Looking to get away for a weekend? Sure, you could pack your bags and drive to the Gulf Coast for a beach vacation, but there are plenty of charming small towns in Louisiana that are ideal for a weekend of rest and relaxation. These small towns aren't too big, but aren't too small-- they're just perfect. Whether you're looking for a nature lover's paradise or a delightful main street to get some shopping in, these are some of the best small towns in Louisiana and they will give you a weekend you won't soon forget.

1. Breaux Bridge

With a population hovering around 8,300, Breaux Bridge is the perfect town to settle into for a weekend. Located in the heart of Cajun Country, Breaux Bridge offers several delicious restaurants to feast on Cajun fare, and nature lovers will have a blast exploring Lake Martin, a stunning lake filled with more wildlife than you can shake a stick at. If you enjoy Lake Martin, then you may feel inspired to take on a swamp tour through the Atchafalaya!

2. Covington

Just north of New Orleans lies Covington, one of the crown jewels of St. Tammany Parish. This delightfully charming city has a population of about 10,000, but the downtown area still feels like a small town. Stroll along Columbia Street or Lee Lane to find local boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants, and be sure to pop into H.J. Smith and Sons, one of the oldest general stores in the state! We think Covington is one of the best small towns in Louisiana for many reasons, and we've even created an itinerary for you to enjoy a day trip to Covington, Louisiana. If you want to extend your visit, we'd recommend booking a room at the Southern Hotel.

3. Ville Platte

If you're looking to really get away from it all, Ville Platte is the answer. Book one of the waterfront cabins at Chicot State Park for a truly unique experience and spend your days exploring the nature trails, canoeing the lake, and checking out the Louisiana State Arboretum, the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country.

4. St. Francisville

Filled with rolling hills and ancient oaks, St. Francisville is a sleepy little town with much to offer, so it naturally made our list of the best small towns in Louisiana. One of the most popular spots to stay is the famous Myrtles Plantation, one of the most haunted plantations in the country.

If you just want to keep it to an afternoon adventure, here's a great itinerary for a day trip to St. Francisville, Louisiana.

5. Grand Isle

If a beach day is what you seek, Grand Isle is the answer. Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island is a beach lover's paradise, with nearly 10 miles of public beaches and plenty of lodging opportunities.

It's worth noting that Grand Isle was hit hard during Hurricane Ida, and our beloved barrier island is still trying to recover. As of May 2023, Grand Isle State Park is still closed to the public, but we have high hopes that it will hopefully return. You can still enjoy the public beaches and support the local businesses and restaurants, which we highly recommend!

6. Abbeville

Not far from Breaux Bridge, Abbeville is another one of those little-big towns that are perfect for a weekend getaway. Palmetto Island State Park offers cabin rentals, RV hook-ups, and primitive campsites.

If you happen to visit Abbeville during November, be sure to check out the Omelette Festival where you can watch a team of chefs from around the world come together in the middle of the street to create a massive 5,000-egg omelette!

7. Natchitoches

One of the larger cities to make the list, Natchitoches may have a population of 18,000, but the downtown area will make you feel like you're in a small town. Louisiana's oldest city is a history lover's paradise, and you'll have the time of your life exploring the 33-block Historic District. Don't forget to get a meat pie from Lasyone's-- that's where it all began!

Where's your favorite small town in Louisiana to get away for a day or two? Shout it out in the comments!

While you're filling out your itinerary for exploring these small towns, be sure to check out some of our Louisiana State Parks. Many of them are located in or just on the outskirts of these towns, and they'll show you some of the Pelican State's most stunning natural scenery.