3 Louisiana Tourist Spots I Tried to Hate (But Ended Up Loving)

When you think of must-see attractions in Louisiana, what comes to mind first? The French Quarter, with its rich history and lively atmosphere? A Mardi Gras parade? As someone who isn't from Louisiana, these are a few popular destinations in the state that I didn't have high hopes for, but ended up loving.

1. L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles

Even though I personally don’t gamble, I love visiting L’auberge in Lake Charles. In fact, I’ve been going there since before I turned 21 (it’s surprisingly family-friendly!). L’auberge is so much more than a casino. Sure, that’s the main attraction, but it’s still worth the trip if you have kids or you’re like me and don’t enjoy gambling. I was a teenager the first time my family and I went, and I still remember how unenthused I was; my parents practically had to drag me to the car. After all, how much fun could a kid have at a casino? Turns out, a lot. I’ve never been to Vegas, but I imagine L’auberge is like a miniature version of casinos on the Strip. As soon as you step into the resort, the glitz and glamour make you feel like a high roller. The lobby is elegant and sophisticated, and the ground floor has everything you could possibly need, from fine dining restaurants to upscale retail stores and even a barber shop. Families especially love the lazy river, and there’s also an adults-only heated pool. I come to L’auberge at least once a year because it’s such a short drive from my home in Southeast Texas, and I always feel fancy when I stay there.

2. Café du Monde

One of my toxic traits is automatically assuming that trendy spots aren’t worth the hype, but that isn’t always the case. The iconic Café du Monde in New Orleans is a prime example of a buzzworthy place that deserves every bit of its popularity. Today, the legendary coffee shop has 10 locations in the Greater New Orleans area. However, for the most authentic experience, visit the original location in the French Market. The green-and-white striped awning and outdoor seating will transport you to the streets of Paris before you’ve even placed your coffee order. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for the beignets because I assumed they would taste like any other donut. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. The crunchy exterior gives way to a pillowy-soft center, and the powdered sugar on top adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. Needless to say, I was hooked. And the coffee? I was a bit hesitant because I wasn’t sure if I would like the chicory flavor, but it was the best café au lait I’ve ever had. 

3. Bourbon Street (during Mardi Gras)

Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras is basically the final boss of New Orleans. I’m the kind of person who goes to sleep at 9 p.m. (even on weekends), but somehow, my friends convinced me to give it a chance anyway. Spending the evening surrounded by a bunch of rowdy people was not my idea of a good time, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had. Experiencing Mardi Gras in the place where it all began was truly amazing, and I loved seeing all the flamboyant costumes and floats.

In your opinion, what iconic places in Louisiana are worth the hype? And on the flip side, which ones are visitors better off skipping? 

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