitions showcasing the area's history and nature, but also live Cajun music on Tuesdays. Close to Cajun Boats & Floats is Ember Kitchen and Cocktails, a new addition to Houma's culinary scene that blends cuisines to create a unique dining experience for all who attend.

If you happen to visit in the spring, the annual Houma Blackberry Festival takes place downtown. Family-friendly, this event raises funds for people in need and provides music, kids' activities, craft vendors ... and, of course, many food options made with local blackberries.

Franklin

With over four hundred registered historic homes to its name, and neighboring the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge, visitors to the town of Franklin have plenty to experience. Like Breaux Bridge, many downtown establishments look out onto Bayou Teche, ensuring that tourists experience Louisiana at its most authentic, regardless of their pursuits. For those interested in historical landmarks, visitors here can see the site of the town's historic port of entry and trade center dating back to the early 1800s.

Franklin, like many of the towns on this list, is no exception when it comes to delicious eats. On Main Street, one can find Raisa Seafood: local, comfortable, and flavorful. A few blocks away, The Waterhole awaits: a cozy and atmospheric bar on the shores of the bayou, and a perfect place for a cocktail after a day of adventure.

Explore Downtowns in Louisiana Today

For every stretch of untamed wilderness and every thriving bayou, Louisiana has a delightful town to match. Some lean heavily into their Cajun culture; others were founded with some of the most intricate architecture in American history. It stands to reason, then, that with lively atmospheres and unique downtown districts, many of Louisiana's best adventures can be found as much in these towns as around them.