Craving small-town charm with Cajun flavor? Head to Thibodaux! Located in the heart of Louisiana’s Bayou Country, Thibodaux is a historic and cultural gem. Known for its warm hospitality, sugarcane fields, and rich Creole traditions, this laid-back town offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, flavorful cuisine, and outdoor adventure.
Thibodaux, LA Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Tour Laurel Valley Village – Walk through the South’s largest surviving 19th-century sugar plantation complex with over 50 historic structures.
- For Outdoor Lovers: Paddle or fish Bayou Lafourche – Rent a kayak or cast a line along this scenic bayou running right through town.
- For Culture Seekers: Explore the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center – Learn about the Cajun people and local history through exhibits and ranger programs.
- For Families: Picnic and play at Peltier Park – A large park with playgrounds, walking paths, sports courts, and shady picnic spots.
- For College Visitors: Stroll Nicholls State University – Home of the Colonels, this picturesque campus also hosts events and culinary programs.
When I like to visit Thibodaux, LA
The best time to visit Thibodaux is during the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when temperatures are pleasant and local festivals are in full swing. Summers are hot and humid but ideal for water-based fun, while winters are mild with fewer crowds.
Tips for getting to Thibodaux, LA
- If you are traveling by car: Thibodaux is located along LA-1, about 1.5 hours southwest of New Orleans and an hour from Baton Rouge.
- By Air: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the closest major airport, approximately 60 miles away.
- By Bus: Limited regional bus services connect Thibodaux to nearby parishes and larger cities.
Where I like to stay in Thibodaux, LA
- Recommended for Families: Hampton Inn & Suites Thibodaux – Comfortable, modern hotel with free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
- For a Historic Stay: Dansereau House Bed & Breakfast – Elegant Victorian mansion with Southern charm, located near downtown.
- For Budget Travelers: Carmel Inn & Suites – Affordable, cozy, and centrally located near Nicholls State and local attractions.
Best Things to Do in Thibodaux, LA
1. Spark Young Imaginations at Bayou Children's Museum for Hands-On Fun
The culture of Louisiana comes to life in Thibodaux at the Bayou Children's Museum. The hands-on museum offers an ideal design of recreational learning for kids with a lasting impact on their development. Play is an instrumental way for children to find out about things around them and is crucial to creativity, discovery, and scientific exploration. The exhibits at the Bayou Children's Museum correspond to the Grade Level Expectation and encourage more hands-on activities in education. The museum also includes the Bayou Boutique, a colorful and fun space offering toys and unique gifts for people of all ages.
211 Rue Betancourt, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-446-2200
2. Explore Campus Life and Culture at Nicholls State University
Located in the town of Thibodaux, Louisiana, the Nicholls State University is a regional university home to a diverse student population of both nontraditional and traditional students, named after Francis T. Nicholls who served on the Louisiana Supreme Court and as governor of Louisiana. Originally opened to the community and students in 1948, the university is the only one that has served the state’s Bayou Region. Spanning across more than 280 acres, Nicholls State University benefits from its rich culture and prime location along the Bayou Lafourche by offering programs in environmental science, maritime management, geomatics, culinary arts, and more.
906 E 1st St, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 877-642-4655
Attractions for Couples
3. Step Into Louisiana’s Past at the E. D. White Historic Site for a Heritage Tour
The E. D. White Historic Site is situated in Thibodaux among sugarcane fields and centuries-old oak trees on the Bayou Lafourche. This plantation home in the Bayou is one of the most historic properties in the state of Louisiana. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the site was once the home of two of the state’s foremost political figures: Edward Douglas White and his son Edward Douglass White. The first was the governor of Louisiana from 1835 until 1839, while the latter was appointed in 1894 to the U. S. Supreme Court and was the Chief Justice from 1910 through 1921.
2295 LA-1, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-447-0915
4. Marvel at Sacred Architecture at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral
The St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in the town of Thibodaux is a Catholic cathedral and is the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s seat, along with Houma’s Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.The oldest parish of this diocese, the rectory and church building of the St. Joseph Co-Cathedral were added to the country’s National Register of Historic Places as a part of the Thibodaux Multiple Resource Area. Mass takes place at the cathedral on weekdays at 6:30am and 5:30am, Saturdays at 6:30am with a vigil at 4:00pm, and Sundays at 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, and 6:00pm.
721 Canal Blvd, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-446-1387
5. If You’re a History Enthusiast, Walk Through St. John's Historic Cemetery for a Glimpse Into the Past
Another historical site of Thibodaux, Louisiana on the National Registry of Historic Places, the St. John's Historic Cemetery was established back in the year 1843. The cemetery features many uniquely constructed monuments and tombs that represent past cultural traditions and craftsmanship. The St. John's Historic Cemetery has also been called a sculpture garden due to its beautiful granite carvings and sculptures that lead the grounds to give a feeling of a work of art instead of just a cemetery. Several prominent founders of the town, the Lafourche Parish, and the Bayou region, along with Louisiana statesman, are buried here.
718 Jackson St, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-447-2910
6. Discover the Art of Southern Cooking at Chef John Folse Culinary Institute
Known worldwide as "Louisiana's Culinary Ambassador to the World,” the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute dedicates itself to preserving the rich culinary heritage of the state of Louisiana. Located on the Nicholls State University campus, the kitchen of the culinary institute is both a home-away-from-home and a classroom on campus for the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute’s students. Situated within the heart of the Bayou Region, the culinary institute welcomes aspiring chefs who have an insatiable want to work in the restaurant industry and have an adventurous palate. It also operates Bistro Ruth, a student-run restaurant that lets students perfect their skills.
175 Bowie Rd, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-493-2700
Where to Eat
7. Indulge in Fine Dining and Local Flavors at Fremin's Restaurant
Inspired by the parents of the Fremin brothers, Myrtle and Lester Fremin, Fremin's Restaurant celebrates the rich Italian and Creole flavors of the area. Open Tuesday to Saturday and situated in downtown Thibodaux, the restaurant harmoniously combines Italian cooking and Creole style, from its flavored butters and fresh baked bread to a variety of signature pastas, steaks, seafood, and salads. Offering a fine dining experience and a relaxed atmosphere within a historic 1800s building, Fremin’s Restaurant serves authentic food that represents local heritage and influences, with one of the eatery’s most popular dishes being the chargrilled oysters.
402 W 3rd St, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-449-0333
8. If You Crave Fresh Seafood, Dine at Spahr's Seafood Downtown Thibodaux
Spahr's Seafood Downtown Thibodaux is part of three different Spahr’s locations within Lafourche Parish, originally founded in the Des Allemands fishing community in 1968. Each of the Spahr’s Seafood restaurants offers wild-caught, fresh Louisiana seafood served using authentic Creole and Cajun recipes. Spahr's Seafood Downtown is especially well known for its three signature dishes consisting of the famous seafood gumbo, the made-from-scratch Bloody Mary, and The Original catfish chips. The restaurant aims to surpass all expectations of guests with its authentic Cajun dining experience. Spahr's Downtown is open all day, seven days a week.
601 W 4th St, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-448-0487
9. Taste Authentic Cajun Specialties at Bourgeois Meat Market for a Flavorful Treat
The Bourgeois Meat Market is an old-fashioned Cajun market that specializes in fresh meat, along with beef jerky, turkey cheese, hogshead cheese, boudin, and several other Cajun food products. Open Monday to Friday from 7:00am until 5:00pm and on Saturday from 7:00am until 1:00pm, the market is known best for its one-of-a-kind Cajun beef jerky that has created numerous near-addicted fans over the years. In fact, the Bourgeois Meat Market sells around one thousand pounds of its beef jerky every week. The unique beef jerky is one of the main reasons both locals and tourists visit the market.
543 W Main St, Thibodaux, LA 70301, Phone: 985-447-7128
My favorite local events:
- For Food Lovers: Thibodaux Firemen’s Fair (May) – One of the largest volunteer firemen’s fairs in the U.S., with rides, music, and Cajun eats.
- For Culture & Fun: Acadia Music Fest (Fall) – Annual music and arts festival featuring local and national acts plus food trucks and vendors.
- For Holiday Cheer: Christmas Fest in Downtown Thibodaux (December) – Lights, parades, and festive family-friendly activities.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Thibodaux, Louisiana:
- For Plantation History: E.D. White Historic Site (10–15 min) – Former home of Louisiana’s only U.S. Supreme Court justice with guided tours and bayou views.
- For Swamp Tours: Des Allemands or Houma (20–30 min) – Take an airboat or pontoon tour into Louisiana’s lush cypress swamps.
- For Culture Lovers: Houma (30 min) – Visit Southdown Plantation House, shop local art, or catch zydeco music events.
- For Outdoor Fun: Lockport Elevated Boardwalk (20–25 min) – Peaceful stroll through marshland with wildlife and educational displays.
- For Fishing: Lake Fields or Bayou Blue (20–30 min) – Try your luck at bass, catfish, and redfish in calm local waters.
Plan Your Trip