How to Spend a Day in Lake Charles

At a Glance

• Spot wildlife along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road or in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
• Local restaurant picks include Stellar Beans, KD's Diner for breakfast, Darrell's Famous Poboys, Pujo St. Café for lunch, La Truffe Sauvage, 121 Artisan Bistro, Luna Bar & Grill and MacFarlane's Celtic Pub
• Stroll the historic Charpentier Historic District or game at casino resorts like L'Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Coffee Shops & Breakfast Spots in Lake Charles

Stellar Beans

Stellar Beans is a full-service coffee bar that also offers specialty teas, smoothies, breakfast items and more in a relaxed venue decorated with local art.

KD’s Diner

KD’s Diner is open 24/7, serving home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner plates; it was even voted “Best Breakfast” in the 2021 SWLA People’s Choice Awards. Try a customer favorite, The Rafferty — the KD's Special served over hash browns and topped with two eggs cooked any style and jalapeños.

Outdoor Activities in Lake Charles

Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a 180-mile byway meandering through the area’s beaches and bayous — a great way to see the local wildlife. Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is the interactive attraction and visitor center along the way, where friendly staff will help tailor your tour.

Prien Lake Park

Prien Lake Park offers 29 acres of outdoor serenity on the water. Take advantage of canoe and boat launches, a kids' playground and Spray Ground water park, numerous picnic areas and more. Or simply take a walk along the water at sunset for amazing views.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and protect wintering waterfowl and their habitat. Located at the intersection of two major flyways, the refuge has an important role in management for migratory birds. Cameron Prairie also offers fishing opportunities at both the Gibbstown Unit and the East Cove Unit.

Where to Eat Lunch in Lake Charles

Darrell’s Famous Poboys

At Darrell’s, they say “unless you use at least 10 napkins, you're doing it wrong.” This local eatery has been serving up some of the best po’boys in the state since 1985. Favorites include the Darrell’s Special (with ham, turkey and roast beef drenched in their homemade gravy), the Surf & Turf (sliced roast beef and sautéed shrimp cooked in roast-beef gravy and a homemade butter sauce) and the smoked Bar-B-Q Beef covered in house-made barbecue sauce.

Pujo St. Café

Pujo St. Cafe is a local favorite with an extensive menu featuring everything from blue-crab ravioli to oyster po'boys. Try the signature Oysters Pujo: pecan- and panko-breaded oysters fried and topped with a creamed spinach, tasso and smoked gouda sauce.

Attractions in Lake Charles

Charpentier Historic District

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Charpentier Historic District is full of turn-of-the-century homes designed and built by local carpenters. Spend enough time walking beneath giant old live oaks and checking out the distinctive local architecture, and you may find yourself looking at real estate listings and daydreaming about staying in town permanently. 

Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu is housed within the historical Central School Arts & Humanities Center, in classrooms converted into galleries that feature decades of costumes and artifacts. It’s a surefire way to experience Fat Tuesday any time of the year. 

Lake Area Adventures

Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring Lake Area Adventures, a 35,000-square-foot family entertainment center. Let the little ones jump, tumble and slide on the inflatable AirPark, while the older siblings race to the Gamers Lounge — complete with virtual and augmented reality games, plus flight and racing simulators.

Casinos

If you’re looking for something more appealing to the “big kids,” L’Auberge Casino Resort is a world-class destination featuring some of the state’s best golfing, outdoor pools and hot tubs, and service worthy of the ample praise L’Auberge has received since opening in 2005. Golden Nugget Lake Charles is a one-stop shop for all of your entertainment needs and wants. And in Vinton, just outside of Lake Charles, head to Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel for action-packed horse races and hot slots.

Dinner Options

La Truffe Sauvage

La Truffe Sauvage is an exquisite fine-dining experience with dishes reflecting the influence of France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Southwest Louisiana. House-made breads and desserts are a regular feature. Plus, their climate-controlled wine room has an extensive inventory of fine wines from all over the world.

121 Artisan Bistro

121 Artisan Bistro features an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs preparing each oven-baked entree in a stone hearth. House features include the 121 Meatloaf with marsala brandy cream and sautéed cremini mushrooms, and the beef tips and grits in a veal Milanese sauce with creamy rosemary grits.

Luna Bar & Grill

Luna Bar & Grill has been serving a diverse menu since 2004. They’ve got a long list of sandwiches, each with an astrological name. One is the Venus: Gulf shrimp, Swiss, avocado, sauteed mushrooms and a jalapeno mayo on your choice of bun. Plus delicious seafood dishes like Redfish Apollo topped with crabmeat au gratin, Chicken Ella with Louisiana crawfish and basil cream sauce, and Steak Sinatra with grilled shrimp and white-wine mushrooms. This spot also offers cool outdoor dining and live music.

MacFarlane's Celtic Pub

MacFarlane's Celtic Pub houses over 140 beers and a huge selection of Irish whiskey and Scotch — perfect libations to pair with pub food like scotch eggs, fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ideal day trip to Lake Charles?

A full day covers breakfast, morning sightseeing, lunch, afternoon activities and dinner, mixing local restaurants, historic districts, outdoor attractions and casino entertainment.

What are good breakfast spots in Lake Charles?

Stellar Beans offers coffee, teas, smoothies and breakfast items in a relaxed, art-filled space, while KD's Diner is open 24/7 and was voted "Best Breakfast" in the 2021 SWLA People's Choice Awards.

What is the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road?

The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a 180-mile scenic byway that meanders through the area's beaches and bayous. Along the trail, the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point serves as an interactive visitor center.

What casinos are near Lake Charles?

L'Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Lake Charles are both in Lake Charles, and Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel is just outside town in Vinton.

What are recommended dinner options in Lake Charles?

Choices range from fine dining at La Truffe Sauvage and 121 Artisan Bistro to Luna Bar & Grill's seafood and live music, or pub fare and an extensive beer and whiskey list at MacFarlane's Celtic Pub.

Is Lake Charles good for outdoor activities?

Yes! Prien Lake Park offers canoe and boat launches, a playground and a Spray Ground water park, and the Creole Nature Trail and Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge both offer wildlife viewing and hiking.