Local Attractions

There's a lot to see and do in Lake Charles and the surrounding area.  As a result, this page may take a few moments to load (it will be worth the wait).

Enjoy the Water

Lake Charles is located on the shores of two different lakes, which means you'll have lots of opportunities for boating, fishing, crabbing, shelling, jet-skiing, paddle boarding and enjoying beautiful sunsets.

Over 75 Festivals Per Year

Louisiana is known for a lot more than Mardi Gras.  

Lake Charles has earned the nickname "Festival Capital of Louisiana" with over 75 festivals per year.

The most popular festival of the year is Contraband Days.

While you're here, visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu which boasts the largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes in the world.

The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road (Driving Tour)

This 105-mile driving and walking tour is known as one of America's last great wildernesses. 

Start at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point.  Then, look for alligators and over 400 species of birds, or head to the lakefront to go fishing, shelling, crabbing or sunbathing.

Click here to find out more.

Enjoy the Food

Lousiana is home to delicious Cajun and Creole food.  You'll find plenty of tasty dishes in Lake Charles, including crawfish etouffĂ©e , seafood gumbo, chicken, sausage jambalaya.  

If you're up for the drive, the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail features over 30 meat markets and grocery stores.

Contraband Bayou Golf Club

Located at the L'Auberge du Lac Casino, this golf course was designed by Tom Fazio and features fairways linking Lake Charles and Prien Lake.  GolfWeek Magazine rated it as one of the "Best Places to Play in Louisiana"

You can find out more here.

Golden Nugget & L'Auberge du Lac Casinos

If gaming, entertainment and live music are your thing, then you'll be happy to know these two casinos sit side-by-side and offer great entertainment line-ups.

Local Parks

Lake Charles has a number of parks for you to enjoy, including Prien Lake Park, Millenium Park, and Bark du Lac Dog Park.

Click here to find out more.

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Open daily, the Sam Houston Jones State Park is located where the Calcasieu and @ rivers meet and the area is home to over 200 species of birds.  If you enjoy hiking, you'll find three hiking trails through 1,000 acres of forest with trails suitable for leisurely or serious hikes.

Click here to find out more.

USS Orleck Naval Museum

The USS Orleck is one of 188 ships in the Historic Naval Ship Association and is one of the most decorated US Navy ships since World War II.

Click here to find out more.

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

This museum was opened in 1963 and features exhibits and events supporting visual artists and the arts.

Click here to find out more.

Charpentier Historic District

Explore beautiful Victorian architecture in this district where buildings date back to the late 18th century.  The district spans 40 blocks.

Click here to find out more.