A lively downtown area filled with cafes, ice cream parlours and boutiques makes Hammond one of the most charming small towns in Louisiana. The city is anchored by Southeastern Louisiana University, which keeps the vibe youthful and upbeat. At just over 70 kilometres from New Orleans, Hammond is also a great base for visiting “The Big Easy”.
Things to do in Hammond
Hammond has the charm and atmosphere of a small town. Strolling through the lively downtown area, you’ll be charmed by colourful wooden shopfronts housing trendy cafes and gastropubs. Pick up a bottle of Louisiana red from a specialty wine shop and browse handmade souvenirs at independent boutiques.
The town has a definite sweet tooth, with local favourites including ice cream rolls and frozen custard. You can also sample beignets, deep-fried squares of dough sprinkled with powdered sugar. Savoury delights include Po'boy sandwiches filled with shrimp, thick gumbo soup and crawfish etouffée flavoured with herbs and spices.
North of Downtown Hammond is the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Admire local talent at the Contemporary Art Gallery and learn about arts, culture and Civil Rights at the African American Heritage Museum. Cheering on the football team is a great way to soak up the student atmosphere.
Gorgeous architecture, legendary jazz clubs and centuries of history await in New Orleans. Much of the action is centred along Bourbon Street, an iconic thoroughfare lined with bars and live music venues. Take a walking tour through the Garden District to admire beautiful historic mansions and stroll through leafy Lafayette Cemetery.
Getting around Hammond
Downtown Hammond is compact and easy to get around on foot while local buses operate throughout the city. Trains run between Hammond and New Orleans in around one hour. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.