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Golfing at The National in Westlake
Inspiration Guide View and request the official Southwest Louisiana travel guide.
Luxury
PLAYList eNewsletter Subscribe for details about upcoming events, stories, deals & more.
Golfing at The National in Westlake
Inspiration Guide View and request the official Southwest Louisiana travel guide.
Louisiana Pirate Festival
Lindsey Janies Photography

1. Attend a Louisiana Festival

Spring is here, and that means celebrating with Southwest Louisiana's unique festivals. Transport yourself to the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival, enjoy a celebration of the Gulf Coast’s colorful history and ties to the Caribbean at the Lake Charles Rum Revival, tap your feet to the full line up of regional musicians at This is Home Fest or prepare for a land and sea takeover along the shores of Lake Charles at the Louisiana Pirate Festival. 

Crawfish boil-20

2. Peel 'Em & Eat 'Em 

Crawfish are a Louisiana delight – and Spring is the best time to get 'em! Order them by the pound and remember to request the lagniappe of corn, potatoes, and dipping sauce. You can find them at drive-through locations, local restaurants, events and family and friend's crawfish boils all season long. 

McNeese Baseball Joe Miller Ball Park
Kathryn Shea Duncan

3. Geaux Pokes 

Take yourself out to a McNeese State University baseball game for an afternoon of cheering on the Cowboys (or your favorite visiting rival team). The stadium is near the regional airport and great dining options, including the family-friendly Crying Eagle Brewing. Check out the season schedule and get your tickets early or at the gate. 

Farmers Market Plants
Kathryn Shea Duncan

4. Art & Farmers Markets

Southwest Louisiana boasts four weekly farmers markets brimming with fresh produce and local art. On Tuesday's at The Cash & Carry and every Saturday at the DeQuincy, Moss Bluff and Charlestown Farmers Market. The first Saturday of every month, Meet Me at the Market features live performances and food trucks. The annual Spring Art Walk takes over downtown Lake Charles with local artists and live demonstrations.

Family on the Creole Nature Trail
Lindsey Janies

5. Cruise the Creole Nature Trail

Start your journey at Adventure Point for information about the trail and a family-friendly interactive experience. A birders paradise, the spring season brings flocks of birds to the shoreline of the 180-mile All-American Road. Stop at Holly Beach for rich shelling before making the loop to the breathtaking Pintail Wildlife Drive where you can see a variety of wildlife, including alligators! 

Zydecane - Rikenjaks
Erica McCreedy

6. Dine Under the Oaks 

The beer gardens of the much-loved Crying Eagle Brewing and Rikenjaks are bustling each spring with live music multiple nights of the week and pet-friendly areas. Paul's Rib Shack boasts bone-licking barbeque favorites of brisket, pork and baked macaroni all served on a welcoming outdoor patio. The upscale Fire & Oak serves up craft cocktails, brunch specialties and tasty small bites in their sophisticated dining room or under the oaks. 

Golfing at The National
Miles Partnership

7. World-Class Golfing

At Golden Nugget Lake Charles, The Country Club is known for its enjoyable layout and extensive pro shop. Next door at L'Auberge Casino Resort is the Contraband Bayou Golf Club, offering extensive play packages and well-maintained greens. The National's Golf Club features 14 lakes, 65 bunkers and is one of the most challenging courses. The Scottish links-inspired Mallard Golf Club recently opened with five sets of tee boxes, elevated greens, and is surrounded by native areas. 

Live at the Lakefront in Downtown Lake Charles
Killer Photography

8. Spring Concert Series

A little bit rock and roll and a little bit country, Lake Charles is blend of contrasts. Springs kicks off with national touring acts performing at the casino resorts, free Live at the Lakefront Live and Downtown at Sundown concerts and more live music each night of the week. 

Wellness & Spas
L'Auberge Casino Resort

9. Treat Yourself 

Spring is the time for rejuvenation and our Lake Charles casino resorts certainly know how to define luxury. The Spa du Lac at L'Auberge is a full-service spa offering everything from massages and manicures to soaks and scrubs. At the Golden Nugget, the Spa and Salon features a multitude of luxurious 24K treatments, a sauna and a whirlpool to name a few of the amenities.

Biking at Prien Lake Park
Miles Partnership

10. Bike the Lake Area

Ride around Downtown Lake Charles on a glow-in-the-dark bike tour with Lake City Cruisers. Gear up for Spring with a tune-up and new specialized bike equipment from Southern Bicycle Company. Traveling with your bike? Prien Lake Park and the Lakefront Promenade are great places to go for a spin. 

Upcoming Events

Juneteenth Freedom Festival Jun 16

Juneteenth Freedom Festival

  • Recurring daily

Juneteenth is celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of the last remaining slaves in a reluctant community, when Maj. Gordon…