7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Louisiana
With the heavy influences of French and Spanish cultures on its food, architecture, and art, Louisiana is a state that must be experienced at least once. There is no better way to do that than by exploring seven of its small towns, each having its own big personality. Set along rivers, bayous, and coastal shores, these destinations offer visitors an up-close look at Cajun and Creole culture, historic landmarks, and scenic outdoor escapes. In St. Francisville, you can tour grand plantations, wander lush gardens, and uncover one of Louisiana’s most famously haunted homes. Meanwhile, Grand Isle offers a completely different adventure, with sandy beaches, gulf breezes, and unforgettable sunsets on the state’s only inhabited barrier island. A perfect weekend away awaits at these Louisiana destinations, but watch out for gators!
St. Francisville
Set along the Mississippi River and just thirty-five minutes from Baton Rouge, St. Francisville is a unique Louisiana town that deserves more attention. Known for its beautiful landscapes and historic cultural attractions, this town is the perfect place for a long weekend away. Start your visit by exploring the beautiful Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, revealing formal gardens and one of the South's most intact antebellum estates. Nearby, Myrtles Plantation draws visitors intrigued by its reputation as one of America's most haunted homes. For those seeking to spend the night with ghosts, Myrtles now offers full bed-and-breakfast accommodations. A short drive from downtown, visitors will find Afton Villa Gardens, a beautiful space with oak-lined pathways, romantic ruins, and seasonal blooms. Nature lovers can continue their day outside by exploring the rugged trails and rushing waterfalls found at Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, a surprisingly hilly landscape rare for Louisiana.
Natchitoches
As the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, Natchitoches is brimming with history just waiting to be uncovered. Begin your trip in the Natchitoches Historic District, an area spanning 33 blocks with boutiques, red-brick historic homes, bookstores, restaurants, and art galleries. Those interested in learning about Natchitoches' military history can visit a replica of a 1700s fort, Fort St. Jean Baptiste, where costumed tour guides take visitors back in time. Want to learn more about Natchitoches itself? Pay a visit to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum, a unique museum that combines history on one level and sports on another. To enjoy some hiking nearby, check out the Grady Erwin Nature Area or the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, where preserved plantations and landscapes tell the story of Creole culture. Those seeking unique accommodations should book a stay at the Steel Magnolia House. Now a bed and breakfast, this is the original home used in the film Steel Magnolias.
Abbeville
In the heart of Vermilion Parish, Abbeville is a historic town that serves as the perfect introduction to Cajun country. Magdalen Square, the town's cultural hub, is a space where celebrations take place, including the famed giant omelet festival in November. Directly across the park sits the beautiful St. Mary Magdalene Church, a historical landmark worth a visit. Due to its location on the Vermillion River, the town is also well known for its delicious oysters, found at places like Shucks and Dupuys Seafood and Steak. Those interested in history can learn more about the town at the Abbeville Cultural and Historical Society, which showcases permanent historic exhibits and rotating art pieces. Outdoor lovers can use Abbeville as a jumping-off point to explore Palmetto Island State Park, where boardwalks, canoe launches, and marsh scenery showcase classic Louisiana landscapes. For an overnight stay, consider The Caldwell, a quaint bed and breakfast with a wrap-around porch and Victorian-style rooms.
Grand Isle
Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island offers a very different long-weekend experience than other small towns can. The island itself encapsulates the definition of wild beauty, with wide beaches, gulf breezes, and an array of wildlife. The centerpiece is Grand Isle State Park, where visitors can bird-watch, fish, boat, kayak, camp, and enjoy beautiful sunsets. Adventurous travelers can arrange a boat trip to the Isle Grand Terre to see the historic remains of 19th-century Fort Livingston. In the summer, anglers from all over come to the island to compete in and watch the legendary Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, to see who can catch the largest fish. To complete your weekend stay, consider booking a room at the Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages, a great beachfront property.
Breaux Bridge
Get your bibs on, folks, because we're headed to the Crawfish Capital of the World. Breaux Bridge has been known as the place to go to get your crawfish fixings, serving up Cajun classics and culture along scenic Bayou Teche. Early May brings with it the lively Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, filling the town with music and loads of local flavor. Beyond festival season, the walkable historic downtown invites visitors to browse antique shops and stop at beloved eateries like Crazy Bout Crawfish for an authentic taste of Louisiana. Visitors can also spend time exploring Lake Martin, one of Louisiana's premier spots for birdwatching, nature photography, and swamp tours. In nearby Lafayette, consider spending time at Vermilione, a living museum showcasing Acadian, Native American & Creole cultures. Those seeking to keep the authenticity alive can spend the night at Au Bayou Teche Bed and Breakfast/Old City Hotel, a restored vintage Acadian home.
Covington
Across from New Orleans on the opposite banks of Lake Pontchartrain, Covington makes for an ideal weekend escape thanks to its walkable historic center, strong art presence, and easy access to Northshore nature. Start your visit by strolling through the St. John District, Covington's downtown area, complete with preserved architecture, art galleries, antique shops, delicious restaurants, and even a general store in operation since 1876. Art lovers can head to the St. Tammany Art Association, housed in a historic building downtown. Featuring rotating exhibits, workshops, and events, it's the perfect place to get a feel for what makes Covington's art community so unique. A trip to Louisiana wouldn't be complete without exploring the Bayou. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from Canoe and Trail Adventures and spend the day floating along the Bogue Falaya River, or grab a bike and ride along the 31-mile Tammany Trace, a scenic, forested pathway linking five St. Tammany Parish towns. For an elegant overnight stay, consider the Southern Hotel, a 40-room, beautifully refurbished historic hotel right in downtown.
New Iberia
Set along Bayou Teche, New Iberia is a beautiful town steeped in Creole and Cajun history. Begin your visit with a tour of Shadows-on-the-Teche, a beautifully preserved plantation home, where you can stroll through the garden and learn more about its cultural significance. Back on Main Street, the Bayou Teche Museum invites visitors to explore interactive exhibits that showcase the area's history, art, and culture. A short drive away sits the famous Tabasco Factory on nearby Avery Island, where guided tours reveal the history behind the iconic hot sauce. Also on Avery Island sits Jungle Gardens, an expansive 170-acre space featuring moss-draped oaks and bird-filled wetlands. If your visit coincides with September, be sure to attend the Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival, which brings parades, live music, and local food. Consider a historic overnight stay at the Estorge Norton House, a quaint B&B with plenty of rooms within walking distance of many of the attractions.
Together, these seven destinations highlight the expanse of variety found across this iconic state. Here, visitors will find everything from popular food festivals and artsy historic districts to rugged bayou trails and even barrier island beaches. Spend a few days exploring any of these locales, and you'll come away with a great appreciation for Louisiana's culture, landscapes, and unmistakable love for a good time.
