7 Towns In Louisiana With The Best Downtown Areas In 2024

Everything we see has a beginning. Adults start as children, trees are grown from seeds, and towns evolve from what we all know to be the downtown area. It all began with a dream to build something unique that would grow to be impressive and worthy of civic pride—humble beginnings with the hope of aggressive expansion and diverse economic growth. In the South, many towns started this way, and while most of these downtown spaces look similar, no two are alike.

Each has its own unique charm, an eclectic catalog of shops, and a magnetic draw that brings locals and visitors to see what's new, gaze at the architecture, and experience distinctive events no one should miss. With its French lineage, festive atmosphere, and a style all its own, Louisiana's small towns are the birthplace of many interesting and wild downtowns worthy of note and eager for attention. Locals are filled with southern charm and hospitality and are happy to welcome all comers, but the party never ends. Get involved, see the sights, and embrace the energy. You’ll be glad you did.

Natchitoches

Unlike many towns in the United States, downtown Natchitoches is set on Front Street, not the traditional Main or First. This totally makes sense when a patron exits any of the side-by-side establishments to a gorgeous view of lush landscapes with the Cane River in the background. Front and center with shopping bags in hand and bellies full, visitors are immediately enchanted by the beauty of nature.

As the oldest settlement in Louisiana, downtown retains its European architecture, meticulously maintained by the chamber of commerce. The historic downtown district stretches 33 blocks providing ample room for events such as the spring and summer farmer’s market, Corvette Cruise-in Show and Shine, and the Cane River Zydeco Festival to name a few.

Abbeville

Culture explodes from every inch of breathtaking Abbeville historic Main Street. The journey begins are the Abbeville Cultural and Historical Alliance Center where interested curious visitors can learn about the town, the area, and Abbeville’s significance to Louisiana. Then get your shopping fix at the Depot, a popular shop for tourists looking for something special to punctuate their trip. Theater lovers shouldn’t overlook the Abbey Players, a local acting company with new shows often.

Those seeking a different type of downtown event will be disappointed to miss the Daylily Festival, Abbeville Family Fish Fest, or Giant Omelet Celebration. You read that last one correctly. Once a year, at the beginning of November, the good people of Abbeville whisk together 5000 eggs to create this monstrous breakfast item. The event starts on Saturday with the cooking of the massive eggy delight on Sunday.

Eunice

Although Eunice doesn’t have the largest Main Street in Louisiana, what it lacks in size, it makes up in rich Cajun hospitality and character. From its Acadian-infused architecture to the live Cajun music that seems to be wafting on air throughout the day to the blend of shops and dining options that will satisfy all your needs, downtown Eunice is ready to help you make some fantastic memories.

In the proud tradition of New Orleans, Eunice presents a Cajun Mardi Gras Festival with colors, sounds, and smells that will surely cast a spell on lucky tourists. Merchants love the annual Sip and Stroll, a single-day event in December where sipping a delicious libation is combined with shopping as folks stroll up and down Main Street. Permanent stores, as well as pop-up shops of all types, line the street, ready to peddle their wares. Fall in Eunice will delight all ages with plenty of entertainment, live music, and authentic Cajun cuisine. The party must go on.

St. Martinville

The French influence is so prevalent in St. Martinsville, many of the residents still speak French. Of course they would when the town was once settled by French Royalty, with many descendants amongst the current populace. Add to this mossy oaks, historic museums, and old-world class and style, and St. Martinsville is a land out of time, and yet still holds plenty of contemporary charm.

Known as Le Petit Paris, French style abounds in most of the structures in the Historic District, and many of these buildings are on the Historic Registry. Take in a play at the Duchamp Opera House, browse the mercantile, and explore warm and inviting shops that line all of Downtown, just waiting for you. Then stick around for the Festival of Lights, Pepper Festival, and St. Martinsville’s very own Mardi Gras.

Thibodaux

Welcome to Historic Thibodaux. Just off the banks of Bayou Lafourche, this historic space has the appearance and energy harkening back to the founding of the town and still retains all the class, color, and style. Upkeep is critical and maintaining the look of each and every building is a labor of love, and it shows. Pick any store or restaurant and be transported back in time.

Hungry folks from all around head to this lovely little slice of historical heaven for events like the Big Boy’s Main Street Cook-Off, a culinary showcase that will knock your socks right off. During Halloween time, downtown becomes a playground for ghosts, witches, ghouls, and even princesses as shops and vendors host a fun and safe trick-or-treat event perfect for the whole family. Kids also get involved in September for Clean Up Day, a single-day event featuring extensive litter collection, weeding, and general sprucing up. It is certainly one of the nine off the beaten path Louisiana towns.

Donaldsville

The town motto of Donaldsville is “Respecting our past, building our future.” This point statement speaks volumes and is true in many towns throughout Louisiana, but in Donaldsville, a volunteer effort takes it a step further. Restoration, business promotion, drawing in entities to inspire economic growth, and celebrating its rich culture, heritage, and history is always the biggest priority.

That doesn’t mean Donaldsville doesn’t know how to have fun, cut loose, and let the good times roll. Behold the centerpiece of downtown events, Downtown Live @ Crescent. Several events starting in May electrify and enchant locals and visitors with sights, sounds, and smells as parties, live music, and celebrations bring out the true spirit of Louisiana, all from the comfort of home sweet home.

Alexandria

Right in the middle of the state, Alexandria is considered the “Heart of Louisiana,” and unlike many Louisiana towns, it has drifted to more modern aesthetics. Don’t be put off by this. Alexandria still holds to its roots with plenty of exciting events like the annual Mardi Gras celebration and it continues to support a passionate sportsman culture, it has also allowed contemporary style to interweave with vintage architecture, a truly unique blend.

Pop into the Louisiana History Museum, and absorb the history, passion, and enchantment of the state, while delighting in the foremost collection of historical items anywhere in the state. Enrich your mind at the Arna Bontemps African American Museum, named after one of the leaders of the Harlem Renaissance. And round out the trip at Downtown Rocks, a live band event in Spring.

Louisiana has its staple attractions, party towns, and southern comforts, but just because a town is a little smaller, doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. Creole, Cajun, and French influences are in every corner of this beautiful southern state. Every town, no matter how small, proudly celebrates the hallowed past to learn, grow, and respect where it all began as they reach the future.

Take a drive, follow that back road, roll down the window, hear nature all around, and follow your nose. There is a very good chance all will lead to a downtown district having a gathering, event, or party with amazing food, epic music, and one whopper of a good time. Smiling faces, hospitality, and a warmth only found here await you.