St. Martin Parish is a fantastic destination year-round, but springtime truly shines with plenty of activities and events. Dance to live music at our festivals, dig into some tasty crawfish, check out the brewery, or get out and explore nature. So, dust off your calendar and get ready to dive into our top must-do activities for an unforgettable spring experience.
1) Attend a Festival
Kick off the season at the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival.
Every first full weekend in May, Breaux Bridge Rolls out the
red carpet to honor their favorite crustacean that named them
the Crawfish Capital of the World. Enjoy 30 Cajun, Zydeco,
and Swamp Pop Bands, carnival rides, and, of course, plenty
of delicious crawfish prepared in every way imaginable.
2) Pinch, Peel, Eat, Repeat
Spring in Cajun Country marks the peak season for one of our
most beloved traditions: boiled crawfish. As the weather warms,
locals eagerly anticipate gatherings centered around these delectable crustaceans. Come enjoy a pound or two, you can find them at drive-through locations like Cajun Claws or the Boiling Spot, and local restaurants like Are you Crazy Bout Crawfish and Myran’s Maison de Manger.
3) Treat Yourself
Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind at Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge. This beach-style campground is ready to become your go-to destination for rejuvenation and fun. With 452 RV sites and 91 luxury cabins, there’s no shortage of accommodations that suit every taste. But it's not just about where you stay; it's about the experiences that await you. From indulging in island-inspired cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails at on-site bars and restaurants to lounging by one of the three sparkling swimming pools or challenging friends to a game of pickleball, there's something here for everyone.
4) Cruise the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail
Explore the winding waters of the Bayou Teche on a leisurely paddle trail adventure. The Bayou Teche Paddle Trail is a 135-mile-long water route that meanders through the heart of South-Central Louisiana. Slow-moving and serene, The Bayou Teche provides an ideal setting for kayaking and canoeing. The trail flows through 15 towns and four parishes (St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary), and depending on the length and intensity of the paddling adventure you seek, there are multiple access points throughout the trail. Paddlers can choose their entry and exit points, making it convenient for those who wish to explore
specific parts of the bayou.
5) Take a Swamp Tour
Up and down the Henderson Levee, tour operators like Cajun Customized Excursions offer visitors chances to get up close and personal with the Atchafalaya’s waterways, landscapes, and wildlife. Atchafalaya Basin Landing and Swamp Tours and McGee’s Swamp Tours offer guided trips into the swamps aboard boats that range from the self-propelled (kayak and canoe rentals & tours) to the family-friendly (comfortable swamp tour boats), to the high-powered (600 hp airboat rides).
6) Take a Walking Tour
Step back in time as you embark on a self-guided walking tour through Breaux Bridge’s historic downtown area. Start your journey at the Bayou Teche Visitors Center and follow our suggested route through the heart of Breaux Bridge. This route will take you past significant landmarks, charming boutiques like Trove and Company, and mouthwatering eateries like Angelle’s Old Fashion Hamburgers and Tante Marie. In St. Martinville, embark on the self-guided Walk with Evangeline Tour, and get a deeper understanding of the Acadians. This walking tour takes visitors through 10 stations, beginning at Maison Duchamp and ending at the statue of Evangeline, telling of the Acadian
exile from Nova Scotia and their journey to St. Martinville.
7) Visit the Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site
Dive into the fascinating history and culture of the Acadians at the Longfellow Evangeline State Historic Site. Wander through Maison Olivier, the circa 1815 plantation house which is the central feature of Longfellow-Evangeline SHS. Maison Olivier features a mix of French, Creole, and Caribbean architectural influences that were typical of the early 1800s. The blacksmith shop and visitor center, which contains an outstanding museum, are nearby, and walking down the path towards the bayou you’ll find the Acadian farmstead that includes a kitchen and barn. All are open for group tours that can be arranged at the visitor center.
8) Experience the Cypress Island Nature Preserve at Lake Martin
Lake Martin is a wonderful place to view wildlife and enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty. Approximately 9,500 acres of cypress-and-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest habitat are protected here. The incredible bird population is part of what makes paddling here so memorable. You also have a very good chance of encountering reptiles and amphibians. Alligators of all
sizes are at home here – use caution. Visitors can rent a kayak or
canoe nearby and take a spin around the lake. Or, if you’d like to
see the lake by boat, tours are available.
9) Arts and Antiquing
St. Martin Parish has no shortage of local art and antique hunting for those who love nothing more than a quaint little shop. Your first stop should probably be Louisiana Marketshops at the 115—if you’re lost, just look for the bright, yellow walls and the green roof. It specializes in local crafts, perfect for gifts or to give your desk decor a Cajun kick. Not too far away, in Breaux Bridge the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” you can find Pink Alligator Gallery and its eclectic offerings from local artists. Right next door in Arnaudville, NUNU Arts and Culture Collective is the center of creative placemaking, hosting regular exhibitions of local and visiting artists, concerts, workshops, and cultural exchange – all focusing on Francophone life.
10) Beers on the Bayou and Dinner in the Swamp
During the Day, soak up the sunshine at Bayou Teche Brewing. Every weekend, the beer garden comes alive with the sounds of live music, providing the perfect backdrop for sipping on craft beers or tiki cocktails. And let’s not forget about the mouthwatering pizza that perfectly complements the drinks. As night falls, head to McGee’s for a one-of-a-kind dinner adventure. Enjoy the Atchafalaya sunset as you cruise through the swamp, followed by dinner and a fais-do-do on their floating dining room.
