Louisiana's Former 'Strawberry Capital' Is A Buzzing City With Southern Charm And Artsy College Town Vibes

Louisiana is known for its lively music scene, Cajun and Creole cooking, and small towns drenched in Southern hospitality. Hammond brings many of these qualities to life in a college town with a walkable downtown, a flourishing arts scene, and easy access to eastern Louisiana. Located roughly midway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, the city is a convenient stop for travelers looking for a charming getaway from either metropolitan hub.

Hammond sits in Tangipahoa Parish, an agricultural area that is home to the world's strawberry capital — Ponchatoula. The surrounding countryside is especially associated with strawberries, and Ponchatoula isn't alone in growing them. Until 1968, Hammond held the strawberry capital title before its neighboring city claimed it for itself. Nevertheless, Hammond's agricultural prowess and lively character endure even without the title. During harvest season in the parish, local berries turn up in roadside markets, farm stands, homemade preserves, and seasonal desserts.

Hammond also makes a useful base for exploring more of the Gulf South. New Orleans is roughly 60 miles away, and Baton Rouge lies about 45 miles to the west. It's also less than 60 miles from the Mississippi border and close enough to the wetlands and beaches of both states for a day trip. The most convenient airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which is located about 45 miles from Hammond. MSY is particularly appealing to travelers, as it was one of two U.S. airports that made ACI's most exclusive 2026 excellence list.

Hammond's connection to Louisiana's strawberry industry is one of the area's defining characteristics, even though neighboring Ponchatoula has held the official Strawberry Capital title since 1968. Today, Ponchatoula is a sweet, underrated Louisiana city with a quaint collection of shops, but back in the 1960s, a city council member looking to breathe new life into the city examined the region's strawberry farming statistics and discovered that Ponchatoula's production exceeded Hammond's by 177 carloads. Hammond didn't want to give up its title as the "Strawberry Capital of Louisiana," so Ponchatoula passed an ordinance declaring itself the "Strawberry Capital of the World."

Downtown Hammond is the liveliest part of town. One standout spot is the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, a 1920s-era venue that hosts a range of performances. Each summer, Hot August Night also brings music, arts, and festivities to the streets as university students begin returning to campus. Visitors should also check out the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, which has a range of galleries "telling the story of African Americans," according to the museum's website.

Hammond's college-town identity comes courtesy of Southeastern Louisiana University. One excellent way to experience this school spirit is by catching a Southeastern Lions game at Strawberry Stadium. The university is known for its Southern hospitality and even welcomes the public to check out its on-campus SLU Contemporary Art Gallery, which features a rotating selection of exhibits.

Travelers who want to spend the night in Hammond can choose from historic accommodations, familiar hotel chains, and vacation rentals. For a stay with character, Historic Michabelle Inn offers a bed-and-breakfast experience in a historic home dating back to 1907, drenched in Southern charm and hospitality. Vacation rentals are also available, ranging from waterfront homes with private ponds to condos in the heart of downtown. Vacationers could also take a day trip from New Orleans, which was voted the most colorful city in America.

Nearby New Orleans may have been ranked as America's best food destination, but Hammond has an impressive repertoire of eateries too. Hammond is known for showcasing Louisiana's rich culinary traditions while making room for craft beer, contemporary American cooking, and casual neighborhood favorites. Gnarly Barley Brewing is a popular stop for craft beer enthusiasts looking to sample locally made brews. In downtown Hammond, One Thirteen offers a polished dining experience, while Cate Street Seafood Station is an option for visitors craving local seafood.

The Gulf South's tourist season often differs from the usual summer tourist season in many parts of the country due to the region's intense heat and humidity from June through September. Spring and fall are particularly appealing times to visit Hammond, when temperatures are milder and humidity is generally lower than in summer. Mardi Gras season also brings a festive atmosphere to the city in February or early March, when the Krewe of Omega rolls through town.