Lake Charles is a remarkable location and a terrific alternative to going to New Orleans with simply as much energy, enjoyment, and experience as Crescent City If you are making your method to the Southern United States, make certain to check out Lake Charles or include it to your trip schedule. Here is our list of the leading things to do when going to Lake Charles
Leading Things To Do In Lake Charles, La
While lots of people just think about New Orleans to commemorate Mardi Gras, Lake Charles has its own. In addition to experiencing the celebrations, my spouse Bran & & I made a Louisiana container list of the very best things to do in Lake Charles. At the top of my list was to delight in a genuine Southwest Louisiana Crawfish Boil and at the top of Bran’s dream list was to see an alligator in its natural environment. So we triggered with our container lists in hand to check out the leading tourist attractions in Lake Charles, LA.
1. Check Out Downtown Lake Charles
Downtown Lake Charles has many tourist attractions for visitors to delight in. Besides the Charpentier Historic District, visitors can take in its stunning Victorian architecture and see The Historic Municipal government Arts and Cultural Center. This historical structure homes art exhibits and cultural occasions throughout the year. Inspect the schedule to see what’s on display screen throughout your see.
If you are trying to find things to do in Lake Charles during the night, the Rosa Hart Theatre uses live efficiencies, consisting of plays, musicals, and shows. It’s a terrific location to capture a program and experience a few of the regional cultures.
Downtown Lake Charles is likewise understood for its scrumptious Cajun and Creole food. Visitors can sample regional specializeds like gumbo, po’ kids, boudin, and crawfish étouffée at one of the numerous dining establishments in the location.
Downtown Lake Charles is likewise house to a range of celebrations and occasions throughout the year, consisting of the Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Celebration, the Louisiana Pirate Celebration, and the Downtown at Sundown show series.
For outside lovers, the Lakefront Boardwalk is a terrific location to stroll or bike along the lakefront and take in the stunning views. The boardwalk likewise includes benches and picnic tables for those who wish to stop and unwind.
2. Take the Charpentier Historic District Trip
The Charpentier Historic District Trip is a terrific method to see the stunning architecture of Lake Charles and get the historic significance of the structures and houses. A.C. Bourdier, a life time citizen, is the best guide and an ideal southern gentleman on this horse-drawn carriage trip with J and R Carriage through the ole’ south.
Ensure to have A.C. explain the haunted homes and to offer you their backstory in the Charpentier Historic District. A.C. is the Chairman of the Landmarks Register for the Calcasieu Historic Conservation Society
Generally throughout the south, the underside of deck roofing systems and awnings are painted pale blue. Initially, this was done so that haints or spirits would not be caught and might hand down to the beyond.
Nevertheless, a reward adverse effects of having these structures look like the sky in color is that spiders and birds would not nest under them. It resembles they are tricked by the blue paint into believing that there is no roofing or awning there.
3. Struck The Creole Nature Path and Experience Point
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy this picturesque drive along the Creole Nature Path, which winds through the marshes, swamps, and beaches of Louisiana. The path uses spectacular views of the regional wildlife and landscapes and can be accessed from Downtown Lake Charles. A great location to begin is Experience Point where you’ll immersive in Lousiana culture and delight in interactive and hands-on experiences. This is a terrific method to value the plants and animals
There are numerous excellent picture chances as you traverse this picturesque byway. The Creole Nature Path is consisted of numerous wildlife havens and is linked by numerous highways covering 180 miles throughout Louisiana’s wilderness. The birdlife is so plentiful and differed that I could not assist however fire off a couple of lots photos. I simply roamed easily through the wildlife havens, however there are bird-watching trips and even blinds established for the more devoted bird professional photographers.
To see the Creole Nature Path effectively, we recommend a trip. It is the very best method to see the abundance of wildlife. Although it was extremely cold (uncommon) we were still fortunate adequate to see lots of wildlife consisting of an American alligator! Bran was over the moon! Bran had actually been intending to see an alligator. Inspect!
I believe that when we go back to the Creole Nature Path I will bring my fishing pole together with my video camera. It’s not just a terrific location for nature professional photographers it likewise has excellent fishing– 2 of my preferred things. For more details on the Creole Nature Path check out the Lake Charles Site for information.
- Area: 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, la
4. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a cultural center that is housed in the historical Central School structure, which was built in 1912 and acted as a school up until 1979.
Among the primary figures related to the museum is Charles Sallier, who was an early inhabitant of the Lake Charles location and a popular entrepreneur. Sallier contributed in the advancement of the area, and his tradition is commemorated in the museum’s long-term exhibit, which is called in his honor. The Charles Sallier show informs the story of the early inhabitants of Southwest Louisiana, consisting of the Native American people who resided in the location prior to European settlement.
The Imperial Calcasieu area includes 5 parishes in Southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu, Cameron, Beauregard, Allen, and Jeff Davis.
- Found at: 204 W. Sallier Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana
5. Go To the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum is another popular Lake Charles destination Visitors can discover the history and customs of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles through shows that consist of Mardi Gras outfits, drifts, and other souvenirs from previous parades.
We saw some elegant outfits here and at The Royal Gala. Prior to the gala occasion, the backstage is dynamic with Krewes preparing to show the elegant outfits that they have actually been vigilantly dealing with all year.
The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu boasts the biggest outfit display screen worldwide. Our tourist guide Adley Cormier communicated to us the history of the celebration with a capitivating enthusiasm.
These outfits are incredible, rupturing with color and Ostrich plumes. At an expense of 10+ dollars per plume, the outfits can end up being rather expensive.
Today the museum is closed as it looks for a brand-new area with an approximated re-opening for Mardi Gras 2024.
6. Participate In Mardi Gras
Among one of the most enjoyable things to do in Lake Charles is to participate in Mardi Gras. No see post would be total without pointing out the joyful events. It is the 2nd biggest Mardi Gras in Louisiana and not just does it have a number of the exact same events as the New Orleans celebration, however it has other occasions that set it apart from New Orleans consisting of the yearly chicken run and a full-day committed to kids. Take A Look At more about New Orleans at A Trip of the New Orleans Garden District
7. Celebrations and Unique Occasions
Do not stress, if you do not check out Lake Charles throughout Mardi Gras, there are still lots of celebrations throughout the year. and unique occasions to participate in. Lake Charles is the celebration capital of Louisiana after hosting 75 celebrations and occasions each year, so there is bound to be an event going on throughout your see.
Some distinct celebrations and unique occasions to have a look at are the Cajun French Music and Food Celebration, The Black Heritage Celebration, and the downtown Lake Charles Crawfish Celebration. For a complete list of celebrations in Lake Charles la check out the city’s site.
8. Go To the USS Orleck Naval Museum
Out of all the Lake Charles museums, The USS Orleck Naval Museum is among the more distinct. This drifting museum takes visitors on a trip of the USS Orleck DD 886 WWII destroyer. It remained in service throughout WWII, Vietnam, and The Korean war. It has actually been completely brought back and visitors can visit the ship to see what life for military soldiers. History enthusiasts will like taking a trip of this ship to find out of its warring history. Have a look at information at their site
- The USS Orleck Naval Museum lies at: 604 N. Business Blvd., Lake Charles, LA
9. Sam Houston Jones State Park
Another outside destination in Lake Charles, la is to delight in the privacy of the Sam Houston Jones State Park. Called after the Texas folk here, Sam Houston Jones State Park is a great location for birders with 200 types of birds moving and nesting in the location. There are various treking tracks and waterways to delight in the outdoors. There are alligators and even bobcats that live in the park. It was here that Bran had her dream of seeing alligators in the wild.
- Area: 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA
10. Take pleasure in the Outdoors of Prien Lake Park
Prien Lake is a popular outside location in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and there are lots of things to do in the location. You can enjoy its strolling courses, go kayaking, have a picnic, or lease a paddle boat. There is some hopping at the Prien Lake Shopping center or you can attempt your hand at the Capri Gambling establishment.
The Prien Lake Park Golf Course uses lessons for all ability levels. Whether you’re a novice or a skilled golf player it’s an enjoyable afternoon outdoors.
If you are trying to find things to do with the entire household, The Kid’s Museum is a terrific location to take kids for an enjoyable and academic experience. The museum includes interactive displays that teach kids about science, art, and history.
The Creole Nature Path is a picturesque drive that winds through the marshes, swamps, and beaches of Southwest Louisiana. Visitors can take in spectacular views of the regional wildlife and landscapes.
Participate in a show or occasion at the Lake Charles Civic Center: This location hosts a range of occasions throughout the year, consisting of shows, exhibition, and conventions.
Lake Location Adventures uses kayak leasings at Prien Lake Park where you can do complete or half-day leasings on the water.
11. Take Pleasure In the White Sand Beach North Beach
North Beach is a stunning public white sandy beach situated on the northern coast of Lake Charles. It is among the couple of natural beaches in the state. Take a walk along the Lake Charles boardwalk or you can delight in kayak leasings and paddleboards or just unwind to take in the sun.
And another cool truth is that North Beach becomes part of the Lake Charles Historic District and has actually been designated as a Louisiana Historic Landmark. The beach has actually likewise been acknowledged for its efforts to protect and secure the regional environment.
12. Bord Du Lac Park (Centuries Park)
If you are trying to find things to do in Lake Charles for households, the resorts truly accommodate the children with lazy rivers and indoor swimming pools. However if you wish to head outdoors, make your method to Centuries Park where there is an outstanding play area produced to captivate the kids. This lakeside park has a splash park and a pirate ship, trains and tunnels kids will release a great deal of steam playing here. They have actually even made certain that there is a rubberized surface area to assist keep everybody safe.
- Found at: 1100 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, Louisiana
13. Invest a long time at Lake Charles Gambling Establishments
There are a couple of Lake Charles gambling establishments to attempt your luck at. L’auberge Gambling establishment Resort is positioned right on the lake, because, well the gambling establishment is in fact a boat. Yes, I stated a boat. It’s skillfully crafted to dock inside L’Auberge Hotel.
The L’Auberge Gambling Establishment Resort itself is on land, however through using a lock-like structure, the gambling establishment is drifted into the hotel and protected so well that we were surprised to discover we were on a drifting boat within the hotel! This is done to please state law. Years back, in Louisiana, riverboats would be the only gaming choice, and now through innovative engineering clients can leave the boat when they select rather of waiting on the boat to dock.
We had a definitely significant dining experience with the hotel dining establishment Ash Grille & & White Wine Bar. Extraordinary service, great red wines, scrumptious mixed drinks, and unbelievable food! If you desire more slots and enjoyable in Lake Charles, the Golden Nugget lies next door to the L’Auberge.
Those trying to find a little enjoyment can attempt their luck at the Golden Nugget Gambling establishment, which uses a variety of video gaming choices, along with dining and home entertainment.
- Found at– 777 Opportunity L’Auberge, Lake Charles, Louisiana
14. Take Pleasure In Homestyle Southern Cooking
Among the more distinct things to do in Lake Charles is to sample its distinct southern food. Jambalaya, gumbo, frog legs, gator, boudin balls, po’ kids, Cajun catfish, king cake, we had all of it! And we cleaned all of it down with excellent beer from a regional brewery, Abita.
Some intriguing food we tested in Lake Charles was alligator and Boudin. Gator is sort of like a cross in between chicken and calamari. Boudin would belong to taking a spicy cabbage roll stuffing and balling it up and after that deep-frying it. Delicious!
Go To the McNeese State University school: This stunning school includes a range of tourist attractions, consisting of the Historic Burton Coliseum, the W.H. Tupper General Product Museum, and the Harold and Pearl Dripps School of Agricultural Sciences.
After consuming all that I still had larger fish to fry, or in this case boil. I’m discussing a genuine Crawfish boil. My interest of this regional special had my interest peaking.
Throughout Louisiana, there are numerous rice farms. These rice farms typically function as swampish crawfish farms. Crawfish, crayfish, crawdads, mudbugs. Mudbugs certainly.
They get this label for the method they ruin individuals’s front yards with their mud-pile houses.
15. Great Dining in Lake Charles
While the crawfish, PO kids, gator, and gumbo may be on the menu, there are lots of great dining facilities in Lake Charles also. Thanks to the chefs at the L’Auberge Gambling Establishment Resort and Ash Grille & & White Wine Bar we consumed like kings!
The choice of meals was similar to a great French Dining establishment in Paris.
Mediterranean-Dusted Lamb Lollichops (like the name), roasted bunny loin to truffled mac ‘n’ cheese, a trio of scrumptious salads we could not get enough of our meals.
A stick out was the seared foie gras w/savory packed French Toast topped with Bourbon Barrel aged maple syrup. Nevertheless, the program thief of our dining experiences in Lake Charles was the Ash Prime “Tomahawk”, a 40oz rib eye sculpted table side.
Complete your meals with Crème Brule, chocolate brownie a la mode, and a fruit assortment with a sculptured pastry meal.
Take A Look At more on Dining in Lake Charles
16. Drive-through a Daiquiri Drive-Through
Increasing to the take-out window and buying 2 typhoon daiquiris to go IS the method to go while in Louisiana. I’m not recommending anybody beverage and drive, that’s prohibited even there Nevertheless, there is something unique about getting an alcohol to go … to a celebration where one can then enjoy it, and after that take a taxi house.
” Put me something high and strong;
Make it a Typhoon
Prior to I go crazy.”
If you wish to sample some authentic Louisiana spirits reserve a distillery trip to the acclaimed Bayou Rum Distillery Louisiana Spirits. Found a couple of miles beyond Lake Charles, the Bayou Rum Distillery deal distillery trips to see how their premier spirits are made.
Where to Remain In Lake Charles
L’auberge Gambling Establishment Resort — We remained at this four-diamond hotel in Louisiana. With 70 Vegas-style video gaming and 1600 slots, we were right in the heart of all the action. It has complete features with a lazy river, indoor swimming pool, champion golf course, and a complete Day spa du Lac.
Golden Nugget — The Golden Nugget Lake Charles is another four-diamond resort in Louisiana that has a swimming pool, lazy river, personal beach, and marina on the ground of this gambling establishment resort with 77 video game tables and 1600 slots.
Where Is Lake Charles
Lake Charles, Louisiana lies banks of Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River that feed into the gulf coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the 5th biggest city in Louisiana and lies 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 suggest leasing an automobile or taking a journey. You can examine vehicle rental rates at RentalCars.com There you have it, the very best things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana while you’re waiting on the next Mardi Gras Parade!