Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

OUTDOORS & RECREATION IN SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA There are many different ways to experience the sights and sounds of Southwest Louisiana. From kayaks to bikes to pontoons, check through the list below to see which is right for you. While you're at it, don't forget to experience the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. See alligators and numerous bird species, walk along beaches and boardwalks and experience the natural splendor of Louisiana's coastal marshlands. Lake Charles offers glistening waters filled with fish, from freshwater to saltwater, and productive hunting grounds for waterfowl. Birding is top-notch, with Southwest Louisiana located along both the Mississippi and Central Flyways, spotting new species is always in the cards. Fishing is a year-round affair with bass, crappie, redfish, catfish, and speckled trout - perfect for any Cajun dish! Crabbing is a local pastime, and anyone can join in the fun. You will also want to check out Sam Houston Jones State Park or stroll out onto the Wetland Walkway at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge for an up-close view of alligators and the majesty of the marsh. Stroll, birdwatch, picnic or shell at Holly Beach or Rutherford Beach, part of 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Southwest Louisiana is known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and waterways. There are several ways that you can enjoy the great outdoors, even if you leave the kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and boats at home! Some of our outdoor rental companies offer guided tours that truly enhance your experience. Drift through lush marshlands and bayous at your own pace or get your feet on the pedals for a ride around downtown and the lakefront. Or, launch your boat into the Lake Area's many waterways for an day of fun with family and friends. Check out our outdoor rental/tour companies below to plan your playdate in Louisiana's Playground.

2740 Ruth St
Sulphur, LA

Alligators, over 400 bird species, marshlands teeming with life, 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches, fishing, crabbing, Cajun culture and more can be experienced as you travel the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. One of only 57 so designated scenic byways in the USA, and affectionately known as Louisiana’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail is a journey into one of America’s “Last Great Wildernesses.” Download the brochure and/or the free tour app to fully enjoy this unique terrain and the creatures which call it home. Be sure to pack in what you need and pack out anything you brought with you (pack it in, pack it out) to preserve the flora, fauna and amazing viewing for future generations. An excellent way to begin your adventure is Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point. Fun (and free), this is a wonderful way to familiarize yourself with this scenic byway, and Southwest Louisiana, through hands-on displays before hitting the trail.

1205 N Lakeshore Dr
Lake Charles, LA

Freshwater fishing, brackish or saltwater fishing, pier fishing, and surf-fishing on the beaches, if you have a boat or if you’ve hired a guide, go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or “deep-in-the-marsh.” Along the Creole Nature Trail, variety is the spice of life and the options are pretty much endless. Numerous waterways along the Creole Nature Trail offer perfect locations to drop a line, tip your sun hat forward, and wait for a nibble. For a list of local fishing guides, see below.

1205 N Lakeshore Dr
Lake Charles, LA

The Creole Nature Trail is annually home to more than 400 bird species, making it one of the Top 10 Birding Destinations in the country. Year-round you will be treated to a seemingly endless array of raptors, waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds residing in this lush environment. To experience our exotic birds and waterfowl up close, try Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours.

107 Sutherland Rd
Lake Charles, LA

Sam Houston Jones State Park has over 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, and rivers. It is a camper's paradise! Visitors pay $3 per person for a day pass to explore the hiking trails, playground, newly added 500-foot boardwalk along the Calcasieu River, brand new trailhead restroom facilities and more. Sam Houston Jones State Park is an excellent spot for bird watching with nearly 200 species brought in by the migratory patterns in the spring and fall. Ducks and geese are usually found swimming in the ponds. The area hosts an abundance of wildlife including squirrels, rabbits, alligators, otters, nutria rats, raccoons, foxes, and diverse birdlife. The numerous waterways in this area make water sports a natural highlight at the park. Two boat launches are conveniently located on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, providing access to Calcasieu Lake, about 20 miles away. But it's not necessary to fish to enjoy the water. The three hiking trails winding through this beautiful make strolling, pleasurable. Particularly interesting is the old stagecoach road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River. This tract of land can be enjoyed for both day-use and overnight visitors.

1205 N Lakeshore Dr
Lake Charles, LA

From May through September, crabbing is a time-honored activity along the Creole Nature Trail. Nothing can compare to fresh Louisiana blue crab! They’re easy to catch, and the whole family can join in the fun. How to Catch a Crab Supplies Needed: Thick string Crab bait- turkey or chicken necks, cut fish, or meat chunks are the best Dip net Pail or ice chest Tie your bait to the end of the string and lower it into the water until you reach the bottom. Have a dip net handy to scoop once the crab has attached to the meat and you have slowly pulled them up. Throw them in a pail and you are well on your way to a delicious meal.

Creole, LA

The promenade and marina along the shores of Lake Charles boast sweeping views of the lake. A nearby spray-ground keeps the kids cool in the summer, and lovely brick and iron work along the promenade is picturesque and perfect for a sunrise or sunset stroll. The only white sand, inland beach in Louisiana is North Beach, also located along the shores of the lake, right next door to the tourist bureau at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA. Here is a Map of Lake Charles and nearby beaches.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Golf in Lake Charles features lush scenery and indigenous plants, making the courses picturesque backdrops with birds and other wildlife paying quick visits along the way! A pro tip is that playing the area's courses midweek can enhance your experience with more availability to get your desired tee time. Conveniently located halfway between Houston and Baton Rouge off Interstate 10, it's a quick trip for those who are looking for a relaxing game of golf year-round. Mallard Golf Club is the newest addition to the area which is a Scottish links-inspired design. Contraband Bayou Golf Course at L'Auberge and the Country Club at Golden Nugget are side-by-side courses, with the Chart House restaurant and clubhouse overlooking the course at Golden Nugget. The Max at The National Golf Club of Louisiana has scrumptious Louisiana cuisine with a new clubhouse and pro shop attached in case you need gear! Affordable accommodations are in close proximity to the courses and locally owned restaurants with live music highlighting Southwest Louisiana's culture, traditions, and flavors are abundant.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Southwest Louisiana is known for its beautiful outdoor scenery and waterways. There are several ways that you can enjoy the great outdoors, even if you leave the kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, and boats at home! Some of our outdoor rental companies offer guided tours that truly enhance your experience. Drift through lush marshlands and bayous at your own pace or get your feet on the pedals for a ride around downtown and the lakefront. Or, launch your boat into the Lake Area's many waterways for an day of fun with family and friends. Check out our outdoor rental/tour companies below to plan your playdate in Louisiana's Playground.

1205 N Lakeshore Dr
Lake Charles, LA

Five federal and state wildlife refuges and sanctuaries are an integral part of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. They are environmental treasures of great beauty and remarkable complexity waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. Each offers unique opportunities to experience these natural environments that play such an important role in North America's eco-system. You can learn all about each of these refuges by selecting a refuge name on the left, or you can view the Creole Nature Trail Guide here. SWLA Refuge Complex Cameron Prairie, Sabine and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) are three of the four refuges administered by the Southwest Louisiana NWR Complex. These NWRs share a common mission to preserve and maintain wintering habitat for waterfowl. A FREE personal tour app of the Creole Nature Trail is also available in iTunes for iPhone and Google Play for Andriod. App is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese and Japanese.

107 Sutherland Rd
Lake Charles, LA

Do you want to get outside to enjoy the fresh air? Maybe you need a place for the kids to run around? Maybe you just want to do a weekend camping trip to get away from it all. Whatever you are looking for, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana most likely has what you need! Sam Houston Jones State Park has over 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, and rivers. It is a camper’s paradise. Learn more about Sam Houston Jones State Park here. Overlooking the Sabine River in Vinton, LA, Niblett’s Bluff Park, hosts cabins and RV sites as well a children’s playground. Southwest Louisiana communities have many quality city/parish parks such as the Lakefront Promenade or Prien Lake Park in Lake Charles or Heritage Square in Sulphur. See a list of parks in Southwest Louisiana below.