Looking for a Southern getaway with Creole flavors, casino fun, and outdoor adventures? Head to Lake Charles! Located in southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles blends vibrant culture, lively music, marshy beauty, and delicious Cajun and Creole cuisine. Whether you’re into gaming, nature trails, or spicy eats, Lake Charles promises a laid-back yet lively escape.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Lake Charles is from February to May and October to November. Spring offers vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations and pleasant weather, while fall brings food festivals, cool breezes, and outdoor activities. Summers can be hot and humid but are packed with events and nightlife.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Lake Charles is located along I-10, about 2 hours from Houston and 3.5 hours from New Orleans.
- By Air: Lake Charles Regional Airport (LCH) offers direct flights from Houston, Dallas, and other regional hubs.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Sunset Limited line stops in Lake Charles, connecting the city to New Orleans and Los Angeles.
Where to Stay
- Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Luxury resort with a casino, golf course, spa, private beach, and multiple dining options.
- L’Auberge Casino Resort – Elegant casino resort with a lazy river, top-notch restaurants, and live entertainment.
- Hampton Inn Lake Charles – Comfortable, convenient hotel perfect for visitors looking for easy access to casinos and downtown.
Best Things to Do
1. Relax by the Water at Prien Lake Park
With almost 30 acres there is something for all age groups at Prien Lake Park. If you are looking for a gentle walk then you can follow the trails all over the park with plenty of opportunities to take in the local plant and wildlife, and there are playgrounds for younger visitors to enjoy.
For something a bit different there is even a water park that allows you to cool off on a hot day. On the actual lake itself, visitors can go canoeing or boating, and there are also picnic areas dotted around the area where you can stop for a bite to eat while reveling in the serenity and stunning views all over the park.
Address: 3700 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70601
2. Celebrate Costumes and Culture at the Mardi Gras Museum
If the state of Louisiana is synonymous with anything then it must surely be Mardi Gras, the annual carnival held in the region that attracts thousands of visitors. With that in mind, there is now a Mardi Gras Museum for those who want to learn more about the history and cultural significance of the festival, and the museum provides visitors with the tools to take a self guided tour through its six rooms that take you back to the traditions of Mardi Gras.
Wandering through the museum will allow you to see and admire a wide range of flamboyant costumes and even a section that explains the origins and preparation of king cake, a sweet treat eaten exclusively at Mardi Gras.
Address: Central School Arts & Humanities Center, 809 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-430-0043
3. Stroll the Bayfront at Bord Du Lac Park (Millennium Park)
Geared towards little ones looking for a fun day out, Millennium Park has a wealth of activities for children to enjoy in their rubber-coated playground that ensures younger guests can play safely.
There are nature trails that run all over the park allowing visitors to explore the area, all of which lead to the glassy Lake Charles on whose shores the park rests. There is a splash park in Millennium Park with water features for visitors to frolic in, as well as tunnels, cabins, mazes, bridges, and many other playground components like traditional swing sets to keep children occupied all day long.
Address: Bord Du Lac Park (Millennium Park), 1100 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-491-1280
4. Climb Aboard History at the USS Orleck Naval Museum
If you are a fan of US naval history and want to support the conservation and preservation of important naval relics, then plan a visit to the USS Orleck Naval Museum. Visitors to the museum can board and tour the memorial ship that proudly served in the Second World War, Korea, and Vietnam before being retired.
They can also visit the USS Radford Museum located inside, which features period memorabilia and exhibits that include a gallery of scale models. For something a little more hands on, there are laser tag events organized periodically throughout the year to raise money for the running and staffing of the museum.
Address: 604 N Enterprise Boulevrd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-214-7447
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
5. Get Wild and Wander at Sam Houston Jones State Park
Taking its name from a former state governor who championed its creation, Sam Houston Jones State Park is modeled on the premise that the area should remain as untouched and close to its natural state as possible, and with this in mind the park has maintained a rustic and unblemished charm.
Visitors can stroll along one of three trails in the park that offer both relaxing and more strenuous hiking activities, and the park’s natural state provides excellent opportunities for bird watching, which is a common pastime here, and it is said that up to 200 species of birds exist in the region. For those who want to take to the water, there are boating options on the ponds that dot the park, as well as fishing opportunities in some areas.
Address: 107 Sutherland Road, Lake Charles, LA 70611, 337-855-2665 or 888-677-7264
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
6. Walk Through Time in the Charpentier Historic District
The Charpentier Historic District in Lake Charles offers visitors the chance to go on a self guided walking tour that spans over forty blocks. The area is well known as a place of architectural wonder and is even named after the carpenters who worked on the houses, as “charpentier” is the French word for carpenter.
The houses feature eclectic styles dating from the beginning of the century, and visitors should particularly keep an eye out for little details like leaded glass, ornate finishes, and towers and spires that make the area look like something out of a fairytale. There is also an app you can download that will take you on a tour of the area with explanations in multiple languages.
Address: 1205 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 800 456-7952
7. Let Imagination Lead at the Children’s Museum
A long established pillar of the Lake Charles community dating back to its inception in the 1980s, the Children’s Museum has a mission to pique the interest of young visitors and spark a love of learning that will last forever.
The museum extends over three floors with plenty of space for children to explore the permanent exhibitions, which have a strong emphasis on education through art, storytelling, music, and visual stimuli. Aside from that, the museum also organizes and runs special events and workshops throughout the year, including art workshops for budding young artists, and there are special guests featured such as well known chefs, members of the art community, and musicians.
Address: 327 Broad Street, Downtown Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-433-9420
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
8. Explore Regional Stories at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of the Lake Charles area then you can’t miss a trip to the Imperial Calcasieu Museum – the staff there are passionate about educating visitors about the region.
The museum has proudly run educational programs for fifty years and has different sections for visitors to explore, taking them on a historical tour that includes period artifacts from long ago all the way to the present day with examples of contemporary art from up and coming local artists. There are rotating exhibitions held throughout the year, many of which showcase modern visual arts. There are also film nights and art workshops held for visitors of all ages.
Address: 204 West Sallier Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-439-3797
9. Discover Creativity at the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
Well known in the Lake Charles area as an art gallery and cultural center promoting the arts, the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center is a powerhouse of all things art-related, and it is a must-visit for all art lovers.
The center puts on exhibitions that have included historical artifacts such as pieces from the Titanic to a painting display by Pablo Picasso to modern art by local contemporary artists. As such, the center has made a name for itself for having some of the most exciting and thought provoking exhibitions in the local area, and even the lovingly restored building is a piece of art in itself and features a clock tower and a brick courtyard.
Address: 1001 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-491-9147
10. Live It Up at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Come to the Golden Nugget Lake Charles if you are feeling lucky, and play a few hands at one of the seventy-seven gaming tables housed in the gaming establishment. If you prefer to play it safe or simply fancy a relaxing break outside, then make for the Golden Nugget Country Club for a relaxing game of golf.
The views from the greens are spectacular and feature indigenous Louisiana plants and trees. The country club also allows you to dine in style with views over the course that are perfect for a sunset cocktail, bar snacks, or a full fine dining experience cooked by award winning chefs if you are feeling hungry.
Address: 2550 Golden Nugget Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 337-508-7777 or 337-508-4653
Plan Your Trip