7 Most Breathtaking Towns In Louisiana

With over 7,700 miles of shoreline, nearly a third of its land covered in wetlands, and a robust Cajun cultural scene, Louisiana is a state like no other in the United States. Travelers seeking a unique vacation can find it all here, whether that means taking a swamp tour, enjoying a crawfish boil, or spending an afternoon sipping beer on a lakeside patio. If you are looking for a particularly breathtaking experience this year, these seven towns will not disappoint.

Grand Isle

Located on the state’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle has earned its reputation as a “Sportsman’s Paradise.” Right on the edge of town, travelers can enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing at Grand Isle State Park. The park’s warm gulf waters make it popular for swimming, while its abundant birdlife attracts countless birders each year. During spring and summer, you might also see surf fishers casting their lines in hopes of catching Speckled trout.

Queen Bess Island is also nearby, remarkably home to one of the biggest brown pelican rookeries in the state! Other bird species you might be able to spot on the island include royal terns, great egrets, and tri-colored herons. Finish your day in Grand Isle by purchasing some fresh seafood from one of the many seafood joints in town. Camardelle's Seafood, for example, is a great place to buy some fresh shrimp, boiled shrimp, live crawfish, and boiled crawfish.

Breaux Bridge

Situated near Lake Martin, Breaux Bridge is known for its prominent crawfish culture. Travelers interested in exploring the lake can reserve a tour with Cajun Country Swamp Tours, where visitors will be able to spot bird species like roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, black crowned night herons, barred owls, and red-shouldered hawks, among many others. Other wildlife species include alligators, frogs, turtles, and snakes. After the tour, travelers can head back into town and grab a bite at Crazy ‘Bout Crawfish, which serves all kinds of Louisiana classics like seafood gumbo, fried crawfish tails, zydeco shrimp, and Crawfish Etouffee. One of the most unique times to visit Breaux Bridge is in May, during the annual Crawfish Festival. Over the course of three days, attendees can enjoy a variety of crawfish-themed activities, including crawfish cuisine tastings, crawfish races, and a crawfish etouffée cook-off.

St. Francisville

Set in Louisiana’s rolling hills near the Mississippi River, St. Francisville sharply contrasts the swamps and bayous that dominate much of the state. Travelers can explore this unique terrain at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, which features over 6,000 acres of rugged hills, ravines, and bluffs, perfect for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The Afton Villa Gardens is another wonderful stop, offering oak canopies and 20 acres of beautiful gardens with camellias, azaleas, and other flower varieties. Looking for a place to spend the night? The St. Francisville Inn is one of the town’s most gorgeous boutique hotels, with 11 luxuriously decorated rooms, shaded porches, and a sunny pool.

Natchitoches

As the oldest town in Louisiana, Natchitoches has a breathtaking number of historic landmarks to explore. Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site is a must-visit for history lovers, featuring an impressive reconstruction of an 18th-century fort originally built by early settlers to serve as a military outpost and trade center during the area’s colonial days. Travelers wanting to explore the town’s National Historic Landmark District may also enjoy arranging a tour with Cane River Carriage Company, which offers guided horse and carriage rides through town. Make sure to save some time to visit the Briarwood Nature Preserve, as well. Although this preserve is about a 40-minute drive north of town, it is well worth the trip, home to a beautiful iris bog, a reflection pool, and scenic forest trails.

Mandeville

Across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans lies the picturesque town of Mandeville. This lakeside community offers travelers the chance to relax and recharge, even if just for a weekend. Travelers can hang out near the lake at Fontainebleau State Park, which spans 2,800 acres and offers features like a sandy beach, nature trails, a splash pad, an inclusive playground, and the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill. Several dining establishments can be found near the lake as well, such as Barley Oak, which has an outdoor patio with views of the lake and a selection of more than 100 craft beers. Unwind for the evening at Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast, a local inn featuring a spacious porch with rocking chairs and an optional continental breakfast that guests can add to their stay.

Covington

Founded in 1813 near three rivers, Covington is a historic town that today is well known for its thriving arts scene. In November, the town will celebrate its annual Three Rivers Art Festival, where 200 artists flood several of the city blocks with paintings, ceramics, photography, woodworking, fiber art, jewelry, and more. If you need a place to stay during the festival, the Southern Hotel is a tremendous choice. Dating back to 1907, it was renovated in the 2010s to offer a historic Southern experience with a modern twist. Several parks and nature trails are scattered throughout town as well. Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail, for example, winds through some of the region’s gorgeous pine savannah and wetlands.

Abita Springs

Sitting on the banks of the Abita River, Abita Springs has a strong Cajun culture and several notable outdoor attractions. If you have ever wanted to try Cajun dancing, you can take lessons at Abita Springs Town Hall one Saturday a month with the North Shore Cajun Dancers, who offer dancing lessons and live music for a small admission fee. Those who enjoy biking can hit the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile trail stretching from Covington to Slidell, with a trailhead conveniently located in Abita Springs. For some live music, check out the calendar at the Abita Springs Opry, which holds music concerts six times a year.

Final Thoughts

Nowhere else is quite like the Pelican State. Where else can you experience such a diverse mix of cultures, ecosystems, and wildlife all in one place? Because of this diversity, it can be a challenge to narrow down the state’s towns to just seven of the most breathtaking. However, these towns, with their unbeatable seafood, beaches, and beautiful gardens, are arguably some of the most impressive. So start planning your trip and see for yourself what makes these seven towns so special!