Travel Planning

The Best Bayou Towns to Visit

While the swamps are the main attraction, the towns of South Louisiana are where you’ll find the true spirit of the bayou—through its people, its food, and its hospitality.

Thibodaux: The Gateway to the Wetlands

Just an hour from New Orleans, Thibodaux is the perfect home base for exploring Lafourche Parish. It feels like a step back in time with its historic downtown, moss-draped oak trees, and position along the scenic Bayou Lafourche.

Must-See:

The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center and the charming boutiques along Main Street. Don't miss a local seafood platter at one of the family-owned diners.

Houma: Deep Bayou Adventure

Known as the "Bayou Country," Houma is where the land truly begins to dissolve into the sea. This is the industrial and cultural hub of Terrebonne Parish, surrounded by countless waterways and some of the state's best fishing grounds.

Why Go:

Houma is the departure point for many world-class swamp tours and charter fishing trips. It’s also famous for its vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations, which are some of the largest outside of New Orleans.

Small Towns with Big Character

Lockport

A quiet, picturesque village along Bayou Lafourche, perfect for a slow afternoon drive and a visit to the local folklife museum.

Abbeville

Famous for its giant omelets and historic squares, Abbeville offers a more inland Cajun experience with deep agricultural roots.

Morgan City

Known as the "Jumbo Shrimp Capital of the World," this town sits on the Atchafalaya River and is a hub for the Cajun seafood industry.