Southwest Louisiana is the place to be this summer! Pack your swimsuit, little black dress, and flip-flops for a memorable vacation. The event calendar is jam-packed with live music, food and cultural festivals, and art exhibits. Visit Downtown Lake Charles for incredible sunset views, boutique shopping, and numerous restaurants with patio seating.
Mardi Gras makes its flamboyant entrance with the 2023 Twelfth Night Kickoff Festival inside the Lake Charles Civic Center…
1. Get On the Waterways
Explore the beauty of the Lake Area’s waterways from the vantage point of a boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard! Local companies including, Lake Area Adventures offers small craft and pontoon boat rentals as well as sunset kayak tours. DK Watersport Rentals near Prien Lake Park offers SUP, boat, and jet ski rentals. River Raft Rentals offer kayak and canoe rentals for pick up or delivery to set up your guided tour or watery experience.
Kathryn Shea Duncan
2. Shelling along Gulf Beaches
Stop at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point for tips on exploring wildlife, walking trails, and driving adventures to see alligators, birds, and indigenous plants. Part of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, nature-lovers can go shelling along Gulf Beaches such as Rutherford Beach, Holly Beach, Constance Beach and more. Bring a picnic lunch and a bucket to load up on shells and treasures from Mother Nature.
Crying Eagle Brewing Summer Concert Series rocks all summer through August 20, or be sure to check out Party by the Pool concerts at L’Auberge. Juneteenth has multiple events June 16-18, and July 4, fireworks will glisten in the night sky over Lake Charles with plenty of patriotic events leading up to the display. Get your fill of Cajun food and culture at the Cajun Music & Food Festival on July 16, or check out the ProWatercross National Championships on August 6 for thrilling jet ski racing. Meet Me at the Market Farmers’ Market event kicks off the first Saturday of each month with goods, art, and music!
Kathryn Shea Duncan
5. SPAR Waterpark
Families with kids of all ages will love experiencing the Blue Dragon, Green Monster, Constructor Tube, Superbowl Tube Slide, or the Twisted Serpent – thrilling waterslides at SPAR Waterpark! Youngsters can play 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. Concessions are available as well as indoor swimming, racquetball courts, walking tracks and more.
Kathryn Shea Duncan
6. Volleyball at South Beach
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.
Erica McCreedy
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 and axe throwing. Both activities bring two entirely different crowds, but the goal is always the same: to absolutely crush the competition. After all that axe throwing and laser tag, you might want to get some sustenance at Game2Life’s Shooters Bar & Grill! In Sulphur, Bayou Games offers tactical paintball, gellyball, and video games for kids of all ages.
Your major choice is between freshwater or saltwater fishing, and then, you can decide if you want to fish from a boat or 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, pack a net, string and chicken necks and you're sure to catch a cast. Check out fishing guides or enjoy ecotours and wildlife viewing from a marsh boat with a guided tour by Grosse Savanne Ecotours.
10. Lazy Rivers at Casino Resorts
While staying at L’Auberge Casino Resort or Golden Nugget, soak in the sunsets beachside or grab a bite a Bill’s Burgers. Totally relax 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 another perfect place to enjoy the warm sun with a frozen drink. Even if you are not staying at the resorts, day passes are at Golden Nugget only!
