Southwest Louisiana is a place where nature thrives, and travelers can embrace the beauty of the region while making sustainable choices. Whether you're exploring the outdoors, taking in the wildlife, or simply slowing down to appreciate the moment, there are plenty of ways to experience the area with care and intention.
Looking for a little guidance? Check out our thoughtfully crafted 48-hour mindful itinerary to help you explore Lake Charles and beyond—sustainably and soulfully.
Day 1: Connection with Culture & Community
8:00 AM – Coffee with a Conscience
Start your day at a local coffee shop like Stellar Beans or The Bekery, where you can sip from your reusable cup and enjoy fresh, locally baked goods.
9:30 AM – Bike Through the Lake
Rent a cruiser and pedal through downtown Lake Charles with Biking Through the Lake. Ride along the lakefront promenade, through historic neighborhoods, and pause to reflect at the 9/11 Memorial or Veteran’s Memorial Park.
12:00 PM – Lunch with Local Flavor
Dine at Restaurant Calla or Pujo Street Cafe, both known for sourcing local ingredients. Ask about vegetarian or Gulf-sustainable seafood options.
2:00 PM – Gallery Stroll & Artisan Shopping
Wander through Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center or Imperial Calcasieu Museum. Support local creatives by purchasing from the gift shoppe inside Imperial Calcasieu Museum or Creative Roots—many of which feature eco-conscious goods.
5:00 PM – Lakefront Sunset Meditation
Head to North Beach or Bord du Lac Park to slow down and soak in the golden hour. Try a quiet mindfulness exercise: focus on what you hear, see, and feel for five uninterrupted minutes.
7:00 PM – Dinner with a Purpose
Dine at 121 Artisan Bistro, known for sourcing local ingredients and house-made pasta from Pasta Lab, or enjoy boutique AOC oysters at Salt Revival Oyster Co., supporting coastal sustainability with every bite.
9:00 PM – Unplug & Unwind
Choose an accommodation that prioritizes sustainability.
Day 2: Immersive Nature & Conservation
7:00 AM – Sunrise at Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary
Start your morning surrounded by the soft sounds of songbirds and the flutter of butterfly wings at this coastal sanctuary near Johnson Bayou. Peveto Woods is a vital migratory stopover and a haven for nature lovers. Bring binoculars, stay on marked trails, and practice quiet observation to respect the wildlife and fragile habitat.
9:00 AM – Beach Walk at Holly Beach
Just a short drive away, Holly Beach—known as “The Cajun Riviera”—offers wide-open Gulf views, seashell treasures, and salty breezes. Stroll mindfully along the shore, collect litter if you spot any, and leave only footprints.
10:00 AM – Cross the Cameron Ferry
Enjoy the short ride across the Calcasieu Ship Channel aboard the Cameron Ferry. It’s a unique part of the region’s landscape and a peaceful way to take in the surrounding water views.
11:00 AM – Lunch at Lighthouse Bend
Located in Cameron, Lighthouse Bend serves fresh Gulf seafood and features sustainably farmed AOC oysters. This locally owned spot blends flavor with purpose—supporting marine conservation and showcasing the best of what the Gulf has to offer.
1:00 PM – Explore Rutherford Beach
Unwind at Rutherford Beach, a quiet stretch of coastline known for its natural beauty and as a designated bird protection area. Watch for shorebirds, comb the beach for shells (leave live ones behind), and reflect on the importance of preserving these coastal ecosystems.
2:30 PM – Pintail Wildlife Drive & Boardwalk
Finish your nature experience with a peaceful drive through the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. Pintail Drive is perfect for spotting egrets, roseate spoonbills, river otters, and even alligators. Step out onto the boardwalk to listen to the symphony of marsh life and immerse yourself in the stillness of the wetlands.
5:00 PM – Return & Reflect
Begin the drive back to Lake Charles, taking time to pause at scenic spots or make a detour along the Creole Nature Trail. End your day with a moment of reflection—write down what you saw, how you felt, or a memory you want to carry with you. This is what mindful travel is all about.
Optional Add-Ons
Stretch & Center Yourself
Attend a yoga class at a local studio like Mantra Yoga Center or Edgemont Healing Center, where mindfulness and movement come together to ground your experience in Southwest Louisiana.
Explore Hidden Natural Gems
For a peaceful nature walk close to town, visit Tuten Park or Riverside Park—both great for birdwatching, quiet reflection, and reconnecting with the outdoors without venturing far.
Sip with Sustainability in Mind
Take a tour of Bayou Rum Distillery, where Louisiana sugarcane is crafted into award-winning rum. Learn how they integrate sustainable practices into the distillation process while enjoying a taste of local tradition.
