Lake Charles Bucket List

For a delicious start to your year, make plans to eat your way across Southwest Louisiana during Chuck Eats Restaurant Week! From January 22 to February 1, 2026, over 35 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!

In Louisiana’s Playground, 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, they parade through the Lake Charles Event Center for one final showcase.

The good times keep rolling with endless amounts of King Cake and unique spectacles leading up to Fat Tuesday! Don't miss the Mardi Gras Lighted Boat Parade, where watercraft decked in green, purple, and gold toss trinkets to spectators on the lakefront, or the Merchants Parade, an evening event where local businesses, krewes, and organizations trek through downtown Lake Charles.

The Iowa Chicken Run, another quirky celebration, brings the entire town together as groups travel house to house, gathering ingredients for a community gumbo. The Krewe of Omega Parade, spanning nearly sixty years, consists of various chapters of the all-Black Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras is great for families, with an entire day dedicated to young revelers, packed with meet-and-greets, crafts, games, and a Children's Day Parade. The celebrations conclude with the Mardi Gras Southwest Krewe of Krewes Parade, the culmination of carnival season in Southwest Louisiana.

Southwest Louisiana is home to four casino resorts. Each boasts unique luxury atmospheres offering live entertainment, casual and fine dining, and sports betting opportunities.

Unwind on the beach, float down the lazy river, and enjoy a diverse line-up of delicious restaurants at L'Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Lake Charles, two side-by-side properties in Lake Charles. Connected by a convenient walking path, guests can easily explore both properties. 

Over in Westlake, the Horseshoe Hotel and Casino is home to nearly 1,000 slot machines. Spend an elegant evening at Gordon Ramsay Steak before testing your luck in the official WSOP Poker Room. Bet it all on your favorite thoroughbred horses at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel or spend time on the spacious casino floor. Be sure to browse our event calendar for concerts and comedy shows at each of these properties.

The Creole Nature Trail is one of 37 All-American Roads and 184 scenic byways. It's the perfect place to spot alligators wading through the marshes or tanning on the banks. Louisiana's Outback is also home to over 400 migrating bird species, blue crabs, and various types of fish.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts can capture breathtaking scenes while outdoorsmen can enjoy birdwatching, hunting, and fishing. Check out Louisiana's Playground Podcast episode 4 for the inside scoop on each destination along the trail and insider tips.

Want to see Louisiana's favorite reptiles without visiting the trail? Keep your eyes peeled for Gators on the Geaux, hand-painted alligators from the Lake Charles Symphony, highlighting and celebrating Southwest Louisiana's rich arts and cultural history at businesses throughout the region.

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 enjoyed on their own or added to popular dishes. In Creole dishes like crawfish étoufee, crawfish is the main ingredient, but many Southwest Louisiana restaurants incorporate the seafood delicacies into dishes like boudin, egg rolls, and breads.

Crawfish is often paired with boiled shrimp, corn, sausage, and potatoes, and can be purchased from local farmers or from restaurants and drive-thrus like Steamboat Bills on the Lake and Heinen's Crawfish Boil N Go. Learn more about our favorite crustaceans by checking out our crawfish guide!

Winter Festivals in Southwest Louisiana

Did you know that Southwest Louisiana is home to over 70 festivals and events? Annual festivals kick off with the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival. Known as the "oldest and coldest" festival in Southwest Louisiana, you can keep warm with steaming bowls of gumbo, eccentric competitions like oyster shucking and trap shooting, and a parade.  

Spring Festivals in Southwest Louisiana

Spring festival season kicks off in March with the return of the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, a multi-day tasting event showcasing food and spirit vendors from across the South. Explore the history of the locomotive industry in Southwest Louisiana at the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival held annually in April. 

When the weather heats up, so does the downtown music scene with the return of the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series, a weekly concert featuring Zydeco, Country, Rock, and Blues artists from across the region. Kick back with your toes in the sand at the Holly Beach Crab Festival, a coastal celebration packed with contests, music, and all-you-can-eat crab legs.

Summer Festivals in Southwest Louisiana

Honor freedom and unity with competitions, cook-outs, and a parade during the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, a multi-day celebration marking the end of slavery in the United States. The Cajun Music and Food Festival celebrates Cajun culture with exciting performances from Cajun bands and delicious Cajun foods like gumbo and jambalaya. The time-honored Cal-Cam Fair returns this September, with pageants, performances from local choirs and bands, livestock showing, and more.

Fall Festivals in Southwest Louisiana

Fall festival season begins with Rouge et Blanc, a celebration of food, wine, arts, and culture. Held annually in the McNeese Quad, it serves as the flagship fundraiser for the Banner's Cultural Series, bringing cultural performances to the region at little to no cost. From bands to beers, local and regional musicians take over downtown Lake Charles at Chuck Fest, a booming music festival spanning five stages. Sample over 80 bourbons and whiskeys while savoring BBQ from some of the best regional pitmasters at Smoke & Barrel, a multi-day culinary adventure featuring a cocktail competition, exclusive tasting dinner, and exciting concert on the courthouse lawn.

Southwest Louisiana boasts a rich history waiting to be explored by visiting one of our museums or historic sites and districts. Located in the heart of Downtown Lake Charles, Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center boasts three floors of traveling exhibits and two permanent local galleries: the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum displays a permanent collection of artifacts depicting early life in the five-parish region. It's also home to the famed Sallier Oak, a powerful oak tree that has survived countless extreme weather events.

Families will have an unforgettable time exploring Port Wonder, the newest museum in Southwest Louisiana. The facility, located near the Lakefront and Downtown Lake Charles, is home to the Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature & Science Center. Inside the Children's Museum, guests will find four themed galleries related to nature, health, technology, and cityscapes, interactive exhibits, and free to low-cost programming. The nature center offers a deep dive into Louisiana's ecosystems, featuring over 15,000 gallons of aquariums with species from the bayou and the Gulf.

In Sulphur, the Henning Cultural Center spotlights many local and regional artists during annual shows like Curriodities and Chaos Theory. The DeQuincy Railroad Museum shares Southwest Louisiana's railroad history with miniature locomotives, railroad memorabilia, and a real steam engine, passenger car, and caboose.

For those who enjoy haunted history, be sure to visit the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse, where Toni Jo Henry became the only woman executed by the electric chair in Louisiana. Rumor has it her ghost still roams the halls!

Temperature drops are short-lived in Southwest Louisiana, but thankfully, a cool breeze is all we need to enjoy "gumbo weather"! The signature Cajun and Creole dish is made with various spices and 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 is thankfully served year-round at restaurants like Mama Reta's, Hollier's Cajun Kitchen, 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!

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, making it easier for wheelchair-bound outdoorsmen to navigate trails and areas within the park that aren't suitable for conventional wheelchairs.

Families will love Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, which packs in cabins, fishing, kayaking, a WIBIT obstacle course, four swimming pools, a waterslide, mini golf, a jumping pillow, and even live entertainment.

Bayou Glamping Co. is a riverside retreat, tucked away in Westlake along the Calcasieu River. Campers can enjoy full use of the campgrounds, offering modern glamping tents, an indoor lodge, kayaks, fishing, and a communal fire pit.

You don't have to be a professional to experience the remarkable courses and breathtaking views in Southwest Louisiana. Swing into action at five courses boasting top-notch facilities for a competitive game of golf.

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 a premium cigar while gazing at one of the most mesmerizing sunsets in the South.

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 Jay Leno, Aaron Lewis, Josh Turner, ZZ Top, Babyface, and more at Golden Nugget and Gene Simmons, Rick Springfield, and Billy Ocean at L'Auberge Casino Resort. This spring, comedians Gary Owen and Katt Williams promise non-stop laughs when they take the stage at the Lake Charles Event Center. 

For a more intimate concert experience with immersive and multisensory effects, check out the Southcoast Music Series lineup at Southlake Theater.

Discover award-winning bakeries like The Bekery, featured in Southern Living magazine for its French-inspired pastries, fresh salads, and rich gourmet beverages. Pronia’s Market & Deli remains rooted in Italian tradition with decadent cannolis, cakes, and cupcakes. For a savory option, try their muffulettas on freshly baked bread! 

Get your cookie fix from Twanie’s Terrific Treats, known for colossal chocolate chip cookies and rotating dessert flavors. Helen St. Bakehouse serves fluffy pastries and giant cinnamon rolls drizzled with a homemade glaze daily.

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 L'Auberge Casino Resort.

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. Vic & Anthony's at Golden Nugget Lake Charles and Rosewater Grill and Tavern at Delta Downs offer premium flavors in an elevated atmosphere.

Discover your next great read or find book merch from your favorite fandoms at independent bookstores in Lake Charles. Creative Roots is a holistic shop in the Cottage Shops District that caters to the mind and body with books, herbs, accessories, and decor from local artists. The Charmed Page, a quaint bookstore also in the Cottage Shops District, hosts author meet and greets, writing sessions, and craft nights.

In Downtown Lake Charles, you'll find Bux Kajun Korner, a one-stop shop for delicious plate lunches, Louisiana souvenirs, and artwork and books from local artists and authors. Krew's Books and Brews is a cozy coffee shop and bookstore with a diverse range of reads, from bestsellers to indie authors. Other booksellers in Southwest Louisiana include Stellar Beans Coffee House & Edibles, Flock of Five Gift & Art Emporium, Etie's A Children's Shoppe, and Sway Boutique & Gifts.

Experience joy on the go! For the 21-and-over crowd, stop by The Frosty Factory, Paradise Daiquiri, or Coolers Ice House for a delicious daiquiri or margarita. These frozen beverages are a signature Louisiana drink, celebrating the party culture of Mardi Gras all year long. 

All ages can indulge in larger-than-life sugary snocones and sundaes from drive-thrus like Shuga Mama's, Lulu’s Speciality Snocones and More, or PT's Snoballs Coffee and Ice Cream– it's a delicious opportunity not to be missed!