Lake Charles is a city in the southwestern part of Louisiana, United States. It is also known as the "Festival Capital of Louisiana,". It is where you can encounter Southern friendliness, taste Cajun cookery, and immerse yourself in lively celebrations.
You can enjoy fishing, boating, and visiting the natural beauty of Lake Charles la, and the nearby area. It organizes events like the Louisiana Pirate Festival, the Downtown at Sundown concert series, and the Arts and Crabs Fest.
You can also play casino games here in the city. So, here are 20 things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana:
1. Stop By Lake Charles Visitor Center
Lake Charles Visitor Center is a center point that provides details about local beauty, events, and lodging. The information is available in the form of a booklet, maps, and advisor that covers attractions, dining, events, and open-air activities.
You can learn about upcoming festivals, concerts, and other events in Lake Charles la, and the nearby area. You can find the beauty of the city with data on fishing, boating, hiking, and other exciting experiences. It is a starting point for a memorable experience in Louisiana. There is a small gift shop where you can buy locally-made products.
2. Try Your Luck At L'Auberge Casino Resort
L'Auberge Casino Resort is a luxury hotel and casino on the side of the Contraband Bayou. You can encounter the enjoyment of Vegas-style gaming with more than 1,400 slot machines and 85 table games. The resort has one thousand rooms and apartments with new facilities and a beautiful look.
You can try different types of cookery at eight restaurants from casual to fine dining. There is an open-air pool and lazy river that is for relaxing and absorbing the sun. The resort has gift shops where guests can buy luxury goods, jewelry, apparel, and gifts. It organizes concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.
3. Come To Visit Prien Lake Park
Prien Lake Park is a 29-acre lakeside park that is popular with families and individuals looking to enjoy the outside area. The park has different kinds of facilities like boating, picnic tables, a children's water park, and a play area. There is a splash pad which is especially popular in the hot summer months.
The park also has walking trails which are perfect for enjoying the view and getting some physical movement. There is a hall which is used for concerts and other events. You can get a chance to catch different species of fish from the lake. The park has plenty of open green spaces where visitors can relax.
4. Mesmerized By Sam Houston Jones State Park
Sam Houston Jones State Park is a 1,087-acre park that provides different types of open-air activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking. It is a mix of forests, lakes, and rivers that make it a perfect point for both nature lovers.
The visitors can walk in the park's trails that go through piney woods and the West Fork of the Calcasieu River. They can enjoy boating, and fishing, on the edge of the park's waterways. You can see deer, rabbits, squirrels, and other types of bird species like herons and egrets. There are cabins available for rent who want comfortable lodging.
5. Taste A Beer At Crying Eagle Brewing Company
Crying Eagle Brewing Company is a popular winery that is popular for its craft beers and warm cafe. It has a kitchen that has a menu of tasty, beer-friendly food. It has different kinds of beer to satisfy every customer. It organizes events like trivia nights, live music, comedy shows, and occasional festivals.
Customer can purchase growlers, cans, and bottles of their favorite Crying Eagle beers to take home with them. It has received identification for its exceptional beers that include a high ranking in a Craft Beer and Brewing IPA Review. Visitors can learn about the wine-making process, the past of the brewery, and the different styles of beer they produce.
6. Be The Guest Of The Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
The Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino is a luxurious hotel that has beautiful rooms and apartments with views of the nearby area. The guest can stay in one of the thousand guest rooms and apartments designed with easement and luxury. They can enjoy more than sixteen hundred slot machines, games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and a poker room.
You can have choices of dining options from informal restaurants to deluxe restaurants. There are many bars and lounges. The resort has an 18-hole golf course that has beautiful views and an amazing experience for golfers.
7. Explore Millennium Park
Millennium Park is a park that has walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It has a lake for fishing and boating. It is located at 900 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA. The park is open from Monday to Sunday. It is a famous spot for families with kids because it has a safe environment for them to play.
The park has picnic tables and grass areas that make it a point to relax and enjoy the open air. The park is designed to be available for everyone and also for people with disabilities. It is a center point where community events, like festivals, outdoor movies, and occasional celebrations are organized.
8. Spend A Day At Bord Du Lac Park
Bord Du Lac Park is a park that has beautiful views of the lake and provides a peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy. The visitors can involves in various activities like walking, jogging, biking, or relaxing on the grassy lawns. You can spend quality time with loved ones at the children's playground, or splash pad.
There are picnic areas with tables and benches in the park that make it a perfect center for family outings, gatherings, or picnics. The Explorer can experience the local culture through the park's organizing of different types of events and festivals throughout the year. It is designed to be available for everyone with well-maintained restrooms, parking, and facilities for visitors with disabilities.
9. Visit The Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a museum that shows the rich history and heritage of the area. The sightseers can explore the museum collection of artifacts and shows that chronicle the life and times of the Imperial Calcasieu region, from Native American cultures to the present day.
You can participate in the museum's lively events like art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and educational workshops. It also has educational programs to learn about the area's history and culture for all ages. You can purchase the items here and support the museum. These programs are designed for all ages and often include hands-on activities for both children and adults.
10. Take A Look At The Charpentier Historic District
The Charpentier Historic District is a historic area known for its stunning Victorian architecture. It is named after the skilled carpenters who crafted its unique homes. It offers a view of the city's rich history. You can see the district in your footsteps admiring the beautiful homes and imagining life in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
You can experience the district in style with a carriage ride that provides a unique perspective on the historic charm. It organizes community events and festivals that celebrate its history and architecture. There are gift shops, antique shops, and cozy cafés where you can go shopping and have a meal.
11. Learn With Exhibits At Children's Museum
Children's Museum is a museum and educational place for children to learn and play. It provides different types of hands-on shows and activities that inspire exploration, creativity, and education. You can participate in workshops and camps designed to restore young minds and promote a love of learning.
It organizes events throughout the year like holiday-themed celebrations, community festivals, and guest speaker presentations. It has a play zone area that has climbing structures, interactive games, and sensory play elements. The museum store has a choice of educational toys, books, and souvenirs that children and families can take home.
12. Hand Around Veteran's Memorial Park
Veteran's Memorial Park is a state park that is a gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Army. The park has many memorials and monuments dedicated to veterans including an American flag and statues respecting different bough of the military.
There are benches and shadow areas for the explorer to relax. It is a place where community events and ceremonies like Veterans Day observances, Memorial Day events, and other occasions are organized. The park has walking paths, picnic areas, and a serene lake.
13. Visit 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
The 1911 Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center is a historic building that has a unique mix of history and modern art. The visitor can praise the building's Spanish Baroque style, ornate details, and a clock tower. You can visit different types of art exhibits that show both local and national talent from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media.
The tourer can participate in workshops, speeches, and performances that celebrate the arts and lift the community. The center can also be rented for private events like weddings, receptions, and corporate gatherings.
14. Catch A Performanace At Lake Charles Little Theater
Lake Charles Little Theater is a performing art theater that has been pleasing audiences with live performances for more than 90 years. It produces shows like old plays, modern dramas, musicals, and comedies. The theater teamed up with schools, community groups, and other local organizations to encourage the arts.
It provides chances to come forward for individuals who are interested in helping with behind-the-scenes work like set design, costume creation, and front-of-house functioning. It provides learning programs like acting workshops, theater classes, and summer camps for children and youth.
15. Come To See Cedar Chest Antiques
Cedar Chest Antiques is an antique store that is famous for its mixed collection of old and antique items. The shop is a valuable collection for those looking for rare and interesting items. The store has different kinds of ancient items like furniture, artwork, collectibles, jewelry, glassware, and home decor.
It also has ageless furniture objects like tables, chairs, dressers, and cabinets, and ancient jewelry like rings, necklaces, and clips. It also organizes special events like sales or themed showcases. You can enjoy a pleasant shopping experience with helpful and knowledgeable staff.
16. Join A Concert At The Burton Coliseum Complex
The Burton Coliseum Complex is a multi-purpose venue at Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is an inside stadium that has seating for almost ten thousand people. It is used for concerts, sporting events, and other large-scale gatherings. It has meeting rooms and a conference area that can be rented for meetings, and workshops.
It also organizes events like fairs, festivals, and civic activities. It has parking and is designed to be reachable to all visitors. The complex provides catering services, offering a range of food and beverage options to enhance the guest experience.
17. Recreational Activities At Lake Charles Ward 3 Recreation
Lake Charles Ward 3 Recreation is a lively community center offering a different type of outdoor activities and facilities for residents of all ages. This place is designed to encourage health, wellness, and social interaction within the neighborhood. You can enjoy inside walking tracks, basketball courts, exercise rooms, and swimming pools for year-round fitness and fun.
The explorer can visit the skate park, soccer fields, outdoor playgrounds, and turfed baseball fields for fresh air and active play. You can participate in various classes and activities like youth football, volleyball, golf, line dancing, salsa, yoga, taekwondo, and martial arts.
18. Do shopping At Prien Lake Mall
Prien Lake Mall is a shopping mall that has different types of shops, restaurants, and enjoyment options for visitors of all ages. You can find your favorite brands and new ones among the mall's mixed choices of stores. The mall has dining options from fast food to sit-down restaurants and different cuisines like American, Asian, and other international cuisine.
It has a movie theater and arcades. It organizes special events and activities like fashion shows, community gatherings, and holiday-themed activities that attract shoppers and families. It is a central spot for shopping and entertainment, with ample parking available for visitors.
19. Engage In Golf At Gray Plantation
Gray Plantation is a golf course that has an 18-hole golf course designed by PGA Tour legend David Toms. The community has a perfect mix of luxury living, world-class golf, and unusual facilities. It has a dining area, bar, and lounge where members and guests can enjoy meals, drinks, and social events.
It has a shop where golf equipment, clothing, and accessories can be purchased. It organizes functions like weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. It has a swimming pool, lounge chair, and shadow area for the comfortable experience of guests.
20. Explore The Country Club at the Golden Nugget
The Country Club at the Golden Nugget is a golf course located in Lake Charles, Louisiana which is outlined by architect Todd Eckenrode. It is an 18-hole course that provides a difficult but enjoyable experience for golfers of every ability level. You can enjoy a luxurious clubhouse with dining options, a shop, and other facilities to increase your golfing experience.
It is inside the Golden Nugget resort where golfers can easily combine their devotion to golf with other resort facilities. It organizes events like weddings, receptions, corporate events, and social meetings. It has dining options for the members and guests.
