7 Best Small Towns To Visit In Louisiana
When you ponder a trip to Louisiana, does your mind immediately go to the fabulous Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans? Without a doubt, the city is famous for a reason. In 2018, a whopping 18.5 million people visited “The Big Easy,” and tourism continues to flourish; its unique nightlife, festivities, architecture, and food entice people from all over the state, country, and world.
But beyond the borders of New Orleans, Louisiana’s small towns feature a ton of similar draws without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Many host their own incredible Mardi Gras celebrations, and even more feature some of the state’s most authentic Creole and Cajun restaurants, gorgeous landscapes, and pockets of Louisiana history. From the marshy gator-filled bayous to the serene shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the state’s terrains are as diverse as they are breathtaking, and alongside the natural beauty in these small towns, you are bound to see and learn about a side of Louisiana you may not have known existed.
Natchitoches
The town of Natchitoches (pronounced “Nack-a-tish”) is a community whose rich history and vibrant culture make it one of Louisiana's most sought-after small towns. It was named after the Indigenous Natchitoches people and was established in 1714, making it the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. The Cane River (an oxbow lake that once flowed from the Red River) is one of the town’s most prized features, much of which faces downtown Natchitoches.
The downtown, combined with the connected neighborhoods within a 35-block radius, is recognized as a National Landmark Historic District. The area’s historic homes, trolley rides, art galleries, and bed and breakfasts are easy on the eyes and make for a blissful weekend away from the chaos of everyday life. If you hope to stay awhile, look no further than one of the district’s bed and breakfasts. The area is often called the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana” due to offering over 35 charming accommodations, with more than 125 total rooms. The Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast (once a set for the famous 1989 film Steel Magnolias) is just one example, offering a cozy B&B experience served with Louisiana’s famous hospitality.
Gonzales
Between the vibrant cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans, you will find the self-proclaimed “Jambalaya Capital of the World.” Gonzales, a town famous for its Cajun cuisine, more than lives up to this name, with a proud array of restaurants specializing in the dish. Hit up restaurants like The Jambalaya Shoppe or Pot & Paddle Jambalaya Kitchen for some authentic, rustic jambalaya, gumbo, and other Cajun classics.
You will want to visit Gonzales in the springtime for an even broader selection. For over 40 years, the town’s annual Jambalaya Festival has lured visitors from all over Louisiana with the promise of great food, carnival rides, and live music. But if you are not in town during the festivities, there are still plenty of other things to see and do. Jambalaya Park’s reflection pond, scenic walking paths, and picnic areas make this a great place to visit throughout the year. The Mississippi River is also just a hop, skip, and jump away.
New Roads
A little over an hour northwest of Gonzales, New Roads are often called the “Little Carnival Capital.” Since as early as 1881, this historic town has been hosting Mardi Gras celebrations that draw thousands of people every year. With a population of just 4,379 as of 2021, the festivities may not draw the same crowds as the famed New Orleans, but many choose New Roads as a celebration destination for that very reason. Its annual parade is one of the oldest running Mardi Gras traditions in Louisiana, and despite New Roads’ size, the town knows how to throw a party for the ages.
New Roads may be quieter throughout the year, but its lively attractions remain. Locals and visitors alike can appreciate the breathtaking False River, a 15-mile-long oxbow lake where boating, waterskiing, fishing, and strolling are popular pastimes. Alternatively, running parallel to the river, you can follow one of Louisiana's best Main Streets to discover the various historic estates and businesses like False River Antique Mall to see what treasures you can find.
Monroe
Monroe is another Louisiana town settled on the shores of a gorgeous waterway. But with a population of just over 47,000, the town is a fair bit busier than New Roads and offers more to do. The 605-mile Ouachita River, by all means, anchors the town with its beauty and water recreation, and it also connects Monroe to its sister city, West Monroe. Both towns owe their names to the river, whose waters carried the “Monroe” steamboat, the first to ever ride the Ouachita to North Louisiana.
After basking in the waterfront views or taking a guided riverboat tour with Ouachita River Cruises, the Biedenharn Museum & Gardens is just a short walk from the water. Here, you can tour the historic Biedenharn Home, a 1914 structure whose eclectic antiques, furnishings, and rooms are a dazzling reflection of its previous residents. Originally, the home belonged to Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first to bottle the iconic Coca-Cola beverage, which explains why the museum also showcases a historical Coke exhibit. Back outside, you will not want to miss the Elsong Gardens, whose intricate landscape was developed by Biendenharn’s daughter. Enclosed within English-style brick walls, stroll the 1-acre grounds, its fountains, terraces, and year-round blooms transporting you to the pages of an English storybook.
Avery Island
For a different Louisiana garden experience, Avery Island is home to Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre botanical park and bird sanctuary. The garden originally opened back in 1953 under E.A. McIlhenny, the son of Edmund McIlhenny. If the name sounds familiar, Edmund McIlhenny founded the famed Tabasco Company, whose Tabasco factories and iconic red peppers have thrived on this island for over five generations.
Although Avery Island is not technically considered a town, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a humble population of residents. Despite its small occupancy, the Jungle Gardens have brought this Louisiana salt dome to life ever since E.A. McIlhenny opened it to the public. Originally, the gardens focused on McIlhenny’s collection of rare and exotic plants, but today, the exhibits have vastly expanded. You can drive or walk through the man-made lagoons along the Bayou Petit Anse, where alligators, bears, and bobcats can often be spotted. The garden’s “Bird City” is also home to thousands of birds, including herons and egrets. Quieter parts of the park include the bamboo groves, featuring some of America’s oldest timber bamboo, and the garden’s centerpiece is a 900-year-old Buddha statue in a tranquil temple.
Grand Isle
If a Louisiana island experience intrigues you, you may want to visit the pleasant beach town of Grand Isle. The community is located on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. On the island's eastern end, the Grand Isle State Park features a beach whose ridge was formed by the power of the Gulf’s waves, and the 1-mile stretch of sand includes Louisiana's last remaining wild beach.
Deep-sea fishing is a popular activity here, as well as swimming, birding, and crabbing. But what makes the fishing so great is its pier: the 900-ft. public dock stretches right into the Gulf, and it is the only pier in Louisiana to do so. According to state officials, more than 280 fish species live in these waters, making this a great way to catch your dinner. If you would prefer a less hands-on meal, the island is also home to many delectable seafood eateries, including the Starfish Restaurant, a local hotspot serving anything from fresh seafood gumbo to crispy fried oysters.
Breaux Bridge
If authentic Louisiana seafood is what you are after, head over to Breaux Bridge for some of the state and country's best crawfish cooking. Inspired by the region’s Indigenous population way back when the Cajuns also began to adopt the crustaceans into their menus, Breaux Bridge included. Here, the iconic crawfish etouffee dish originated, which is one of the most famous uses of the ingredient worldwide. Breaux Bridge became so famous for its crawfish farming and cuisine that back in 1959, the Louisiana Legislature even declared Breaux Bridge “la capitale Mondiale de l’ecrevisse”, which translates to “the crawfish capital of the world.”
Today, crawfish farming is still a booming industry in Breaux Bridge, and places like Crazy Bout Crawfish continue to celebrate the prized ingredient. The restaurant serves the famous crawfish etouffee and offers a range of other classic Cajun favorites, including fried catfish, fried shrimp, and even fried alligator. In May, the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is in full swing, offering a fantastic range of food and live entertainment. For the 2024 year, more than 30 Cajun and Creole bands will perform, along with a crawfish étouffée cook-off, a crawfish eating contest, and carnival rides, making this an excellent event for all ages.
Experience Authentic Louisiana
Whether you want to experience Louisiana's iconic Cajun cuisines or enchanting natural landscapes, these small towns offer a gateway to some of the most unique flavors, sights, and experiences across the state. If you are looking for a blend of history and Cajun flavors, head over to Breaux Bridge to eat a dish made famous by the town where it was created. For the chance to catch your own meal, cast a line into the mighty Atlantic from Grand Isle’s famous pier.
From town to town, the experiences and flavors are unique and exciting, but what they all have in common is their hospitality. Whatever time of year you find yourself here, whether you are visiting for a festival, celebration, or just a regular day, these Louisiana towns are excited to welcome you into their lives to experience a sense of community like no other.
