Louisiana's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape

Discover the perfect place to relieve your mind and plan a weekend escape. Whether with your entire family or on a solo trip, plan your next weekend's escape in the Southeastern United States.

Louisiana is a wonderful place with the most vivid history and diverse culture of any state in the country. The state is known for some of the nation’s friendliest folks, delicious food, and party atmosphere. Louisiana is a fun place, and these nine towns are the best for a weekend escape.

Abbeville

If you want a wonderful weekend escape in Louisiana, visit Abbeville. The town remains a destination for oyster lovers who satisfy their cravings at Shucks, a seafood restaurant in Abbeville. When you are done, go to Abbey Players to watch theater performances. Honor veterans at Louisiana Military Museum. You might also like to stop at Depot At Magdalen Place for gift items.

When you visit Abbeville, check into the Best Western Abbeville Suites and Inn, less than four miles from the Abbeville Cultural Center (also a museum).

For outdoor lovers, there are also fun places to explore, like Palmetto Island State Park, 11 miles away.

Covington

Covington is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is also known for its art district. If you love hiking, art galleries, and quirky shops, this town should be at the top of your list.

You may love to visit St. John's Coffee House, located in the heart of downtown Covington. This quaint little cafe serves tasty pastries and coffee. You can also check out Mattina Bella for American food.

What is a weekend escape in Covington without visiting HJ Smith and Sons General Store and Museum, which houses hundreds of items from 1870 through the early 1900s?

Take advantage of the views and rent a bike from Brooks Bike Shop to visit the Covington Trailhead.

When you visit Covington, you will enjoy staying at the historic Southern Hotel. For lunch, feast on local French-inspired fare at The Gloriette.

New Iberia

New Iberia is known for its unique cuisine. It is a diverse town with French, Spanish, Native American, and African American cultures.

New Iberia is often called the "Queen City of the Teche” because the town is abundant in sweet foods like salt, sugar, and pepper. You may like historic time at Shadows-on-the-Teche Museum or check out exhibits at A & E Gallery. Book lovers can check out Books Along The Teche for great picks.

In New Iberia, you can go fishing, hiking, or bird watching at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and Cypremort Point, which are each about 25 miles from town. You may also like to get keepsakes for yourself at the Konriko Co. Store. Dine, explore, and sleep at Rip Van Winkle Gardens or Comfort Inn and Suites New Iberia.

Minden

Minden, Louisiana, is an outdoor lover’s paradise of lakes and bayous, with plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and fishing.

Minden is one of the best cities to visit in Louisiana because it holds the title of the “Friendliest city in the South.” The citizens are the destination’s greatest asset.

You can book a room at the Villas at Spanish Court, located at the edge of historic downtown Minden, as well as rent a kayak from Dorcheat Bayou Rental, 11 miles away, and explore the Bayou for a moonlight paddle when Bayou comes to life.

While in the area, visit the Dorcheat Historical Museum and Caney Lakes Recreation Area.

When craving a delicious meal, order the Crawfish cheese nachos at Seafood Empire LLC.

Farmerville

Farmerville is home to Lake D'Arbonne State Park, one of Louisiana’s most stunning state parks. Rolling hills and pine forests welcome visitors who come for fishing, camping, kayaking, or relaxation. About 27 miles away is the town of West Monroe, where you can stop by the Landry Vineyards LLC or have fun with family at Excalibur Family Fun Center.

You may love to attend the Louisiana Watermelon Festival, which is held every last weekend of July. Events include tennis tournaments, bicycle and tricycle races, arm wrestling contests, a watermelon eating and seed-spitting competition, and a street dance.

Edgewood Plantation B&B is a great accommodation option. While in town, feast on a meal at the Ol’ Hickory Cafe.

Abita Springs

Abita Springs is a town to visit if you love nature. It is known for its popular attractions, including the Abita Mystery House, Abita Spring Farmers Market, Tammany Trace, and Milicevic Family Vineyard.

For the best place to have a good meal, visit Abita Brew Pub. Or stop by Mama D’s Pizza along Highway 59 for a quick snack.

If you are a budget-friendly traveler, you may want to consider traveling to Abita Springs around September and November, when hotels are cheap.

You can also cool off at Abita Spring Hotel at Ann Obrien Ln, and enjoy wonderful hospitality at an affordable price.

Natchitoches

If you love learning about history, Natchitoches is the town for you. The town is blessed with natural beauty, numerous historic sites, and a legendary past as the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana.

The unique thing about Natchitoches is its one-of-a-kind community full of culture, history, recreation, shopping, and more. Visit the art gallery at Natchitoches Art Guild Gallery. Or discover fish-rearing lessons at Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery. After all the exploring, you may love a massage at Magnolia Spa and Wellness.

Natchitoches offers true Louisiana cuisine, whether Cajun, Cajole, or Italian dishes. Visit Lasyone’s Meat Pie kitchen to enjoy mouth-watering foods and an amazing staff experience.

For relaxation and accommodation, book a room with Best Western Natchitoches.

Breaux Bridge

Breaux Bridge is an accommodating and friendly town that acts as a path to Louisiana’s real Cajun culture.

Accommodations range from hotels near the downtown Historical Districts to cozy bed and breakfasts along the beautiful bayous. There are various comfortable places to stay in Breaux Bridge for relaxation, like A Paradise in Progress, located along the Atchafalaya River, or the Cajun Country Cottages for a romantic escape right on the water.

Breaux Bridge offers activities for the whole family, such as the Acadiana Swamp Tour, Cajun Country Swamp Tours, and visits to the Teche Center for the Arts.

Marksville

A Venetian named Marco founded Marksville. It is known for nightlife attractions like the Paragon Casino Resort and Bailey's Night Club. If golfing is your thing, you should visit the Tamahka Trails Golf Course. Hypolite Bordelon Home is a tranquil historical home in town.

There are beautiful and comfortable places to stay in Markville, such as Paragon Casino Resort and Ranch House Motel. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Broken Wheel Brewery.

For an adventurous weekend escape, visit any of these nine small towns to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Louisiana. Louisiana is a scenery of adventure, history, and natural beauty waiting to be explored. From the beautiful outdoor events to the historical sights, every moment in these small towns is a delight.