Lake Charles is a tremendous vacation spot and an incredible different to visiting New Orleans with simply as a lot vitality, pleasure, and journey as Crescent Metropolis. In case you are making your solution to the Southern United States, ensure that to go to Lake Charles or add it to your street journey itinerary. Right here is our listing of the highest issues to do when visiting Lake Charles.
High Issues To Do In Lake Charles, La
Whereas many individuals solely consider New Orleans to rejoice Mardi Gras, Lake Charles has its personal. Along with experiencing the festivities, my spouse Bran & I made a Louisiana bucket listing of one of the best issues to do in Lake Charles. On the high of my listing was to feast on an genuine Southwest Louisiana Crawfish Boil and on the high of Bran’s want listing was to see an alligator in its pure habitat. So we set off with our bucket lists in hand to discover the highest points of interest in Lake Charles, LA.
1. Discover Downtown Lake Charles
Downtown Lake Charles has so many points of interest for guests to get pleasure from. In addition to the Charpentier Historic District, guests can soak up its stunning Victorian structure and go to The Historic Metropolis Corridor Arts and Cultural Heart. This historic constructing homes artwork exhibitions and cultural occasions all year long. Verify the schedule to see what’s on show throughout your go to.
In case you are on the lookout for issues to do in Lake Charles at evening, the Rosa Hart Theatre affords dwell performances, together with performs, musicals, and concert events. It’s an incredible place to catch a present and expertise a few of the native cultures.
Downtown Lake Charles can be recognized for its scrumptious Cajun and Creole delicacies. Guests can pattern native specialties like gumbo, po’boys, boudin, and crawfish étouffée at one of many many eating places within the space.
Downtown Lake Charles can be dwelling to quite a lot of festivals and occasions all year long, together with the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Pageant, the Louisiana Pirate Pageant, and the Downtown at Sunset live performance collection.
For outside lovers, the Lakefront Promenade is a superb place to stroll or bike alongside the lakefront and take within the stunning views. The promenade additionally options benches and picnic tables for individuals who wish to cease and calm down.
2. Take the Charpentier Historic District Tour
The Charpentier Historic District Tour is a good way to see the attractive structure of Lake Charles and get the historic significance of the buildings and houses. A.C. Bourdier, a lifetime resident, is the proper information and an ideal southern gentleman on this horse-drawn carriage experience with J and R Carriage via the ole’ south.
Be sure that to have A.C. level out the haunted homes and to present you their backstory within the Charpentier Historic District. A.C. is the Chairman of the Landmarks Register for the Calcasieu Historic Preservation Society.
Historically all through the south, the underside of porch roofs and awnings are painted pale blue. Initially, this was executed in order that haints or spirits wouldn’t be trapped and will go on to the past.
Nonetheless, a bonus facet impact of getting these constructions resemble the sky in shade is that spiders and birds wouldn’t nest below them. It’s like they’re fooled by the blue paint into pondering that there isn’t any roof or awning there.
3. Hit The Creole Nature Path and Journey Level
Nature lovers will get pleasure from this scenic drive alongside the Creole Nature Path, which winds via the marshes, swamps, and seashores of Louisiana. The path affords breathtaking views of the native wildlife and landscapes and could be accessed from Downtown Lake Charles. A superb place to begin is Journey Level the place you’ll immersive in Lousiana tradition and revel in interactive and hands-on experiences. It is a nice solution to admire the natural world
There are numerous nice photograph alternatives as you traverse this scenic byway. The Creole Nature Path is comprised of a number of wildlife refuges and is linked by many highways spanning 180 miles all through Louisiana’s outback. The birdlife is so plentiful and assorted that I couldn’t assist however fireplace off just a few dozen footage. I simply wandered freely via the wildlife refuges, however there are bird-watching excursions and even blinds arrange for the extra devoted fowl photographers.
To see the Creole Nature Path correctly, we advise a tour. It’s the easiest way to see the abundance of wildlife. Despite the fact that it was very chilly (uncommon) we have been nonetheless fortunate sufficient to see loads of wildlife together with an American alligator! Bran was over the moon! Bran had been hoping to see an alligator. Verify!
I feel that after we return to the Creole Nature Path I’ll deliver my fishing rod together with my digicam. It’s not solely an incredible vacation spot for nature photographers it additionally has nice fishing – two of my favourite issues. For extra data on the Creole Nature Path go to the Lake Charles Web site for particulars.
- Location: 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, la
4. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a cultural heart that’s housed within the historic Central College constructing, which was constructed in 1912 and served as a faculty till 1979.
One of many fundamental figures related to the museum is Charles Sallier, who was an early settler of the Lake Charles space and a outstanding businessman. Sallier was instrumental within the improvement of the area, and his legacy is widely known within the museum’s everlasting exhibition, which is called in his honor. The Charles Sallier exhibit tells the story of the early settlers of Southwest Louisiana, together with the Native American tribes who lived within the space earlier than European settlement.
The Imperial Calcasieu area consists of 5 parishes in Southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, Allen, and Jeff Davis.
- Positioned at: 204 W. Sallier Avenue, Lake Charles, Louisiana
5. Go to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum is one other standard Lake Charles attraction. Guests can be taught concerning the historical past and traditions of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles via displays that embrace Mardi Gras costumes, floats, and different memorabilia from previous parades.
We witnessed some extravagant costumes right here and at The Royal Gala. Previous to the gala occasion, the backstage is bustling with Krewes on the brink of show the extravagant costumes that they’ve been diligently engaged on all 12 months.
The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu boasts the most important costume show on the earth. Our tour information Adley Cormier relayed to us the historical past of the pageant with an endearing ardour.
These costumes are spectacular, bursting with shade and Ostrich feathers. At a price of 10+ {dollars} per feather, the costumes can change into fairly dear.
Proper now the museum is closed because it searches for a brand new location with an estimated re-opening for Mardi Gras 2024.
6. Attend Mardi Gras
Some of the enjoyable issues to do in Lake Charles is to attend Mardi Gras. No go to publish can be full with out mentioning the festive celebrations. It’s the second largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana and never solely does it have lots of the identical celebrations because the New Orleans pageant, but it surely has different occasions that set it aside from New Orleans together with the annual rooster run and a full-day devoted to youngsters. Take a look at extra about New Orleans at A Tour of the New Orleans Backyard District.
7. Festivals and Particular Occasions
Don’t fear, if you happen to don’t go to Lake Charles throughout Mardi Gras, there are nonetheless loads of festivals all year long. and particular occasions to attend. Lake Charles is the pageant capital of Louisiana after internet hosting 75 festivals and occasions every year, so there’s certain to be a celebration happening throughout your go to.
Some distinctive festivals and particular occasions to take a look at are the Cajun French Music and Meals Pageant, The Black Heritage Pageant, and the downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Pageant. For a full listing of festivals in Lake Charles la go to the metropolis’s web site.
8. Go to the USS Orleck Naval Museum
Out of all of the Lake Charles museums, The USS Orleck Naval Museum is likely one of the extra distinctive. This floating museum takes guests on a tour of the USS Orleck DD 886 WWII destroyer. It was in service throughout WWII, Vietnam, and The Korean battle. It has been absolutely restored and guests can tour the ship to see what life for army troopers. Historical past buffs will love taking a tour of this ship to be taught of its warring historical past. Take a look at particulars at their web site
- The USS Orleck Naval Museum is situated at: 604 N. Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA
9. Sam Houston Jones State Park
One other outside attraction in Lake Charles, la is to benefit from the solitude of the Sam Houston Jones State Park. Named after the Texas people right here, Sam Houston Jones State Park is an efficient place for birders with 200 species of birds migrating and nesting within the space. There are quite a few mountaineering trails and waterways to benefit from the nice outdoor. There are alligators and even bobcats that reside within the park. It was right here that Bran had her want of seeing alligators within the wild.
- Location: 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA
10. Benefit from the Outdoor of Prien Lake Park
Prien Lake is a well-liked outside vacation spot in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and there are many issues to do within the space. You possibly can get pleasure from its strolling paths, go kayaking, have a picnic, or lease a paddle boat. There may be some hopping on the Prien Lake Mall or you may strive your hand on the Capri On line casino.
The Prien Lake Park Golf Course affords classes for all talent ranges. Whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled golfer it’s a enjoyable afternoon outdoor.
In case you are on the lookout for issues to do with the entire household, The Kids’s Museum is a superb place to take youngsters for a enjoyable and academic expertise. The museum options interactive displays that educate youngsters about science, artwork, and historical past.
The Creole Nature Path is a scenic drive that winds via the marshes, swamps, and seashores of Southwest Louisiana. Guests can soak up breathtaking views of the native wildlife and landscapes.
Attend a live performance or occasion on the Lake Charles Civic Heart: This venue hosts quite a lot of occasions all year long, together with concert events, commerce reveals, and conventions.
Lake Space Adventures affords kayak leases at Prien Lake Park the place you are able to do full or half-day leases on the water.
11. Benefit from the White Sand Seaside North Seaside
North Seaside is an exquisite public white sandy seaside situated on the northern shore of Lake Charles. It is likely one of the few pure seashores within the state. Take a stroll alongside the Lake Charles boardwalk or you may get pleasure from kayak leases and paddleboards or just calm down to absorb the solar.
And one other cool truth is that North Seaside is a part of the Lake Charles Historic District and has been designated as a Louisiana Historic Landmark. The seaside has additionally been acknowledged for its efforts to protect and defend the native surroundings.
12. Bord Du Lac Park (Millennium Park)
In case you are on the lookout for issues to do in Lake Charles for households, the resorts actually cater to the little ones with lazy rivers and indoor swimming pools. However if you wish to head outdoor, make your solution to Millennium Park the place there is a wonderful playground created to entertain the youngsters. This lakeside park has a splash park and a pirate ship, trains and tunnels youngsters will let off a whole lot of steam taking part in right here. They’ve even made positive that there’s a rubberized floor to assist preserve everybody protected.
- Positioned at: 1100 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana
13. Spend a while at Lake Charles Casinos
There are just a few Lake Charles casinos to strive your luck at. L’auberge On line casino Resort is located proper on the lake, as a result of, nicely the on line casino is definitely a ship. Sure, I mentioned a ship. It’s cleverly engineered to dock inside L’Auberge Resort.
The L’Auberge On line casino Resort itself is on land, however via the usage of a lock-like construction, the on line casino is floated into the resort and secured so nicely that we have been shocked to search out out we have been on a floating boat within the resort! That is executed to fulfill state legislation. Years in the past, in Louisiana, riverboats can be the one playing possibility, however now via ingenious engineering patrons can go away the boat once they select as a substitute of ready for the boat to dock.
We had a fully super eating expertise with the resort restaurant Ember Grille & Wine Bar. Distinctive service, effective wines, scrumptious cocktails, and unimaginable delicacies! If you need extra slots and enjoyable in Lake Charles, the Golden Nugget is situated subsequent door to the L’Auberge.
These on the lookout for somewhat pleasure can strive their luck on the Golden Nugget On line casino, which affords all kinds of gaming choices, in addition to eating and leisure.
- Positioned at – 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, Louisiana
14. Get pleasure from Homestyle Southern Cooking
One of many extra distinctive issues to do in Lake Charles is to pattern its distinctive southern meals. Jambalaya, gumbo, frog legs, gator, boudin balls, po’ boys, Cajun catfish, king cake, we had all of it! And we washed all of it down with nice beer from a neighborhood brewery, Abita.
Some attention-grabbing meals we sampled in Lake Charles was alligator and Boudin. Gator is type of like a cross between rooster and calamari. Boudin can be akin to taking a spicy cabbage roll stuffing and balling it up after which deep-frying it. Scrumptious!
Go to the McNeese State College campus: This stunning campus options quite a lot of points of interest, together with the Historic Burton Coliseum, the W.H. Tupper Basic Merchandise Museum, and the Harold and Pearl Dripps College of Agricultural Sciences.
After consuming all that I nonetheless had greater fish to fry, or on this case boil. I’m speaking about an genuine Crawfish boil. My curiosity of this native delicacy had my curiosity peaking.
All through Louisiana, there are a lot of rice farms. These rice farms usually double as swampish crawfish farms. Crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs. Mudbugs certainly.
They get this nickname for the way in which they destroy individuals’s entrance lawns with their mud-pile houses.
15. Effective Eating in Lake Charles
Whereas the crawfish, PO boys, gator, and gumbo could be on the menu, there are many effective eating institutions in Lake Charles as nicely. Because of the cooks on the L’Auberge On line casino Resort and Ember Grille & Wine Bar we ate like kings!
The collection of meals was harking back to a effective French Restaurant in Paris.
Mediterranean-Dusted Lamb Lollichops (love the title), roasted rabbit loin to truffled mac’n’cheese, a trio of scrumptious salads we couldn’t get sufficient of our meals.
A stand out was the seared foie gras w/savory stuffed French Toast topped with Bourbon Barrel aged maple syrup. Nonetheless, the present stealer of our eating adventures in Lake Charles was the Ember Prime “Tomahawk”, a 40oz rib eye carved desk facet.
End your meals with Crème Brule, chocolate brownie a la mode, and a fruit medley with a sculptured pastry dish.
Take a look at extra on Eating in Lake Charles
16. Drive-through a Daiquiri Drive-By way of
Driving as much as the take-out window and ordering two hurricane daiquiris to go IS the way in which to go whereas in Louisiana. I’m not suggesting anybody drink and drive, that’s unlawful even there. Nonetheless, there’s something novel about getting an alcoholic drink to go…to a celebration the place one can then get pleasure from it, after which take a cab dwelling.
“Pour me one thing tall and powerful;
Make it a Hurricane
Earlier than I am going insane.”
If you wish to pattern some real Louisiana spirits e book a distillery tour to the award-winning Bayou Rum Distillery Louisiana Spirits. Positioned just a few miles outdoors of Lake Charles, the Bayou Rum Distillery provide distillery excursions to see how their top-rated spirits are made.
The place to Keep in Lake Charles
L’auberge On line casino Resort – We stayed at this four-diamond resort in Louisiana. With 70 Vegas-style gaming and 1600 slot machines, we have been proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion. It has full facilities with a lazy river, indoor pool, championship golf course, and a full service Spa du Lac.
Golden Nugget – The Golden Nugget Lake Charles is one other four-diamond resort in Louisiana that has a pool, lazy river, personal seaside, and marina on the bottom of this on line casino resort with 77 recreation tables and 1600 slot machines.
The place Is Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana is situated banks of Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River that feed into the gulf coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the fifth largest metropolis in Louisiana and is situated 206 miles (331 kilometers) west of New Orleans, 127 Miles from Baton Rouge, and 59 miles from Beaumont Texas.
To get to Lake Charles we advocate renting a automobile or taking a street journey. You possibly can test automobile rental costs at RentalCars.com There you’ve got it, one of the best issues to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana when you’re ready for the subsequent Mardi Gras Parade!
