The Most Picturesque Towns In Louisiana
Louisiana is as deep south as you can get, resulting in quintessential southern landscapes like North America’s largest river swamp near Breaux Bridge. The picturesque nature of these towns isn't limited to outdoor parks, either; downtown Natchitoches is home to the Beau Jardin and Riverwalk, featuring gorgeous gardens and a tranquil waterfall. In Grand Isle, the local forest and scenery are further enhanced by wildlife, as the town is home to nearly 100 bird species. This combination of downtown beauty, neighboring scenic parks, and immersive birdwatching reinforces the beauty of these 8 towns in Louisiana.
Natchitoches
Dating back to its foundation in 1714, Natchitoches is older than the country itself. The town took its unique name from the nearby Native American Caddo tribe when established by French settlers. Due to its long history, Natchitoches has since become home to a number of historic buildings and districts, such as Front Street, which houses regionally classic wrought-iron architecture and large, majestic oak trees.
As expected, such a storied past brings with it plenty of culture and recreational pursuits. Strolling through downtown will reveal the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum gives the full chronicle of local sports heroes and the area’s past. Others who enjoy a more leisurely pace can step aboard the Cane River Queen Boat for easy sightseeing. Otherwise, take a more hands-on approach and rent a kayak at Cane River Paddle and Pedal Sports. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head on down to downtown Natchitoches for restaurants offering some fine, old Cajun cooking.
Saint Francisville
Located 30 miles north of the state capital, Baton Rouge, Saint Francisville is the oldest town in the Florida Parishes, but that doesn’t mean it's slowed down at all. Originally a Spanish monastery in the eighteenth century, the settlement eventually grew into a proper town over the years, becoming one of the largest cotton ports on the nearby river.
Due to its long history, Saint Francisville’s downtown now hosts homes that are over a hundred years old, in addition to the many restaurants and shops that surround them. History buffs can keep pursuing their passions by taking a tour through the Greenwood Plantation, an antebellum grand home featuring superb Greek Revival architecture. There’s also the Audubon State Historic Site, where a plantation home was the workplace of famed naturalist John James Audubon.
But, historical tourism isn’t the only attraction that makes Saint Francisville unique. At the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge, nature enthusiasts can view the largest bald cypress on the continent. Not too far away is also the Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve, full of mixed pine-hardwood trees and more for the whole family to explore.
Covington
Founded in 1813, there’s a reason this tiny town in St. Tammany Parish has been listed by Southern Living Magazine as “Best Small Town in Louisiana” and a “City on the Rise." First up is the vibrant Covington Art Market, an annual event that showcases the fantastic work by local artists every year from March to October.
Bucolic scenery more to your liking? Take your pick with Blue Swamp Creek Nature Trail, Bogue Chitto Memorial Park, and Bogue Falaya Park, all catering to your environmental preferences. While Covington has more than a few restaurants to choose from, why not create your own tasty morsels? Each Saturday, the Covington Farmers Market has some of the freshest locally grown products for nibbling on. Bon appetit!
Breaux Bridge
Known as “the crawfish capital of the world”, Breaux Bridge has more on its plate than just great Cajun cuisine. Officially established in 1829, the town came to be celebrated for its crawfish delicacies, having the first restaurants to place crawfish on their menus for customers to enjoy. As a consequence, Breaux Bridge is the perfect stop for gastronomical enthusiasts with more than enough restaurants for every type of foodie.
Like many of the small towns on this list, nature lovers won’t be disappointed. The Atchafalaya Basin is North America’s largest river swamp, home to beautiful landscapes and all forms of native wildlife. But why stop there? Not too far away is Lake Martin, a pristine body of water perfect for bird watching and excellent fishing.
Stepping a little outside of Breaux Bridge will gift you with beatific byways which wrap around the town. As part of the Bayou Tech Scenic Byway, the town is also its own scenic point of interest.
Grand Isle
As the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana, Grand Isle is as much a natural defense against harsh hurricanes as it is an urban treasure unto itself. Once a home of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte, the town is now better known for gorgeous beachfront views of the Gulf, with seven miles of public beaches for you to soak up the sun. Naturally, the area has long been associated with the sea, becoming the location of professional fishing companies and providing numerous marinas and bait shops for fishermen in general.
There’s plenty to do on land as well. Visiting Grand Isle during spring and fall is a great time to camp underneath the stars with 49 premium campsites. Moving inland, you’ll be greeted with historic homes going all the way back to the 1700s, like the St. Aubin-Rigaud House, constructed in 1798.
Finally, remember to bring your binoculars. Bird watchers will be in heaven due to Grand Isle being the home of approximately 100 species of birds, such as Egrets, spoonbills, and herons.
New Iberia
Affectionately labeled the “queen city of the Teche” in reference to its neighboring bayou, New Iberia’s historic commercial district has the unique distinction of being awarded the “Great American Main Street Award” in 2005 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. When walking through Main Street, don’t forget to see a show at the Evangeline Theater, an Art Deco performance center hosting all manner of productions.
The entire history of the area can be explored at the Bayou Teche Museum, featuring the varied culture and art of the locality. Following that, make sure to check out the Shadows-on-the-Teche, an imposing plantation home from the antebellum period. Visiting in September? Then you’re in for a treat. The Louisiana Sugar Cane Festival celebrates the iconic local plant and its deliciousness every year, just don’t tell your dentist.
Saint Martinville
Practically next door to New Iberia is Saint Martinville, which also has a richer history. Starting in the early 19th century, Saint Martinville came to prominence as a Victorian small city with a cultural and luxurious urban center, which included a theater for operas, earning the nickname “petit Paris”.
Nowadays, the town's culture and attractions are as rich as they are varied. Evangeline Oak Park is a public park notable for the ancient live oak, which has seen visitors from the 1800s. Likewise, Magnolia City Park is the community stronghold for outdoor recreation, with an accessible reception room, playground, skate park, and fields for tennis, volleyball, and baseball. The African-American Museum contains exhibitions retelling southwest Louisiana’s troubled history and also the resiliency of its oppressed people. Similarly, the Museum of the Acadian Memorial relates the history of the Acadians who flourished throughout Louisiana, establishing Cajun society.
Abita Springs
Lastly, looking to quench your thirst? Abita Springs has what you need in spades, be it water or otherwise. Pioneers first settled the land in 1820, but it was in 1887 when locals discovered the waters had medicinal properties. Following the revelation, Abita Springs quickly became a resort town for the ill and those seeking its rejuvenating qualities. As a result, an elegant European rotary was installed in the historic commercial district to accommodate incoming traffic.
The town still retains the springs it's been made famous for, but has branched out in terms of activities. A major brewery, now the Abita Brew Club, was founded in 1994, and its beer has been served throughout the state. Tammany Trace is a scenic 31-mile bike path to enjoy a calming ride through the countryside. Every October, the Abita Springs Water Festival serves as a community event to celebrate the town. Additionally, Busker Fest is held each year to celebrate the musical talents of performers from all around the area. The Louisiana Bicycle Festival, however, is all about bicyclists to enjoy each other's company and pedal to their hearts' content.
From the riverfront gardens of Natchitoches to the cypress swamps near Breaux Bridge and the local stand-out festivals, these communities reveal the depth of Louisiana’s heritage. Historic streets, Cajun kitchens, and wildlife refuges keep local traditions active year-round. Travelers who slow down will find kayaking routes and coastal sunsets that show how much character thrives in the state’s smaller towns. With all of this in mind, be sure to add these eight towns to your travel itinerary.
