If you are looking for the best things to do in Hammond, Louisiana, then you have come to the right place!
Families on vacation who are searching for a home away from home will love the welcoming town of Hammond, the largest city in Tangipahoa Parish. It is well-known for providing a wide range of leisure options for visitors.
For those who have an interest in the arts, the Hammond Regional Arts Center offers both art exhibits and classes.
The two best family attractions in the area are Safari Quest Family Fun Center and Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch, which you shouldn’t miss if you’re traveling with children.
You will undoubtedly enjoy yourself here, whether you’re searching for a calm family break or a weekend adventure.
For a great vacation, here is a list of the best things to do in Hammond, Louisiana.
things to do in Hammond, Louisiana
1. Lake Maurepas
On our first list of things to do in Hammond, LA, is to visit Lake Maurepas. Nestled among the Louisiana Bayou, this tiny, brackish lake is rounded and fed by four rivers! The lake has a surface area of more than ninety square miles and an average depth of about 10 feet. Not to be overlooked, tall cypresses sprout up out of the water!
Featuring osprey, alligators, wood ducks, loons, deer, bunnies, and more, this lake is a nature photographer’s paradise! The major drawback is that there are no footpaths along the lake’s edge, so the only ways to access the lake are by boat, canoe, or kayak.
2. Visit Zemuray Park
Zemmuray Park is a beautiful community park located a short distance south of Hammond’s downtown. Wandering around this park is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hammond, LA.
Owing to the prevalence of waterfowl, this lovely park features a pond in the center as well as a nearly mile-long walking track.
Zemmuray Park is a notable outdoor public pool in Hammond. It is open every sunny day in the summer. The park also features three baseball fields, a dog park, a miniature railroad, a tennis court, a skate park, and a children’s playground.
Zemmuray Park’s pond is another popular fishing location; it’s home to a variety of fish species, such as largemouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, red-ear sunfish, and bluegill.
Zemmuray Park is home to Hammond’s yearly Christmas event, which is adorned with exquisite decorations.
3. Gnarly Barley Brewing
Gnarly Barley Brewing is a must-visit location for craft beer enthusiasts who are young at heart.
The wonderful thing about Hammond is that it can accommodate tourists of all ages and interests.
In addition to places suitable for children, this area also boasts places that adults will undoubtedly enjoy exploring. They offer a wide selection of beers that you can drink in their open-air taproom.
You can choose to sip your drink on their terrace outside if you want to take in the stunning view of the brewery.
There is a taco truck here on Fridays and Saturdays for food-loving tourists.
You can bring any food you desire during your stay, so don’t worry if you have a certain food you prefer to eat while sipping your beer.
Enjoy live music performances by local musicians with your entire group on Friday or Saturday, which is another fantastic reason to visit on those days.
4. Watch a Live Performance at Columbia Theatre
The Columbia Theatre is a noteworthy historical site in Hammond that is undoubtedly worth visiting.
Columbia Theatre presents live performances that highlight the skills of regional, national, and worldwide performers for individuals looking to get out of their homes and avoid the typical television fare.
You will undoubtedly find something to watch while in the city at this well-liked location for musicals, dance, and theater productions, as well as classical and contemporary concerts.
For those who are looking for a venue for a special event, this historic theatre is also available for rent. They can cater intimate gatherings, meetings, receptions, and stand-up comedy shows, to name a few.
To see what shows are available at the theatre, you can go to their website.
5. Lake Pontchartrain
One of my favorite activities in Hammond is going to Lake Pontchartrain! You’ll see more of Louisiana and arrive at one of the greatest beaches close to New Orleans with just a forty-minute trip!
Surprisingly, this 630-square-mile lake is an estuary, despite being the largest inland body of water in the state! This indicates that several bays and rivers connect it to the Gulf of Mexico.
You can go sailing or motorboating on Lake Pontchartrain and go fishing. On the beach, you can relax and go swimming! You may ride or walk five kilometers of bike paths, and there are lots of benches where you can rest and take in the lake view! This is one of the most romantic things to do in Hammond if you bring your special someone!
6. Experience the Fun at the Safari Quest Family Fun Center
The Safari Quest Family Fun Center is another well-liked attraction in Hammond, Louisiana. This Tomfoolery Place is located along the path that leads from Hammond Square to downtown, which is home to several attractions and exhibitions.
One of the most well-liked attractions at Safari Quest Family Fun Center is a fantastic laser tag arena, which spans more than 3,000 square feet and features multiple bases and levels. It also features a spectator stand.
One of the newest attractions to this venue is the indoor ropes course, which features hard levels and simulations with obstacles including beams, barrels, skateboards, and netting.
Safari Quest Family Fun Center has a well-stocked arcade and Watering Hole restaurants. Visiting this location is one of the best things to do in Hammond, LA, for a fun family experience.
7. Go Bowling at Tangi Lanes Bowling and Recreation Center
Another fun place to visit in Hammond is the Tangi Lanes Bowling and Recreation Center. This is a bowling alley with a lot of pure fun things to do.
This bowling alley has been operational since 1997. It has been one of the most well-liked locations in the city for partygoers. They have an amazing and thrilling bowling game called “Galactic Bowling” on the weekends.
They offer a billiard table if you’d rather play, and the lights in the alley contribute to the ambiance of fun and peace. It’s guaranteed that everyone who visits Tangi Lanes Bowling and Recreation Center will enjoy themselves.
Customers can purchase drinks, snacks, and other delicacies in the Lane 25 lounge of the bowling alley.
8. Visit Downtown Farmers Market
One of the most anticipated free activities in Hammond is the Farmers & Artisans Market! Discovering the true nature of the locals can be achieved through peer exploration of a community of handmade businesses.
What makes the Farmers Market unique is the presence of farmers, producers, and artisans selling goods that they have grown or made themselves. Fresh vegetables from the farm, flowers, plants, prepared foods, supermarket essentials, fresh fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, artisan trade goods, and farm crafts are a few of the items offered. There’s no denying that this is the greatest thing to do in Hammond!
9. Hammond Square Mall
Hammond Square Mall is the best shopping destination in Tangipahoa Parish. Shopping in this mall is among the best things to do in Hammond, LA.
The Hammond Square Mall has undergone significant improvements since it opened in 1977. This outdoor shopping center is currently the second-largest in Louisiana.
Numerous well-known national businesses, including Target, JCPenney, Foot Locker, Claire’s, Old Navy, Kay Jewelers, and others, can be found at the Hammond Square Mall.
Two of the many eateries in this mall’s western area are Olive Garden and Raising Cane. Hammond Square Mall is a wonderful spot to shop in the city.
10. Have a Drink at Low Road Brewing
Low Road Brewing is a microbrewery that serves 30 taps, 15 of which come from their brewery.
If you’re lucky, they might even let you sample some of their seasonal or specialty beers while you’re there.
This brewery might be just the spot for tourists searching for a comfortable location to drink a nice glass of beer.
They have a cozy atmosphere that is ideal for people who just want to relax after a long day.
Additionally, there is an outdoor space where people traveling with pets can stay. Here, you can also find food vendors on the weekends.
11. Bayou Booksellers
Bayou Booksellers provides a large assortment of exclusive goods and books authored by regional writers for travelers searching for specialized gifts to give to their loved ones.
Travelers from all over the world who are searching for unique things to take home with them are well-known for visiting this establishment.
This store constantly has unique stuff to offer, and they have a wide variety of things that suit all kinds of visitors.
You’re guaranteed to find something fascinating when you leave this store because they sell electronics, yard art, kids’ toys, stationery, and pet supplies.
There is also a good selection of cookbooks available here for individuals who enjoy cooking. For a more memorable visit, make sure to grab a cup of hot coffee here before you leave.
12. Visit Baton Rouge
Though not in Hammond, it’s only a 45-minute drive to Baton Rouge! One of the favorite things to do in Hammond is to visit Baton Rouge, which is genuinely one of the nicest cities in the South.
You can take a tour of the State Capitol building in Baton Rouge and then see the Old State Capitol building, which is one of the fairytale castles in the South that you should visit! Alternatively, Baton Rouge offers some fantastic hiking trails if you want to get outside! It’s well worth the little drive!
13. Get a Massage at Oriental Relax Massage
One of the best places to relax and unwind your muscles is Oriental Relax Massage.
The relaxed atmosphere of this establishment promises an enjoyable time. They provide a range of massages, some for the body and some to help the mind relax, for different situations and people.
Oriental Relax Massage offers a variety of massage therapies to help its clients look and feel their best, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone massages.
Massages at Oriental Relax Massage can run anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours, depending on your availability.
14. Watch a Movie at AMC Hammond Palace
Going to an AMC Hammond Palace movie theater with your loved ones is a great way to relax and take a break from touring.
For a better movie experience, purchase some drinks and snacks before you go to the theater.
You can place an order for your refreshments in advance using the AMC Theatres app or their website if you want to avoid any hassles during your visit.
You can set up a movie date in one of their private theaters for individuals who are commemorating a particular occasion.
Make sure to check their website for the most recent movie schedules showing in the theater.
15. Go Sightseeing at Hammond Oak
On our last list of things to do in Hammond, LA, is to visit Hammond Oak.
Hammond is lined with many oak trees, from the downtown area to all the great spots in the city. The location is known for its unique oak, which has gained renown due to its beauty.
In addition, Hammond Oak has a historical marker located in the city and is a member of the Live Oak Society.
Peter Hammond, the well-known Swedish founder of the city, was buried beneath the tree. Nearby lie the graves of a slave boy and his family. The Hammond Oak is a breathtaking sight in Hammond, LA.
Also, Read 15 BEST FUN THINGS TO DO IN COLONIAL BEACH, VA
Frequently Asked Questions About Hammond, Louisiana
What is Hammond, Louisiana, known for?
Hammond is known for being the home of Southeastern Louisiana University, its annual Strawberry Festival celebrating the local strawberry harvest, and its historical downtown area.
How far is Hammond from New Orleans?
Hammond is located approximately 55 miles northwest of New Orleans, making it about an hour’s drive away, depending on traffic.
What are some popular attractions in Hammond?
Popular attractions include the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, Kliebert & Sons Alligator Tours, the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, and the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum.
Is Hammond a safe place to live?
Overall, Hammond is considered relatively safe, but like any city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions.
What is the climate like in Hammond?
Hammond experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summers tend to be long and humid, while winters are generally mild with occasional cold spells.
Are there good dining options in Hammond?
Yes, Hammond has a variety of dining options, including local Cajun and Creole cuisine, seafood restaurants, barbecue joints, and several chain restaurants.
Is there public transportation available in Hammond?
Public transportation options in Hammond are limited, but there are some bus services available within the city and surrounding areas.
What events or festivals are held in Hammond?
Apart from the Strawberry Festival, Hammond hosts various events throughout the year, including the Hot August Night Festival, the Halloween Spooktacular, and several music and cultural festivals.
Is there a good selection of shopping areas in Hammond?
Yes, Hammond has shopping centers, including Hammond Square Mall, and various boutiques and specialty stores in the downtown area.
Are there outdoor recreational activities in Hammond?
Yes, there are parks, trails, and recreational areas in and around Hammond where people can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and picnicking.