There is an abundance of adventures to have in Lake Charles from floating down a lazy river at a casino resort to paddling on the lake on a kayak or paddle board! #LouisianasPlayground has a blend of contrasts from the luxurious side of life to nature’s bounty with treasures found along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Check out things to do in the Lake Area from arts events to epicurean delights!
Lake Charles Casino ResortsThe upscale atmosphere surrounds guests at each of the casino properties in Southwest Louisiana with the elegant L’Auberge Casino & Resort side-by-side near Golden Nugget Lake Chares. Each of these premier properties features stunning pools, spa facilities, a myriad of restaurants and dining experiences, retail outlets, live music, and of course, Las Vegas style gaming for guests to enjoy. For gaming enjoyment and the thrill of horse racing, Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, is situated near the Texas border with dining experiences with sweeping views of the track as well as amenities to make your stay comfortable and memorable.
Explore the sandy shores of the Louisiana coast on beaches found along the Creole Nature Trail, which features 26 miles of Gulf beaches and pristine views. Here, you’ll feel like you are at the ends of the earth with remote, brown sugar beaches and shells lining the shoreline. Further inland, you might see an alligator or two lining the Creole Nature Trail, so be on the lookout as you explore nearby wildlife refuges complete with driving and walking trails. If you’re the competitive type, be sure to tee off at one of the area’s golf courses, including the Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge, designed by world renowned golf architect Tom Fazio and the Country Club at Golden Nugget, home of the PGA Korn Ferry Lake Charles Championship.
.jpg)
The arts community is thriving the Lake Charles with live music and cultural celebrations. The popular Downtown at Sundown concert series and the Live at the Lakefront concert series are back-to-back and give the community a chance to come together to support local musicians, artists and vendors. Chuck Fest is another annual celebration that highlights the best in culinary, music and art, while Smoke & Barrel brings out the barbecue side of life along with music on the lawn of the historic courthouse. Rounding out the year, shopping and holiday events pack the calendar from Light Up the Lake to Christmas Under the Oaks. Of course, Mardi Gras is super-sized and family-friendly in the Lake Area with colorful festivities to delight your senses. Be sure to check out events in Lake Charles while planning your visit!
For one-of-a-kind art shopping experiences, Alexander Art Studio in Lake Charles and Flock of Five (conglomeration of artists) in Sulphur are two premier places to find extraordinary and creative art pieces, jewelry, décor and more. To view more local art exhibits, check out the Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur with rotating exhibits and occasional events, this center is located in a turn of the 20th Century home with wrap-around upper and lower level porches, adding to the charm and experience of the gallery. For a complete list of museums and galleries, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org, or to meet local artists and explore their work, check out the Heartbeat Tour: www.visitlakecharles.org/heartbeat.
The culinary scene is varied and vibrant with a wide array of dining selections. One of the unique additions to the area is Crying Eagle Brewing Company where you can sip seasonal brews on tap, wine or spirits, or take a taste from the intricate and flavorful The Bistro located right at the microbrewery. Check out the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail or the Southwest Louisiana Brews & Spirits Trail. When you’re in town, be sure to enjoy jazz or Zydeco brunches at Rikenjaks or Luna Bar & Grill. You can taste hot beignets at Pujo Street Café, delicious cuisine at Villa Harlequin or Cajun seafood at Seafood Palace, Buffi’s Peaux Boys, Hollier’s or Steamboat Bill’s! There are many more selections where those came from too. Check out local restaurants in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana.
.jpg)
