Southwest Louisiana is home to popular restaurants and attractions that prioritze accessibility and inclusivity for all travelers. From high energy casino resorts to serene outdoor recreation areas, these hotspots are perfect for your next adventure in Louisiana's Playground.
Wheel the World Destination Verified
In 2025 Visit Lake Charles partnered with Wheel the World, a global organization dedicated to making travel more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. Their team explored 20 Southwest Louisiana businesses to identify opportunities to enhance inclusion that make a true impact and to highlight practices already in place for both visitors and residents.
Accessible Attractions in Lake Charles
Pasta Lab
Learn the step-by-step process of the art of pasta making in a hands-on class at Pasta Lab. The experienced instructors guide you through all the important details from the history of basic pasta making to choosing the best mixers and ingredients. During the class you'll enjoy taster-sized samples and have the chance to shop for pre-made dishes, dry noodles, as well as different types of oil and vinegar.
Southwest Louisiana Museums
Those looking to experience the culture and delve into the diverse history of Southwest Louisiana will enjoy exploring our museums. Lake Charles is home to several museums and galleries, with three conveniently located in Downtown Lake Charles.
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum recounts the history of the five-parish Imperial Calcasieu region. From the early Native American civilizations to modern industrialization, it showcases a combination of permanent exhibitions and artifacts and rotating displays. It rests on the grounds of the famed Sallier Oak, a nearly 400-year-old oak tree that has survived numerous natural disasters and historic events.
Browse three floors of gallery space at the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center . Resting in the heart of Downtown Lake Charles, they host rotating exhibits, community programming, and several annual events like Downtown at Sundown , a popular summer music festival. Inside you'll find the Black Heritage Gallery , a collection of rotating exhibits from Black and African American artists, and Gallery by the Lake , which features exhibits of various mediums from local artists.
From the larger-than-life science exhibits and hands-on galleries, to aquarium touch tanks and free to low cost programming, Port Wonder is an exciting museum for explorers of all ages. Port Wonder is home to the Children's Museum and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center, where guests can spend the day learning more about the industries, animals, and culture found throughout Southwest Louisiana in an interactive way.
- 7 minute read
Tucked between bayous and beaches, casinos and cuisine, Southwest Louisiana is a region with stories to tell — and some of the best ways to uncover them is by exploring our local museums. Whether you're a parent looking for hands-on experiences for your kids, a railroad history…
Accessible Restaurants in Lake Charles
We've highlighted several popular restaurants in Lake Charles with guaranteed accessibility features. The Max, a casual restaurant located in Westlake offers a sports bar themed atmosphere with a stunning view of the National Golf Club.
In downtown Lake Charles check out Luna Bar and Grill Downtown, an award winning staple mixing regional flavors with an eclectic atmosphere. Area 337 serves traditional Latin dishes inspired by time-honored Cuban, Spanish, Venezuelan, and Dominican recipes.
At Darrell's Famous Poboys, you'll find iconic sandwiches packed with tender cuts of meat, fresh seafood, and covered in a river of gravy. From boiled Louisiana blue crabs and fried frog legs to steamy bowls of gumbo, Seafood Palace is known for some of the tastiest seafood in Louisiana.
Celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic night out? Crying Eagle Brewing-Lakefront, Pat's of Henderson, and 121 Artisan Bistro feature delicious entrées, decadent desserts, and enticing cocktails in an elegant setting.
ABOUT THE EPISODE Guest Kailey Newcity, an ambassador for FARA and board member for Families for Inclusion, joins hosts Brady and Jillian on Louisiana’s Playground to discuss accessible opportunities.
Creole Nature Trail All American Road
Embrace the natural beauty found along the Creole Nature Trail-All American Road. Whether getting a glimpse of Southwest Louisiana culture at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point or visiting popular wildlife hotspots like the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge and Pintail Wildlife boardwalk at the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, these accessible locations allow a front-row seat to the sights, scents, and sounds along the trail.
Self-Fish Dreams: Accessible Fishing Adventures
Glide out onto the waters of Southwest Louisiana for a 2-hour cruise or inland fishing trip down Contraband Bayou, Lake Charles, and Prien Lake with Self-Fish Dreams. This complementary service is offered to seniors, disabled, and others who are unable to experience boating and fishing.
Accessible Parks and Playgrounds in Southwest Louisiana
Adventure Cove
In addition to a variety of playscapes and a splash pad, Adventure Cove features a wheelchair-accessible swing on the grounds.
Millennium Park
Located in Downtown Lake Charles, Millennium Park features colorful murals depicting life in Southwest Louisiana, a pavilion great for large groups and picnics, a splash pad, and a wheelchair-accessible swing.
Prien Lake Park
Spend a relaxing day outdoors at Prien Lake Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sunset as you frolic through the park along the wheelchair accessible paths and picnic areas.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Explore over 1,000 acres of natural beauty in Sam Houston Jones State Park offering all-terrain track wheelchairs at no charge! These electric-powered chairs allow access to designated park trails that are not suitable for conventional wheelchairs. Spend the day fishing along the pier or in one of many lakes connecting to the Calcasieu River. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings of birds, deer, and alligators throughout the park. Extend your stay at a fully furnished, ADA compliant deluxe cabin or lodge.
Maplewood Commons
From natural green spaces and fountains to wide walking paths, Maplewood Commons provides a quiet natural green space in an easily accessible location for residents to enjoy.
The Grove at Heritage Square
The Grove at Heritage Square offers a peaceful setting for relaxing in the midst of a pecan grove. Accessible paths, a stage, restrooms, and wi-fi make it an ideal location for community events.
Casino Resorts and Hotel Accommodations
Those looking for an upscale retreat with accessible amenities can explore our popular casino resorts. 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 connected by a convenient walking path.
Spend an elegant evening at Gordon Ramsay Steak inside the Horseshoe Lake Charles 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.
Southwest Louisiana is home to many budget-friendly hotel properties with guaranteed accessible features. Hotels like The Mulberry Hotel, Tru by Hilton Lake Charles, and Candlewood Suites offer accessible parking, step-free entrances, and roll in showers, supporting ease of access from the moment you arrive. In addition to these helpful features, guests wanting to spend time by the pool will appreciate the pool lifts at Hampton Inn Lake Charles and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Charles South Casino Area by IHG.
The Mulberry Hotel
- 917 Mulberry St.
- (337) 214-1677
As the closest hotel to all construction sites on the West side of the bridges, The Mulberry Hotel offers an upscale experience at…
Tru by Hilton Lake Charles
- 1220 W Prien Lake Road
- 13375135113
Enjoy life on the bayou at the new Tru by Hilton Lake Charles, LA hotel. Just off I-210 loop, our cheery hotel is only 7 miles…
Candlewood Suites Lake Charles South
- 1105 W. Prien Lake Road
- (337) 478-8008
Candlewood Suites Lake Charles South is the perfect long-term extended-stay hotel, offering full kitchens with full-size…
Hampton Inn Lake Charles
- 3175 Holly Hill Road
- (337) 480-6443
*Hot breakfast is temporarily not available; however, they are offering breakfast grab and a to-go option. Boasting an authentic…
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Charles South Casino Area
- 1150 W. Prien Lake Rd.
- (337) 564-6877
The new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Charles South is conveniently located to the downtown business district, lakefront…
L'Auberge Casino Resort
- 777 Avenue L'Auberge
- 337-395-7777
Go ahead, let your hair down. Spend an afternoon and call it a vacation. Play a hand of blackjack, followed by a round of golf…
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
- 2550 Golden Nugget Blvd
- (337) 508-7777
The Golden Nugget Lake Charles has a brand ethos that speaks for itself, so you can expect top-notch service, 1,094 chic guest…
Gordon Ramsay Steak-Horseshoe
- 100 Westlake Avenue
- (337) 430-2300
Chef Gordon Ramsay's cuts of prime beef are aged to perfection under a program directed by the fiery, internationally renowned…
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel/Vinton
- 2717 Delta Downs Drive
- (337) 589-9001
Delta Downs offers fast-pace casino action with more than 1,600 of the hottest slots. Live races or races from the best tracks…
Plan Your Visit
Southwest Louisiana is actively striving to create an accessible destination for locals and visitors. From our hotels and restaurants to our outdoor destinations and attractions, we prioritize offering experiences packed with joy regardless of your physical limitations. As our destination continues to grow, we hope to add additional Wheel the World verified locations to our list.