When you’re ready to kick off a 2025 Louisiana road trip, skip the touristy sites and venture off the beaten path. Tucked between the major hubs like New Orleans and Lafayette are delightful stops that capture a more intimate slice of the state’s soul. Whether you want to explore spectacular plantations, hop aboard a Cajun swamp tour, or eat your body weight in boiled crawfish, these communities have you covered. So, come hungry, clear some space on your phone for photos, and get ready to experience the hidden side of the Bayou State.
Abbeville
Abbeville is one of those southern Louisiana towns that you would likely never stumble upon by accident. Located south of Lafayette, it’s a historical community that hasn’t changed much over the years, in all the best ways. The heart of Abbeville is Magdalen Square, a historical public space that existed even before Abbeville’s founding. It’s an idyllic park with fountains, brick walkways, and a view of the town’s most notable landmark, the Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church.
Downtown Abbeville has enough unique attractions to keep you busy over a long weekend, but it’s also not too far from fantastic parks that highlight its natural beauty. Palmetto Island State Park, located about 10 miles south of central Abbeville, is ripe for outdoor adventure. You can launch a paddleboard down the calm banks of the Vermilion River, or walk one of its many hiking trails shaded by a blanket of cypress and palmetto trees.