Lake Charles is an incredible location and also an excellent different to checking out New Orleans with equally as much power, exhilaration, and also journey as Crescent City. If you are making your means to the Southern United States, make certain to go to Lake Charles or include it to your journey travel plan. Here is our listing of the leading points to do when checking out Lake Charles.
Top Things To Do In Lake Charles, La
While lots of people just think about New Orleans to commemorate Mardi Gras, Lake Charles has its very own. In enhancement to experiencing the celebrations, my spouse Bran & I made a Louisiana pail listing of the very best points to do in Lake Charles. At the top of my listing was to delight in a genuine Southwest Louisiana Crawfish Boil and also on top of Bran’s want list was to see an alligator in its all-natural environment. So we triggered with our pail listings in hand to check out the leading tourist attractions in Lake Charles, LA.
1. Explore Downtown Lake Charles
Downtown Lake Charles has a lot of tourist attractions for site visitors to take pleasure in. Besides the Charpentier Historic District, site visitors can absorb its lovely Victorian style and also check out The Historic City Hall Arts and also Cultural Center. This historical structure residences art exhibits and also social occasions throughout the year. Check the routine to see what’s on display screen throughout your check out.
If you are seeking points to do in Lake Charles in the evening, the Rosa Hart Theatre uses real-time efficiencies, consisting of plays, musicals, and also shows. It’s an excellent location to capture a program and also experience several of the regional societies.
Downtown Lake Charles is additionally recognized for its scrumptious Cajun and also Creole food. Visitors can example regional specializeds like gumbo, po’kids, boudin, and also crawfish étouffée at one of the numerous dining establishments in the location.
Downtown Lake Charles is additionally house to a range of celebrations and also occasions throughout the year, consisting of the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Festival, the Louisiana Pirate Festival, and also the Downtown at Sundown show collection.
For outside fanatics, the Lakefront Promenade is an excellent location to stroll or bike along the lakefront and also absorb the lovely sights. The boardwalk additionally includes benches and also barbecue tables for those that intend to quit and also loosen up.
2. Take the Charpentier Historic District Tour
The Charpentier Historic District Tour is an excellent means to see the lovely style of Lake Charles and also obtain the historic value of the structures and also houses. A.C. Bourdier, a life time local, is the ideal overview and also an excellent southerly gent on this horse-drawn carriage trip with J and also R Carriage with the ole’ southern.
Make certain to have A.C. mention the haunted residences and also to offer you their backstory in the Charpentier Historic District. A.C. is the Chairman of the Landmarks Register for the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society.
Traditionally throughout the south, the bottom of deck roofings and also awnings are repainted light blue. Originally, this was done so that haints or spirits would certainly not be entraped and also can hand down to the past.
However, a benefit adverse effects of having these frameworks look like the skies in shade is that crawlers and also birds would certainly not nest under them. It’s like they are tricked by the blue paint right into assuming that there is no roof covering or awning there.
3. Hit The Creole Nature Trail and also Adventure Point
Nature fans will certainly appreciate this breathtaking drive along the Creole Nature Trail, which winds with the marshes, swamps, and also coastlines of Louisiana. The route uses awesome sights of the regional wild animals and also landscapes and also can be accessed from Downtown Lake Charles. An excellent location to begin is Adventure Point where you’ll immersive in Lousiana society and also take pleasure in interactive and also hands-on experiences. This is an excellent means to value the vegetation and also animals
There are numerous fantastic photo ops as you traverse this breathtaking byway. The Creole Nature Trail is included a number of wild animals sanctuaries and also is linked by numerous freeways covering 180 miles throughout Louisiana’s wilderness. The birdlife is so bountiful and also differed that I couldn’t assist however terminate off a couple of loads images. I simply roamed openly with the wild animals sanctuaries, however there are bird-watching scenic tours and also also blinds established for the extra devoted bird digital photographers.
To see the Creole Nature Trail appropriately, we recommend a trip. It is the very best means to see the wealth of wild animals. Even though it was really chilly (uncommon) we were still fortunate sufficient to see lots of wild animals consisting of an American alligator! Bran mored than the moon! Bran had actually been intending to see an alligator. Check!
I assume that when we go back to the Creole Nature Trail I will certainly bring my fishing pole in addition to my electronic camera. It’s not just an excellent location for nature digital photographers it additionally has fantastic angling – 2 of my favored points. For even more details on the Creole Nature Trail go to the Lake Charles Website for information.
Location: 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, la
4. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a social facility that is housed in the historical Central School structure, which was built in 1912 and also worked as a college up until 1979.
One of the primary numbers related to the gallery is Charles Sallier, that was a very early inhabitant of the Lake Charles location and also a famous business owner. Sallier contributed in the growth of the area, and also his tradition is commemorated in the gallery’s long-term event, which is called in his honor. The Charles Sallier display informs the tale of the very early inhabitants of Southwest Louisiana, consisting of the Native American people that stayed in the location prior to European negotiation.
The Imperial Calcasieu area contains 5 churches in Southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, Allen, and also Jeff Davis.
Located at: 204 W. Sallier Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana
5. Visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum is an additional prominent Lake Charles tourist attraction. Visitors can learn more about the background and also practices of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles with displays that consist of Mardi Gras outfits, drifts, and also various other souvenirs from previous ceremonies.
We experienced some luxurious outfits below and also at The Royal Gala. Prior to the gala occasion, the backstage is busy with Krewes preparing to present the luxurious outfits that they’ve been carefully servicing all year.
The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu flaunts the biggest outfit display screen on the planet. Our tourist guide Adley Cormier passed on to us the background of the celebration with a capitivating interest.
These outfits are magnificent, breaking with shade and also Ostrich plumes. At a price of 10+ bucks per plume, the outfits can end up being rather costly.
Right currently the gallery is shut as it looks for a brand-new place with an approximated re-opening for Mardi Gras 2024.
6. Attend Mardi Gras
One of one of the most enjoyable points to do in Lake Charles is to participate in Mardi Gras. No check out article would certainly be total without discussing the cheery events. It is the 2nd biggest Mardi Gras in Louisiana and also not just does it have most of the exact same events as the New Orleans celebration, however it has various other occasions that establish it in addition to New Orleans consisting of the yearly hen run and also a full-day devoted to kids. Check out even more regarding New Orleans at A Tour of the New Orleans Garden District.
7. Festivals and also Special Events
Don’t fear, if you don’t go to Lake Charles throughout Mardi Gras, there are still lots of celebrations throughout the year. and also unique occasions to participate in. Lake Charles is the celebration resources of Louisiana after holding 75 celebrations and also occasions annually, so there is bound to be a party taking place throughout your check out.
Some distinct celebrations and also unique occasions to take a look at are the Cajun French Music and also Food Festival, The Black Heritage Festival, and also the midtown Lake Charles Crawfish Festival. For a complete listing of celebrations in Lake Charles la check out the city’s web site.
8. Visit the USS Orleck Naval Museum
Out of all the Lake Charles galleries, The USS Orleck Naval Museum is among the extra distinct. This drifting gallery takes site visitors on a trip of the USS Orleck DD 886 WWII destroyer. It remained in solution throughout WWII, Vietnam, and also The Korean battle. It has actually been totally brought back and also site visitors can explore the ship to see what life for armed forces soldiers. History lovers will certainly enjoy taking a trip of this ship to find out of its warring background. Check out information at their web site
The USS Orleck Naval Museum lies at: 604 N. Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA
9. Sam Houston Jones State Park
Another outside tourist attraction in Lake Charles, la is to take pleasure in the seclusion of the Sam Houston Jones State Park. Named after the Texas people below, Sam Houston Jones State Park is an excellent location for birders with 200 types of birds moving and also nesting in the location. There are countless treking tracks and also rivers to take pleasure in the outdoors. There are alligators and also also bobcats that stay in the park. It was below that Bran had her desire of seeing alligators in the wild.
Location: 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA
10. Enjoy the Outdoors of Prien Lake Park
Prien Lake is a prominent outside location in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and also there are lots of points to do in the location. You can appreciate its strolling courses, go kayaking, have a barbecue, or lease a paddle watercraft. There is some jumping at the Prien Lake Mall or you can attempt your hand at the Capri Casino.
The Prien Lake Park Golf Course uses lessons for all ability degrees. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned golf enthusiast it’s an enjoyable mid-day outdoors.
If you are seeking points to do with the entire family members, The Children’s Museum is an excellent location to take youngsters for an enjoyable and also instructional experience. The gallery includes interactive displays that show kids regarding scientific research, art, and also background.
The Creole Nature Trail is a beautiful drive that winds with the marshes, swamps, and also coastlines of Southwest Louisiana. Visitors can absorb awesome sights of the regional wild animals and also landscapes.
Attend a show or occasion at the Lake Charles Civic Center: This location organizes a range of occasions throughout the year, consisting of shows, exhibition, and also conventions.
Lake Area Adventures uses kayak services at Prien Lake Park where you can do complete or half-day services on the water.
11. Enjoy the White Sand Beach North Beach
North Beach is an attractive public white sandy coastline situated on the north coast of Lake Charles. It is among minority all-natural coastlines in the state. Take a walk along the Lake Charles boardwalk or you can take pleasure in kayak services and also paddleboards or merely loosen up to absorb the sunlight.
And an additional trendy truth is that North Beach becomes part of the Lake Charles Historic District and also has actually been marked as a Louisiana Historic Landmark. The coastline has actually additionally been identified for its initiatives to maintain and also safeguard the regional setting.
12. Bord Du Lac Park (Millennium Park)
If you are seeking points to do in Lake Charles for family members, the hotels truly deal with the children with careless rivers and also interior swimming pools. But if you intend to head outdoors, make your means to Millennium Park where there is an outstanding play area developed to captivate the youngsters. This lakeside park has a dash park and also a pirate ship, trains and also passages youngsters will certainly release a great deal of vapor having fun below. They have actually also made certain that there is a rubberized surface area to assist maintain every person risk-free.
Located at: 1100 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana
13. Spend time at Lake Charles Casinos
There are a couple of Lake Charles gambling establishments to attempt your good luck at. L’auberge Casino Resort is located precisely the lake, because, well the casino site is really a watercraft. Yes, I stated a watercraft. It’s smartly crafted to dock inside L’Auberge Hotel.
The L’Auberge Casino Resort itself gets on land, however with using a lock-like framework, the casino site is drifted right into the resort and also safeguarded so well that we were surprised to figure out we got on a drifting watercraft within the resort! This is done to please state regulation. Years back, in Louisiana, riverboats would certainly be the only gaming alternative, and now with innovative design clients can leave the watercraft when they pick as opposed to waiting on the watercraft to dock.
We had a definitely incredible eating experience with the resort dining establishment Ember Grille & Wine Bar. Exceptional solution, great red wines, scrumptious alcoholic drinks, and also extraordinary food! If you desire extra ports and also enjoyable in Lake Charles, the Golden Nugget lies beside the L’Auberge.
Those seeking a little exhilaration can attempt their good luck at the Golden Nugget Casino, which uses a wide array of video gaming choices, in addition to eating and also amusement.
Located at – 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, Louisiana
14. Enjoy Homestyle Southern Cooking
One of the extra distinct points to do in Lake Charles is to example its distinct southerly food. Jambalaya, gumbo, frog legs, gator, boudin spheres, po’ kids, Cajun catfish, king cake, we had all of it! And we cleaned all of it down with fantastic beer from a regional brewery, Abita.
Some fascinating food we tasted in Lake Charles was alligator and also Boudin. Gator is type of like a cross in between hen and also calamari. Boudin would certainly belong to taking a spicy cabbage roll padding and also balling it up and after that deep-frying it. Delicious!
Visit the McNeese State University school: This lovely school includes a range of tourist attractions, consisting of the Historic Burton Coliseum, the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum, and also the Harold and also Pearl Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences.
After consuming all that I still had larger fish to fry, or in this situation boil. I’m speaking about a genuine Crawfish boil. My interest of this regional special had my rate of interest coming to a head.
Throughout Louisiana, there are numerous rice ranches. These rice ranches typically function as swampish crawfish ranches. Crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs. Mudbugs without a doubt.
They obtain this label for the means they ruin individuals’s front yards with their mud-pile houses.
15. Fine Dining in Lake Charles
While the crawfish, PO kids, gator, and also gumbo could be on the food selection, there are lots of great eating facilities in Lake Charles also. Thanks to the cooks at the L’Auberge Casino Resort and also Ember Grille & Wine Bar we consumed like kings!
The choice of dishes was evocative a penalty French Restaurant in Paris.
Mediterranean-Dusted Lamb Lollichops (enjoy the name), baked bunny loin to truffled mac’n’cheese, a triad of scrumptious salads we couldn’t obtain sufficient of our dishes.
A stick out was the seared foie gras w/savory packed French Toast covered with Bourbon Barrel aged syrup. However, the program thief of our eating experiences in Lake Charles was the Ember Prime “Tomahawk”, a 40oz rib eye sculpted table side.
Finish your dishes with Crème Brule, delicious chocolate brownie a la setting, and also a fruit collection with a sculptured bread recipe.
Check out extra on Dining in Lake Charles
16. Drive-with a Daiquiri Drive-Through
Driving approximately the take-out home window and also purchasing 2 typhoon daiquiris to go IS the means to go while in Louisiana. I’m not recommending any person beverage and also drive, that’s unlawful also there. However, there is something unique regarding obtaining an alcohol to go…to a celebration where one can after that appreciate it, and after that take a taxi house.
“Pour me something tall and strong;Make it a HurricaneBefore I go insane.”
If you intend to example some authentic Louisiana spirits schedule a distillery trip to the prize-winning Bayou Rum Distillery Louisiana Spirits. Located a couple of miles beyond Lake Charles, the Bayou Rum Distillery use distillery scenic tours to see just how their premier spirits are made.
Where to Stay in Lake Charles
L’auberge Casino Resort – We remained at this four-diamond resort in Louisiana. With 70 Vegas-design video gaming and also 1600 slots, we were right in the heart of all the activity. It has complete facilities with a careless river, interior swimming pool, champion fairway, and also a complete Spa du Lac.
Golden Nugget – The Golden Nugget Lake Charles is an additional four-diamond hotel in Louisiana that has a swimming pool, careless river, personal coastline, and also marina on the ground of this casino site hotel with 77 video game tables and also 1600 slots.
Where Is Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana lies financial institutions of Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and also the Calcasieu River that feed right into the gulf coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the 5th biggest city in Louisiana and also lies 206 miles (331 kilometers) west of New Orleans, 127 Miles from Baton Rouge, and also 59 miles from Beaumont Texas.
To reach Lake Charles we advise leasing an auto or taking a trip. You can inspect auto rental costs at RentalCars.com There you have it, the very best points to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana while you’re waiting on the following Mardi Gras Parade!
