New Orleans has long been the pride and joy of the Bayou State – you know, phenomenal Cajun cuisine, world-renowned nightlife, and some of the most awe-inspiring architecture in the entire U.S.
Otherwise, Baton Rouge is really the only other notable city nestled between the state’s numerous delightful towns and vast marshy swamplands.
Well, that’s all changing now. One southern lake town has been seeing a spike in popularity, proving once and for all the ‘South will rise again’!
According to new tourism reports, Lake Charles is Louisiana’s latest hotspot for travelers, welcoming over 7 million visitors!
Chock-full with everything from down-home charm to towering waterfront hotels, this sunny lake town in the Bayou 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 New Orleans’ Bourbon Street alone fits that moniker.
Everyone and their mother (okay, maybe not literally) visit Las Vegas for sinful dusk-til-dawn nights, there’s also Biloxi, Mississippi, a coastal city with name-brand hotels and casinos served as the South’s mini-Vegas on the beach.
Biloxi is definitely more well known, but close behind is Lake Charles as it trends upward.
This lovely lake town is set between the Texas border and New Orleans.
Chill by day and lively by night, this unsuspecting oasis is a perfect blend of charm, beauty, and buzzing nightlife.
Biloxi may offer blissful coasts, but if we’re being honest, neither Lake Charles’ nor Biloxi’s muddy brown waters are ideal for swimming, yet both are great for ‘adulting’ the right way.
With fun hotels, including high-end 4-star resorts, Lake Charles holds its own as a premier getaway as it continues to grow as the Bayou’s new “it” destination.
Skip The Fall Foliage! Relax Poolside Instead
Lake Charles can remain in the 80s until Thanksgiving dinner, offering travelers a summer-esque escape while others bundle up in coats and sip their Pumpkin Spice Lattes to stay warm.
Boasting perfect pool weather, take advantage of Lake Charles’ unmissable hotels among the small cityscape.
Looking out over the skyline, the Golden Nugget and L’Auberge hotels overpower the nearly otherwise nonexistent skyline and provide 2 of the best places to stay.
Perched riverside along the Calcasieu River, this dynamic overlooks Lake Charles and nearby Prien Lake as well.
The Golden Nugget is a nice 4-star hotel boasting a resort-style pool for your enjoyment, while the L’Aurberge is a step up as a 4-star ‘Resort’.
And no, there is no clear price difference between one describing themselves as a ‘resort’. In fact, L’Auberge is often cheaper.
For example, for a weeklong stay in October, L’Auberge is $181 per night while the Golden Nuggets tops $200.
There are plenty of ways to relish Lake Charles’ waters too.
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 iffy.
While Cajun cuisine is known for featuring an array of local delicacies, not all ‘gators end up on the plate. And you definitely don’t want to become the next dish by taking a dip in the lake.
Tip: For more affordable stays, check out Lake Charles proper rather than the riverside. The Marco Hotel Lake Charles and Horseshoe Lake Charles are often under $100.
Where Down-Home Charm Meets Year-Round Festivities
Southern hospitality holds true in Lake Charles, which is the primary reason why so many repeat visitors are putting this pretty lake town on the map.
As a great place to enjoy the outdoors, indulge in local cuisine, and shop ’til you drop, the key ingredient is its friendly people and magnetic charm, particularly in historic Old Town.
You’ll find over 40 blocks of well-preserved Victorian and Creole architecture, quirky street murals, and divine restaurants here.
More so, you’ll find festive events throughout the year.
While it’s a ways away, The Independent actually claims Lake Charles is a better Mardi Gras destination than New Orleans – strong words!
Lake Charles isn’t just Plan B for Mardi Gras, however. There are numerous festivals to watch for, but here are a few:
- Lake Charles Seafood Festival
- Creole Tomato Festival
- Christmas on the Bayou
Tip: Parking is always free in Old Town!
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