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Inspiration Guide Request your copy for untold stories, fun round-ups, and what's new in SWLA.

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana is the place to be this summer with the unofficial start on Memorial Day Weekend! Pack your swimsuit, little black dress, and flip-flops for a memorable vacation. The event calendar is jam-packed with casino entertainment, live music, food and cultural festivals, and art exhibits. Visit Downtown Lake Charles for incredible sunsets over the water, boutique shopping, and numerous restaurants with dog-friendly patios. 

1. Get On the Waterways 

Explore the beauty of the Lake Area’s waterways from the vantage point of a boat, kayak, or paddleboard! River Raft Rentals offers kayak and canoe rentals for pick up or delivery to set up your guided tour or watery experience. Popular locations like North Beach, Prien Lake Park, Sam Houston Jones State Park and Riverside Park  feature boat launches that offer access to the Calcasieu River. Lake Area Adventures' newly constructed 35,000-square-foot family entertainment center features an aquatic center as well as a climbing wall, gamers lounge and concession stand.

2. Tour Local Museums

Southwest Louisiana boasts a rich history and culture. The 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center in Lake Charles is home to three floors of traveling exhibits and two permanent local galleries -Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. Imperial Calcasieu Museum and Henning Cultural Center display historical and cultural artifacts and host local fine art exhibits. The DeQuincy Railroad Museum features railroad history paired with displays of a steam engine, a passenger car, and a caboose.

Port Wonder , home of the Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana  and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center  highlight the unique experiences awaiting in Southwest Louisiana. With four distinct galleries featuring life-size exhibits that incorporate STEM activities, imaginative play, and a deep dive into Louisiana's biodiversity, it's a must-visit attraction on the Lakefront.

Explore Museums

Black Heritage Gallery

Black Heritage Gallery

  • 1001 Ryan Street
  • (337) 488-0567

The mission of the Black Heritage Gallery is to lead a diverse audience in discovering African-American artists and to nurture…

Gallery by the Lake

Gallery by the Lake

  • 1001 Ryan Street
  • (337) 491-9147

Come visit our gallery located in Historic City Hall to experience an eclectic collection of fine art paintings, pottery, and…

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

  • 204 W. Sallier Street
  • 337-439-3797

For nearly 60 years, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum has sat in the shade of the mighty Sallier Oak offering guests to experience…

Henning Cultural Center

Henning Cultural Center

  • 923 S. Ruth St.
  • (337) 527-0357

Explore Sulphur's cultural scene at the Henning Cultural Center, managed by Sulphur Parks and Recreation, and featuring…

DeQuincy Railroad Museum

DeQuincy Railroad Museum

  • 400 Lake Charles Ave.
  • 337-786-2823

Situated at the intersection of the two major railroads - the original townsite in 1895 - the museum has sustained its…

Port Wonder

Port Wonder

  • 1011 N. Lakeshore Drive
  • (337) 426-1559

Port Wonder, located right off I-10 in Lake Charles, is home to the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana…

3. Sno-cones and Summer Treats 

Visiting Southwest Louisiana in the summer isn't complete without a delicious sno-cone, ice cream treat – or two! Tackle sky-high treats from Lulu’s Specialty Snocones and More, Shuga Mama's, Incredible Edible-Sno-Balls and PT's Snowballs Coffee & Ice Cream. For deliciously unique coffee combinations and welcoming interiors, visit coffee shops like The Buzz Coffee and More and Krew's Books & Brews. On the go? Follow along with mobile treats trucks like Magnolia Broux Specialty Coffee and Gifts traveling through Southwest Louisiana.

4. Summer Festivals and Recurring Events 

The annual Downtown at Sundown Concert Series showcases regional acts for four consecutive Fridays in May and June. Crying Eagle Brewing Summer Concert Series rocks all summer through mid-September. Don't miss Wellness on the Water and the Sun & Scoops Ice Cream Festival, two brand new events taking place at the Lake Charles Event Center. The Juneteenth Freedom Festival hosts daily activities including a parade and cook-off near the Juneteenth Holiday. On July 4, fireworks will glisten in the night sky over Lake Charles with the Red White Blue & You festival! Meet Me at the Market Farmers’ Market features goods, art, and music on the first Saturday of each month! View our full event calendar for many more fun events for family and friends to enjoy.

Upcoming Summer Festivals & 4th of July Events

Red White & Boom Jul 03

Red White & Boom

Get ready to sparkle and shine—our Red, White & Boom community celebration is BACK! Join us on Thursday, July 3 starting at…

5. SPAR Waterpark 

Families will love experiencing thrilling waterslides like the Blue Dragon, Green Monster, or the Twisted Serpent at SPAR Waterpark! Youngsters will love playing at Splash & Play Island or Parrot Island. Along the Raging River, guests are propelled in inner tubes by rapids, followed by the relaxing Paddle River shortcut with fewer waves. The Sulphur Parks and Recreation Center offers indoor swimming, racquetball courts, walking tracks and more.  

6. Volleyball and Pickleball

South Beach Volleyball McNeese is a sand beach volleyball complex and food pavilion surrounded by palm trees to add to the feeling of being in an oasis. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere with outside dining and bar areas. You can sit outside, enjoy a good meal and play a game with friends or family. In addition, adult beverages are available, including a wide variety of canned and draft beers and frozen and specialty cocktails. North Beach in downtown Lake Charles has recently added volleyball, soccer nets, and pickleball courts!

7. Laser Tag, Axe Throwing, and Paintball

Game2Life brings an entirely new level of fun and competitive spirit to the Lake Area with its combat laser tag, axe throwing, pickleball, and golf simulation. In Sulphur, Bayou Games offers tactical paintball, gellyball, and video games for kids of all ages. 

8. Daiquiris - Frozen Adult Treats

Located inside L’Auberge Resort, check out Daiquiris & Dogs for a quick, filling treat. Taste the tropical flavors throughout Southwest Louisiana at popular locations like Frosty Factory, Daiquiri Shack, Paradise Daiquiris (Lake Charles, Moss Bluff & Sulphur), and Funky Monkey Daiquiris. Most daiquiris spots also have drive-thru options to enjoy your treat on the go!   

9. Fishing, Crabbing & Eco Tours 

Choose from freshwater or saltwater fishing, then hop in a boat or fish from the shore! Surf fishing is excellent along the beaches, and there are plenty of waterways along the Creole Nature Trail perfect for dropping a line! Crabbing is also popular along the Creole Nature Trail. Simply pack a net, string and chicken necks and you're sure to catch! Book a trip with experienced fishing guides or enjoy eco-tours on a guided tour with Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours. 

10. Lazy Rivers at Casino Resorts 

While staying at L’Auberge Casino Resort or Golden Nugget, soak in the sunsets beachside and grab a bite from Bill’s Bar and Burger. Spend the day floating in the tropical lazy river at L’Auberge, complete with a swim-up bar. Golden Nugget’s lazy river, rockslide, and swim-up bar is a perfect place to enjoy the warm sun with a frozen drink. Not staying overnight? No worries! Recharge at a poolside cabana available for rent at Golden Nugget.

Casino Resorts

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