Looking to make lasting memories with the family? Southwest Louisiana is the perfect destination for a fun-filled getaway packed with outdoor adventure, delicious dining, and plenty of ways to experience the culture in Louisiana’s Playground. Check out our three-day itinerary filled with family-friendly fun.

Where to Stay

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Southwest Louisiana has a slew of family-friendly hotels, fully furnished Air B&B’s and RV Parks. For a more upscale stay check into one of our casino resorts. Horseshoe Casino Resort and Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel, each offer luxury rooms and suites as well as on-site dining options. Looking to make a big splash or relax in the lazy river? Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino Resort offer waterpark style pool areas complete with private cabanas, fire pits, and swim up bars for the grownups!

Other comfortable places to stay near popular attractions are Residence Inn by Marriot, The Marco Hotel, and the Doubletree by Hilton. For a more laid-back place to unwind, book a cabin at Sam Houston Jones State Park complete with bunk-beds, full kitchens, and a covered patio with a fireplace.

Day One: Explore the Creole Nature Trail All American Road

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Breakfast

If you’re not dining on property, there are plenty of delicious breakfast spots in Southwest Louisiana from convenient drive-thrus to quaint coffeeshops. Start your morning at The Village Coffeehouse  where you’ll find delicious coffee, smoothies, and teas as well as freshly baked pastries, soups, and hearty sandwiches. Ready to hit the trail? Order warm and fluffy donuts to-go from one of two Bea’s Donut  locations.

elegant light fixtures, wooden floors, green, gold, and granite bar area inside coffee:30

Six Must-Visit Coffeeshops in Southwest Louisiana

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Whether you’re a coffee lover who appreciates distinct blends and roasts or you simply love a good cup of joe, there are plenty of places to choose from in Southwest Louisiana. Explore six quaint coffee shops in Lake Charles that will satisfy your senses. From an elegant caf…

Morning Activity

Before heading south to the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, start your day at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, an interactive center offering a glimpse at the sights, sounds, and delicious smells you’ll find in the region. Next, take a short drive along the trail where you’ll witness the breathtaking marsh landscape and wildflowers and may spot a few alligators, turtles, and birds depending on the season you’re visiting. Don’t forget your mosquito spray and lots of water!

Lunch

If you’re still in Cameron Parish, then check out Lighthouse Bend, a seafood restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful view of the Calcasieu Lake. Not to mention it’s a short drive from the Gulf. If you’re looking to dine in-town, stop by Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen where you’ll enjoy the time-honored Cajun recipes and the oversized rocking chair on the porch, perfect for photo ops!

Afternoon Activities

Spend the afternoon exploring the traveling exhibits and free programming at the Henning Cultural Center. Within walking distance is The Grove at Heritage Square, a picturesque park complete with walking trails, picnic areas, and a covered pavilion where local organizations host events from car shows to carnivals.

Dinner

Enjoy a casual family meal at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, a popular dining choice known for their Italian inspired recipes, like hand tossed pizza and shrimp carchofini.

Evening Fun

Wrap up the night with a dip in the pool on property or admiring the sunset from your patio!

Day Two: Get Crafty and Fly High

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Breakfast

Start the day off right with a delicious spread from Coffee:30 Café including beignets and seasonal drinks or Biscuits n Jamz, where you’ll find French toast stuffed with fresh fruit or savory bowls of shrimp and grits. Both offer breakfast and brunch options allowing you to sleep in if needed!

Morning Activity

Get crafty at art studios like GP’s Creative Corner or Lil’ Art House. Create a unique piece or follow along to a template and commemorate your time in Louisiana’s Playground. For hand-crafted souvenirs check out Paint & Fire, Creative Roots, or Bux Kajun Korner, where you’ll find tons of pieces from local artists.

Lunch

Downtown Lake Charles has plenty of dining options. For a quick bite drop into Cotton’s Downtown, where you can order traditional burger joint menu items including shoestring onion rings or quirky concoctions like the donut burger─ a juicy burger topped with fixings like onions and cheese in between a cake donut!

Head to The Terrace Restauraunt for a relaxed outdoor dining experience with elevated cuisine or dine indoors while your kids enjoy the Lake Area Adventures adventure park. Depending on the day you can choose from the full menu or the convenient café items perfect for kids who are ready to soar!

Afternoon Activity

Get ready to fly high at an indoor trampoline park. Lake Charles is home to two indoor air parks each offering a different experience. At Lake Area Adventures you’ll find an over 10,000 square foot inflatable air park, an indoor ropes course, a video game lounge and an Omniverse VR arena. The temperature controlled indoor pool is perfect for a quick swim anytime of year!

In addition to trampolines, Urban Air Adventure Park offers a centralized adventure hub, ropes course, bumper cars, go-karts and virtual reality games. If you’re brave enough, test out the Sky Rider, where you’ll soar above diners and players throughout the park!

Dinner

Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood from blue crabs and shrimp to crawfish and oysters at popular seafood restaurants like Salt Revival Oyster Co., Steamboat Bill's on the Lake, or Mr. Bills Seafood Express. Many restaurants like Bon Temps Bar and Grill located within the DoubleTree by Hilton, Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, and Crying Eagle Brewing-University offer an extensive menu and live entertainment from local musicians on a weekly basis.

Evening Fun

Southwest Louisiana is home to several theater groups. Enjoy hit plays and adaptations from Christian Youth Theatre, Lake Charles Little Theatre, or Calcasieu Theatrical Arts. For a more traditional theater experience attend a performance at ACTS Theatre or Rosa Hart Theatre, two historic sites in downtown Lake Charles. Southlake Theater offers immersive audio, advanced lighting, and an LED video wall, taking productions to a new level!

Day Three: Furry Critters, Cabooses, and Laser Combat

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Breakfast

While Leonard’s Food Quarters is known for their delicious Cajun and Creole menu items like po-boys and cracklins, this popular family-owned restaurant also serves breakfast! Choose from several breakfast combos and be sure to order some boudin or cracklins to go!

Morning Activity

Head over to Almosta Ranch, a 39-acre farm and petting zoo where the entire family can interact with animals and learn about farm life. Explore the farm on a horse-drawn carriage ride or book a photo shoot to commemorate your trip! During warmer months, pack your swimsuit and wade in the Almosta Lake.

Lunch

Savor authentic Cajun flavors at LeBleu’s Landing, known for their charbroiled oysters, fried alligator, and gumbo. The comfortable atmosphere make it an ideal dining spot for families.

Afternoon Activity

The DeQuincy Railroad Museum is a historic landmark situated between two major railroads. Visitors can enjoy the vintage artifacts and model locomotives then walk through the steam engine, passenger car, and caboose on-site. There's an adjacent playground complete with tables for enjoying a quick bite or afternoon picnic. It’s also the location of the annual Louisiana Railroad Days Festival that takes place annually in April.

Dinner

Wrap up your day with a flavorful meal from Orinoco, a restaurant offering Latin, Columbian, and Venezuelan dishes with fresh ingredients and a mix of sweet and savory elements. If you’re still looking to play, head to Game2Life an entertainment center offering laser combat, axe throwing, and pickleball courts. Enjoy a quick meal from Shooters Bar and Grill, the restaurant on-site before embarking on your challenge.

From exploring sportsman’s paradise to indulging in some of Louisiana’s finest flavors, this three-day itinerary inspires a trip filled with adventure, cultural experiences, and time to unwind with your family. Pack your bags and get ready to experience all that Louisiana’s Playground has to offer! Share your trip photos with us here!