Small towns are often the heartbeat of a state. They’re where you’ll find the true essence of that state, where you can shop and support local small businesses, enjoy the local scene, and fill up on some of the best meals you’ve ever had. These charming small towns in Louisiana deserve a spot on your bucket list this year. Make it your mission to explore them all!

Bastrop is a tiny, little town in northeast Louisiana that’s home to fewer than 2,000 people, but you’ll be surrounded by some lovely natural scenery at Chemin-A-Haut State Park. If you need a little break after the holiday season, this scenic little park on the bayou is just what you need. Plus, you may even get to see some snow! However, if you can't make it in January, it's also one of the most picturesque Louisiana small towns to visit in the fall.

Down on the other side of the state, Saint Martinville is a Louisiana small town with a lot of history. This is just one of the many charming towns you’ll find along the Bayou Teche, and if you’re looking to experience authentic Cajun culture, here you go. Evangeline Oak Park is a must-see while you’re in town, especially if you’ve ever read Longfellow’s famous poem, "Evangeline."

Another Bayou Teche town, Breaux Bridge may have more residents, but since it’s still under 10,000, it definitely has a place in this small town Louisiana list. Breaux Bridge is the "Crawfish Capital of the World" and March is a great time to swing by this town since you’ll be in the midst of crawfish season. This is one of the most charming and historic small towns in Louisiana.

Take a look at this video about Breaux Bridge, Louisiana by @Katc:

Ponchatoula has a wonderful historic district that’s just overflowing with antique shops and local restaurants, making it one of the cutest towns in Louisiana. But if you visit in the middle of April, you can also check out the Strawberry Festival, which takes place in April each year. This festival has been celebrating all things strawberry since 1972 and you’ll get to come home with all sorts of fresh, locally grown strawberries, jams, jellies, and much more.

May brings the opportunity to spend your days outside since the weather is so nice, and Abita Springs is the perfect small town in Louisiana to spend a day exploring. The Tammany Trace runs through Abita Springs, and this awesome paved trail is great for a bike ride, rollerblading, or just a casual stroll. You'll love exploring Abita Springs. After all, it's one of the best small towns in Louisiana.

You may not think of Avery Island as a small town, since it’s the headquarters of Tabasco, but you could easily spend an entire day exploring this iconic island. After a tour of the Tabasco plant, spend some time strolling through Jungle Gardens, a 160-acre scenic garden, and Bird City, a refuge for thousands of egrets that swing by in the summer months. Avery Island is one of the most unique small towns in Louisana.

Take a look at this video about things to do in Avery Island by @Davidsbeenhere:

Summer in Louisiana is hot, and July is always the month where you’ll be wishing you could sink your toes in the sand. Head on over to Homer, where you’ll find Lake Claiborne State Park. You’ve plenty of options for lodging, including a handful of rustic cabins, in this Louisiana small town. But the real treat here is the beautiful beach along the lake. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

The slow-paced, laid-back vibes you’ll get in St. Francisville are just perfect for August. Afton Villa Gardens are just delightful this time of year, plus you’re not far from both Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge and Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Refuge, which both have scenic hiking trails and camping opportunities.

This village in Catahoula Parish is home to fewer than 500 people, so it may seem like a fly-by town to many, but for nature lovers, the J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area is a paradise. Here’s where you’ll find the three Louisiana waterfalls. Yes, Louisiana does, in fact, have waterfalls! All three are located within this WMA, and the hikes to see them are easy enough that the entire family can enjoy them. The tallest of the three, Rock Falls, cascades down 17 feet, which makes it the tallest waterfall in Louisiana.

One of our favorite small towns in Louisiana, this scenic little town along the Tchefuncte River is a picture-perfect day trip destination. Enjoy the peaceful Fairview-Riverside State Park and then check out the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival, which takes place in the middle of October each year. The "main strip" of town is peppered with local vendors, restaurants, and kid’s activities to enjoy while you admire all of the unique wooden boats on the water.

Just outside of Lafayette, Abbeville sees many new visitors this time of year, and that’s due to the annual Omelette Festival that takes place. Every year in November, chefs from all over the world come together to make a massive, 5,000-egg omelet in the middle of the street. It takes a few days of prep to get everything ready, as you might egg-spect (sorry, had to). It’s not a plain omelet, either. In addition to the egg, 75 bell peppers, 50 pounds of onions, and 15 points of Louisiana crawfish tails all go into the mix to create this massive omelet. Once it’s done, everybody gets to enjoy the omelet! This is certainly the most exciting event hosted in this Louisiana small town.

Take a look at this video about the annual Omelette Festival in Abbeville by @GoUSATV:

Since Natchitoches has a population that hovers just under 20,000, it may not make the cut for typical small towns, but the downtown area gives off major small-town vibes, and if you’re going to visit Natchitoches, December is the month to do it! The Natchitoches Christmas Festival has been one of the most popular Christmas festivals in the country for almost a century, and it’s worth checking out.

How many of these small towns in Louisiana have you visited? Let us know in the comments below! For more adventures, check out these awesome hidden gems in Louisiana.

Looking to go on a road trip to a small town in Louisana soon? Be sure to check out our road trip essentials packing list, and don't forget to bring the best snacks along!