Local Attractions
Lake Charles isn't just booming economically. It's also full of things to do, see and enjoy.
Beaches, Boats and Watersports
Lake Charles is ideally located between two lakes, which means you'll never run out of things to do on or in the water. You can enjoy fishing, crabbing, shelling, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, and boating or you can just soak up the beautiful sunsets.
Enjoy the Food
If there's one thing Louisiana is known for, it's delicious food. Lake Charles is famous for Cajun and Creole food.
The Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail is filled with over 30 meat markets and grocery stores to explore.
Enjoy the seafood gumbo, chicken and sausage jambalaya, and delicious crawfish etouffée.
Over 75 Festivals Per Year
Louisiana is world-famous for Mardi Gras, but did you know Lake Charles has over 75 festivals per year? Lake Charles has so many festivals that it's earned the nickname, "Festival Capital of the World."
The most popular festival is called "Contraband Days."
And, if Mardi Gras is your thing, you'll find the largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes in the world at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu.
The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road (Driving Tour)
If you feel like going for a drive, the Creole Nature Trail All-American road is too good to miss.
Known as one of America's last great wildernesses, this 105-mile driving and walking tour is breathtaking. You can spot alligators and over 400 species of birds or you can visit the lakefront where you can go fishing, crabbing, shelling or sunbathing.
Your tour will begin at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point.
The L'Auberge du Lac & Golden Nugget Casinos
If you enjoy live music, entertainment and gaming, you'll be happy to know Lake Charles has two casinos which offer an array of entertainment options.
Contraband Bayou Golf Club
The Contraband Bayou Golf Club was designed by Tom Fazio and is located at the L'Auberge du Lac Casino. The course fairways link Lake Charles and Prien Lake. It was voted one of the "Best Places to Play in Louisiana" by GolfWeek Magazine.
You can find out more here.
Local Parks
If you enjoy time in the park, visit Prien Lake Park, Millenium Park and Bark du Lac Dog Park.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
The Sam Houston Jones State park is home to over 200 species of birds. The park is located on the Calcasieu West Fork. If you like hiking, the park offers three hiking trails wandering through 1,000 acres of forest.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Opened in 1963, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum has the largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes in the world.
Charpentier Historic District
If you feel like enjoying beautiful Victorian architecture, take a stroll through the 40 block Charpentier Historic District where the buildings date back to the late 18th century.