Lake Charles, LA offers the only white-sand inland beach along the Gulf Coast!

Those traveling East-bound on Interstate 10 have quite a treat in store as they come off the I-10 bridge separating Westlake from Lake Charles.

This is because Lake Charles offers the only white-sand inland beach along the Gulf Coast! West-bound traffic takes the Lakeshore Drive exit as well.  The difference is that you'll need to circle under the I-10 bridge. At that point, the Lake will be to your right.

The beach makes for a great place to stretch your legs, take a walk along the beach, or build a sandcastle!  During the summer, you can often rent a paddle boat or jet ski.  Or, simply watch a volley ball game.

If you like the view, but not the sand, head over to the SWLA Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB). Besides learning more about Southwest Louisiana, you can grab a cold drink or a courtesy cup of coffee and relax on an outdoor patio area that overlooks Lake Charles.  While at the CVB, make sure to ask about local entertainment.  Between the casinos and local bar's, you may decide to stay overnight!

To extend and enhance your travel break, check out the alligators. You can walk to their enclosure from the CVB.  If gators do not interest you, head on over to the civic center grounds and feed the pigeons or ducks or take in the Veterans Memorial park which is located on the North side of the Civic Center.

Lunch options are numerous.  Steamboat Bills and MacFarlane's Celtic Pub are quite close to the Lake as are MaryAnne's Cafe, Booda's Bistro, Luna's, Pujo Street Cafe, Happy Hippie Pizza, and more.