Lake Charles is a blend of contrasts from the abundant wildlife and great outdoors to the stunning surroundings of area casino resorts with a Cajun and Creole twist. You can literally explore nature in great abundance one day and fall into the lap of luxury the next. Experience the convenience of two world-class casino resorts side-by-side: the Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino & Resort. Both offer golf courses, spa facilities, restaurants, a variety of pools with lazy rivers – not to mention – award-winning chefs. To the west, close to the Texas border, explore restaurants, games of chance and horseracing at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino. And we can't forget about Horseshoe, which packs video poker, over 800 slot machines, over 40 table games, the Baccarat Lounge, and a full-service Caesars Sportsbook into 62,000 square feet.
If the outdoors is more your speed, reconnect with nature with the sights and sounds of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Additionally, there are many choices for people to go paddle boarding, kayaking or biking near waterways and parks in the city, or shelling along the scenic Gulf beaches or birdwatching on local wildlife refuges. After a day on the lake, you can head downtown where unbeatable dining experiences and eclectic shops await or check out the sights south of town with a stop at Crying Eagle Brewing Lakefront Company and sip seasonal brews on tap. After all, nothing pairs better with a cold brew than a lakefront view.
Speaking of good eats, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp or crawfish étouffée, boudin, and bread pudding are just a few things you can sample of Southwest Louisiana's famous Cajun French and Creole cuisine. 
For a little jazz or a Zydeco brunch, find your way to Rikenjaks or Luna Bar & Grill, respectively. You can taste hot beignets at Pujo Street Café or Coffee: 30 Café, refined cuisine at Villa Harlequin, or Cajun seafood at Seafood Palace, Buffi’s Peaux Boys, Hollier’s, Cajun Charlie's, or Steamboat Bill’s! When you're looking for some comfort food to get your day started right, there's no other choice than Biscuits N Jams (we recommend the cheesy fried grits and the bacon-stuffed shrimp toast). If there are just too many options and you can't decide where to go, let the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail or the Southwest Louisiana Brews & Spirits Trail be your guide!
Whether you’re in town to enjoy an outdoor concert, jazz brunch, or you’re in the market to view or purchase art, Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana has a thriving arts’ scene. Check out local art on the Heartbeat Tour! On the west side of the parish, the Henning Cultural Center sits beneath sleepy oak trees next to The Grove Park and Heritage Square Pavilion and features local art, exhibits and events. Round out your art day with visits to the Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, as well as the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. And if you ever wondered how such a wild holiday as Mardi Gras came about, be sure to stop by the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, which tells the story of the second-biggest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana.
Needless to say, there is always something lively to experience in Louisiana's playground.
