• The Historic District along the Cane River Lake in downtown Natchitoches features architecture reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans. Antique shops and restaurants line the old brick street in front of the Cane River Lake. Many older mansions are nearby and include bed and breakfasts if you decide to stay the night.

• The Bayou Pierre Alligator Park[2] is located nearby Natchitoches. Dozens of alligators are visible to visitors. Here you can feed the alligators, enjoy cajun food and music, as well as try some alligator meat. Also visit the petting zoo and exotic animal habitat.

• Fort Saint Jean Baptiste is located in Natchitoches as well, and includes a recreated environment of the early 1700's fort, which was the oldest in the Louisiana Purchase. An interpretive center/museum will provide visitors with a glimpse into colonial Natchitoches. It features a short historic video and several exhibits and artifact displays, as well as interpreters in costume and performing historical reenactment daily.

• Northwestern State University[3] is a large presence in the city and has a scenic campus worth driving through. The university, with an enrollment over 10,000 is home to the Normal Hill Historic District, featuring many historic buildings and structures. On this campus, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts is located, hosting some 400 of the smartest students in Louisiana, as well as the Louisiana Scholars' College[4], a selective admission honors college focusing on a traditional liberal arts education.

• Old American Cemetery stands on the original location of Fort St. Jean Baptiste, and is made up of graves dating back to the time when the fort was still active. This cemetery, which is still in use today, has some of the most beautiful gravestones to be found. While there, be sure to note the large tree that has actually grown around a gravestone, on the edge of the cemetery bordering Second Street.

• The Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery[5] helps restock National Wildlife Refuges, and visiting biologists have come from as far away as Turkmenistan to do research there. Currently they raise, in limited production, largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish; and in more active production, striped bass, pallid sturgeon, and paddlefish. It is open to all visitors and will arrange group tours.

• Front Street is one of the centers of Natchitoches culture. It provides the area with cultural goods and services. It is a cobblestone walkway with shops on one side and a pristine river on the other side. It is a historic shopping district which also is the place where all major events are held.

The best way to get there is by car from Interstate 49 south exit 138, if you are coming from Shreveport, or north, if coming from Alexandria. The most convenient nearby airport is likely Shreveport Regional (SHV), where flights come daily from Dallas-Fort Worth. The Natchitoches Regional Airport is a small airport located within the city. Greyhound buses also make stops in Natchitoches.

Natchitoches is a small town, and does not have a public transit system. Much of the travel through the historic district can be done on foot. For those who drive their own vehicles to visit, parking is generally not a difficulty.

Louisiana-related antiques and other products can be purchased at the shops along the lakefront in downtown. Alligator related products and decorative weapons can be purchased at the alligator farm. Northwestern State University related products can be purchased from Campus Corner across the street from the University, and also from the NSU bookstore inside the student union building.

• Mama's Oyster Bar on Front Street.
• Papas Bar and Grill on Front Street.
• The Docournau on Front Street.
• The Landing on Front Street.

Pioneer Pub - Located on Front Street in the Historic District, the pub is a fun local watering hole full of strange and interesting characters.