On the lookout for all the very best sights in Lake Charles, Louisiana? We managed to tick most of them off on our most up-to-date journey to deliver you our information to all the very best issues to do in Lake Charles!
On all of our journeys to the USA, we’ve caught to the large cities. New York, LA, San Francisco, and many others.
However as wonderful as these locations are, we at all times knew the true coronary heart of the States lay within the cities within the South, the place tradition, historical past and delicacies was as fascinating because it was insightful.
So once we left our house in Australia on our most up-to-date journey to the US, we couldn’t be extra excited to lastly try the South, beginning off with Lake Charles in Louisiana!
The fifth-largest included metropolis in the US, Lake Charles is house to many historic and vibrant actions.
Identified for its blues music, mouthwatering delicacies, and exquisite bayous, many go to this cajun aspect of the nation for a full-on French-inspired expertise.
From sights to lodging, Lake Charles is stuffed with the magnetic affect of tradition and historical past.
And this scorching journey spot’s engaging qualities don’t cease there. Lake Charles is famend for its optimum fishing and searching, although many will simply eat the freshly ready catches as an alternative.
Whereas most guests persist with a New Orleans itinerary on their journey to the south, belief us once we say it is best to try what else is round.
When you’re in search of issues to do in Lake Charles, we’ve received you lined with these high 13 issues to do throughout your go to.
The Prime Issues to Do in Lake Charles Louisiana
Lake Charles is a good journey vacation spot ready to be explored.
Stroll by Downtown Lake Charles through the day, touring the numerous well-known historic museums, earlier than getting a style of Louisiana nightlife with a specialty cocktail in hand.
Then, it’s time to stay it up within the cultural heart of Louisiana!
Discover this gorgeous metropolis by exploring its enigmatic downtown and touring its many historic museums. Let’s get began!
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1) Discover Downtown Lake Charles
When you love huge metropolis leisure, prepare for a refreshing expertise in Downtown Lake Charles!
A part of Louisiana’s grand southern hospitality, Downtown Lake Charles homes magnetic sights such because the Mardi Gras Museum, the 1911 Historic Metropolis Corridor Arts & Cultural Middle, and the close by centuries-old big Sallier Oak tree rooted into the grounds of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum.
It’s right here that vacationers and locals alike can sink into refreshing nature and big-city life that integrates a homey stylishness that invigorates and revitalizes.
Throughout the day, benefit from the magnificent climate by taking a guided tour round downtown and the lakefront on the water.
At night time when downtown comes alive, step over to a neighborhood favourite, Luna Bar & Grill, for specifically crafted cocktails whereas people-watching on the distinctive patio seating.
The city heart of Lake Charles boasts a big selection of premium mouthwatering cuisines and drinks ready to be tasted.
2) Drive the Creole Nature Path
One other the most effective issues to do in Lake Charles is driving down the Creole Nature Path, probably the most gorgeous and scenic drives in all of Louisiana.
Stretching 180 miles, the Creole Nature Path is an All-American Highway that bends and twists all through southwestern Louisiana’s wildlife refuges, coastal wetlands, and marshes.
This was our literal first exercise after we arrived, as we had been advised it was a terrific place to see alligators. As Aussies, this was an enormous drawcard, and boy it didn’t disappoint!
The Creole Nature Path is one in every of 57 designated scenic byways in the US.
Fondly known as “Louisiana’s Outback,” the Creole Nature Path is, luckily, an easy-to-follow community of again roads that may make for a family-friendly exercise to expertise training reveals.
Begin at Journey Level to study in regards to the untamed Louisiana panorama and its many species earlier than following the guided path to wildlife watch, fish, or e-book an airboat or kayak tour!
Don’t miss the Pintail Wildlife Drive – a haven for birds, turtles and naturally alligators!
We even had gators chilling out proper subsequent to the highway, which was an actual buzz. Watch out should you get out of your automobile although, these tooth are sharp!
3) Cease by the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu (When it Reopens)
Internet hosting the second largest Mardi Gras Competition, Lake Charles traces the historical past of this enigmatic occasion on the Mardi Gras Museum.
Considered one of many respected Lake Charles sights, visitors can discover the historical past of the Mardi Gras pageant at this museum.
Climb aboard a parade float and sift by the most important show of glamorous Mardi Gras costume shows on the earth.
Study in regards to the historical past of King Truffles, and uncover the distinctive treasure of Mardi Gras.
The Mardi Gras Museum homes six rooms devoted to exploring the pageant’s founding.
The primary flooring explains the intricacy of how Mardi Gras got here to be, and the fifth room shows essentially the most in depth assortment of Mardi Gras costumes within the South.
Climb aboard the parade float whereas experiencing the sounds and pleasure of the Mardi Gras parade!
Mardi Gras is a staple of southwest Louisiana, and trying out this museum is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Lake Charles.
- The Mardi Gras Museum might be opening in a brand new location someday in 2024. Examine particulars right here.
4) Tour The Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Considered one of many Lake Charles museums, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum was based in 1963. Its assortment options memorabilia and artifacts that current life within the previous Imperial Calcasieu area from the native Individuals to the current day.
Gadgets like images that chronicle the Nice Fireplace of 1910 exemplify the lengthy and spectacular historical past of the area.
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum homes the Gibson-Barham Gallery. This 2,500-square-foot area is used to exhibit visible artists and cultural and historic reveals utilizing a revolving methodology devoted to offering instructional viability to protect the distinctive historical past and tradition of Southwest Louisiana.
On the grounds is a centuries-old oak tree termed the Historic Sallier Oak Tree. At this exact location, Charles Sallier determined to construct his winter house to bask underneath the shade of this spectacular oak tree.
Enjoyable Truth–the town and lake have been named after Charles Sallier, one of many first to settle close to the well-known lake.
Bask underneath the centuries-old oak tree and tour the Imperial Calcasieu Museum to study in regards to the area’s distinctive historical past. Examine the web site to see what particular reveals and occasions are on!
- Handle: 204 W Sallier St
- Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
- Price: $5
5) Kayak the Bayous with Sarge from Lake Space Adventures
We actually liked our time in Lake Charles, and this was by far our favourite factor to do right here!
Get able to kayak the bayous and bask within the refreshing Louisiana nature at varied areas, together with Prien Lake Park, with an absolute legend of the world.
Lake Space Adventures is owned and operated by Sarge, an ex-Marine who is without doubt one of the friendliest, funniest and most hospitable folks we’ve got ever met.
Hanging out with Sarge alone is sufficient to e-book a kayaking journey right here, however add the gorgeous bayous he’ll take you thru, and also you’re in for a deal with.
Prien Lake Park is a 29-acre lakeside park that may be a family-friendly exercise spot that gives picnic tables with waterfront views, a kids’s water park for the children to play, and a ship launch to take out the boat for topside views.
Throughout your guided kayak journey, you’ll be capable of discover Prien Lake Park’s waterway, which as soon as hosted Nineteenth-century schooners, and the attractive bayous of Lake Charles.
Whichever you head out to, taking time to go to the out of doors haven is very really useful throughout your go to to Lake Charles Louisiana.
Go to the Lake Space Adventures web site to examine costs for excursions and kayak leases, and don’t miss our video to point out you what it’s like!
6) Dance Your Footwear Off at a Music Competition
Conveniently positioned between New Orleans and Houston, Lake Charles welcomes many trying to dance their sneakers off at thrilling and sensational music festivals.
Lake Charles hosts weekend festivals and festivals to have a good time Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole heritage as a enjoyable and cozy getaway spot.
By way of meals and music, exemplary performances are carried out in downtown Lake Charles enacted by regional and nationwide exhibits.
Personifying Louisiana’s magnifying out of doors recreation occasions, these magical festivals could have you dancing the weekend away.
This metropolis is called Louisiana’s Competition Capital for a purpose!
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7) Chill Out at North Seaside
A white-sand seashore positioned in Lake Charles, North Seaside is a good out of doors exercise to take a position a day into throughout your go to to this cultural hotspot metropolis.
North Seaside is a big family-oriented seashore that many households go to to absorb the solar’s rays and dip their toes within the salty water.
Many calm down on the obtainable picnic areas with tables for meals and drinks, whereas others construct sandcastles or stroll the sandy size of the seashore. It’s not unusual to search out folks swimming within the water, simply be looking out for alligators!
Make the most of the general public restrooms and showers earlier than heading to Millennium Park, a preferred close by park.
8) Head All the way down to the Gulf of Mexico
Unnamed till the early 1540s, the Gulf of Mexico is a marginal sea. A part of the Atlantic Ocean is bordered by 5 states of the US on the northern and jap border, Cuba to the southeast, and 5 Mexican states on the western and southern border.
To see the astounding Gulf of Mexico, journey from Lake Charles to Rutherford Seaside, one in every of a number of seashores that may be seen whereas touring down the Creole Nature Path All-American Highway.
Settle all the way down to soak within the encompassing magnitude of this unimaginable vacation spot because the Gulf of Mexico waves rush up and recede from the sandy seashore.
Collect shells for souvenirs on this well-known rustic seashore, taking house a chunk of the Gulf of Mexico with you out of your journey to Lake Charles.
9) Go to the Charpentier Historic District
Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations in 1990, the Lake Charles Historic District is a 40-block historic district of Lake Charles that pulls you again in time.
Domestically termed the Charpentier Historic District, this can be a self-guided driving or strolling expertise that may be explored by horse-drawn carriage trip.
Style the enriching historical past as you journey previous the best collections of Victorian structure in Louisiana that dates again to the late 1800s.
We suggest beginning your tour of this fantastically historic expertise on the Lake Charles Vacationer Bureau on Lakeshore Drive.
Then, tour Shell Seaside Drive to see gorgeous southern-style mansions and scenic sundown views as you ogle these spectacular architectural finds. Whether or not you stroll or drive, these historic homes and mansions are undoubtedly price trying out if you go to Lake Charles Louisiana.
10) See How the Magic is Made at Bayou Rum Distillery
Winner of the Louey Award for tourism attraction of the yr, the Bayou Rum Distillery is one in every of many yummy high sights to think about when visiting Lake Charles.
Bayou Rum Distillery has notable markers in its high-quality merchandise. The rum is distilled from domestically grown sugar cane in southern Louisiana.
The molasses used of their merchandise are sourced from the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the US. Each batch of rum is distilled in copper pot stills, aged in Bourbon casks underneath a solera system, after which bottled in-house.
The hand-crafted, pot-distilled, and naturally gluten-free rum, has gained awards for an excellent purpose.
To see the grandiosity of this high Lake Charles attraction, schedule a tour to find out how Bayou Rum Distillery makes its rum from Louisiana Sugarcane in a working 36,000-square-foot distillery.
- Handle: 20909 Frontage Rd, Lacassine, LA
- Hours: 9am – 5pm, Tuesday – Saturday
11) Eat at All of the Wonderful Eating places
Lake Charles is house to many savory and mouthwatering eating places that grasp Cajun and Creole delicacies. A few of Lake Charles’s most notable and worthy eating places embody The James 710, 1910, Luna Bar & Grill, and Crawfish Boil-N-Go.
In order for you wonderful eating and the very best meals within the metropolis, you completely need to e-book in at The James 710.
We ate dinner right here one night time and belief us, it was divine! Don’t miss the cocktails.
1910 is a restaurant and wine bar positioned in downtown Lake Charles. This enigmatic restaurant is housed within the Phoenix Constructing, commemorating the Nice Fireplace of 1910 that burned a number of metropolis blocks in Lake Charles.
Serving refined Creole and Cajun fusion delicacies with a French spine, 1910 is a extremely suggest restaurant to settle all the way down to eat at.
Luna Bar & Grill is an easygoing eatery and bar. The California-accented Louisiana eats are mixed with stay music for a vigorous environment.
This musically-influenced restaurant masterfully combines tradition, artwork, and delicacies right into a magnetic consuming expertise. The burgers are nice.
And lastly, Crawfish Boil-N-Go is a no-frills Cajun takeaway that promotes boiled and spiced crawfish with southern sides like potatoes and corn.
The obtainable drive-thru possibility affords a fast different to returning to dinner on the resort. In fact, you may’t go away Lake Charles with out tasting its world-renowned crawfish dishes.
12) Stroll the Cyprus Forests of Sam Houston Jones State Park
First named after the Texas folks hero, Sam Houston Jones State Park has since been named to honor Louisiana’s forty sixth state governor.
This 1,087-acre public park spans tree-filled lagoons, plentiful wildlife, and a forest combined with pine and hardwood bushes.
Many birdwatchers accept a satisfying wait as almost 200 species of birds will be noticed at Sam Houston Jones State Park. This spot is without doubt one of the finest locations for chook watching in all of Louisiana.
Step into the nice outdoor on one of many three obtainable mountaineering nature trails that wind by this gorgeous natural-filled park.
- Handle: 107 Sutherland Rd
- Hours: 6am – 9pm day by day (closes at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays)
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13) Go to the Lake Charles Casinos
Lake Charles LA can also be recognized for its casinos. Whereas we don’t personally gamble, lots of people do like to return right here to attempt their luck, so we determined to incorporate it in our record.
L’auberge On line casino Resort is the preferred on line casino in Lake Charles. L’auberge On line casino Resort hosts concert events and occasions, wonderful eating and informal eating choices, and naturally, slots, desk video games, and extra on the on line casino.
Golden Nugget On line casino and Isle of Capri On line casino are two different widespread ones.
The Lake Charles casinos exude luxurious, so even should you can’t afford to remain at their fancy accommodations otherwise you’re not fascinated about playing, perhaps simply seize a drink or a chunk to eat and stroll round, absorbing the affluence and glamour.
The place to Keep in Lake Charles Louisiana
Now that you recognize all of the enjoyable issues to do in Lake Charles Louisiana, it’s time to go over the very best locations to remain.
There are nice choices for each finances right here. There aren’t any hostels, however there are some reasonably priced resort choices for these on a tighter finances.
Greatest Price range Lodge in Lake Charles LA: La Quinta Inn & Suites
This reasonably priced resort is nice for vacationers on a finances. Make the most of the complimentary breakfast at La Quinta Inn & Suites Lake Charles – Westlake.
Seize your fill earlier than heading out for an eventful day in Downtown Lake Charles to discover all this historic, vibrant metropolis has to supply.
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in Lake Charles LA: Greatest Western Plus Prien Lake
Get settled down on the Greatest Western Plus Prien Lake Inn & Suites! Common with solo vacationers, this mid-range resort options free parking, non-smoking rooms, and a 24-hour entrance desk that will help you with all of your wants and considerations throughout your keep.
Greatest Luxurious Lodge in Lake Charles LA: Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Reserve a room on the Golden Nugget Lake Charles for the time of your life. Within the leisure district of Lake Charles, the Golden Nugget Lake Charles is settled close to a non-public seashore whereas that includes its personal nation membership, championship golf course, and on line casino!
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