Louisiana Travel Guide - 2026
Louisiana’s Charming Cities
2026-02-18 09:51:33
DISCOVER LOUISIANA’S Historic Charm
GET TO KNOW THE STATE’S HISTORY THROUGH ITS QUAINT TOWNS
Immerse yourself in rich Colonial and Creole history on a walking tour in Natchitoches. Discover the capital of the original Republic of West Florida in St. Francisville. Stroll through one of the oldest settlements along the Mississippi in Donaldsonville.
Louisiana’s oldest cities stand as living landmarks where cobblestone streets, Creole cottages and annual celebrations hold centuries of stories.
Natchitoches
Founded in 1714, Natchitoches holds the title of oldest permanent settlement within the original Louisiana Purchase. The 33-block historic district is dotted with Creole townhomes, including the film-famous Steel Magnolias House, now a popular B&B. Take a carriage tour to clip-clop past landmarks like Fort St. Jean Baptiste Historic Site and the long-running Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile.
St. Francisville
In 1810, St. Francisville served as capital city of the short-lived Republic of West Florida – for just 74 days. Today, explore Civil War-era cemeteries at Locust Grove State Historic Site, roam rows of lush gardens at Afton Villa Gardens and Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, take in ghost stories at The Myrtles or learn about local history at West Feliciana Historical Society and Museum.
Opelousas
Catching live music is a must in Louisiana’s third-oldest city, Opelousas, host of the annual Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival. This former French garrison turned cultural hub is also home to the Creole Heritage Folklife Center, Le Vieux Village Heritage Park & Museum, plus a downtown brimming with antique shops, and both Cajun and Creole restaurants.
New Iberia
New Iberia traces its roots to 1779 Spanish settlers, and their influence is felt each spring during a New Iberia Spanish Festival highlighting that heritage with paella cook-offs and flamenco dance parties. While in town, learn local lore at Bayou Teche Museum or uncover Union soldier residences at Shadows-on-the-Teche.
Donaldsonville
Donaldsonville made national history in 1868 when Pierre Caliste Landry became the first Black mayor in the U.S. Stroll through town to spot 19th-century architecture and stop in the River Road African American Museum. Or walk along the self-guided Historic Portal to the Past in the historic district, then pop in for a tour and tasting at NOËL Family Distillery.
EXPLORE MORE LOUISIANA CITIES!
©Louisiana. View All Articles.