Hi there, and welcome to Southwest Louisiana! Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, we’re glad you’re here. This May, we’re celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week, and that means it’s the perfect time to recognize and appreciate you, our visitors.
This year, Visit Lake Charles is celebrating with a new campaign called “Always Here,” which highlights the value visitors bring to our community every day. Whether you're staying in a hotel, grabbing lunch at a local spot, browsing boutiques and shops, or exploring our great outdoors, you play a part in supporting Southwest Louisiana’s culture, economy, and spirit. And we want to make sure your experience is unforgettable.
So while you’re here, take some time to explore all the things that make this region special.
Events You Don't Want to Miss
Holly Beach Crab Festival
- Louisiana Souvenirs & Sundries
- Recurring daily
The Holly Beach Crab Festival takes place June 12-14, 2026, at Holly Beach, located along the Creole Nature Trail All-American…
Holly Beach Crab Festival
- Louisiana Souvenirs & Sundries
- Recurring daily
The Holly Beach Crab Festival takes place June 12-14, 2026, at Holly Beach, located along the Creole Nature Trail All-American…
SWLA Pride Fest
The Annual Pride Fest returns with a new location! Join us on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Lake Charles Event Center for an…
Holly Beach Crab Festival
- Louisiana Souvenirs & Sundries
- Recurring daily
The Holly Beach Crab Festival takes place June 12-14, 2026, at Holly Beach, located along the Creole Nature Trail All-American…
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
- Recurring daily
The Juneteenth Festival is a week-long celebration of freedom, culture, and community in Southwest Louisiana. This vibrant event…
Juneteenth Freedom Festival
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
- Recurring daily
The Juneteenth Festival is a week-long celebration of freedom, culture, and community in Southwest Louisiana. This vibrant event…
As we celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, we also want to pull back the curtain on how your visit makes a difference here. That’s why we launched the “Always Here” campaign. The campaign shows how visitors, like you, are a part of our everyday lives, even when it’s not always obvious.
Through tipping your server, sharing your favorite moments on social media, or simply choosing to spend time here, your presence has an impact.
We’re sharing that message with our local community too. Our team at Visit Lake Charles has rolled out digital billboards, posters, and social content across the area to remind residents that tourism isn’t just about vacation; it’s about jobs, small business success, and pride in where we live.
We also created a short video, “Always Here,” that tells the story from your perspective. It’s a heartfelt look at why people visit Lake Charles and how those experiences ripple through the community.
And if you see our posters or digital signs around town, know that they’re a thank-you to you. Because as a visitor, we understand you aren’t just passing through – you’re always here, shaping memories and helping our community thrive with your visit.
Thanks for being a part of our story. We hope you have a great time in Louisiana’s Playground, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.