Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day in Louisiana's Playground ☀️
Escape the indoors and reconnect with nature this Saturday, June 13th, for National Get Outdoors Day. Swap screen time for fresh air and the serene sounds of Louisiana's wilderness in Southwest Louisiana, proudly known as #LouisianasPlayground.
Rediscover the untamed beauty of Southwest Louisiana's outdoors. Share your photos and videos using #ReDiscoverSWLA. Here's your guide to unforgettable adventures...
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
Experience alligators, over 400 bird species, vibrant marshlands, 26 miles of pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches, fishing, crabbing, and rich Cajun culture along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. One of only 43 designated scenic byways in the U.S., it's lovingly called Louisiana’s Outback and one of America’s "Last Great Wildernesses." Families should start at Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, a free attraction blending nature immersion with Louisiana's unique culture.
Highlights include strolling Pintail Wildlife Drive for alligator sightings, capturing birds and butterflies at Peveto Woods Sanctuary, and shelling on Rutherford Beach. Catch fresh Louisiana blue crab from roadside canal bridges in Cameron Parish. Photographers will thrive amid diverse wildlife, vegetation, and stunning vistas, from sweeping panoramas to intimate close-ups.
BONUS: Download the free Creole Nature Trail personal tour app on iTunes for iPhone or Google Play for Android. Ideal for families, it provides insights into each stop.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Spanning over 1,000 acres of lakes, rivers, and forests, Sam Houston Jones State Park is a camper's haven. Tree-filled lagoons amid mixed pine and hardwood forests host abundant wildlife: squirrels, bobcats, rabbits, alligators, otters, nutria, raccoons, foxes, deer, and nearly 200 bird species, especially during spring and fall migrations. Spot ducks and geese in the ponds.
Water enthusiasts enjoy two boat launches on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, leading to the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking and fishing thrive here. Three scenic hiking trails are perfect for walking or biking—bring plenty of water in Louisiana's heat!
Stroll Through Lake Charles' Historic Districts
Admire architectural gems along Shell Beach Drive, Charpentier Historic District, and Margaret Place Historic District. Listed on the National Register, Charpentier spans 40+ blocks of turn-of-the-century homes featuring turrets, towers, gables, shingling, leaded glass, and ornate porches—a tribute to innovative carpenter architects defining Lake Charles style.
Margaret Place offers rich history on a few downtown streets, highlighted by the 1912 "Maison Rouge," the oldest surviving home. This close-knit community preserves its legacy via a dedicated website.
Shell Beach Drive, a 1.75-mile stretch along Lake Charles' southern shore, boasts Southwest Louisiana's most coveted homes, including the Della Belle Bed & Breakfast. Once part of the Old Spanish Trail, it offers picturesque architecture, gardens, and lake views—perfect for photos!
BONUS: Download the Lake Charles Historic Tour App on iTunes or Google Play for turn-by-turn directions and historical insights.
More Parks to Explore
Near Shell Beach Drive, the Lakefront Promenade is ideal for sunset strolls. This winding path from the Marina past the Civic Center to the Veterans War Memorial welcomes walkers, bikers, and joggers.
Prien Lake Park, a 29-acre oasis, features walking paths, canoe/boat launches, picnic areas, an amphitheater, pavilions, free Wi-Fi, trees, flowers, fountains, and stunning views of Prien Lake, the I-210 bridge, and sunsets—perfect for family picnics.
View all Southwest Louisiana parks here.
For more ideas, explore our Outdoor Adventures itinerary. Tag your adventures with #VisitLakeCharles, #LouisianasPlayground, and #GODay.
