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
Wingate by Wyndham Lake Charles Casino Area
Wingate by Wyndham Lake Charles Casino Area
2.5 out of 5
1731 W Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA
The price is NZ$215 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$215
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 1 May 2024

Wingate by Wyndham Lake Charles Casino Area
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
4 out of 5
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA
The price is NZ$326 per night from 9 May to 10 May
NZ$326
per night
9 May - 10 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! (2,635 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 1 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$261 per night from 6 May to 7 May
NZ$261
per night
6 May - 7 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! (1,905 reviews)
"Easy to get around, clean, friendly & helpful staff were things we liked about the property. The room was clean but a little worn… the headboards of the beds were peeling off & the outside windows needed to be cleaned. Overall a good stay & would definitely be back."

Reviewed on 1 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
Stay at this family-friendly condo in Lake Charles. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (41 reviews)
Beautiful downtown home
"Great, clean and comfortable home in downtown Lake Charles. Close to good restaurants and water activities."

Reviewed on 27 Apr. 2024

Home 4 U at Olive Bayou! Downtown Lake Charles
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, onsite parking, and a patio. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
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
Totally Renovated  with Amazing Kitchen, Luxurious Master Suie and Private Pool
Totally Renovated with Amazing Kitchen, Luxurious Master Suie and Private Pool
Lake Charles
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Lake Charles. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Lauberge Casino Lake Charles ...
9/10 Wonderful! (39 reviews)
Wonderful Place
"Barry was a wonderful host! The property is convenient to everything in town. We will definitely be back, in the warmer months, to enjoy the pool! Very cozy and beautiful place."

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2023

Totally Renovated with Amazing Kitchen, Luxurious Master Suie and Private Pool
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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