We love New Orleans and we couldn’t think of a better place to live, but a change of scenery every now and then is always fun. For your next outdoor adventure, consider exploring this delightfully charming rural town near New Orleans that has a little bit of everything: farms, restaurants, a lovely historic district, and some fantastic antique shopping. Gas up the car, because we’re heading over to explore the beauty of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. 

Known as the “Strawberry Capital of the World,” Ponchatoula is a small city in Tangipahoa Parish that makes an ideal, scenic, and charming day trip from NOLA. When you need to get out of the big city and unwind, Ponchatoula is the perfect place to go.
Downtown Ponchatoula/Facebook
You could easily spend an entire day here just strolling through the town. Main Street looks like a set straight out of your favorite Hallmark movie.
Downtown Ponchatoula/Facebook
But first, you'll need some food and let's be honest, coffee, to fuel your day. Start your morning off with a visit to Pappy's Stowaway Cafe.
Susan Wilke / Google
Here you'll find an impressive selection of coffee and espresso drinks, including a list of more than 30 additional flavor options. You can also grab sandwiches, bagels, breakfast, and lunch.
Susan Wilke / Google

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There are several boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries to pop in and out of.
Ponchatoula Country Market/Google
And several parks peppered around to sit for a spell. There's nothing like sitting underneath the shade of an ancient oak with the Spanish moss swaying in the breeze. As small towns in Louisiana go, this one is hard to beat.
Richard J Barbalace/Google
While you're in the area, a stop at Paul's Cafe is a must.
Paul’s Cafe/Facebook
For over 40 years, this timeless eatery has been serving up some of the best southern and cajun grub in town. Of course, you'll want to grab one of their famous strawberry daiquiris made with Ponchatoula strawberries and New Orleans rum.
Paul’s Cafe/Facebook
After you've shopped till you drop and eaten everything, there's no better way to end the day than with a visit to Kliebert & Sons, an alligator farm that's been in business since 1984. Lean all about the alligator industry while seeing these gators up close and personal.
My Info K./Trip Advisor
If you're really brave, you can even hold one! Maybe do this activity before the daiquiris, just a suggestion.

If you’ve been there, what’s your favorite thing about Ponchatoula? And if you haven’t, what are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below! We’re dying to know which of you are brave enough to get up close and personal with the alligators.

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More to Explore

Additional Attractions In Ponchatoula, Louisiana

CC | August 28, 2022

What else is near Ponchatoula, Louisiana?

The downtown area of Ponchatoula has lots to offer, but if you’re in the area for multiple days and want to mix things up, other adventures abound. Also in Ponchatoula you’ll find the Joyce Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a preserved wetland that spans 42,292 acres and boasts trees like the red maple, wax myrtle, red bay, and younger cypress-tupelo.

At this WMA there are activities for nature lovers of all kinds. Hunting, trapping, fishing, and boating are all permitted in the wetland. Popular game you’re likely to find are white-tailed deer, waterfowl, rabbit, and squirrel and fish generally found in the area are largemouth bass, sunfish, and catfish.

The region is also popular for birding and hiking. There are a number of trails visitors can take to explore different areas of the wetland including the Joyce Wildlife Swampwalk. This boardwalk trail allows visitors to walk into the swamp and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

If you’re visiting Ponchatoula for its downtown charms, consider adding a trip to the Joyce WMA onto your itinerary. It adds a beautiful dose of nature to your adventure.

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Ponchatoula, LA, USA