Fall Travel

As the leaves begin to turn, the South becomes a wonderland of lush and delicious travel opportunities. Discover your new Fall Travel obsession today!

Lafayette CVC

There’s nothing quite like Fall in Lafayette; the cool breeze through the trees harmonizes with the feeling that something new, delicious, and exciting is happening around every corner. Whether it’s live music, outdoor adventures, or local cuisine that you’re in the mood for, there’s no better time to discover all the wonders of Acadiana.

Each October, downtown Lafayette comes alive during Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, one of Louisiana’s premier celebrations of Cajun and Creole culture. This free, three-day festival features multiple stages of live Cajun and zydeco music, regional crafts, cultural demonstrations, and some of the area’s best local food.

Guests can also enjoy the Latin Music Festival, held at Parc International in downtown Lafayette, featuring live Latin music, dance performances, salsa dancing, authentic cuisine, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. Or, if you’re looking for a little Cajun authenticity, check out the Cajun Boudin Trail, a self-guided culinary trail connecting dozens of locally owned meat markets, specialty shops, and restaurants serving one of South Louisiana’s most iconic foods.

Learn more at LafayetteTravel.com/Fall

Port Arthur Convention

When autumn arrives along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast, Port Arthur comes alive with cooler temperatures, fall bird migration, saltwater fishing, and spicy Cajun flavors.

Start your morning at a slower pace. Wander the quiet, canopied trails at Sabine Woods, famous for colorful, migratory birds. Cast a fishing line in Sabine Lake, paddle peaceful bayous, or explore Sea Rim State Park, where miles of undeveloped beachfront, marshes and boardwalks offer endless opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Now that you’ve worked up a Texas-sized appetite, dine on authentic Cajun cuisine at locally owned restaurants, where every bowl of gumbo, link of boudain, and plate of fresh Gulf seafood tells the story of Port Arthur’s Cajun heritage. Savor the sounds of live music on a porch or patio overlooking the river or bayou.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding a stop to your next Texas road trip, pick Port Arthur’s outdoor adventure, coastal beauty and warm Gulf Coast hospitality —all with a distinctive southern spirit that’s the heart and soul of the Cajun Capital of Texas.

Learn more at visitportarthurtx.com.

West Baton Rouge

FALL in love with Louisiana’s smallest parish that caters to your big city needs. Whether you visit for our Blues, Views, or BBQs, our popular hotel chains will keep you close to the action but far from the bustle. Our little parish has two Mississippi River bridges. The Horace Wilkinson Bridge will take you to the home of Death Valley Stadium to cheer on the nationally acclaimed LSU Tigers. Just a few miles away, the Huey P. Long Bridge leads you into Southern University Jaguar territory to savor the sounds of the famous “Human Jukebox” band! Stop by and visit our West Baton Rouge Museum in October to experience our popular Sugar Fest, where we celebrate our sugarcane harvest and regional heritage with live music, food, and tons of activities for the kids. When you stay and play in West Baton Rouge, you come as a visitor but leave a local.

Discover more at westbatonrouge.net.

Beauregard Parish

The Gothic Jail (also known as the “Hanging Jail”) is a historic landmark right in DeRidder, Louisiana. Constructed in 1914 in the “Collegiate Gothic” architectural style, the jail was the only penal institution in the country to use that style in the first decade of the 20th century. Built from reinforced concrete with walls 13 to 21 inches thick, poured into wooden molds, the jail is also known as “The Hanging Jail”, based upon the 1928 double hanging of two men who were executed for robbing and murdering a local taxi driver near DeRidder.

Today, the Gothic Jail is considered one of Louisiana’s most haunted sites, and a hub for ghost seekers and the supernaturally curious from across the Gulf South hoping to catch a glimpse of a former jailer’s spirit still haunting the porch and building. In October, the jail becomes the “Gothic Jail After Dark” Haunted Attraction, welcoming all visitors for a night of spooky fun.

Learn more about Day Tours and “Gothic Jail After Dark” dates and tickets on Facebook @ Gothic Jail After Dark.

Natchitoches CVB

Fall arrives with unforgettable experiences in Natchitoches, where every September weekend offers something new to discover. Labor Day Weekend, September 4–5, kicks off the season with three unique festivals happening simultaneously. Dance along the Downtown Riverbank during the Cane River Zydeco Festival, celebrating Louisiana’s rich musical heritage with live performances, local cuisine, and an energetic atmosphere. At the 3rd Annual Bigfoot Festival, families can enjoy guest speakers, themed vendors, exhibits, and activities inspired by the legendary creature. History comes alive at Renaissance Comes to the Cane at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site, where costumed reenactors, artisan demonstrations, live entertainment, and interactive experiences transport visitors to another era. Later in the month, September 18–19, the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival returns to the Downtown Riverbank, celebrating Louisiana’s official state meat pie with live music, local vendors, and two days of delicious tradition. This fall, discover why there’s always something to celebrate in Louisiana’s oldest city.

Plan your getaway at Natchitoches.com.