Lake Charles Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Lake Charles Historic District featuring a house
Enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, foot-tapping music and summer festivals in this city in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun country.

Lake Charles is located in the heart of Louisiana’s Acadiana region, also known as “Cajun Country.” The city embraces its heritage with mouth-watering Cajun cuisine and upbeat music on nearly every street corner.

Lake Charles hosts more than 75 annual festivals. Contraband Days is one of the most popular and attracts more than 200,000 visitors. Held over 12 days in May, the celebrations feature Cajun food, live entertainment and music. Mardi Gras festivities also draw huge crowds each year.

Sample a traditional treat such as boudin (sausage) or gumbo, a type of stew served over rice in restaurants in downtown Lake Charles. Visit a bar or club to hear zydeco, a blend of Cajun music, rhythm and blues.

L’Auberge du Lac is a casino resort with a 26-story hotel, 18-hole golf course and a spa. Browse shops and then stop for a meal at an array of international restaurants. Check out the activity on the casino floor or spend time lounging by the pool.

Discover the history of Lake Charles and its surrounding five parishes at Imperial Calcasieu Museum. The space also houses an art gallery. Behind the museum, enjoy a picnic under the shade of the 375-year-old Sallier Oak.

Explore the lake and surrounding swamplands through parks and along the area’s many trails. Wander between swampy lakes and past cypress trees at Sam Houston Jones State Park. Enjoy views of the lake at Bord du Lac Park or North Beach.

Lake Charles is one of the most humid cities in the country. While the weather is comfortably warm for most of the year, temperatures soar during summer months. Go swimming in the lake to cool off in summer.

Interstate 10 connects Lake Charles to Houston in the west and New Orleans in the east. It’s a 2-hour drive to Houston and a 3-hour trip to New Orleans. Lake Charles Regional Airport, located south of the city, offers flights to Dallas and Houston. The easiest way to get around is by rental car.

Where to stay in Lake Charles

Lake Charles Historic District which includes a sunset

Lake Charles Historic District

The panoramic lake views and first-class casinos highlight some of the most notable features of Lake Charles Historic District. Make a stop by Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu while you're exploring the area.

Lake Charles Historic District
Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Charles
Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Charles
2 out of 5
1212 N Lake Shore Dr, Lake Charles, LA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$89 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$89
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (394 reviews)
"Everything was great"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Charles
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
4 out of 5
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA
The price is NZ$323 per night from 15 May to 16 May
NZ$323
per night
15 May - 16 May
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Lake Charles. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,658 reviews)
"I was facing a wall on the balcony, terrible view"

Reviewed on 13 May 2024

Golden Nugget Lake Charles
L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
4 out of 5
777 Avenue L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA
The price is NZ$291 per night from 15 May to 16 May
NZ$291
per night
15 May - 16 May
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Lake Charles. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,903 reviews)
"Always a great stay"

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Home 4 U at Olive Bayou! Downtown Lake Charles
Home 4 U at Olive Bayou! Downtown Lake Charles
Lake Charles
Book a stay at this family-friendly condo in Lake Charles. Enjoy a garden, patios, and in-room jetted tubs. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Beautiful, clean house.
"The house was perfect for our family of 6. The pack-and-play/travel crib was a much appreciated bonus! The location was nice and safe and the house inside was immaculate, smelled amazing, and was perfect for families. Would have loved to stay longer if we had the time!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

Home 4 U at Olive Bayou! Downtown Lake Charles
Totally Renovated  with Amazing Kitchen, Luxurious Master Suie and Private Pool
Totally Renovated with Amazing Kitchen, Luxurious Master Suie and Private Pool
Lake Charles
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Charles. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Lauberge Casino Lake Charles ...
9/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
Lake Charles Golf trip
"Wonderful. Barry is a fantastic host."

Reviewed on 24 Apr. 2024

Totally Renovated with Amazing Kitchen, Luxurious Master Suie and Private Pool
located in the downtown Lake Charles!!! 5 min drive to the civic center
located in the downtown Lake Charles!!! 5 min drive to the civic center
lake charles
Stay at this vacation home in Lake Charles. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (34 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"The property was very clean, had very comfortable beds and was well stocked."

Reviewed on 25 Apr. 2024

located in the downtown Lake Charles!!! 5 min drive to the civic center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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