25 Things To Do in 2025 in Southwest Louisiana

1. Dine Around for Chuck Eats Restaurant Week

For a delicious start to your year, make plans to eat your way across Southwest Louisiana during Chuck Eats Restaurant Week! From January 17-26, over 30 local restaurants will offer special prix-fixe menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don't miss this opportunity to dine at your go-to location or discover a new favorite!

2. Get Outdoors and Explore The Creole Nature Trail

The Creole Nature Trail is one of 37 All-American Roads and 184 scenic byways.Louisiana's Outback is home to over 400 migrating bird species, alligators, blue crabs, and various types of fish making it the perfect location for breathtaking nature photography, bird watching, hunting, crabbing, fishing, and more. Download the free Creole Nature Trail app available in several languages for the inside scoop on each destination along the trail and check out Louisiana's Playground Podcast episode 4.

3. Celebrate Mardi Gras in Louisiana's Playground

In Louisiana’s Playground, The Mardi Gras season kicks off on Twelfth Night, where guests bid farewell to the outgoing royalty from over sixty krewes decked in extravagant costumes and accessories. The good times keep rolling with endless amounts of king cake and events planned each day leading up to Fat Tuesday. Make plans to attend unique spectacles like the Lighted Boat Parade where watercraft decked in green, purple, and gold toss trinkets to spectators on the lakefront.

The Krewe of Omega Parade spanning nearly sixty years, consists of various chapters of the all-Black Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. On Saturday, the Children's Day Parade and activities feature an alcohol and tobacco-free environment! The celebrations conclude with the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade, the culmination of carnival season in Southwest Louisiana.

4. Stay and Play at Luxury Casinos

Southwest Louisiana is home to four casino resorts: L'Auberge and Golden Nugget located in Lake Charles, Horseshoe Hotel and Casino located in Westlake, and Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel located in Vinton. Each boasts unique luxury atmospheres offering live entertainment, casual and fine dining, and sports betting opportunities.

5. Attend a Concert

From local musicians to award-winning performers, Southwest Louisiana sets the stage for incredible live entertainment. Our casino resorts deliver an all-star entertainment lineup year-round! This year catch performances by Aaron Lewis at Golden Nugget and Trace Adkins at L'Auberge Casino Resort. As summer kicks off, ACM award winner Riley Green will take the stage at the Lake Charles Event Center. For an immersive, multi-sensory musical experience, check out the Southcoast Music Series at Southlake Theater.

6. Hike, Bike, Kayak, or Camp at Sam Houston Jones State Park

What better way to experience the abundance of birds, alligators, and other wildlife found in Southwest Louisiana than by spending the day at Sam Houston Jones State Park? The sole national park in Southwest Louisiana spans over 1,000 acres and is home to over 70 acres of longleaf pines, numerous waterways, and hiking trails. In 2024, eight free all-terrain track wheelchairs were added. These specially designed chairs are perfect for navigating trails and areas within the park that aren't suitable for conventional wheelchairs. Wind down in style and observe the breathtaking orange and pink hues of the sun setting over your glamping tent sites or from the front porch of a deluxe cabin.

7. Cheer on the Gumbeaux Gators at a Home Game

The Gumbeaux Gators are part of the Texas Collegiate League bringing powerful athleticism to the Chuck with players from ULL, LSUE, Nichols, McNeese, and additional colleges throughout the south. They will have a 48-game season throughout June and July, with 24 of these taking place at their home field, Joe Miller Park. The schedule of games and swag can be found here.

8. Attend a Festival in Southwest Louisiana

Did you know that Southwest Louisiana is home to over 70 festivals?Annual festivals kick off with the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival also known as the "oldest and coldest" festival in Southwest Louisiana. Indulge in endless amounts of crawfish this spring at the Crawfish Festival. When the weather heats up so does the downtown music scene with the return of the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series featuring Zydeco, Country, Rock, and Blues artists from across Louisiana. The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival returns in the fall with celebrity chef master classes and all-inclusive tasting events.

9. Explore Port Wonder

Port Wonder will officially open this year! It will be the new home of the Southwest Louisiana Children's Museum and Wildlife and Fisheries Nature Center, where kids of all ages can learn more about our environment and explore interactive exhibits featuring various occupations and promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

10. Attend a Class

In Southwest Louisiana, creativity and fun go hand in hand! Jump into group dance lessons or unleash your creativity at step-by-step art classes. Follow along with a template or create a unique piece from upcycled material at Lil' Art House. Or channel your inner chef during a gumbo lesson from The Golden Doors Event Center. Plan a private party at Pronia's Market and Deli hosted by their lead pastry chefs, where you'll decorate a personal cake or cupcakes like a pro. The avenues of creativity are endless!

11. Enjoy a Round of Golf

Southwest Louisiana's remarkable courses have breathtaking views and are suitable no matter your skill level. The National Golf Club of Westlake stands as Louisiana's most affordable premier golf course. Grab all your gear from their pro shop, and for a mouthwatering treat, swing by The Max. Test your skill on the Scottish links-inspired Mallard Golf Club featured on the Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail. The fast firm fairways promise an unparalleled golfing experience!

Contraband Bayou Golf Course designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, offers challenging courses with water features, stunning greenery, a convenient beverage cart service, and a clubhouse. Country Club at Golden Nugget designed by Todd Eckenrode-Origins Golf Design is a getaway featuring 7,000 yards of natural beauty. Unwind on the patio with a drink and premium cigar while gazing at one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the South.

12. Eat Crawfish to Your Heart's Content

Crawfish can be found as early as December, but for better-sized mudbugs that are easier to peel, you'll want to wait until the spring. These delicacies can be paired with boiled shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes at restaurants and drive-thrus like Steamboat Bills on the Lake and Pinchers Crawfish and Daiquiris. In Southwest Louisiana, they're known to be incorporated in practically any recipe from popular Creole dishes like crawfish étoufee to traditional treats like pizza, pasta, and eggrolls! For an in-depth lesson on our favorite crustaceans check out our crawfish guide!

13. Immerse Yourself in Performing Arts

For a fully immersive audio and visual experience, a production at the performance venue, Southlake Theater is a must. Their full scene and space capabilities, vibrantly colored LED stage, and LED video wall capture all of your senses by elevating guests from spectators to supporting characters. For a more traditional theater experience visit the recently renovated Rosa Hart Theater inside the Lake Charles Event Center. Rosa Hart Theater offers nearly 2,000 fixed seats and has featured thousands of events from local and regional performances to national and international talents.

14. Tour A Historic Site or Museum

Southwest Louisiana boasts a rich history waiting to be explored through visiting one of our museums or historical districts. For those who enjoy haunted history, be sure to visit the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse where Toni Jo Henry became the only woman to be executed by electric chair in Louisiana. Rumor has it her ghost still roams the halls! In the fall plan to explore historic cemeteries during the Living History Cemetery Tour, where local actors portray notable Lake Charles figures from the past.

15. Soak Up Some Sun at the Beach

Southwest Louisiana is home to some of the most serene beaches you’ll find in the South. Whether you crave a bustling casino crowd or the quiet charm of the Gulf, there are ample locations to soak up the sun. Rent watercraft and supplies from local outfitters like River Raft Rentals and Lake Area Adventures, and when you're finished indulge in refreshing cuisine from a nearby restaurant.

16. Fly High at a Trampoline Park

Defy gravity by flying high on trampolines, inflatable courts, and obstacle courses at one of three trampoline parks in Lake Charles. Lake Area Adventures doubles as a gamer's dream with everything from vintage arcade games to the fully immersive Omni arena virtual reality experience. Don’t miss your chance to sample the award-winning cuisine of the 2022 Seafood Queen and head chef, Amanda Cusey, at The Terrace. Altitude Trampoline Park is a high-energy entertainment facility with gymnastics tumble tracks, basketball dunking lanes, and dodgeball! Urban Air Adventure Park is the newest indoor adventure park with everything from flip zone bumper cars and climbing walls to a thrilling ropes course.

17. Explore the Boudin Trail

Boudin, also known as Southwest Louisiana's favorite finger food, can be feasted on for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-night snack! Smoked, fried, mild, spicy — the flavor combinations are endless! Boudin, like crawfish, can be purchased by the pound at restaurants like Leonard's Food Quarters, In-Laws Cajun Specialties, Insane Sausages, and grocery stores like Market Basket. Pick up a brochure from our visitor's center or download a digital copy and embark on your delicious journey to each stop on the Boudin Trail.

18. Date Night at an Upscale Restaurant

Southwest Louisiana offers unforgettable dining experiences with an intimate ambiance at locations like Restaurant Calla, La Truffe Sauvage, and Mazen's. Step back in time for an evening with a vintage feel at the Speakeasy, tucked away inside Ember at Golden Nugget. Savor celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's acclaimed beef Wellington and toffee pudding by securing a reservation at Gordon Ramsay Steak at the Horseshoe Hotel & Casino. Other top-tier restaurants include Vic & Anthony's at L'Auberge Casino Resort and Rosewater Grill and Tavern at Delta Downs serving up artistic flavors and warm hospitality.

19. Savor the Convenience of Drive-Thru Staples

Experience joy on the go! For the 21 and over crowd, stop by The Frosty Factory, Paradise Daiquiri, or the Daiquiri Shack for a delicious adult beverage, and if you're up for it, stay for a round of karaoke. Indulge in larger-than-life concoctions from snocone shops like Shuga Mama's, Lulu’s Speciality Snocones and More, or PT's Snoballs Coffee and Ice Cream – it's an opportunity not to be missed! ;

21. Tour a Brewery or Distillery

Ever pondered the process behind creating unique craft beers or delicious rum? Book your individual or group tour at Crying Eagle Brewing-University to explore the 4,000-square-foot taproom where you'll roam the facility, learn the process, and sample the flavors. Order delicious bites and brews from the bistro, then bring the party outside for washers in the beer garden or weekly live entertainment! Later in the year get ready for the grand opening of location number 2, Crying Eagle Lakefront! Heading east on interstate-10 is the Bayou Rum Distillery, home to the official rum of the New Orleans Saints, which offers daily tours of the distillery process complete with samples of top flavors!

22. Spend the Day Floating on the Lazy River

Spend a relaxing day, drink in hand floating around the lazy rivers at Sulphur Parks and Recreation Water Park, H20 Pool+Bar at Golden Nugget, and L'Auberge. Golden Nugget and L'Auberge offer deluxe hot tubs, fire pits, luxury private cabanas, and swim-up bars for the 21+ crowd. SPAR has a variety of aquatic entertainment catering to various thrill levels and a mini park for the younger travelers in your group.

23. Experience Gumbo Weather

Drops in temperature are short-lived in Southwest Louisiana, but thankfully a cool breeze is all we need to enjoy "gumbo weather"! The savory dish is made with various spices and is usually prepared with chicken and sausage or shrimp, crabs, and other seafood. The creole staple is sure to warm you up on a chilly day but thankfully is served year-round at restaurants like Mama Reta's, Hollier's, and Seafood Palace. Try them all and attempt to choose a favorite, or channel your inner chef and make your own with a homemade roux. Whatever you do don't change up the recipe too much and don't trust any versions with tomatoes or corn!

24. Attend a Comedy Show

The Lake Charles comedy scene is reeling with live entertainment nearly every night at our casino resorts, event venues, and local bars like Library Riot and OB’s Bar and Grill. You’re sure to leave with aching sides from the non-stop laughs whether attending a comedy show featuring nationally touring comedians like Ron White, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, and Ali Siddiq, or an open mic night with regional talents.

25. Tour Christmas Light Displays

Southwest Louisiana doesn't usually get a white Christmas, but there's still plenty of holiday magic in the air! Downtown Lake Charles shines brightly with twinkling lights strung from buildings and streets, while neighborhoods like Pecan Street near The Grove transform into Hallmark-worthy winter wonderlands with larger-than-life inflatables and faux snow. Gather the family to snap Christmas photos or stroll between holiday parties. For a charming touch, rent a horse-drawn carriage to explore the seasonal displays. Grab some cocoa, turn on the Christmas carols, and delight in the magic of Southwest Louisiana's Cajun Christmas!