Lake Charles, Louisiana Weekend Getaways: 10 Unforgettable Short Road Trips

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10 Easy Road Trips Near Lake Charles, Louisiana (All Outside Calcasieu Parish)

Looking for fun things to do near Lake Charles but want to get out of the parish for the day? You’re in the perfect spot. Lake Charles is surrounded by small towns, wild marshes, pine forests, and quiet Texas backroads that make for great short road trips. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 easy out-of-county (out-of-parish) day trips from Lake Charles. Every spot is outside Calcasieu but still close enough for a relaxed drive. All of these trips focus on nearby areas in:
  • Beauregard Parish, LA
  • Cameron Parish, LA
  • Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
  • Newton County, TX
  • Orange County, TX
Grab your keys, fill up the tank, and let’s hit the road.

1. Creole Nature Trail Adventure – Cameron Parish, LA

If you want a classic South Louisiana road trip, the Creole Nature Trail is hard to beat. It’s often called the “Louisiana Outback,” and it really does feel like another world. From Lake Charles, head south into Cameron Parish, and you’ll find:
  • Wide-open marshes and prairies
  • Plenty of pull-offs for birdwatching
  • Chance to spot alligators along the roadside canals
  • Gulf beaches where you can park right on the sand
You can drive as much or as little of the loop as you want, but even a few hours give you a taste of wild coastal Louisiana. Pack a small cooler, bring binoculars, and don’t forget bug spray. Tip: Try to come around sunrise or sunset. The sky over the marsh during golden hour is worth the drive all by itself.

2. Holly Beach – “The Cajun Riviera” in Cameron Parish, LA

Want a simple beach day trip from Lake Charles? Point your car south to Holly Beach in Cameron Parish. This isn’t a crowded Florida-style beach. It’s much more laid-back and local:
  • Drive right onto the sand in many spots
  • Collect shells along the shoreline
  • Set up lawn chairs and watch the waves roll in
  • Fish from the surf if you’ve got a rod
I like to bring folding chairs, a Bluetooth speaker, and an ice chest. You won’t find a big boardwalk or fancy restaurants here, so pack what you need before you go. Good to know: Keep an eye on the tide and weather. The Gulf can change quickly, especially during storm season.

3. Birding and Marsh Views at Sabine National Wildlife Refuge – Cameron Parish, LA

Just a short drive south of Lake Charles, the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful escape in Cameron Parish. If you enjoy quiet boardwalks and wildlife, this is your spot. Here’s what you can do:
  • Walk the Wetland Walkway over the marsh
  • Look for herons, egrets, and roseate spoonbills
  • Watch for alligators sunning near the water’s edge
  • Enjoy easy, flat paths that work for most fitness levels
It’s perfect for a half-day trip. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a camera. Even if you’re not a hardcore birder, the views are calming and make for great photos.

4. Historic Downtown DeRidder – Beauregard Parish, LA

If you’re in the mood for small-town charm, head north to DeRidder in Beauregard Parish. It’s about an hour from Lake Charles, depending on traffic, and has a cozy, walkable downtown. Highlights include:
  • The historic Beauregard Parish Courthouse
  • Old railroad history and local murals
  • Antique shops and small boutiques
  • Local diners where the staff will probably call you “hon”
Take a slow stroll, pop into a café, and just enjoy the slower pace. If you love snapping photos of old buildings and street scenes, you’ll find plenty of material here. Road trip idea: Roll down the windows and take the back roads up to DeRidder instead of sticking to the highway. The pine trees and fields make the drive part of the experience.

5. Kisatchie National Forest – Western Access Near Beauregard Parish, LA

Looking for trees instead of marsh? The western edges of the Kisatchie National Forest are within reach from Lake Charles via Beauregard Parish. While exact trailheads may shift a bit north and west, using the DeRidder area as a base, you can reach:
  • Pine forests with shaded trails
  • Gravel forest roads perfect for leisurely drives
  • Fishing spots and picnic areas
This is a great day trip for hikers and nature lovers. Toss some snacks, plenty of water, and a simple first-aid kit in your daypack, and you’re set. If you’re used to the flat marsh country around Lake Charles, the rolling forest terrain feels like a refreshing change of scenery.

6. Jennnings, LA – Rice Fields, Crawfish, and Culture in Jefferson Davis Parish

About 30–40 minutes east of Lake Charles, Jennings in Jefferson Davis Parish gives you a taste of rural Louisiana life, with a mix of agriculture and culture. Depending on the season, you can find:
  • Endless rice fields stretching toward the horizon
  • Crawfish ponds and roadside stands in spring
  • Small museums and local shops
  • Old-fashioned diners and plate lunch spots
If you time it right, you may even catch a small festival or farmers market. Personal note: There’s something relaxing about pulling over on a quiet country road, turning off the car, and just listening to the wind blow through the fields for a few minutes. It’s a nice reset after a busy week.

7. Quiet Country Drives Through Jefferson Davis Parish, LA

Sometimes you don’t need a big “attraction.” You just need an easy, low-stress drive. Head east from Lake Charles into Jefferson Davis Parish, pick a scenic route, and let the roads guide you. You’ll find:
  • Two-lane highways lined with oaks and farmhouses
  • Old churches and small-town cemeteries with history
  • Fields of cattle, rice, and sometimes sugarcane
This kind of relaxed Louisiana backroad drive is perfect if you want to clear your head. Make a playlist, bring a travel mug of coffee, and just wander a little. You might discover a new favorite lunch spot or a tiny town you’ll want to visit again.

8. Orange, Texas – Over-the-Line Getaway in Orange County, TX

In the mood to cross state lines? Head west on I‑10 and you’ll hit Orange, Texas in about 30–40 minutes from Lake Charles. Orange mixes industry with history and a bit of culture. Depending on your interests, you can:
  • Walk around historic neighborhoods and old homes
  • Check out local museums and heritage sites
  • Enjoy Texas-style eats and barbecue
  • Explore riverside areas along the Sabine
It’s a simple way to say, “I went to Texas today,” without driving hours and hours. Fun idea: Make it a food-themed road trip. Grab boudin or seafood near Lake Charles, then sample brisket or Tex-Mex in Orange. One day, two states, lots of flavors.

9. Sabine River & Backroads of Orange County, TX

If you enjoy fishing, boating, or just river views, the Sabine River and nearby backroads in Orange County make an easy side trip. Out this way you’ll find:
  • Quiet boat launches and fishing spots
  • Tree-lined roads with that classic Southeast Texas feel
  • Small communities where time moves a little slower
Bring a simple picnic, toss a couple of folding chairs in the trunk, and find a shady place to sit by the water for a while. Sometimes the best day trips are the ones where you don’t rush from place to place.

10. Newton County, Texas – Piney Woods and Small-Town Vibes

Northwest of Orange and west of the Louisiana line, Newton County, Texas offers another kind of escape from Lake Charles: tall pine trees, winding roads, and a slower rhythm. In and around the county, you can enjoy:
  • Scenic drives under towering pines
  • Access to lakes and creeks for fishing or paddling (check local spots before you go)
  • Small-town cafés where you’ll feel like a regular, even on your first visit
If you’ve only ever driven I‑10 through this area, you might be surprised how peaceful the backroads are. It’s a great change of pace when you want something different from the coastal marshes and beaches closer to Lake Charles.

Planning Your Road Trips from Lake Charles

To make the most of these short trips from Lake Charles, keep a few simple things in mind:
  • Check the weather: Coastal areas in Cameron Parish can be windy and wet, and summer storms pop up fast.
  • Fuel up early: Some rural stretches don’t have many gas stations.
  • Pack a small kit: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a phone charger go a long way.
  • Respect nature: Don’t feed wildlife, and watch kids closely near water and marshes.
Whether you’re into beaches, forests, wildlife, or just aimless drives on country roads, there’s a road trip near Lake Charles that fits your mood.

Share Your Favorite Lake Charles Road Trips

Have you taken any of these day trips from Lake Charles? Did I miss a hidden gem in Beauregard, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Newton, or Orange? I’d love to hear from you.
  • Drop a comment with your favorite stop or scenic route.
  • Share this post with friends or family who live in the Lake Charles area.
  • Save it for the next sunny Saturday when you’re itching to get out of town.
The more we share our local finds, the easier it is for everyone to enjoy the amazing places just a short drive away.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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