2024's 7 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Louisiana
Louisiana, known as "the sportsman's paradise," is full of marshes, wetlands, and stunning scenery. The small towns throughout the state exude the best of what Louisiana offers: outdoor adventure, sophisticated dining, and historic structures with vintage architecture. These pedestrian-friendly towns are best explored on foot, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in their serene settings. The state's eclectic charm is defined by Cajun spices, alligators, and bayou music, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Louisiana's diverse landscapes and warm, welcoming people make it a fun and inviting destination. To discover these wonderful aspects, here are the most beautiful small towns in Louisiana.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is a historic French settlement, the oldest in Louisiana. The historic district is a trip to the past, containing French Creole townhouses and the splendid Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception Church with stained glass windows. But the heart of the district is Kaffie-Fredrick General Mercantile, founded in 1863, the oldest general store in Louisiana. There are also museums, trolleys, and historic cemeteries for a complete insight into the past.
The Prudhomme-Rouquier Home is another landmark point of interest. It is a beautiful example of 19th-century architecture and is available for weekly or monthly rent. If the lovely town of Natchitoches looks familiar, it was the setting for the film Steel Magnolias because of its Southern charm and beauty.
Grand Isle
The barrier island of Grand Isle is on the southern tip of Louisiana and is a hot spot for boating and offshore fishing. It was first settled in the 1780s and inhabited by Native Americans and pirates, most notably Jean Lafitte. Today, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who flock here for its beaches and Grand Isle State Park. The park spans a beach ridge that connects to the Mississippi tributaries and produces fantastic fishing opportunities.
Another preserve, Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge, offers coastal dunes, marshlands, and beaches. Book a room at Bridge Side Cabins and Marina to complete a trip to the barrier island. This resort hotel is a full-service marina and hotel, ideal for a fishing vacation.
Covington
A historic town bustling with culture, Covington is best known for its Arts District, which displays various styles. Visitors can check out the Rutland Street Gallery, Marianne Angeli Rodriguez Gallery, and Icons Museum for some insight into local art. The H.J. Smith & Sons General Store and Museum is near the Arts District. The museum has been open since 1876 and includes antique items from that period, including a cypress dugout canoe.
Another landmark is the Tammany Trace Trail. The bike and hiking trail runs from downtown Covington to Slidell and was once a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad. After a full day of exploring and hiking, grab a nightcap at Abita Brewing Company, one of the largest in Louisiana.
St. Francisville
St. Francisville is a sleepy town with a slower pace of life, only 30 miles from the bustling city of Baton Rouge. The historic district includes structures like the Grace Church Of West Feliciana and the West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum that history enthusiasts adore. Among the architecture that makes St. Francisville so beautiful is the Afton Villa Gardens. The estate centers around a Gothic revival-style mansion destroyed by a fire, and the remnants are now reflected in the Ruins Garden. Moreover, it boasts a tree-lined drive winding through the 20-acre English gardens for excellent photo opportunities.
There are also dining options that reflect Southern refinement. Magnolia Cafe has a charming setting, and Restaurant 1796 is reportedly haunted, which only adds to the allure of St. Francisville.
St. Martinville
The town of St. Martinville is known as an international symbol of the Acadian people who settled in Louisiana. The small town is also unabashedly Creole through and through, as reflected in the cuisine, culture, and traditions. The Acadian Memorial and Museum pays homage to the nearly 3,000 Acadians who landed in Louisiana after being exiled, and several other historical landmarks are located throughout the town.
The Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site on North Main Street is named after Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem Evangeline. The poem details the expulsion of the Acadian people from Nova Scotia, while the home details the diverse history of the people groups who settled in St. Martinville. The town is also nestled along the Bayou Treche, offering plenty of outdoor scenes, such as the Evangeline Oak Park.
Breaux Bridge
The town of Breaux Bridge was named after the suspension footbridge that spans Bayou Teche. It is also the crawfish capital of the world, and crawfish farms make up the bulk of the local economy. The annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is held every May and is an excellent opportunity to experience this small town at its peak.
Walking around the downtown area lends a feeling of authentic history. Lagniappe Antique Mall embraces this history with collectibles in a 17,000-square-foot marketplace. For an authentic Cajun experience, book a boat ride with Swamp Tours of Acadiana. The family-owned boats provide tours of Lake Martin for 6-8 people and are a great way to see the ecological masterpiece called Louisiana.
Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville is a quaint town on the western bank of the Mississippi River. It was the capital of Louisiana from 1829 to 1831, and the town motto today is"History Lives Here," a testimony to the many historical markers and sites. The historic district comprises large plantation homes with Spanish and French architecture, like the Palo Alto Plantation on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby, the River Road African American Museum is in the historic 1890s Brazier-Watkins House. It aims to preserve the legacy of the Dr. Lowery Medical Office, Rosenwald School, and many other historical sites.
Those not here for local history can grab a bite at one of many delicious eateries such as the Grapevine Cafe and Gallery. The amalgamation of history and cultures in Donaldsonville is stunning, and the town feels like a portal to a distant time with its well-preserved structures and memorials.
Wrapping Up
Louisiana is not only a "sportsman's paradise," it is also a vibrant thread of history. Multiple African, Acadian, and French cultures have made the state home. Over time, various people groups have painted Louisiana in broad strokes, using their cultural influences. The influences can still be seen, heard, and tasted to this day, making the state one of the most historical in the nation. Plenty of outdoor adventures await in places like Grand Isle, the bayous, and the marshlands. Donaldsonville, Covington, and Breaux Bridge have a beautiful history. These seven towns represent a diverse cultural history and are the most beautiful in Louisiana.
