Seven Ways to Enjoy Your Stay in Lake Charles

Check out these things to do when visiting Lake Charles.

If you think a quick pass through Lake Charles to visit the brewery is enough, think again. Lake Charles has a wide array of attractions from outdoors, history and world-class gaming to mouthwatering cuisine and music. We recommend you spend at least a couple of days around the city. Here are a few ways to pass a good time in Southwest Louisiana.

Things to Do Around Lake Charles

  1. Eat your way through Lake Charles. With tried and true favorites like Steamboat Bill's and Pat's of Henderson, plus plenty of newcomers, you won't go hungry in Lake Chuck. For casual fare, check out the gourmet hot dogs at Botsky's and the practically famous Darrell's Special at Darrell's Po' Boys. And by all means, spend some time on the SWLA Boudin Trail where you can decide for yourself which one of the 29 stops makes the best boudin in the area! Learn where locals like to eat with this Top 20 Restaurants in Lake Charles list that was crowdsourced among the Visit Lake Charles community. 

  2. Put your toes in the sand. When entering Lake Charles from I-10, you can't miss North Beach, the only white sand inland beach in Louisiana. If you prefer to take a dip in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, head south to Holly Beach or Rutherford Beach. Check out a map of Southwest Louisiana beaches here.

  3. Explore wildlife and the Southwest Louisiana outdoors along the Creole Nature Trail. Head over to Adventure Point, an interactive attraction and visitors center, to start your adventure along the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All American Road. Immerse yourself in nature in the five wildlife refuges and sanctuaries where you can see alligators, do some bird watching, or try your luck at marsh fishing along the trail. Start planning your drive.

  4. Play the day away. Whether your game is golf or blackjack, you'll be covered in Lake Charles. With four premiere gaming facilities, it's a safe bet you'll find casino or racetrack action to keep you entertained. If you're looking for 18 holes, tee it up at one of the area's six public golf courses.

  5. Immerse yourself in history. The team at Visit Lake Charles has made it simple for history buffs to navigate their way around town to see historic neighborhoods and sites. Simply download the Lake Charles Historic Tour App and start learning.

  6. Fest with the best. With more than 75 festivals each year, there's always plenty to celebrate in Southwest Louisiana. Check out the Lake Charles festival schedule to plan your tour around a weekend fest!

  7. Raise a glass. There are plenty of nightlife options in the Lake Charles area where you can imbibe in Louisiana craft beers and libations. You'll definitely want to hop off the interstate and check out a tour of Louisiana Spirits in Lacassine, home of Bayou Rum.

For more trip ideas and information on planning a trip to Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, check out VisitLakeCharles.org.