6 Idyllic Small Towns In Louisiana To Visit In 2025
Louisiana’s small towns have long been the heart of its culture, born from its Native American roots, French and Spanish rule, and generations of African-American traditions. While big tourist centers like New Orleans and Baton Rouge get all sorts of attention, small towns also have lots to see and do. Getting the feeling you want to leave behind the noise of the city? Take a walk to a quiet, relaxed small town, and in 2025, get ready to see some of Louisiana's most idyllic towns.
Abita Springs
Once a home for Choctaw people and known for its hot springs, this town north of New Orleans morphed into a resort option during Victorian times. The attractive appeal and history from that period are still very alive in Abita Springs, and its Victorian charm can be felt and seen at places like the Abita Springs Historic District. There is also the famous Abita Springs Pavilion, which was built back in 1888 and is found in the middle of the city.
For something a bit different, head to the quirky Abita Mystery House, filled with diverse folk art. Or try the Trailhead Museum for the annual En Plein Air Art Show, where local artists paint live under the pavilion. Enjoy the outdoors by strolling on Tammany Trace as it weaves through woods and swamps, and is a good option to bike or see some of the local bird population. Just outside town, the Abita Nature Center offers a quiet retreat and habitat trails, combining hands-on discovery with a side of Louisiana nature.
St. Francisville
Perched near bluffs with a view of the Mississippi River, St. Francisville holds an appeal deeply tied to its Southern past. If you are passing through, make a quick visit to Rosedown to see the massive manor with its imposing columns and wide verandas. Plus, it has beautiful gardens full of flowers and fountains. Just a short drive away hangs a bit of mystery at The Myrtles. Here, there are tales of ghosts that will make your hair stand on end. Guided walks help visitors discover all the legends veiled within its Creole-style hallways.
For a bit of natural history, stop by Oakley House, part of what they call the Audubon State Historic Site. This spot is where John James Audubon stayed and worked tirelessly, drawing sketches of different birds, and now the grounds include trimmed paths and historic rooms to see. After, go for a walk in Tunica Hills, which has high hills and mucky paths, and the view changes from thick woods to tight valleys. You won't find much of Louisiana's usual flat lands here, with a higher altitude, crafted more by erosion from swift-moving water than marshes or rivers.
Breaux Bridge
Known as the Crawfish Capital of the World, Breaux Bridge is a combination of Cajun music and bayou charm with antique shops and swamp tours to showcase the heart and soul of Acadiana. With the water so accessible, get a water-level perspective by renting gear or taking guided tours along routes on Lake Martin or the Atchafalaya Basin for paddling with wildlife views. On Lake Martin, you can ride through flooded cypress forests filled with spoonbills and pass rookeries protected by the Cypress Island Nature Preserve, just 10 minutes from Breaux Bridge.
Another water adventure can be had from Parc des Ponts, and as you pass beneath ancient oak trees while following the same water route once used by Acadian settlers. Fancy something local? Go to Breaux Bridge's Historic District, where you can discover old architecture and pathways close to the bayou. Or, for some dancing, visit the stages at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, where people from all over gather for exciting Cajun music.
Grand Coteau
If you take a drive west for about an hour from Baton Rouge, you will find Grand Coteau, a quiet spot with a lot of history. You can begin exploring the town at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, a school that planted its roots in 1821 and is among the oldest educational buildings in the country still in use. Here, you might catch wind of a spiritual place to check out, the Shrine of St. John Berchmans. The location is home to the only Vatican-recognized miracle in the U.S. involving the physical appearance of a saint.
Near the town is the site of the Battle of Bayou Bourbeux, a 1863 Civil War battle where Confederate forces set a trap for Union soldiers. Another local feature you can find walking through town, outside of the past Civil War sites and towering live oaks, are public murals and art displays that tell stories from Creole and Catholic life. Lastly, if you would like some dessert, come in October when the town holds the Sweet Dough Pie Festival. Music, crafts, pies...this event has it all. Also, each November, the town hosts the Festival of Words, celebrating poetry and community storytelling.
Covington
The cheerful community and welcoming atmosphere make Covington a terrific place to drop by. The town, founded in 1813, pairs old-style streets with modern art and events. Hop on over to the Division of St. John Historic District for a dash of local heritage. You will find charming old buildings from the Victorian era and old ox carts that are over a hundred years old. Want to hit the water? Try kayaking or paddleboarding on the Bogue Falaya River. The river's edges touch the forest sights and create a calm spot in nature.
At Insta-Gator Ranch, you can get cozy with baby gators and discover the wild animals of Louisiana by exploring interactive displays. Not far away by car, the St. Tammany Art Association puts local artistic skills on display with a variety of shows and craft classes, and gives an artful counterpoint to the natural experiences waiting just beyond town limits. And if you love dogs, visit during Mardi Paws, Covington’s annual dog costume parade supporting animal welfare, held each Mardi Gras season.
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is the state's oldest town, and combines French Creole buildings and views of Cane River, giving us a look at Louisiana's colonial history. Walk down Main Street to feel the energy of Natchitoches, where brick roads lead you past iron railings and heritage buildings. In the middle of town is where you will find Fort St. Jean Baptiste, built to copy an old French outpost, back from the early 1700s. Down the river, you can find Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, which make up part of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. Here, you will find original cabins and cotton press machines that help narrate tales of industry and traditions passed down through generations.
If you visit the Melrose Plantation, don't miss out on the African House. This is where folk artist Clementine Hunter created mural paintings that have earned renown across the country. There is no better place to celebrate Christmas than when the Natchitoches Christmas Festival lights up the sky. Catch the fireworks, but make sure to go downtown, which glows with hundreds of thousands of lights, wrapping balconies and rooftops in a dazzling display unlike anything else in the state.
Every small town in Louisiana is a story created from the roots of its community. That can come from Native folklore, Creole flair, and the rich customs of Cajun people, and much more. These spots mingle timeless memories with nature's charm so that it feels true and ever-enduring. In 2025, travel to Louisiana, find the quiet spot for you, and find an idyllic town where culture lives on and the past is never far away.
