7 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Louisiana
The cultural melting pot of Louisiana makes for amazing communities, venues, and unique attractions. Louisiana is defined by many things, from its upbeat Zydeco music to its eclectic cuisine influenced by many cultures. The best place to discover the heritage and culture is often found in the downtown areas where visitors are greeted with welcoming smiles, fresh seafood, and a dose of a good time, known as "Laissez les bons temps rouler", let the good times roll.
These are among the best downtown strips in the state, known for their festivals, traditions, and lively atmosphere. It's hard to pass up Breaux Bridge during their annual crawfish festivals or the elegant architectural designs of St. Francisville. Whether looking for a raucous party festival or a serene retreat, these downtown strips should be on your travel calendar.
West Monroe
West Monroe, along the banks of the Ouachita River, is known for its scenic beauty and walkable downtown with quaint shops and attractions. Known as Antique Alley for its abundance of antique shops and dealers, a section of Cotton Port Historic District was named a National Register Historic District by the National Park Service in 2019. Louisiana also designated it as a Main Street district a year later.
Downtown also has outdoor events, many of which are held at Alley Park, an open-air park for families and activities. Ouchita Live is a free outdoor concert series held every Friday from March to October, and it is an ideal time to soak in the culture. The community has done a fantastic job preserving its heritage and structures, and the city is continuing downtown initiatives to make the area even more appealing for future visits.
Natchitoches
The oldest town in Louisiana, Natchitoches, is a breathtaking city filled with charm and historic architecture, including its main strip. Over 50 colorful French Creole landmarks line the historic district, which welcomes visitors to stunning venues like the Natchitoches Event Center and outdoor spaces such as Beau Jardin on the riverbank. The district is meant for leisurely walks, sightseeing, and sipping coffee at local favorites, StoryBrew or Legacy Coffee Cafe.
Known as the "City of Lights," many Hollywood films have been filmed in Natchitoches, including the iconic Steel Magnolias. The location was chosen because the town epitomizes the essence of a true Southern town. Following the Film Trail will lead you to numerous places that are seen in the film such as Truvy's Church, the Eatonton Family Home, and Susan Harling Memorial Park. Natchitoches has one of the state's most striking downtown areas and visiting the district feels like visiting the past.
Hammond
Hammond's progressive downtown is known as "historically hip with timeless charm" by the community for its look, atmosphere, and venues. The traditional brick storefronts are framed by massive oak trees, walkable roads, and preserved historical buildings housing modern shops such as Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute and Boutique de Fumee. The HIstoirc District features structure like the Boos Building, one of the oldest in town, Downtown Hammond High School, and the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation.
Visitors should not miss a chance to tour the historic district that, architecturally, centers around the corner lot of the Boos Building, built in 1898 featuring parapets on top of the two-story brick building. The Columbia Theatre is another landmark and one of the most important to the regional community. The 1,200-seat theatre opened in 1928 and features movies, plays, and vaudeville. A walking tour of historic Hammond introduces visitors to its preserved past and one of the prettiest downtown strips in Louisiana.
Covington
Historic downtown Covington, on Louisiana's North Shore, is one of the region's prettiest areas. It has fine galleries, eclectic shops, excellent restaurants, and charming bed and breakfast inns. The district is on the National Register of Historic Places and is thoughtfully laid out in squares. To understand this history, stop at the HJ Smith & Sons General Store and Museum, a family-operated mercantile since 1876. Art galleries in the district include Saladino across from the landmark Southern Hotel, a premium spot for a weekend stay.
After exploring the historic area, stop in at Lola's for an authentic Louisiana lunch or dinner presented by chef owners Keith and Nealy Frentz. They not only bring authentic dishes, but they are also the former King and Queen of Louisiana Seafood and local legends in this area. History can be felt here in the old Covington train depot, where the kitchen is housed in a former caboose.
Breaux Bridge
There might not be any small town that sums up Louisiana's culture and heritage like the historic Breaux Bridge. The "Crawfish Capital of the World" has landmark structures, including the iconic bridge leading into town with a painted crawfish on the top span. The lively downtown authenticates Cajun culture, especially at restaurants like Poche's Market and Restaurant and Crazy Bout Crawfish.
May is a fantastic time to visit when the community hosts the annual Crawfish Festival. The festival includes live music stages to immerse yourself in another heritage landmark, Cajun and Zydeco music, while feasting on delectable crustaceans. You can also enjoy the serenity of Breaux Bridge, strolling through its many antique shops or booking a room at a storied bed and breakfast at Country Charm.
New Iberia
Scenic downtown New Iberia has traditional storefronts, museums, and many other pleasant attractions and venues. One stop should be the Bayou Teche Museum, which is next to the theater and features a classic marquee. Other charming museums include the classy Bunk Johnson Jazz Collection Room and the Jeanerette Museum on Main Street. New Iberia's community is as special as its venues, and they celebrate their unique city with many annual festivals throughout the year, making it one of the best times to visit.
Live events include the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, the Delcambre Shrimp Festival, and the Teche Plein Air. The latter event is held in the Shadows-on-the-Teche gardens along Main Street and features air painting and art exhibits, a nod to the town's cultural roots. Many elegant inns exist, including the 1892 Victorian Home and the Antique Rose Ville, which complete any visit to this classic Louisiana town.
St. Francisville
Elegant St. Francisville's downtown is designated a Main Street community for its abundant historical structures and homes. Royal and Commerce Streets in the Historic District boast over a dozen shops and restaurants, like Magnolia Cafe, that should be discovered during a leisurely stroll through town. As you stroll through town, explore the stunning Grace Episcopal Church, the 1905 Georgian Revival Courthouse, and the 1810 Greek Revival Camilla Leake Barrow House.
Discovering these classic gems endears St. Francisville to visitors and gives a sense of the structure's importance to the community. The antique structures add a graceful atmosphere to the town and provide a tangible way to connect with its history. There are many other sites to discover, and visitors can learn about their significance and different histories at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum.
Few states can compare to Louisiana in terms of history and having a good time, and these seven downtown strips offer a little (or a lot) of both. From traditional towns like Natchitoches and St. Francisville to the lively atmosphere of Breaux Bridge, the downtown areas are an eclectic blend of heritage and fun in authentic Cajun and Creole style. One of the best things about visiting Louisiana is that its culture can be seen, felt, and tasted almost everywhere you look because the communities embrace and live this lifestyle daily.
Seafood, particularly crawfish, is king in Louisiana, and visitors should take every opportunity to enjoy a meal. Numerous crawfish festivals are held throughout the state and are a great way to mingle with the community. The towns are framed by beautiful scenery, which adds even more charm to these downtown areas, which have something unique to offer every visitor.
