Share the article
Last updated
New Orleans has long been the pride and joy of the Bayou State – you know, the phenomenal Cajun cuisine, world-famous nightlife and some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in the entire US
Otherwise, Baton Rouge is really the only other notable city, nestled among the state’s many beautiful towns and vast swamps.
Well, that all changes now. One South Lake city has seen a spike in popularity, proving once and for all that the ‘South will rise again’!
According to new tourist reports, More Charles is Louisiana’s newest hotspot for travelers, welcoming more than 7 million visitors!
Brimming with everything from simple charm to towering waterfront hotels, this sunny bayou lake town is calling your name as you plan your next fall getaway.
Louisiana ‘playground’ or Biloxi Wannabe?
Lake Charles is described as “Louisiana’s playground“, while most would say that only Bourbon Street in New Orleans fits that name.
Everyone and their mother (okay, maybe not literally) visits Las Vegas sinful From dusk to dawn, there’s also Biloxi, Mississippi, a coastal city with famed hotels and casinos that served as the South’s mini-Vegas on the beach.
Biloxi is definitely better known, but is right behind More Charles as it goes up.
This beautiful lakeside town is located between the Texas border and New Orleans.
Cool by day and lively by night, this unsuspecting oasis is a perfect blend of charm, beauty and vibrant nightlife.
Biloxi may offer blissful shorelines, but if we’re being honest, neither the muddy brown waters of Lake Charles nor the muddy brown waters of Biloxi are ideal for swimming, but both are great for “growing up” the right way .
With quaint hotels including four-star luxury resorts, Lake Charles is known as a premier getaway as it continues to grow as the Bayou’s new ‘it’ destination.
Skip the fall foliage! Relax by the pool Instead of
Lake Charles can stay in the 80s until Thanksgiving dinner, offering travelers a summer escape while others don their jackets and sip their Pumpkin Spice Lattes to stay warm.
To boast perfect pool weatherTake advantage of Lake Charles’ must-see hotels in the small townscape.
Overlooking the skyline, the Golden Nugget And The Auberge hotels dominate the virtually non-existent skyline and offer two of the best places to stay.
Located on the Calcasieu River, this dynamic overlooks Lake Charles and nearby Prien Lake.
The Golden Nugget is a lovely four-star hotel with a resort-style pool for you to enjoy, while L’Aurberge is a step further as a four-star resort.
And no, there is no obvious price difference between one that describes itself as a “resort.” In fact, L’Auberge is often cheaper.
For example, for a weeklong stay in October, L’Auberge costs $181 per night, while the Golden Nuggets is $200.
There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the waters of Lake Charles.
It’s a popular spot for fishing, boating and kayaking, but swimming in the murky waters with the critters Louisiana is known for can be questionable.
Although Cajun cuisine is known for its range of local delicacies, not all gators end up on the plate. And you certainly don’t want to become the next dish by taking a dip in the lake.
Tip: For a more affordable stay, visit Lake Charles itself instead of the riverfront. The Marco Hotel Lake Charles and Horseshoe Lake Charles often cost less than $100.
Where down-home charm meets year-round festivities
Southern hospitality also applies in Lake Charleswhich is the main reason why so many repeat visitors put this beautiful lakeside town on the map.
It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors, enjoy the local cuisine and shop ’til you drop. The key ingredient is the friendly people and magnetic charm, especially in the historic Old Town.
You’ll find more than 40 blocks of well-preserved Victorian and Creole architecture, quirky street murals and divine restaurants.
What’s more, you’ll find festive events all year round.
Even though it’s far away, The independent basically claims Lake Charles is better Mardi Gras destination then New Orleans – powerful words!
However, Lake Charles isn’t just Plan B for Mardi Gras. There are countless festivals to watch, but here are a few:
- Lake Charles Seafood Festival
- Creole Tomato Festival
- Christmas on the Bayou
Tip: parking is possible always free in the old town!
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
