Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway

National Scenic Byway

Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway

Louisiana

183.8 miles

Wind through the heart of Cajun Country on this 184-mile journey that traces one of Louisiana’s most storied waterways. The Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway connects Morgan City to Arnaudville, passing through a landscape where Spanish moss drapes ancient live oaks and herons glide over still waters reflecting the sky.

This route immerses you in Acadiana’s living culture. Stop in New Iberia to explore Shadows-on-the-Teche, an antebellum plantation home, or visit nearby Avery Island, home to Tabasco and stunning jungle gardens. In Breaux Bridge, the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” sample boudin and étouffée at legendary Cajun restaurants. St. Martinville’s Evangeline Oak marks the legendary meeting place from Longfellow’s epic poem.

Small towns along the way reveal sugarcane fields, cypress swamps, and working fishing communities where French is still spoken. Visit Chitimacha tribal lands, paddle quiet bayou stretches, or catch live zydeco music any weekend.

Spring and fall offer ideal conditions—mild temperatures, blooming azaleas or golden foliage, and peak festival season. Allow two to three days to truly absorb the pace of bayou life, stopping often to taste, listen, and linger. This isn’t a drive to rush—it’s an invitation to slow down and let Louisiana’s Cajun heartland reveal itself.

Explore Nearby

Nearby Discoveries

4 places to explore within 30 miles

1 Lighthouse 2 State Parks 1 Scenic Byway