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Friendly local culture meets glitzy, exciting nightlife in the Festival Capital of Louisiana.
At a Glance
- Known For: Cajun and Creole culture, beautiful Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, casinos like L’Auberge Casino Resort or Golden Nugget Casino Hotel, Mardi Gras celebrations and other festivals
- Top Things to Do: Stroll downtown Lake Charles and visit the Charpentier Historic District, drive the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, try your luck at casinos like Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel
- Major Events: Mardi Gras, Red, White, Blue & You! Fourth of July Celebration, Chuck Fest, Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival
Top Things to Do in Lake Charles
Explore downtown Lake Charles, a charming, culturally rich neighborhood with restaurants and cafés, boutiques and gift shops, murals and street art. While you’re there, walk through the city’s history on the streets of the Charpentier Historic District, known for its melange of architectural styles, from Victorian to colonial revival.
Take a scenic drive along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, a 180-mile trail through Louisiana’s Outback, a remote area encompassing untouched wetlands, small fishing communities, waterfowl wintering grounds, coastal marshes and more. Head to Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, famed for its birdwatching opportunities thanks to its location on the convergence of two major migratory flyways. Or enjoy a hike, paddle or camping getaway under the stars at Sam Houston Jones State Park.
Looking for action and excitement? L’Auberge Casino Resort features slots and table games, plus legendary entertainment (think Gene Simmons, Billy Ocean and Rick Springfield). The Golden Nugget Casino Hotel is known for its nightlife, including bars like the Arctic-inspired Ice Bar and classic rock performances by the band Chicago, as well as its immaculate Bermuda greens golf course. And just outside of Lake Charles, Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel offers action-packed horse races and hot slots.
Places to Stay
Stay where you play at L’Auberge Casino Resort or the Golden Nugget Casino Hotel, both luxurious options with plenty of amenities. Or leave the kiddos at home and enjoy a night at the adult-exclusive Grand Hotel at Coushatta. Looking for something family-friendly? Park your RV or book a cabin at Jellystone Park Lake Charles, which also features a pool, water slides, splash zone and Wibit floating obstacle course.
Food & Drink
When you’re in Lake Charles, you simply must grab a po’boy at Darrell’s, whose sandwiches are drenched in their savory homemade gravy. Steamboat Bill’s serves seafood dishes, from Cajun-fried shrimp dinners to buckets of steaming boiled crawfish. And at LeBleu’s Landing, you can watch their famous boudin being made while you indulge in a few samples. The Crying Eagle Brewing Company serves up high-quality local beers, all with an ABV of under seven percent — a perfect choice for beer aficionados or anyone simply looking to unwind after a long day.
Events & Festivals in Lake Charles
Often called “the Festival Capital of Louisiana,” Lake Charles offers no shortage of annual events and festivals, from music to Mardi Gras and everything in between.
In spring, celebrate Black history, music, food and culture at the Black Heritage Festival, or enjoy a 5K run, bicycle parade, carnival and live entertainment at the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival. During the summer, put your taste buds to the test at a hot dog cook-off and watch breathtaking fireworks at the Red, White, Blue, & YOU! Fourth of July Celebration, or dance ‘til you drop at the Cajun French Music Festival.
In fall, Chuck Fest takes over downtown Lake Charles, filling the air with music and hungry bellies with plenty of local Louisiana fare. And in winter, pick up the perfect gift at Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market, or stroll through an illuminated wonderland at the Light Up the Lake Christmas Celebration. And don’t miss the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival — a hidden gem featuring Cajun music, cook-offs and trap shooting contests.
Travel Tips & Resources
It's easy to navigate Lake Charles. If you're flying into town, rent a car or book a rideshare from the Lake Charles Regional Airport. Lake Charles is also a short drive from Houston, Texas (3 hours), Biloxi, Mississippi (4 hours), and San Antonio, Texas (5 hours).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Lake Charles?
Some of the best things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana, include exploring the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, from downtown galleries and murals to live performances at local venues. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, which features wildlife refuges, beaches and Gulf Coast landscapes. Lake Charles is also famous for its resort casinos, waterfront dining and annual events like Mardi Gras and the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival.
What is Lake Charles known for?
Lake Charles is known as “the Festival Capital of Louisiana,” famed for its many annual events and festivals. It’s also known for its resort casinos, Gulf Coast landscapes and access to outdoor adventures along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. The city also stands out for its Mardi Gras celebrations, waterfront dining and role as a gateway to Southwest Louisiana’s beaches, wildlife refuges and coastal culture.
What is the best time of year to visit Lake Charles?
While there really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Lake Charles, we’d say the best time is spring and fall, when mild weather pairs with popular events like Mardi Gras and Chuck Fest. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild and less crowded.
What is the weather like in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles typically enjoys hot, humid summers and short, cold winters. Expect average highs of 91° F in July and August, with lows dipping to 44° F in January. Pack layers for winter, and plenty of sunscreen and a hat for summer.
Where can I get more travel information about Lake Charles?
For official travel information about Lake Charles, Louisiana, head to Visit Lake Charles, the city’s official destination marketing organization. The site provides visitor guides, maps, transportation details, hotel and lodging information, event calendars and planning resources to help travelers make the most of their visit. Travelers can also find statewide trip ideas, itineraries and regional guides on ExploreLouisiana.com, Louisiana’s official tourism website.