The 30 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Louisiana

Although Louisiana is home to some big cities like New Orleans, it can be hard to fully appreciate the culture of the state if you’re surrounded by constant hustle and bustle.

Visiting one of the state’s small towns lets you become fully immersed in the rich history that has made Louisiana what it is today. 

Explore the wonders of Cajun Country and venture amongst the state’s many parishes to visit iconic plantations and taste extraordinary cuisine. Discover new places overflowing with historic attractions, lively festivals, and boasting undeniable charm. 

Check out this list of the top 30 most beautiful small towns in Louisiana to make your journey through the state the very best that it can be. 

Table of Contents

1. Breaux Bridge

Breaux Bridge

Home to some of Louisiana’s finest examples of Cajun culture, Breaux Bridge is easily one of the best small towns to visit in the state – and its historic beauty is unmatched. 

Plus with a nickname like the “Crawfish Capital of the World”, it is nearly impossible to stay away. 

But don’t expect to have this place to yourself. Even though the town of Breaux Bridge itself is rather small, it’s constantly growing as the town gains in popularity.

Spend time walking the historic, downtown streets where you can spend endless hours hopping from one interesting antique shop to another. 

Then, venture over to one of the two fan-favorite outdoor locations, Lake Martin and Bayou Teche, for some quality time with nature. 

A popular activity amongst the Bayou Teche is going for a swamp tour where you can get up close and personal with some of the state’s native wildlife (like alligators!). 

The very best time to visit this charming town is during the first weekend of May when they hold their world-famous Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival. 

Enjoy three days filled with crawfish cooked up in all different ways, dance contests, crustacean races, carnival games, and so much more. 

And if you can’t make it during the festival, all is not lost thanks to an abundance of local restaurants like Cafe des Ami that serve up some of the best-tasting crawfish dishes you’ll ever have. 

2. Covington

Covington

Although Covington is technically a city, it definitely gives small-town vibes with its small population and quaint downtown streets. 

For starters, you can visit the Covington Farmer’s Market to see just how tight-knit this community is while you browse local products like produce, plants, and baked goods. 

Walk high up on bridges and over picturesque bodies of water on the Tammany Trace recreational Trail before heading into town for lunch. 

Go for a tour of the Abita Covington Brewhouse to get up close and personal with the largest craft brewing company in the South. 

Admire some of the artwork at St Tammany Art Association’s Home where artists from all around the country come to display their pieces. 

Take the whole family to the Insta-Gator Ranch for an afternoon observing more than two thousand alligators and learning all about their habitat. 

While you’re in town, you have to dedicate a night to dinner at Del Porto Ristorante because this award-winning Italian restaurant is sure to take your breath away. 

Just make sure to head over to the Rock-N-Blues Cafe afterward to enjoy some live music and stand-up comedy while you sip on a nightcap. 

3. Natchitoches

Natchitoches

Considered one of the oldest towns in Louisiana, Natchitoches is not only a significant part of the state’s history but also a beautiful place to spend the weekend. 

Start your adventure with a visit to the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, which dates back to the mid-1800s and is still fully functioning to this day. 

Try one of Louisiana’s famous meat pies at Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant and stay for the tasty Creole specialties. 

Considering the town’s age, it comes as no surprise that the area is filled with historic buildings, and you can admire their impressive architecture with a walk around the Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District. 

Swing by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame to check out more than three hundred of the state’s prized athletes. 

Watch the town come to life over the holidays during the Natchitoches Christmas Festival which lasts six weeks and is filled with fun activities like carriage rides, visits from Santa, parades, fireworks, and so much more. 

Right outside of town, you will find the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which stretches out over sixty acres and offers insight into the history of the Creole people. 

4. Grand Isle

Grand Isle

Located along the coast of Louisiana, Grand Isle is a picturesque island town known for its breathtaking beaches and delicious seafood. 

One of the most popular things to do in this waterfront town is visit Grand Isle State Park where you can spend days exploring its many wonders. 

Go for a hike on one of the park’s nature trails, lay out your towel along its wide-sweeping sandy shores, and even enjoy the option of setting up camp so you can wake up to views of the water. 

The Bridge Side Marina is always ready to offer visitors an amazing day out on the water with plenty of watercraft and fishing rentals available.

Take your boat out to the Wisner Wildlife Management Area to enjoy more than twenty thousand acres of stellar crabbing, fishing, and wildlife sighting. 

Take a step back in time with a visit to Fort Livingston where you can walk the grounds of a military base that hasn’t been used since the late 1800s. 

Unwind with an afternoon of observing more than one hundred kinds of butterflies in the Grand Isle Butterfly Dome and feel free to ask for a guided tour. 

5. West Feliciana

West Feliciana

A perfect combination of local attractions and outdoor recreation, West Feliciana is easily one of the most beautiful small towns in Louisiana. 

One of the most popular things to do here is to visit the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site for a chance to see what the lives of wealthy plantation owners were like during the early 1800s.

Another interesting location is the Afton Villa Gardens, where you can explore what remains of a famous plantation that burned down back in 1963. 

This historic site takes you through all parts of the house to admire its architecture and ancient furnishings before ending your tour with a peaceful walk amongst its extensive gardens. 

Spend some time outdoors at the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area where you can spend countless hours wandering amongst its six thousand acres of bluffs, hills, and more. 

Don’t forget to spend some time in Downtown St. Francisville where you will have an abundance of ways to keep you busy including exploring boutique shops, local restaurants, cozy cafes, and so on. 

Learn about maximum security prisons and their prisoners at the Angola Museum located on the outskirts of the Louisiana State Penitentiary. 

Visit the United States’ most haunted plantation with a trip to the Myrtles Plantation where you can take a guided tour of the mansion…or dare to explore the grounds on your own. 

6. St. Martinville

St. Martinville

Nestled along the southern edge of Louisiana, you won’t find another small town that offers southern hospitality like St. Martinville, and that’s just one of its many highlights. 

In a state famous for its swamps, St. Martinville offers some of the very best swamp tours around with leading businesses including Borel’s Swamp Tours and Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours. 

Stop by the St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church to walk inside of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places and admire its pristine architecture. 

Visit the Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site to learn more about the diverse collection of people who have called this area home including Creoles, Acadians, Spaniards, and Native Americans.

Spend the day hanging out at Cypremort Point State Park, where you can enjoy the many beauties scattered amongst its 185 acres. 

This picturesque park is located along the Gulf of Mexico, so there are plenty of places to take in the view of the water and endless sandy shores to lay out your towel. 

7. Thibodaux

Thibodaux

Just a day’s trip away from the iconic city of New Orleans, Thibodaux is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while still offering plenty to do. 

Like most areas in the state, swamp tours are one of the most popular things to do, and Thibodaux prides itself on its unique touches at places like Airboat Tours by Arthur Matherne and Torres Cajun Swamp Tours. 

Take a guided tour around the E.D. White Historic Site to learn more about one of Louisiana’s famed political figures and the way he ran his booming plantation business. 

The downtown area is filled with mouth-watering restaurants, so you’ll have no trouble finding dinner – but there is nothing better than a dish of seafood napoleon from Fremin’s Restaurant. 

Check out some famous boats and learn how builders created these Cajun masterpieces at the Center for Traditional Louisiana Boat Building. 

Swing by the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center on a Monday afternoon to enjoy some live music and stay to learn more about Cajun traditions. 

And since this charming town is so close to New Orleans, it only makes sense that they host a Mardi Gras of their own with fun activities like parades. 

8. Labadieville

Labadieville

Located along the edges of the Bayou Lafourche, Labadieville is a hidden gem of a place that easily makes the list as one of the most beautiful small towns in Louisiana. 

Its ideal position within the iconic Cajun Country makes it the perfect place to dive into all things Louisiana like its rich history and delicious food. 

A great place here to appreciate some of the state’s history is the St. Philomena Catholic Church, which has become one of the most popular attractions because it dates back to the 1700s. 

A walk amongst its cemetery will allow you to see the tombstones of not only early residents but also people of Creole and French descent. 

But for the most part, people will spend all of their time here exploring the Bayou Lafourche itself with its waterway stretching out over one hundred miles. 

9. Henderson

Henderson

Just a short drive away from the “Crawfish Capital of the World”, it makes sense that Henderson is also known for its delicious crawfish dishes, and it just so happens to be one of the most beautiful small towns in Louisiana. 

One of the very first things you’ll want to do here is to try the famous crawfish for yourself, so head right over to Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant for one of the best meals you’ll ever have. 

And if you want to check out an even smaller community, take the pontoon bridge over to Butte La Rose where you will find no shortage of boat ramps to get you out on the water. 

The Atchafalaya Welcome Center is not your average rest area, with bucketloads of information on the area including exhibits, demonstrations, pictures, and video displays. 

After you have learned a thing or two about the basin at the visitor center, make your way over to the Great Atchafalaya Basin and Swamp to spend the day in the country’s largest river swamp. 

10. Opelousas

Opelousas

Located at the heart of Cajun Country, Opelousas is rich with culture and is constantly celebrating its diverse roots through the form of fun-filled festivals. 

Get a taste for Cajun-inspired beer at Bayou Teche Brewing while you listen to live music or go for a guided tour of the headquarters. 

Celebrate with the locals at Courir de Mardi Gras when the streets are transformed into a carnival filled with costumes, music, and gumbo galore. 

Or, satisfy your sweet tooth at the Sweet Dough Pie Festival where you will get to try a variety of tasty treats as pastry chefs compete for the title of best dessert. 

Spend the day rummaging through the Old Schoolhouse Antique Mall and take home pieces that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. 

Learn about the sad history of New York City Orphans and how they ended up in this small town of Louisiana at the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. 

Try your luck at Evangeline Downs where you can spend the day betting on horses on the racetrack or trying your hand at over one thousand machines in the casino. 

11. Minden

Minden

Bursting at the seams with rich history, there is no denying that Minden is one of the most beautiful small towns in Louisiana. 

Stop by the Germantown Colony Museum to learn about the German settlers who called this part of Louisiana home back in the early 19th century. 

Head over to the Dorcheat Museum to get some insight into the culture of the state during that same time period through the use of memorabilia like photographs, clothing, artifacts, and more. 

Kill two birds with one stone at the Quick Draw Truck Stop & Casino where you can enjoy a quick bite to eat in between gambling sessions. 

Do a bit of shopping at the Heavenly Treasure Antique Mall and come home with furniture and vintage items you won’t find anywhere else. 

Unwind by the fountain at Academy Park as you take in the lush greenery that surrounds you and admire the historic architecture of the Minden Male Academy. 

People of all ages can take advantage of the Minden Recreation Complex with its huge gymnasium, an abundance of different courts, Olympic size swimming pool, and so much more. 

12. Abita Springs

Abita Springs

Originally known for being a tourist resort town, Abita Springs may no longer be a popular retreat but there is still plenty to do – and the lack of people only adds to appeal. 

Every Sunday, Trailhead Park hosts the Abita Springs Art and Farmers Market where you can find a bunch of local goodies like produce, artisan goods, personal care products, artwork, and more. 

One of the most popular things to do in town is catching a show at the Abita Springs Opry, but seats fill up fast, so make sure to reserve your spot ahead of time. 

Since you are at the heart of Cajun Country, you might as well fully immerse yourself in the culture, and what better way to do it than by taking a course at Northshore Cajun Dance? 

Hangout at the Town of Abita Springs Trailhead located at the center of everything with plenty of places to sit and people-watch as well a town museum that teaches you all about Abita Springs’ time as a popular retreat. 

Go for a bike ride along the 31-mile Tammany Trace, check out the folk art at the Abita Springs Museum, cool off at the Splash Pad, and so much more. 

13. Farmerville

Farmerville

Although Farmerville is the largest town in Union Parish, it is still one of the smallest towns in the state overall, but its recreational opportunities make it one of the best small towns to visit in Louisiana. 

The town of Farmerville, like the name suggests, is extremely rural, so you won’t find an abundance of amenities or attractions to visit. 

However, the town makes up for that with its natural beauty and is home to one of the most breathtaking state parks in all of Louisiana. 

Lake D’Arbonne State Park stretches out over six hundred acres and offers visitors a wide variety of activities including things like hiking, bird watching, fishing, cycling, and more. 

The focal point of this impressive park is Lake D’Arbonne itself, and it is made up of over fifteen thousand acres ready for the enjoyment of boaters and fishers alike. 

There are plenty of boat ramps peppered along the shoreline and five fishing piers make it easy for fishermen to catch fan favorites like crappie, catfish, and bass.

14. Donaldsonville

Donaldsonville

Known for its political influence and culinary expertise, Donaldsonville isn’t your typical small town, but it happens to be one of the most beautiful in the state. 

Back in the early 1800s, Donaldsonville was actually the state capital, and the streets were filled with powerful legislators who had fled from the scandals of New Orleans. 

Today, you can still admire the remnants of its history by walking its charming downtown streets, and there is even a River Road African American Museum that demonstrates the struggles of slavery during the time. 

And when you are not hopping from one historic plantation tour to another, you can be indulging in some of the best Louisiana food money can buy at Lafitte’s Landing restaurant. 

This award-winning restaurant is lucky enough to have Chef John Folse as its owner and is constantly dishing out unique dishes inspired by Cajun tradition. 

15. Bastrop

Bastrop

With historic architecture and outdoor recreation opportunities galore, it is hard not to fall in love with the small town of Bastrop. 

The town’s interesting history dates back to when it was founded by Felipe Enrique Neri, a peculiar man with unique ideas, and with it came the migration of over one hundred immigrants to maintain the town’s grain mills. 

Throughout the years, this small town has worn many hats and seen many faces that only add to Louisiana’s rich history. 

For starters, Bastrop was used as a hideaway camp for Civil War soldiers who needed to refuel and heal after lengthy battles. 

Then in 1927, the town was used as a refuge haven once more as the Great Mississippi Flood left hundreds of people without food and shelter. 

You can learn more details about its rotating history at the Bastrop Visitor Center and feel free to ask about some of their guided tour programs. 

Or, head right over to the Snyder Museum to get up close and personal with artifacts and memorabilia representing the town throughout the centuries. 

16. Houma

Houma

With a bayou around every corner, Houma is a wonderland of waterways that easily lands itself on the list as one of the topmost beautiful small towns in the state.  

But water-based fun isn’t the only thing this vibrant town has to offer. Houma is also rich in history and boasts a variety of attractions including museums, plantations, refuges, and so much more. 

Learn about the state’s history in the military at the Regional Military Museum and interact with historic artifacts like military jeeps, helmets, and rifles. 

Check out one of the most extensive plantation grounds in the state with a visit to the Southdown Plantation where you can learn about what life was like on a 1,000+ acre farm. 

Spend the day exploring some of the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge but don’t expect to see it all as this impressive location spans out over four thousand acres. 

And when everything is said and done, head over to Red Fish Pizza for an evening of uniquely themed pizza pies and tasty craft beer. 

17. Lutcher

Lutcher

Located within the St. James Parish, Lutcher is a small town that is easily missed, but those lucky enough to visit know of its true potential. 

For starters, the town is home to some of the most luxurious plantations in the state and because of its remote location, tours of these locations can be enjoyed without large crowds. 

And when you are not touring a plantation, you can be enjoying another one of Louisiana’s famous activities – swamp tours! 

Again, thanks to being in a quiet area, the swamp tours here have a more personalized touch as guides can dedicate more time to small groups. 

But what really makes this town special is its yearly event known across the state as the Christmas Eve Bonfires on the Levee. 

This exciting event revolves around the lighting of over one hundred massive fires along the Mississippi River that light up the sky and are often accompanied by free bowls of gumbo. 

18. Eunice

Eunice

Known for being the Cajun town on the prairie, Eunice offers all the same great traditions but brings them to you in a totally different landscape so you can enjoy a change of pace. 

First up on your list of things to do in town should be the Prairie Acadian Cultural Center because it lets you dive deep into Cajun culture through a wide variety of displays and demonstrations. 

Right next to this cultural gem sits the Liberty Theater where you can spend Saturday nights fully immersing yourself in the culture through the use of Cajun and Zydeco music. 

And speaking of music, the Savoy Music Center is a great place for aspiring musicians and curious travelers to explore. 

Take a moment to step inside St. Thomas More and feel your worries slip away as you embrace the beautiful silence and admire the exquisite architecture. 

Spend some time outdoors with a visit to the National Historical Park Preserve where you can spend a few days relaxing on the sandy shores of Lakeview Beach. 

The city center is where all the excitement happens with festivals and events constantly keeping things fresh like the lively Marci Gras all-day event. 

19. Gonzales

Gonzales

Nicknamed the “Jambalaya Capital of the World,” it only makes sense that Gonzales should be added to everybody’s itinerary when it comes to exploring the beautiful small towns of Louisiana. 

And this charming town holds true to that nickname with a Jambalaya Festival that proves year after year that this area knows a thing or two about its Cajun fare. 

The festival happens every spring and it cannot be missed as you get to taste a wide variety of jambalaya dishes made by chefs whose only goal is to gain the title of best in the state. 

And when you are not stuffing your face with this mouth-watering food, you take advantage of Gonzales’ stellar shopping opportunities. 

The town may be small, but it is home to a Tanger Factory Outlet Mall that will keep you busy all day long. Not to mention the fact that there is also an iconic Cabela’s store that drives outdoor enthusiasts wild. 

20. DeRidder

Home to a wide variety of historic buildings, DeRidder is a haven for history buffs, and the ancient architecture makes it one of the most beautiful small towns in the state. 

Many of the buildings that were built back when the town was founded in the late 1800s still stand today, but a handful have become popular attractions amongst tourists and locals alike. 

The Beauregard Parish Courthouse in particular is an architectural gem, and the Beauregard Museum that stands beside it lets visitors dive deep into the history of the town. 

But even that can’t compete with the famous “Hanging Jail,” which got its name from its dark past. This gothic jail’s spooky appeal is matched by a haunting history that is believed to still wander the halls to this day. 

When your brain needs a break from absorbing all of that history, you can head down to the Whiskey Chitto River for a relaxing afternoon floating amongst its peaceful waters. 

21. Zwolle

Zwolle

Located within Toledo Bend Country, Zwolle is bursting with outdoor recreational opportunities and the rich culture of its downtown streets are just an added bonus to this truly beautiful town. 

The main highlight of visiting this charming little town is spending the day on the waters of the wide-sweeping Toledo Bend Lake. 

Known for being the largest artificial lake in the southern part of the United States, Toledo Bend Lake stretches out to impressive lengths covering nearly two hundred thousand acres. 

Throw in the fact that there are over one thousand miles of shoreline to enjoy, and you can spend weeks exploring its many hidden gems. 

Marinas dot the lake, so it is never hard to find a rental whether you are looking for a boat to cruise the day away or a watercraft that is more ideal for fishing. 

And speaking of fishing, this extensive lake is known for offering some of the best fishing opportunities in the entire state, so you can bet that fishermen are always flooding its waters for a chance to score an award-winning catch. 

22. Monroe

Monroe

Quickly becoming one of the best places to visit in the state, the up-and-coming town of Monroe has plenty to offer visitors from its lively downtown scene to its picturesque surroundings. 

Although the town is small, it has made a name for itself as the starting point for a couple of big businesses that still showcase their origin to this day. 

Back in 1926, the foundation for Delta airlines was set into motion within this charming town, and soon after the famous Coca-Cola brand opened its first bottling warehouse within town limits. 

Today, remnants of these big businesses still live on, like at the Biedenharn Home and Gardens where you can walk the grounds of the first ever Coca-Cola bottling plant. 

You can also go to the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum of Louisiana to learn more about how Delta came to be while also immersing yourself in the history of the state’s military forces. 

Spend some time outdoors exploring the nearly two thousand acres that make up the iconic Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, but make sure to save time to also visit the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo to see some of those native animals up close and personal. 

23. New Iberia

New Iberia

With a history dating back to the late 1700s, New Iberia has done a wonderful job staying true to its roots, and people from all over the country visit for a chance to partake in some of their historic festivals. 

The town offers a huge variety of tours to teach guests about the lives of the Louisiana people, so you will find no shortage of things to do during your time here. 

Explore the factories of popular brands like Tabasco or opt to focus on local businesses with a tour of one of the many farms that call the area home. 

Plus, there are more than a handful of exquisite plantations scattered around the town if you want to take your history lesson to the next level. 

Just keep an eye on the town calendar because there are always exciting events and festivals happening, like the world-famous Mardi Gras festival, the Delcambre Shrimp Festival, the World Championship Gumbo Cook-off, and so much more. 

24. Marksville

Although the town of Marksville was originally founded by accident, its interesting history and charming downtown streets make it one of the most beautiful small towns in Louisiana. 

Technically this town came to be because a peddler’s trip was cut short by a broken-down wagon and instead of attempting to fix it, he decided to stay here. 

It’s a funny story that is constantly talked about throughout town attractions, but it is not the only focus when it comes to the history of the area. 

The town prides itself on its appreciation for the Native Americans who once called this land home prior to the peddler incident, and there are exhibits all around to demonstrate that. 

Visit the Marksville State Historic Site to learn all about what life was like here before the town came to be through the use of artifacts and displays. 

Another attraction steeped in history is the Hypolite Bordelon House and it only costs two dollars to see how early settlers spent their days back in the 1800s. 

25. Ferriday

Ferriday

The town of Ferriday is as small as it gets and even though it is not overflowing with attractions, the quaint nature of this place only adds to its charm. 

This is one of those places where everybody knows their neighbor and new guests are welcomed with open arms. 

So, if you’re looking to get a feel for southern hospitality, you can’t go wrong with spending a day here, and if anything, you’ll leave in a better mood than when you came. 

Embrace the slow pace of the town and take your time as you walk its quiet streets and visit a few of its key attractions. 

Popular things to do include learning something new at the Delta Music Museum, exploring the grounds of the Frogmore Plantation, going for an adventure in the Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge, and so much more. 

26. Leesville

Leesville

Considered to be the heart of Louisiana’s “Wild West”, Leesville offers visitors an abundance of things to do from learning about its past to partaking in fun festivals and everything in between. 

Start your journey with a drive down the Myths & Legends Byway where you can learn more about the state’s Wild West past through displays that talk about the bandits and outlaws that once roamed the land. 

Keep the education wheels turning with a visit to the Museum of West Louisiana where plenty of artifacts and memorabilia are on display for all to see. 

You’ll want to spend all day at Leesville Main Street Cultural District as there are endless ways to pass the time here, including boutique shops, historic buildings, trendy restaurants, architectural gems, galleries, and more. 

If you happen to be visiting on a Thursday or Saturday, head over to Third Street to check out the market filled with local goods like produce and homemade items. 

But the very best time to visit is during the first weekend in May when the annual MayFest is held, boasting a wide array of highlights like live music, food vendors, and local artwork.

27. Morgan City

Morgan City

Although most people have never heard of Morgan City, anyone lucky enough to have visited this charming town knows that it is home to one of the state’s most iconic festivals. 

Throughout the year, Morgan City remains a very quiet town with very little in regard to tourist attractions, but it is completely transformed over the Labor Day weekend. 

During this time, the town puts together one of the most extravagant events in Louisiana in order to show its appreciation for the state’s rich culture. 

The duo may sound odd at first, but the Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival is meant to honor the two leading businesses that have kept the town alive. 

The festival goes on for five straight days, boasting unique activities with each passing day and endless opportunities to enjoy authentic Cajun fare while shopping amongst the many local vendors. 

Plus, live music and carnival rides keep people of all ages engaged throughout the whole event. 

28. Tallulah

Tallulah

Tucked away in the northeastern part of Louisiana, Tallulah is made up mostly of farmland, but its significant history in the Civil War makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in the state. 

Because the area is so ideal for farming, Tallulah was one of the leading towns in charge of running cotton plantations which ultimately made them a target during the war. 

A visit here lets you see the ruins of many plantations that were destroyed during the Civil War for an eerie but educational experience. 

One plantation managed to survive the war and still stands today – the Kell Plantation – where you can go for a tour to learn more about the town’s history. 

When you are not exploring the remnants of the town’s plantations, you can be out exploring the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge and admiring the wide array of bird species that call the area home. 

29. Paulina

A diamond in the rough, Paulina is a small town that everybody has seemed to forget about. But those willing to venture to this remote location will be rewarded with some of the finest examples of Louisiana culture. 

A must-see is the Laura: Louisiana’s Creole Heritage Site where you can learn about multiple generations of a Creole family and their struggles during the 1800s. 

Go back home with a new talent after a day at the Cajun Cooking Experience where you can learn the art of iconic dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. 

Not to mention the fact that there are five breathtaking plantations within town limits, so there is no shortage of historic tours to join. 

30. Brusly

Another small town that doesn’t get enough recognition is Brusly, but a trip here will have you fully immersed in the food, music, and architecture that has been brought to the state through its diverse ancestry. 

As you walk the streets of this quaint town, it is easy to see just how the Spanish, French, and African people influenced the culture you see today. 

This is not the place to see big tourist attractions, but rather a place where you can admire how the state’s rich history has impacted all walks of life. 

Take this time to fully relax without the need for a jam-packed itinerary and fully embrace the beauty of exploring a quiet, small town