7 Most Scenic Small Towns in Louisiana

While top-rated tourist destinations like New Orleans and Baton Rouge are well-known to visitors to Louisiana, many of these same travelers are often surprised to learn there is so much more to the “Bayou State.” For those unafraid to take the road less traveled, the rewards are plentiful, especially if they take into consideration the state’s most scenic small towns.

Louisiana is peppered with countless small towns that each boast unique charm and character while also offering a peek into the very heart and soul of this most hospitable of Southern states. From the elegance of antebellum plantations to the lively festivals that celebrate everything from jazz to crawfish, these seven most scenic small towns in Louisiana are waiting to be explored.

Covington

Its location on the I-12, the highway connecting the state capital of Baton Rouge with Mobile, Alabama, makes Covington an easy stop for road-trippers and day-trippers wanting an authentic slice of Louisiana life. Located only a few minutes from the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, just across from New Orleans, Historic Downtown Covington is a great place to start. In addition to its fine old architecture, be sure to visit landmarks like HJ Smith & Sons General Store & Museum. This family-owned business has been around since 1876 and features cool displays of historic artifacts and artworks (and lots of unique souvenirs).

A focal point for visitors is the Covington Trailhead Museum, the starting point of the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile trail along a former railroad corridor. Popular for walking, biking, and horseback riding, this trail connects to several other communities, making Covington a great place from which to explore southern Louisiana.

Natchitoches

Natchitoches is another scenic small town that’s convenient to get to, this time thanks to its position on the I-49 midway between Alexandria and Shreveport. Known as the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase (it was founded in 1714), visitors can get a taste of the town’s past with a visit to historic downtown. Natchitoches. This designated National Historic Landmark covers 33 blocks and is fun to explore on foot, with street after street of beautifully preserved French Creole architecture, housing quaint shops and restaurants that serve traditional Southern and Creole cuisine.

Other highlights include popping into the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, built in the 1850s and boasting attractive Gothic architecture, and the Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, a replica of an early French fort with its re-enactments and guided tours. Be sure to look into the scenic boat tours of the Cane River.

Abbeville

Abbeville, just a 30-minute drive south of Lafayette, also boasts a well-preserved and scenic downtown area. Highlights include Steen’s Syrup Mill, where the company’s famous cane syrup has been made since 1910 (fun tours are available). Abbeville is also home to the Giant Omelette Celebration, a quirky annual festival that honors the town’s French heritage with the cooking of a giant omelet using over 5,000 eggs (a kids’ omelet using 600 eggs is also made).

This unique festival can trace its roots back to Napoleonic times and also features music, food, and crafts. The nearby Palmetto Island State Park is another must-visit for its scenic setting, abundant wildlife, hiking trails, and canoeing opportunities.

St. Francisville

St. Francisville is located near the Mississippi River near the state border with Mississippi and makes for a fun Louisiana retreat. Well-known for its rich history and stunning antebellum architecture, St. Francisville offers a glimpse into the Old South through attractions like The Myrtles. Reputed to be one of America's most haunted homes, this well-preserved former plantation provides guided tours that explore both the architectural beauty and ghostly tales associated with the estate.

Another significant historic site is the Rosedown Plantation. In addition to exploring one of the most beautifully maintained gardens in the South, be sure to take a tour of the 8,000-square-foot 1835 mansion itself.

Breaux Bridge

Breaux Bridge is a must-visit for lovers of Cajun food. Known as the "Crawfish Capital of the World," this vibrant community is a magnet for food enthusiasts and music lovers alike, thanks to its annual Crawfish Festival. Held every May, this fun event draws visitors from all over with live Cajun and Zydeco music, dance contests, and, of course, plentiful servings of crawfish prepared in every way imaginable.

Downtown Breaux Bridge is a delightful place to explore, too, whether you’re here for the shopping or the food. Lake Martin, just outside Breaux Bridge, is an essential stop for nature lovers and is part of the Cypress Island Preserve, with ample opportunities for bird-watching.

Mandeville

Mandeville’s another Lake Pontchartrain community that’s worth including in a Louisiana travel itinerary. Located on the lake’s north shore, the waterfront is among the most scenic in the state and is fun for leisurely walks, picnics, or just relaxing while watching a glorious sunset. The town’s lakefront is also home to the Mandeville Trailhead, part of the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile rail-to-trail conversion that is ideal for biking, jogging, and walking amidst lush greenery; it connects to the nearby town of Covington (mentioned above), making it possible to explore both these scenic Louisiana towns in a day or a weekend.

Other fun things to do in Mandeville include visiting Lang House, built in the mid-19th century and home to the Jean Baptiste Lang Creole House Museum, and the Dew Drop Jazz & Social Hall, built in 1895 and one of the oldest rural jazz halls in the USA that continues to host live music events.

Thibodaux

The captivating small town of Thibodaux is also worth a visit. Top attractions in Thibodaux include the E.D. White Historic Site, once the family home of a former U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice that offers insightful tours highlighting the region's judicial and agricultural history. The town is also home to Nicholls State University, which adds a youthful energy to the area and hosts numerous cultural events.

The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve at the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center is another must-visit and includes in walking tours, storytelling sessions, and craft demonstrations that provide deeper insight into the Acadian way of life. Enjoy nature? Head to nearby Bayou Lafourche, a natural treasure that’s perfect for kayaking, fishing, and experiencing stunning Louisiana scenery.

The Final Word

There’s little doubt that Louisiana’s charm extends far beyond the usual tourist destinations of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Luckily, those travelers who do enjoy authentic Southern experiences don’t have to venture too far off the beaten path to find them in Louisiana. Whether it’s the haunted plantations of St. Francisville or the lively crawfish boils of Breaux Bridge, these seven are the most scenic small towns in Louisiana.