Southwest Louisiana is the place to be this summer with the unofficial start onMemorial 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.
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. Lake Area Adventures' newly constructed 35,000-square-foot family entertainment center features an aquatic center, climbing wall, gamers lounge, treasured kayak and pontoon boat rentals, and sunset kayak tours. Complete your experience by dining at The Terrace.
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.
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. North Beach in downtown Lake Charles has recently added volleyball, soccer nets, and pickleball courts!
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. 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 of 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 a perfect place to enjoy the warm sun with a frozen drink. If you are not staying overnight on either resort property, the poolside cabanas are available for rent at the Golden Nugget only.
