Whether it’s a festival complete with live music and laissez faire fun or a lazy trip paddling through one of our bayou trails, there is always something to do and see on the Cajun Coast.

If you’re planning to visit in the summer, temperatures can soar and the humidity isn’t a joke. We’ve got 5 tips to make your next visit to South Louisiana one to remember:

1-Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Both the heat and the tendency of visitors to imbibe sap reserves. It’s important to restore both water and electrolytes.

2-Pack Sunscreen. No matter what your plans are on the Cajun Coast, you’re going to be spending a lot of time under the hot Southern sun, and we all know that too much sun is dangerous. Protect yourself –and avoid a nasty sunburn – by using SPF 30 or higher as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.

3-Come equipped with bug spray. Day or night, mosquitoes can be a bother this far south. Some Cajun Coast attractions (Brownell Memorial Park, birding, hiking, paddling, fishing and more) are directly in the swamp. That natural beauty comes equipped with a natural pest and bug spray is the best way to defend yourself.

4-Bring an umbrella or poncho. Typically, during the wet season (June to September) visitors can expect a rain shower during the afternoon.

5-Wear comfortable shoes. Save fashionable shoes for going out to one of our fabulous restaurants and the flip flops for the park. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes whether you’re spending the day touring, shopping or hiking. Your feet will thank you.