Lake Charles is packed full of adventure for you and the whole family. Whether you're curious about history, looking for outdoor fun, or want to test your luck, Lake Charles has it all. The family-friendly opportunities include well-kept parks, playgrounds, splash parks, and a comprehensive children's museum.
If you're looking for a more adult-oriented experience, you'll find numerous casinos in the area. Additionally, the outdoor opportunity is quite varied with beaches, trails, and parks to explore. Discover the 10 best things to do in Lake Charles.
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Creole Nature Trail
Go on America's last great wilderness adventure
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The Creole Nature Trail is a massive scenic road that will take you to a variety of locations, including gulf beaches, marshlands, and natural habitats with bustling wildlife. The trail itself stretches an incredible 180 miles, but a good portion of that is accessible right from the Lake Charles area.
When you're on the trail, you'll be able to see 26 miles of gulf beaches, along with more than 400 bird species. In the marshlands, you can even see wild alligators. You'll find this trail beginning just north of Lake Charles—the lake in the city centre area of the city.
Ubicación: The trail starts at 1205 N Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Information centre open Monday–Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm
Teléfono: +1 337-436-9588
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North Beach
Visit the actual lake
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North Beach is the premier spot in town to visit, as it’s the official lake that Lake Charles was named after. With its calm and inviting waters alongside a relaxing beach, the beach itself offers plenty of room to relax in the sand or swim in the water.
The water is notably calm and the area is family-friendly. On the beach, you'll discover the chance to play beach volleyball, as nets are already set up. You can find this white sand beach on the northern edge of Lake Charles just off of Highway 90.
Ubicación: N. Lakeshore Dr. Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Teléfono: +1 337-491-1280
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Mardis Gras Museum
Explore the history of Louisiana's favourite celebration
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The Mardis Gras Museum is home to an extensive collection of artefacts that showcase the cultural heritage of Louisiana's second-largest celebration of Mardis Gras. The museum is relatively modest, only consisting of 6 rooms in total, but each room is packed with so much to see.
The first room showcases the origins of Mardis Gras, while the second and third go into costumes. The fourth features king cakes and the fifth is all about ballroom costumes. Finally, the sixth room hallmarks the parades. See it all city centre within the Central School Arts & Humanities Centre.
Ubicación: 809 Kirby Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm (closed Sunday–Monday)
Teléfono: +1 337-430-0043
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Sam Houston Jones State Park
Explore a unique natural environment
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Sam Houston Jones State Park is known for its unique combination of mixed pine and hardwood forest, amongst tree-filled lagoons—all for you to explore. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy this park as it's home to nearly 200 species of birds, some of which are incredibly rare.
You'll find extensive hiking trails around the park, but the numerous waterways make watersports a popular activity here. Kayaking is amongst the most prominent ways to adventure, and you don't even need to have your own, as rental boats are available. You'll find it all a few miles north of town.
Ubicación: 107 Sutherland Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70611, USA
Horarios: Sunday–Thursday from 6 am to 9 pm, Friday–Saturday from 6 am to 10 pm
Teléfono: +1 337-855-2665
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Charpentier Historic District
See turn of the century buildings
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The Charpentier Historic District includes over 40 blocks of historic buildings from the early 20th century showcasing numerous styles from the period. Amongst the buildings, you'll see fascinating structures with towers and turrets. Of course, massive columns are more popular throughout the district.
Victorian architecture is prominent throughout the district with the oldest buildings dating back to the late 19th century. You'll find walking and driving tours available throughout the district. This historic district is located city centre a few blocks east of the lake.
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USS Orleck Naval Museum
Visit a historical naval ship
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The USS Orleck Naval Museum is a museum set inside an actual historical ship from the US Navy that dates back to World War II when it was first commissioned. Within the museum, you'll find valuable insight into what life was like on these ships as well as how they worked during the war.
When you step aboard the vessel, you'll feel as if you've travelled back in time, which is useful for getting a better understanding of the brave men and women who served on this vessel. You'll find this ship on the banks of the Calcasieu River less than 10 minutes from city centre.
Ubicación: 604 N Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm (closed on Sunday)
Teléfono: +1 337-214-7447
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Millennium Park
Enjoy outdoor fun for the whole family
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Millennium Park is the premier destination for outdoor fun in Lake Charles, as it features playgrounds, a splash park, and walking paths the whole family can enjoy. The playground is fenced, so it's easy to ensure that your kids will play in a safe environment. The walking paths are quite scenic considering many bring you right by the lake itself.
When you visit the splash park, you'll find numerous attractions that kids will enjoy, including a model pirate ship and a rock-climbing wall. A rubberized surface is present throughout the playground area to keep kids safe. You'll find this park on the east side of the lake.
Ubicación: 900 Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Daily from 9 am to 8 pm
Teléfono: +1 337-491-1280
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Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Explore the region's history
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The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is home to numerous artefacts that offer valuable insight into the Imperial Calcasieu region from before colonisation to the present. Amongst the artefacts, you'll find centuries-old furniture, photographs, and a selection of artwork from artists like Boyd Cruise and Lynda Benglis.
Numerous famous local events are chronicled in great detail within the museum. The Great Fire of 1910, for example, is recorded using a series of photographs for the most part. You'll find this museum south of city centre just a short walk from Drew Park.
Ubicación: 204 W Sallier St, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm (closed Sunday–Monday)
Teléfono: +1 337-439-3797
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The Children's Museum
Let your kids learn
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The Children's Museum in Lake Charles is a comprehensive museum that focuses on hands-on exhibits that are as educational as they are exciting. The topics covered are science, history, and art. Inside the museum, you'll find more than 45 exhibits on offer, and there's a rotating assortment of programmes to enjoy as well.
The museum is particularly adept at handling large groups and even hosting birthday parties, so it's the perfect place to book an event for your child if that's what you're looking for. You'll find this museum city centre less than a mile east of Lake Charles's shore.
Ubicación: 327 Broad St, Lake Charles, LA 70601, USA
Horarios: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 2.15 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 11.45 am (closed on Sunday)
Teléfono: +1 337-433-9420
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Hit the casinos
Test your luck
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Lake Charles casinos are packed full of opportunities to play thrilling games or simply relax with pristine dining options, golf courses, and spas. All sorts of games are popular throughout the local casinos, including blackjack, poker, slots, roulette, and baccarat. Aside from the games, you'll also discover fine dining restaurants and well-kept golf courses where you can play a relaxing game on the greens.
If you're looking to take your relaxation to the next level, the spas offer a kind of pampering you won't find anywhere else. Most casinos in the city tend to be on the east side of the actual lake well within a 2-mile radius.