9 Prettiest Small Towns In Louisiana

Louisiana is known as the "Sportsman's Paradise" for its abundant fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities. The state is also known for its Creole and French heritage, which resounds in the creative dishes and Zydeco music, which adds an artistic and cultural flair to this unique state. These nine towns are among the prettiest in Louisiana and embrace the true spirit, known as "joie de vivre," or the joy of living. Though bigger cities are attractive destinations, planning a trip to the smaller hamlets lets you experience Louisiana's authenticity at a slower, more relaxed pace.

The communities are warm and inviting, and each has unique historic residences and commercial buildings that are fun to explore. Architectural styles range from French Colonial or Creole to majestic Antebellum mansions. These towns offer outdoor adventure and charming entertainment areas to unwind after a day of exploration and are among the best to visit in Louisiana.

Natchitoches

Historical Natchitoches is one of the prettiest towns in Louisiana, both in terms of natural scenery and beautiful architecture. The National Historic Landmark District embraces the authentic spirit of the state, featuring French Creole townhouses and historical commercial buildings such as the Minor Basilica with stained glass windows and the 19th-century Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile, the city's oldest general store. "Steel Magnolias" was filmed here because of Natchitoches' historic charm and beauty, representing Louisiana's heritage and culture.

Cane River National Creole National Historical Park highlights the heritage and influence of the Creole people. The Cane River region was home to the Creole people for over 200 years, and the park explores their history while showcasing historical landmarks like the Magnolia and Oakland Plantations. Natchitoches offers much more and is best discovered on foot to thoroughly soak up all its charms.

Covington

Covington is considered a "scenic route" for its position between three rivers and is famous for its Arts district in its registered Historic District downtown. The tree-lined streets provide a tranquil backdrop while discovering the local attractions and architecture, such as the 1846 Christ Episcopal Church and the 1907 Southern Hotel. The church is uniquely designated as the last original house of worship and is a must-see.

Covington is also an ideal place to visit for foodies and offers many dining options for every palate, such as Nur's Kitchen. Cultural attractions to discover include the Covington Trailhead Museum and H.J. Smith's Son General Store and Museum. The former museum honors the town's past, while the latter has been a Covington institution since 1876 and offers a unique glimpse into the town's cultural heritage.

St. Francisville

Scenic St. Francisville is known for its natural beauty and charm. It is overflowing with historic architecture, award-winning restaurants, and abundant wildlife. The historic downtown features dozens of historic homes, commercial buildings, and churches, such as Grace Episcopal Church and the Old Benevolent Society Building.

Another historical structure is the elegant red-brick Julius Freyhan High School. The Julius Freyhan Foundation is restoring the school and Temple Sinai to become the town's cultural focal point. More local history can be discovered at the West Feliciana Historical Society Museum or by strolling through the city and exploring the historic architecture.

Breaux Bridge

The iconic drawbridge heading into Breaux Bridge over Bayou Teche is a regional landmark famous for its crawfish painting. The painting nods to the town's stature as the "Crawfish Capital of the World." State legislation recognized it in its centennial year, 1959, as "la capitale Mondiale de l'ecrevisse," the "Crawfish Capital of the World."

The small community honors its seafood heritage with several yearly festivals, including the Annual Crawfish Festival and Zydeco: Accordions, the Blues, and Dancing Shoes in July. Both crawfish and eclectic music are cultural staples of the region, and this is best experienced in Breaux Bridge, where timeless traditions are celebrated at every opportunity.

Darrow

Darrow is a historically scenic small town on the banks of the Mississippi River and a short drive from bustling New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It is home to several graceful Antebellum mansions, making the River Road area so prominent and capturing Louisiana's essence. Brocage Plantation, ca. 1837, is open for tours and overnight stays, and the 1840 Houmas House, known as the "Sugar Palace," showcases the Antebellum Period and reflects on the Civil War, cane farming, and Louisiana history.

Another historic masterpiece is Darrow's first Greek Revival structure, which uniquely looks at the area's historical heritage and grace. The River Road African American Museum is housed in the Brazier-Watkins House and acknowledges the contributions of African Americans who lived and worked on the region's many plantations. Visit Darrow feels like visiting the Antebellum Period and offers one of the most beautiful looks at historic Louisiana.

Marksville

In Central Louisiana, Marksville is a unique blend of historic storefronts, Native American heritage sites, and modern entertainment venues. The Marksville State Historic Site was built by Native Americans influenced by the Hopewell people from the time of Christ. The earthworks site includes six rings and one C-shaped earthen ridge over 60 acres, where many priceless artifacts have been discovered. With its traditional red-brick storefronts, Marksville Main Street is a charming district with a vibrant culture and an ideal location to find the community's style.

Modern attractions include the Paragon Casino Resort, operated by the Tunica-Biloxi tribe, which offers 500 lavish rooms and suites and contemporary casino games. Interspersed between ancient history and modern attractions is a patchwork of Colonial history, starting with the 1820 Hypolite-Bordelon House. The house was established shortly after the town's founding and provides a unique view into the life of European settlers.

Alexandria

Alexandria, founded in 1820, captures Louisiana's unique and vibrant culture and heritage. It is known for its business history, Mardi Gras celebrations, and natural beauty. Historic landmarks like the 1796 Kent House, an authentic Creole plantation and one of the oldest standing structures in the state, are also present. Modern cultural attractions include the Alexandria Museum of Art, housed in a contemporary building featuring rotating exhibits and live concerts.

Alexandria is distinctive as the home of the Louisiana History Museum. The fun and educational museum features family-friendly events and explores the history of Central Louisiana through a unique blend of artifacts and exhibits. There are many more historic and cultural attractions to discover, like the Zoological Park and the Alexandria Museum of Art, making this one of the prettiest towns in Louisiana.

Grand Isle

Grand Isle is on a barrier island in Southern Louisiana and embraces the state slogan of being a Sportsman's Paradise. This remote oasis jutting out into the Gulf of America (Mexico) is famous for its fishing opportunities, uncrowded beaches, and local restaurants specializing in Louisiana seafood dishes. Anglers are drawn to the area because of its over 280 fish species and abundant charter companies like A Day in Paradise and Follow Me Charters.

After a day offshore, unwind at one of the many notable restaurants such as Jo Bob's Gas and Grill or Camardelle's Seafood. Birding is popular on the island, especially at the Grand Isle Birding Trail and the Lafitte Woods Nature Preserve/Nature Trail through a live oak and hackberry forest. Grand Isle has much to do, but taking a day to lounge on the beach and soak in the natural beauty of this outpost should be on any travel itinerary.

Houma

Houma is famous for its rich heritage and is a "must-visit" small town. Historical sites include the Southdown Plantation and Museum, Volumnia Farm, and the Le Petit Theatre de Terrebonne. Houma also offers an authentic look into Louisiana's love of outdoor culture at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum. The museum features artifacts and other exhibits about the state's culture and even includes a live Cajun band on Tuesdays.

One should not miss visiting the magnificent Gothic Revival 1847 St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, a cultural landmark in town. The Terrebonne Folklife Culture Center also tells the heritage of Houma in its architecture and exhibits. Located in the Historic District, the center offers local artwork, classes, seminars, and a glimpse into the rich culture the small community is famous for.

From outdoor attractions to historic downtown areas, these are the nine prettiest towns in Louisiana. Each one offers something unique, but all embrace the Creole culture, a state trademark. One of the best things about visiting these small cities is that you can combine natural attractions with charming inns and award-winning restaurants.

Though many come to Louisiana for its numerous outdoor adventures, one can find as many things to do in the entertainment districts, too. Breaux Bridge is a prime example, with its Zydeco music and crawfish dishes in the downtown districts. Towns like this often hold festivals and live events celebrating Louisiana's unique cultural flair, and it is among the best times to visit.