Southern Summer Travel
Summer is here, and the world is your oyster. Find yourself a cozy hamlet, a new favorite restaurant, or a destination with memories that will last forever with these Southern Summer Travel locales.
Lafayette CVC
Summer in Lafayette offers a mix of food, music, and outdoor experiences. Start with the EatLafayette app, your source for locally owned restaurants, food trails, things to do, events, and live music in and around Lafayette Parish.
Looking for more cultural and outdoor things this summer? Visit Vermilionville to explore Cajun and Creole history, then head to Moncus Park or the Acadiana Park Nature Station for walking trails and shaded outdoor spaces.
Cool off on the water with a guided swamp tour or rent a kayak and paddle the Bayou Vermilion. For art and culture, explore exhibits at the Acadiana Center for the Arts or the Hilliard Art Museum, and check out downtown’s growing public art.
Evenings are built for dancing. Catch live music at Blue Moon Saloon, Rock’n’Bowl, or local restaurants if you’re dining with the family.
For even more ideas on what to do this summer, visit LafayetteTravel.com/Summer.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, where wide-open waters, wild landscapes, and a vibrant coastal culture come together to create one unforgettable destination. Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, Sabine Lake, and the Neches River, this Southeast Texas gem offers endless opportunities for boating, paddling, and world-class saltwater fishing. Anglers can cast a line for redfish, trout, and flounder while paddlers glide through calm marshes alive with birds and Gulf breezes.
As the official Cajun Capital of Texas, the city offers an irresistible mix of flavor, live music, and heritage. Explore it all at the Museum of the Gulf Coast, then savor spicy seafood and Tex-Mex, boudin, and Gulf-fresh delights on a waterfront patio while local musicians set the soundtrack.
Visit Port Arthur—true Texas with a Cajun twist!
Discover more at visitportarthurtx.com.
Visit Mississippi
From sun-soaked shores to hands-on museums, Mississippi delivers an easygoing summer escape where families can truly connect. Along the Gulf Coast, kids can splash in gentle waves, explore marine life, or dive into interactive fun at discovery centers and waterparks. Inland, cities such as Jackson and Tupelo offer engaging museums, playgrounds, and wildlife encounters that spark curiosity for all ages.
Outdoor adventure is never far away—think kayaking calm rivers, biking scenic trails, or hiking through lush state parks before cooling off with a picnic under shady pines. Whether your crew prefers beach days, creative play, or exploring history and music, Mississippi’s welcoming spirit and variety of activities make it easy to plan a trip everyone will love.
Start planning your next family getaway at: visitmississippi.org/go/family-adventure.
Canton, Mississippi
Visit Canton, Mississippi, this Summer for a day of small-town charm with a big southern heart. With a history as rich in food and culture, where timeless charm meets modernity around the glorious, beautiful Greek Revival Courthouse, there’s always something new and exciting happening in Canton.
The bi-annual Canton Flea Market and Arts & Crafts show is taking place on May 14th, featuring artisans from across the nation with handcrafted items like jewelry, pottery, and unique arts & crafts. With hundreds of superior artists and craftsmen within walking distance of the downtown area, the community comes alive with art and life.
This June, the 41st Annual Balloon Festival takes to the skies of Mississippi from the 26th through the 28th. Join the Canton locals and visitors from around the region at the Canton Multipurpose Complex to witness a wonderland of beautiful balloons light up the Summer skies.
To learn more, visit CantonTourism.com.
Beauregard Watermelon Festival
Join the sweetest celebration in the South this May 21 – 23 at the Beauregard Watermelon Festival in Deridder, LA. This year, the Beauregard Watermelon Festival is going patriotic to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. Throughout the weekend, the festival pauses to honor the brave men and women whose sacrifice made our freedoms possible — while bringing the community together for a full weekend of family fun and hometown pride.
With admission only $5, and children under 3 allowed in free, bring the entire family for a seed spitting, patriotic time amongst family, friends, and the most delicious watermelons you’ve ever had the pleasure to eat. Learn the Watermelon Crawl, enjoy the Melon Voice singing Contest, welcome the Watermelon Festival Queens, and partake in the showstopper Watermelon Eating Contest! There’s about as many ways to have fun as there are ways to slice a melon.
From festival favorites to live entertainment, contests, and community traditions you know and love, the 2026 festival is shaping up to be one to remember.
Learn more at beauregardwatermelonfestival.com.
