The Best Small Towns in Louisiana for a Weekend Retreat
When you think of Louisiana, you may think of the famous cities of Baton Rouge or New Orleans. Outside these bustling tourist attractions are sleepy little towns perfect for a weekend getaway sans the crowds. You’ll find some of the best Southern cuisine in these sleepy towns, as well as scenic parks and thriving shopping districts. These towns are so unique, that every one of them is worth checking off your Louisiana weekend trip list! Whether you want to stay in a B&B in a historic district or camp beachside, these towns have it all. Just make sure you grab a po’boy before you head home!
Abita Springs
Abita Springs was home to the Native Americans 2200 years ago, thanks to its abundant natural springs and wildlife. Today, it’s the perfect idyllic retreat when you want to unwind and unplug. Visit the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum or casually wander the Art and Farmer's market. Be sure to hit up the Maple Street Bakery for a sweet treat before hitting the town. Downtown Abita Springs has plenty of shops to keep you occupied all day.
Aside from its beauty, Abita is also famous for its Abita beer! Make sure to grab an Albita Beer at the Albita Brew Pub! If beer isn't your thing, you can also head to Milićević Family Vineyards for a relaxing evening, enjoying the stunning views with a glass of wine. With plenty of quaint B&Bs, you can feel like a local.
Bastrop
Bastrop is the perfect weekend getaway for nature enthusiasts. Get your camera ready because you’re about to take a bunch of photos! Hike the scenic trails at Chemin-A-Haut State Park. Or, head to Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge to marvel at the lush bayou wildlife. After a day of adventure, you can catch a show at the stunning Bastrop Opera House or head to the Lost Pines Art Center.
No trip to Bastrop is complete without a stop at Slayden's Barbecue for an old-fashioned Southern meal. If you love bird watching, long hikes, and fresh air, Bastrop is the perfect weekend getaway spot. Book an affordable hotel in town, or set up camp in Chemin-A-Haut State Park.
Houma
Want to experience a Louisiana Bayou? Then look no further than Houma! Reserve a fan boat for a tour, or take a leisurely tour of Laura Plantation, an authentic Creole plantation that dates back to the early 1800s. The Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge is a great hiking spot along the bayou. They also offer steamboat rides and a New Orleans zipline swamp tour!
After a day of adventure on the bayou, take it easy with a town tour. You can roam the gardens of Volumnia House, or learn more about the bayous at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum. Don’t worry; there are plenty of scenic hotels in the Bayou that you can stay in after a long day.
Alexandria-Pineville
Alexandria-Pineville is a colorful, vibrant city known for its thriving arts scene that has something for the whole family. Take the kids to T.R.E.E. House, a hands-on children's museum, or head to the Alexandria Zoological Park. Or, head to the beautiful Alexandria Museum of Art situated on the riverfront.
There are tons of quaint coffee shops, bakeries, and breweries in the downtown area. Head to the Alexandria Mall for a full day of shopping, and be sure to grab a bite to eat at Quebedeaux' Boudin & Cracklins. From shopping, museums, and parks, you may not be able to hit up every attraction in a single weekend, but you can also stay at one of their many hotels or rustic B&Bs in town for as long as you like!
Natchitoches
Natchitoches is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana, founded in 1714. It's the perfect weekend getaway for history buffs or those who love exploring museums. This picturesque town is right out of a postcard. Tour the historic French Fort St. Jean Baptiste or the Rebel State Historic Site.
For more adventure, you can also visit one of the many hiking trails at the Roque House and Gardens. The Dark Woods Adventure Park is an exciting spot to check out in the fall. They offer haunted tours—which may be a little too intense for the little ones! Book a room at the Chateau Saint Denis for the ultimate Natchitoches experience.
Donaldsonville
As the former capital of Louisiana, Donaldsonville is rich in history. The historic architecture feels like stepping back in time. Admire the beautiful architecture or do a little antique shopping in one of the many shops in the Donaldsonville Historic District. One of the more popular attractions is the River Road African American Museum, which provides a deep dive into the town's history.
Aside from its many historical spots, Donaldsonville is also surrounded by parks, forests, and scenic waterways. Admire the view at Cresent Park or take a hike at one of the many public parks.While there are some hotels in the area, the best way to enjoy Donaldsonville is in one of its quaint B&Bs.
Madisonville
Settled along the Tchefuncte River, Madisonville is the perfect maritime getaway. Head to the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum or spend the afternoon hiking the scenic trails at their state park. They offer boating adventure tours to take in the sights without the need to lace up those hiking boots. The biggest attraction in Madisonville, however, is the Tchefuncte River Light Station, which dates back to 1837.
Be sure to stop at Tchefuncte's Restaurant for the best seafood you’ve ever had! If you can make it in the fall, catch the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival, which draws crowds in the thousands. If you’re staying for the Wooden Boat Festival, book your hotel in advance!
Grand Isle
Love the beach, but hate the crowds? Grand Isle is the perfect destination for a sleepy, beachy retreat. It’s one of Louisiana's only inhabited barrier islands and the perfect spot to unwind. The trails at Grand Isle State Park are rich with lush vegetation and are the ideal spot for birdwatching. Unlike other beachy towns, Grand Isle is a hidden gem without a lot of frills. It's a great spot to spend the weekend relaxing and curling up with a good book.
After a long day of soaking up the sun on the beach, stop at Starfish restaurant for fresh seafood. Then, retreat to your seaside cabin from Bridge Side Cabins and Marina. Nothing melts away stress like waking up in a seaside cabin to the sound of the ocean.
Breaux Bridge
Breaux Bridge, aka the Crawfish Capital of the World, is all the flavor of New Orleans with none of the crowds. On the southern tip of the state, Breaux Bridge offers quaint B&Bs and cabins and a rustic downtown with plenty of shopping. A trip to Breaux Bridge isn't complete without a stop at the Lagniappe Antique Mall! You can spend an entire afternoon roaming the store's unique and eclectic finds.
If shopping isn't your thing, Lake Martin offers the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the scenery. This town offers some of the most stunning scenic views, so get your camera ready! The best time to visit this treasured gem is in May when they hold the annual Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival.
The best way to experience all that Louisiana has to offer is through its small-town hidden gems. These small towns offer some of the best Southern cuisine and friendly locals, making for a perfect weekend escape. With such a rich history, every museum is unique in its own way. When you crave simplicity and stunning views, look no further than Louisiana. It’s the perfect way to unplug from the world, dine on fresh seafood, and enjoy the stunning vistas the state has to offer. From beaches to bayous to nature preserves, there’s something here for everyone.
