The Ultimate Three-Day Trip in Southwest Louisiana

Afternoon

Head downtown for your pick of delicious lunch options. The Villa Harlequin, located in the historic Noble Building, is a frequent lunch location for visitors and locals working in or near downtown. Their Italian inspired menu includes soups and salads as well as entrées using products and ingredients from various local partners like Helen St. Bakehouse and Pasta Lab. Other popular downtown lunch options include Pujo St. Café and Luna Bar & Grill Downtown.

Once you’ve fueled up, it’s time to hit the streets... literally! Join a guided bike tour with Biking Through the Lake through the historic Charpentier District while belting out your favorite tunes. Next, enjoy some downtown shopping. Browse the collection of vinyl albums and vintage t-shirts at The Emporium, discover unique artwork embodying the spirit of Southwest Louisiana at Candice Alexander Art Studio, or find the perfect statement piece from Mia’s Downtown. While exploring, be sure to stop for photos in front of one or more murals along the mural crawl.

Evening

For dinner, you’ve got options - and some seriously scenic ones at that. Laguna’s Mexican Grill & Cantina is a top pick if you’re looking for bold flavors with an unbeatable sunset view. This two-story Tex-Mex eatery sits right on the lakefront, offering a spacious patio and balcony where you can sip on a margarita and take in the golden hues of the evening sky. The carne asada is a must-try, and the relaxed vibe makes it perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family.

If you're in the mood for something different, Area 337 serves up a mix of Cuban, Spanish, Venezuelan, and Dominican flavors, featuring dishes like tostones and other Caribbean flavors that transport your taste buds. Another great casual dining option is Tia Juanita's Fish Camp, blending Mexican and Cajun flavors to create standouts like boudin quesadillas and blackened fish tacos.

Wherever you dine, end the night at Panorama Music House, a two-story bar known for its live music, eclectic décor, and lively atmosphere. Whether you grab a drink downstairs for a front-row seat to the show or head upstairs for a birds-eye view, it’s the perfect way to wrap up Day One in Louisiana’s Playground!

Morning

Ease your way into the day with a mid-morning brunch at one of two Coffee:30 locations─ Express or Café. Grab a frappé and enjoy fluffy beignets dusted with powdered sugar or topped with cookies and fruit.

Next, hit the road for a boudin-fueled adventure along the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail! From Iowa to Lake Charles, you'll find mom-and-pop joints, specialty meat shops, and grocery stores serving up fresh and pre-packaged links. Grab the official boudin trail guide for the full lineup and some fun facts about this Cajun staple!

Afternoon

Get a taste of Louisiana at Bayou Rum! This craft distillery offers tours Tuesday - Saturday where you’ll see how fresh Louisiana sugarcane and molasses turn into award-winning rum. Afterward, stick around for a tasting of their best flavors and grab some travel-sized bottles and merch to go!

Next, venture over to Crying Eagle Brewing-University, where you’ll learn the story behind the popular dining spot’s success. Take a tour of the brewery, which includes a brief beer school and concludes with a tasty flight. Not into beer? Choose from several refreshing cocktails and unwind in the beer garden.

Just a few feet away lies Pasta Lab, where you can learn the history of pasta making during a workshop-style class to make your own. Each class details the process from start to finish and provides two taster-size dishes.

Evening

Southwest Louisiana is known for its exciting nightlife. Try your luck at one of four casino resorts, each offering traditional slots, table games, and sports betting platforms. Not into gaming? No problem, enjoy a casual meal before attending a concert, or plan a romantic dinner at Gordon Ramsay Steak, Ember Grille and Wine Bar, Rosewater Grill & Tavern, or Vic and Anthony’s. Lake Charles has a fair share of upscale dining locations throughout the city including Pat's of Henderson and La Truffe Sauvage, where you'll need to make a reservation.

Morning

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. Dine inside the comfortable café area and chat with the friendly staff or outside on the patio. You can also order your treats to go from the convenient drive-thru.

Next, head over to Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, an interactive center highlighting the natural wonders you’ll find along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Here you can purchase souvenirs, gather informative brochures, and enjoy immersive displays.

The Creole Nature Trail, one of only 150 designated scenic byways in the United States, is a stunning stretch of Louisiana’s Outback, teeming with alligators, vibrant wildflowers, 26 miles of natural Gulf beaches, and over 400 bird species. Whether you’re crabbing along the shore, combing the sand for seashells, or simply taking in the scenery from your car, this journey is as peaceful as it is unforgettable.

Drift past sunbathing gators, swaying marsh grasses, and crashing Gulf waves, embracing the untamed beauty of Southwest Louisiana. Along the way, make a stop at Wetland Walkway, a 1.5-mile, wheelchair-accessible loop perfect for spotting wildlife, or head to Holly Beach, where you and your pups can roam the sandy shores, search for unique shells, and watch the birds dance along the water’s edge.

Afternoon

Grab a picnic lunch from Anchors Up Grill or enjoy fresh Gulf seafood at Lighthouse Bend, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views of Calcasieu Lake (keep an eye out for Pinky, the albino bottlenose dolphin often spotted in the water!).

For more outdoor adventure, head to Sam Houston Jones State Park, where 1,087 acres of trails, waterways, and wildlife await. Hike, bike, or birdwatch, then fish from the boardwalk or kayak the West Fork of the Calcasieu River using the park’s self-serve rental kiosk. Looking for other ways to unwind? Float down the lazy river at H20 Pool + Bar or indulge in a massage at Spa du Lac.

Evening

For dinner, treat yourself to the tasty flavors of Southwest Louisiana seafood. From endless platters of spicy crawfish and blue crabs at Steamboat Bills or Seafood Palace to plump, creamy oysters at Salt Revival Oyster Company, Lake Charles has your seafood cravings covered! Wrap up your evening with a stroll along the Lakefront Promenade admiring the breathtaking sunset while you plan your next visit to Louisiana’s Playground.