Best Things to Do in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a vibrant destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. Known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and beautiful natural landscapes, this charming city offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in exploring scenic parks, enjoying festive events or savoring the local Creole and Cajun delicacies, Lake Charles is a place filled with many activities.

Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful lakeside scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a wide range of recreational activities. Here's a list of the top activities to do in Lake Charles, each explained in detail:

The Top 10 Things to Do in Lake Charles

Visit the Creole Nature Trail

The Creole Nature Trail, also known as Louisiana's Outback, is one of the oldest scenic byways in the U.S. This 180-mile route offers wildlife refuges, estuaries and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, with chances to spot over 400 species of birds or explore the wetlands teeming with alligators and other wildlife.

Fishing and crabbing are also popular activities along this trail, which has walking paths and boardwalks that make it accessible for everyone.

Explore Lake Charles Downtown and the Charpentier Historic District

Downtown Lake Charles is a hub for the city's historical, cultural and culinary offerings. The Charpentier Historic District downtown features Victorian architecture preserved over the decades. You can take a self-guided walking tour to admire homes dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The area also hosts festivals, art shows and cultural events yearly.

Visit a Casino

From L'Auberge Casino Resort to the Golden Nugget and even the newly opened Horseshoe, Lake Charles has many luxury casino and resort options. Try your luck, devour delectable fine dining and even enjoy entertainment like mini golf, swimming or a spa day.

Attend the Lake Charles Mardi Gras Festival

Mardi Gras in Lake Charles is a family-friendly activity spot that features parades, balls and festive events. Visitors can watch colorful parades with beautifully designed floats and costumes within the festival capital. Unlike in bigger cities, the Lake Charles Mardi Gras is more accessible and allows visitors to experience traditions like gumbo cook-offs, royal galas and the famous Iowa Chicken Run.

Visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum

This museum will show you the history and culture of Southwest Louisiana. It features a variety of exhibits, including fine arts, historical artifacts and rotating exhibitions. Visitors can explore local art, participate in interactive exhibitions and learn about the region's history. The museum also has educational programs for children and adults.

Relax at North Beach

This area is the only white sand inland beach between Texas and Florida. Located along the Lake Charles Seawall, the sandy beach provides a scenic spot to relax and participate in water activities. Sunbathing, swimming and volleyball are popular at North Beach. It's also a lovely spot for a picnic with family and friends.

Sampling Local Cuisine

Lake Charles is well known for its Cajun cuisine. Visitors can try local specialties like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée and boudin. Many restaurants in Lake Charles offer these dishes, providing a taste of local flavors in the culinary scene.

Sulphur Parks & Recreation (SPAR) Aquatic Center

The SPAR Waterpark offers family-friendly activities and an atmosphere with water slides, a lazy river and a splash pad. Perfect for beating the heat, this water park is a fun destination for children and families, featuring various pools and water-based attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Take Advantage of Local Fishing Spots

Lake Charles offers tons of world-class fishing destinations. From an abundance of redfish to speckled trout, bull reds, flounder and more, there’s always something to reel in in Sportsman’s Paradise.

Lake Charles is also the host of several fishing tournaments yearly, drawing anglers of all skill levels nationwide. These events often focus on different species and provide varying challenges to participants.

Whether you’re signing up for a fishing tournament or just looking for some low key fun, we recommend booking a trip with one of our experienced Charter Fishing Captains. They have the know-how, equipment and skills to make your visit to Lake Charles one you won’t soon forget!

Top Tips to Remember When Visiting Lake Charles, Louisiana

• Check the Weather. Lake Charles has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Pack suitably and always check the local weather before your trip to be prepared for sudden changes, especially during hurricane season (June to November).

• Enjoy Local Cuisine. Don't leave Lake Charles without trying some traditional Cajun and Creole dishes. Be sure to taste local specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée and boudin.

• Visit the Casinos. Lake Charles is well known for its gaming scene. The area hosts several top-notch casinos like L'Auberge Casino Resort and the newly opened Horseshoe, where you can enjoy not only gambling but also great dining and entertainment.

• Explore the Great Outdoors. Take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding Lake Charles. Visit spots like Sam Houston Jones State Park or the Creole Nature Trail for bird watching, hiking, boating and fishing.

• Attend Local Festivals. Lake Charles hosts different festivals and events throughout the year, such as Mardi Gras, the Louisiana Pirate Festival and the Calcasieu-Cameron Fair. Check the local calendar to take part in these vibrant celebrations.

• Visit Museums and Historic Sites. Explore local history and culture at the Mardi Gras Museum, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum or the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center.

• Shopping. Remember the local shops and antique stores in the Charpentier Historic District. You can also visit the Prien Lake Mall for more conventional shopping.

• Respect the Environment. When enjoying outdoor activities, remember to maintain cleanliness and respect wildlife habitats.

• Ask Locals for Recommendations. Residents can offer great advice on the best places to eat, the most exciting local spots, and how to get around the city. Don't hesitate to strike up a conversation.

• Stay Safe. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Always lock your vehicle and keep valuables secure.

Take Advantage of the City's Activities!

Visiting the wonderful city of Lake Charles in Louisiana is a new adventure waiting to happen. It becomes an even better experience when you have many things to do in a single place. That's why Lake Charles is one of the go-to destinations for travelers looking to feel the vibrant art, culture and dining scene that is usually not found anywhere else.

If you're into checking out the sea more than the city events, consider booking a charter fishing trip through LouisianaCharterFishing.com. Many of our guides have grown up in the areas that they explore with their customers, offering a deeper understanding of local wildlife, hotspots and history.