The Best Small Towns in Louisiana to Chill Out In 2024

When Roy Orbison sang, "Where the folks are fun, And the world is mine, Where those fishing boats, With their sails afloat..in Blue Bayou", he was reminiscing about his cherished time living in a small town in Louisiana. With one of the wealthiest heritages on the Gulf Coast, you can understand why it continues to inspire artists to capture its authenticity. There is something very unique in the way the southern states evoke a sense of tranquility. Perhaps it is the slower pace or the genteel attitudes that have not been forgotten. Maybe it is their unflagging efforts to showcase the beauty of their territories or the endless miles of untouched shoreline. Regardless of the reasons, the biodiverse nature preserves and historic antebellum culture provide plenty of opportunities to find your own zen. Here are some of the best to get your chill on in 2024.

Natchitoches

Named after the indigenous Natchitoche tribe, this French-influenced hamlet is one of the oldest in Louisiana. Originally designated a port for Spanish trade, it is on the National Historic Registry.

Cane River National Heritage Area is Creole country and the ideal place to find your chill. The entire area is replete with hiking trails, picnic areas, and French-designed plantation homes, Oakland and Magnolia. Daily tours are offered to learn the history of their origins.

Fort St Jean Baptiste State Historic Site is a military outpost recreation of the structure from 1716. It is only three hundred yards from the original location, and period costumed docents give informative and entertaining tours.

The Historic District, which spans 33 blocks, is a shopping utopia. Its cobblestone streets are lined with everything from locally sourced boutiques to homestyle Louisiana eateries. Kaffie—Frederick General Mercantile has reached iconic status. The oldest continually running store is on the National Register of Historic Places. Third-generation family members continue to own and operate the mercantile, which houses aisles of kitchenware and assorted goods.

Sports enthusiasts will spend hours in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Exhibits on the second floor of the Northwest Louisiana History Museum highlight over 300 Louisiana athletic heroes.

Breaux Bridge

Crawfish is the name of the game in this small town in St. Martin Parish's heart. Founded in 1829, Breaux Bridge was officially designated the "Crawfish Capital of the World."

Host to the annual Crawfish Festival, Breaux Bridge provides visitors with various opportunities whether they want to unplug or get some adrenaline pumping.

Slip on your wellies and take a Cajun Country Swamp Tour. Operated on renovated crawfish skiff boats, these tours allow riders to experience the backcountry. Witness the gators and other species that thrive in Lake Martin's biodiversity.

Parc de Ponts Breaux is the ideal spot to chill. This open-air park provides scenic trails and picnic spots for people-watching. Rent a kayak to tour the area by water.

Savor crawfish delicacies at Buck and Johnny's. A local's favorite, diners can immerse themselves in Cajun culture while feasting on regional cuisine.

Donaldsonville

On the West Bank of the Mississippi River, this town is the perfect example of antebellum culture. Incorporated in 1806, it played an important role in Civil War history.

The first town in the state to elect an African American mayor, Pierre Caliste Landry, Donaldsonville, is steeped in bayou history. The River Road African American Museum is a fascinating step back in time to the storied experiences of residents from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

Take a relaxing stroll on the Mississippi Riverwalk. Offering 360-degree views of the bayou, it's the perfect place to get that Instagram-worthy shot. Try your hand at fishing off the piers. Rentals are available at the Visitors Center.

Built in 1877, the B. Lemann & Bro. Department Store is Louisiana's oldest family-owned department store. Although it has been repurposed as an office building, its original French provincial architecture has been painstakingly preserved.

The historic district offers tours to discover antebellum past heritage. With stops at Ascension Catholic Church, Palo Alto, St Emma Plantations, and the Landry Tomb.

Covington

Established in 1816, this parish seat was a commuter town for laborers on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Now a much sought-after Hollywood destination, Covington's rebirth has a storied history.

For the film buffs, take a guided tour of over 30 movie locations, including Eve's Bayou and Dead Man Walking. Navigating through the magnolia-lined streets, guests are treated to local anecdotes about the various films that have chosen Covington as their setting.

If you want to get up close and personal with a gator, head to Insta Gator Ranch and Hatchery. Fearless visitors can feed and even help with the hatching of baby gators.

Tammany Trace is a favorite for bicycling. It is mostly shaded and has limited elevation, which allows for a chill ride and the opportunity to enjoy the surroundings. According to the local Audubon Society, over 40 species of birds have been spotted along this route over the years.

Family-owned and operated for over a century and a half, H J Smith & Sons General Store and Museum is a step back in time. Paying homage to the old-style mercantile, visitors are treated to unique exhibits of a bygone-era shopping experience. There is still an operational Hardware Store inside, where customers can purchase copper pots and hand-hammered basins.

Houma

Sugar Cane was the key industry for the largest of our small towns on the list. Incorporated in 1832, it was initially the land of the Chitimacha tribe. The area combines Indigenous, European, Cajun, and African influences into one community.

Owing to its sugar cane roots, many of the plantation homes are influenced by this heritage. Southdown Plantation House is now a museum that guides guests through a day in the life of Antebellum estates. Exhibits include artifacts from past Mardi Gras celebrations and the operations of sugar cane production. Drink a mint julep on the covered wraparound porch and take in the fields now filled with magnolia blossoms.

Despite its size, Houma is home to one of the most extensive World War II history museums. The Louisiana Military Museum allows a fully immersive experience. Proud veterans are knowledgeable docents and delight in sharing anecdotes about their service time.

Bring your bug spray, but relax to Mother Nature's orchestra while walking the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge trails. Frogs abound here, especially those who enjoy camping out underneath the covered bridge.

Eunice

Established in 1895, this village in St. Landry Parish is home to the Cajun Music Hall of Fame. Known for its crawfish industry, Eunice hosts the annual Crawfish Étoufee Cookoff, which attracts thousands each year.

The Cajun Music Hall of Fame Musician Museum is the ideal destination for any music lover. Enthusiastic guides enjoy regaling visitors with their contention that "ALL contemporary genres of music" started in the bayou. Exhibits show 20th-century instruments, sheet music, and artifacts. Budding banjo players can try their skills.

If you are visiting in the Spring, stop by the Crawfish Etoufee Festival. Held annually since 1986, teams from all over compete to win the title of the Crawfish Masterchef. Sample everything from stews to baked items while surrounding yourself with Cajun culture.

Abita Springs

Abita Springs was the land of the Choctaw tribe in St Tammany Parish. Legend has it that medicinal minerals are found in the springs that empty into the Mississippi. This Indigenous influence is felt today throughout the town in park and street names.

The Abita Springs Trailhead Museum community center proudly features local history and culture. Exhibits highlight all aspects of Abita Springs's heritage: Timber, Waters, Music, and community.

Take an afternoon stroll at the Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve. Over 30 rare plants thrive in this wetland. The trail offers hiking, biking, and ecological mapping options.

Abita Brewery Company's "Louisiana Culture on Tap" tagline lives up to its claims. Take a guided tour to learn the brewing process from inception to consumption. During the warmer months, enjoy brewery-sponsored outdoor concerts. USA Today recently rated it in the top 10.

Grand Isle

The only barrier island town on the list, Grand Isle, is in Jefferson Parish. Deeply impacted by Hurricane Katrina, this town's rebirth has energized community pride. Shrimping, fishing, and oysters are the primary industries that continue to drive tourism and commerce. Almost 300 species of fish attract fishermen year-round.

Grand Isle is a key stopover for birds migrating to the Gulf, making it an Audubon mecca. The Grand Isle Birding Trail is a prime spot to catch over 100 types of birds, including flycatchers, thrushes, tanagers, and orioles. Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration is held every spring, attracting regional birdwatchers.

Seven miles of sandy white beaches provide endless swimming and water activities. The Grand Isle State Park offers boat and bike rentals. Shopping and dining for the freshest seafood are available along Main Street.

A State of Authentic Charm and Resilience

The Gulf Coast is a classic example of maintaining your authentic identity even after adversity. Despite being ravaged by hurricanes, the residents continue to embody the strong communal culture associated with the South. As Roy Orbison sang, "Through sleepy eyes How happy I'd be...on the blue bayou," the ability to remain vibrant while preserving the natural serenity of its landscapes is why Lousiana continues to attract over 30 million tourists each year.