Crowley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Crowley showing street scenes
Crowley
Crowley featuring a city
Crowley showing street scenes

Famous for rice and crawfish farming and a century-old opera house, this small city makes for a pleasant daytrip from Lafayette.

Set amid Louisiana’s French-influenced Cajun Country is the city of Crowley. Established in 1886, Crowley grew to become one of the nation’s largest rice farming regions and is often called the Rice Capital of America. This amicable city has a historic downtown district decorated with almost 200 protected buildings. It’s just 26 miles (42 kilometers) west of Lafayette.

Spend some time wandering along the wide pavements of downtown Crowley’s streets. Spot examples of antebellum, French-Creole and Spanish Colonial architecture. Notable landmarks include Crowley City Court, the First Presbyterian Church and the seven-story building of the First National Bank.

Visit the city’s entertainment venues. The Grand Opera House of the South opened in 1901 and hosts a year-round schedule of balls, cabaret shows and concerts. Enjoy an evening of Cajun, country and gospel music at the art deco style Historic Rice Theatre. Stand outside Master-Trak Enterprises, a recording studio where Paul Simon recorded the iconic album Graceland.

A 15-minute drive south from the downtown district is the Crystal Rice Plantation. Tours of this rice farm give an insight into the city’s rice harvesting traditions. There’s an exhibition of classic cars, too, and a gallery with displays of antiques, china and crystal.

In addition to rice, the area’s farms harvest crawfish, the staple ingredient of classic Louisiana food such as bisque (soup), étouffée (shellfish stew) and gumbo (meat or seafood Cajun stew). Sample these dishes at the city’s bars and restaurants or during October’s International Rice Festival.

It’s easy to get to Crowley from Lafayette by car along U.S. Route 90 which connects the two cities. Great as a daytrip destination, Crowley also has a range of affordable and family-friendly accommodations.

If you choose to stay in Lafayette then be sure to explore the city’s many attractions. Among these are the Acadian Culture Center and Louisiana Orphan Train Museum. Go for a scenic picnic at Chicot State Park and spot alligators at Lake Martin.

Best Western Acadia Hotel
Best Western Acadia Hotel
2.5 out of 5
9565 Egan Highway, Crowley, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$179 per night from 14 July to 15 July
AU$179
14 July - 15 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Crowley. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Bicentennial Park and Hoffpauir ...
7.4/10 Good! (249 reviews)
"Great experience"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Best Western Acadia Hotel
Budget Inn and Suites
Budget Inn and Suites
2.5 out of 5
2115 rice capital pkwy, Crowley, LA
Stay at this hotel in Crowley. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bicentennial Park and Acadia Parish Public Library ...
5.8/10 (120 reviews)
"Clean nice safe"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Budget Inn and Suites
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
4 out of 5
1521 W Pinhook Rd, Lafayette, LA
The price is AU$183 per night from 13 July to 14 July
AU$183
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Restaurant and bar service is not as good as I expected"

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Lafayette
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
LALALAND -2 master suites, king bed,  comfort & location “No chores” at checkout
LALALAND -2 master suites, king bed, comfort & location “No chores” at checkout
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Woodland Village Shopping Center and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"Everything was great!"

Reviewed on 13 Jun. 2025

LALALAND -2 master suites, king bed, comfort & location “No chores” at checkout
Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette
Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette
Lafayette
Stay at this cottage in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Acadian Village Shopping Center and Ostrich Park are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
A peaceful getaway
"If you are just looking to take a deep breath and unplug from the stresses of life, this cabin is what you are looking for. This is what I would like to call a home away from home. Thank you so much for making my stay stress free."

Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2025

Cozy, Modern Waterfront Cottage + 2.5 acres on Bayou in the Heart of Lafayette
3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
Lafayette
Stay at this vacation home in Lafayette. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Youth Park and Blackham Coliseum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Nice Place
"Great place for our family to stay. Enjoyed the games in living room. Comfy Beds. Location Great"

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

3 Bedroom Saint Street/Downtown, Quiet, near everything
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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