Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

There are many ways to enjoy local sounds and delicacies in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with more than 75 festivals and special events each year, including Mardi Gras, the Louisiana Pirate Festival, Louisiana Food & Wine Festival, the Calcasieu-Cameron Fair, and Chuck Fest, among many others. Savor delicious food at one of our culinary festivals, indulge your artistic side at an exhibit and art show, or catch a live concert just about every weekend!

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.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Cajun and Creole food in Southwest Louisiana are closely related with many of the ingredients coming straight from nature’s bounty with a brown roux as a base for a number of popular dishes – like gumbo. While Creole cooking from the New Orleans area might feature rich sauces, this is not the case for the Lake Charles’ region. Here, you can enjoy a variety of seafood selections such as fresh Gulf shrimp, boiled crabs, crawfish seasoned to perfection, pistolettes, boudin, cracklin’s, étouffée, and other popular dishes with recipes that have been simmering in the kitchen for centuries!

5290 Choupique Rd
Sulphur, LA

Your family will love Southwest Louisiana because we're extremely family-oriented, and there are fun things to do with kids! Family activities such as outdoor recreation to swimming, camping, mini-golf, laser tag, bowling, and waterparks! Check out the top 10 things to do with kids in Lake Charles.

725 Ryan St
Lake Charles, LA

Downtown Lake Charles, a micro-destination unto itself, offers a culturally rich, activity-filled, historic area of Lake Charles that boasts great restaurants, stunning sunset lake views, parks and playgrounds and locally-owned boutique shopping in a walkable district.

1001 Ryan St
Lake Charles, LA

Southwest Louisiana has a thriving arts community with exhibitions, festivals celebrating the arts, dance, music, concerts, theatre, and more. Our rich cultural history makes art and creativity an intrinsic part of life for those living in Southwest Louisiana.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

If you are looking for a first-rate casino getaway, you will hit the jackpot when you book your next stay in Southwest Louisiana, a short drive from New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Houston. From golf greens and spas to horseracing and island time getaways, you will fall in love with the variety of casino venues. Each casino has luxurious accommodations, a myriad of dining selections, top-name entertainment, and let's not forget - incredible gaming experiences in store for you. The best part, the casinos are their own destination paradise, yet close to everything, including Downtown Lake Charles.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is in full swing with the culmination of all the events leading up to Mardi Gras Day, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Check out the updated parade routes for festivities taking place in the Lake Area. Lake Charles Mardi Gras krewes are gearing up for a festive season filled with parades, gumbo cookoffs, and plenty of King Cake. Lake Charles Mardi Gras is family-friendly, and it boasts over 60 krewes that participate in the Krewe of Krewes Parade, which is the culmination of the season on Fat Tuesday. Many bakeries, restaurants, and businesses also participate in the Mardi Gras season by offering traditional King Cakes, food, and drink options with a Mardi Gras twist or seasonal specials and events to celebrate the Mardi Gras spirit in Southwest Louisiana.

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States

Soothing music, low lights and the soft glow of a candle or two - whether you are here for business or pleasure, treat yourself to spa time to shake off the stress of the modern world. L’Auberge Casino Resort’s Spa du Lac and Golden Nugget Lake Charles’ Spa & Salon both offer a sophisticated menu of services along with a relaxing, elegant ambiance. Another local favorite in Southwest Louisiana is Scarborough’s Salon & Day Spa where you can get pampered with a massage, refresher facials, and more. If a vinyasa flow is more your style, drop into one of our multiple yoga studios offering regular classes for all levels.

1165 E McNeese St
Lake Charles, LA

You don't have to be nocturnal to enjoy the great shows and live music concerts and events that Southwest Louisiana has going on after hours-but it helps! Get things started early with happy hour. Then enjoy traditional Cajun and Zydeco music at the local dance halls and two-step the night away. Dance to Top 40 music and live bands at Cowboys. If you like your music with a bit more edge to it, Southwest Louisiana bars and pubs like Panorama Music House, Luna Bar & Grill, and Rikenjaks, offer nightly live entertainment from local musicians as well as talent from around the region.