Location: Lake Charles
Top Things to do in Lake Charles
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Lake Charles, United States
"The Festival Capital of Louisiana," Lake Charles hosts over 75 festivals each year, the most famous being Mardi Gras, the second largest in the state. The annual celebration attracts revelers with Cajun cook-offs, a children's carnival and a lighted boat parade. The city celebrates its local heritage with "Louisiana Pirate Festival," a two week long party in honor of the pirates that once sailed the local lake. The Central School Arts & Humanities Center is a stop on the African American Heritage Trail.
Restaurants in Lake Charles
1. Prien Lake Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By starbunker2016 - Lake Charles, Louisiana
The park is well maintained and is a safe area in LCH. The walking path is perfect for exercise with a lovely view of the lake and I-210 bridge. The fountain is nice also. Lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors at Prien Lake Park.
2. Millennium Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By hweeleng65 - Houston, Texas
Had a glimpse of this Millennium Park by driving around. Kids were playing in the water splash pad. There is another fun playground with climbing, slides and swing structures. A nice park situating right by the beautiful lake. Also great for spending time relaxing by walking at both the park and the ocean front broad walk.
3. Golden Nugget Casino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 981 reviews
Reviewed By Thomas U
This is a large casino, on par with anything on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The layout is notable for how it addresses the giant pool area and the waterfront (with beach volleyball area). Service at front desk, in restaurants, and in the gaming areas was professional and friendly.
4. L'Auberge du Lac Casino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 644 reviews
Four Diamond resort destination. Only Southwest Louisiana hotel to hold the prestigious standard of AAA Four Diamond. Full service casino resort offering non-stop Vegas style gaming with 70 table games and over 1,600 slot machines, championship Tom Fazio golf course, full service Spa du Lac, resort pool and lazy river, unique retail shopping, 6 innovative dining outlets, 26-story casually elegant hotel with 1,000 rooms, suites and villas plus big name entertainment.
Reviewed By HappyPenny - Texas, the Lone Star State
We did not stay in the hotel, but walked through the huge lobby, shopping zone, and pool areas. Everything is beautifully decorated and very well maintained. I would certainly enjoy vacationing here. I don’t gamble, but even without the casino, this hotel looks fun and entertaining. You could spend a week in the large pools!
5. Bord Du Lac Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By jrsmith8 - Monroe, Louisiana
Bord Du Lac stretches along the north side of Lake Charles near I-10 and then swerves southward toward the city proper.
It is a nice and peaceful place that offers a pleasant transition from everyday life. The lake is nice and the shoreline and walking path is very calm and restful. As you look across the lake, you can see the casinos and the city skyline. It is quite a panorama.
There are people strolling and walking their dogs and folks fishing. There are kids swimming and a couple of beach-like sandy areas.
It is a great place to stop during your travel along I-10 and just take a few minutes away from the hectic pace of your daily routine.
J. Randolph Smith
Monroe, LA
6. Sam Houston Jones State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By Sara H
I've visited Sam Houston my entire life. We took field trips during elementary school, my family visited for the day, we frequently launched our boat. I've stayed in the campground and in the cabins. I've spent a lot of time here and I can wholeheartedly say this park needs a good dose of TLC: the roads, trails, campgrounds, bathhouses, playground all need some love. They never really recovered from Hurricane Rita in 2005. The "lake" in the middle of the park is always dry and the fairly new bathhouses could use a good scrub.
Additionally, if you are interested in RV camping the sites are pretty close together with little room for slide outs or longer wheelbases.
7. Lake Charles Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Located off of I-10 towards downtown on beautiful Lake Charles, the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to serve visitors as a resource center for the region. Among the opportunities that you can learn about here are the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road and the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. In addition, we have local dining, casino, festival, and outdoor activity guides.
Reviewed By Diane R - USA
Nice visitor's center. Tons of brochures and pamphlets. Pick up a gator postcard and fill it out - they will add the stamp and mail it for you!
8. Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
History of Mardi Gras celebrations in Lake Charles
Reviewed By _lagailbridges - Vidor, Texas
This museum had the costumes of Mardi Gras past. Some of the costumes were unbeliveable. I don't see how anyone could hold some of the head peices on their head without help.
9. USS Orleck
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Mike M
Spent a few hours on board and got a personal tour from the Director Ron Williams, had a great time. The second I step aboard and the sights and smells bring back memories from my tin can the USS MacDonough. I wish all the staff...MoreMike It was indeed a pleasure showing you and your son around the ship. Thank you for your kind words. We hope to see both of you again soon. Sincerely RON W Executive Director
10. Charpentier Historic District
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Terry W
I live in Lake Charles and it is great to have this beautiful historic district in my hometown. The houses represent our past and the unique architecture and craftsmanship of the carpenters that built these masterpieces. Unlike many downtown areas that are treeless, this area is shrouded with majestic trees that have stood there for 100 years are more. I drive through the district every chance I get but it is such a large area, im sure I haven't seen all of the houses. One person that wrote a review here stated that the address was incorrect. I'm pretty sure that the address they were referring to , 1205 North Lakeshore Drive, is our tourist bureau. You might want to start your tour there because they have brochures of the Charpentier Historic District that well give you information about the houses. The district has no "address", it's at least a 40 square block area. I hope my review was helpful and please take the car or carriage driven tour. You will be amazed!
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