Lake Charles Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lake Charles which includes a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Lake Charles Historic District featuring a house
Photo provided by Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau
Lake Charles Historic District showing a house
Photo provided by Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau

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
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 Rp1.608.775 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
Rp1.608.775
Rp2.259.545 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,669 reviews)
"Great place to stay"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
Golden Nugget Lake Charles

Golden Nugget Lake Charles

4 out of 5
2550 Golden Nugget Blvd, Lake Charles, LA
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,362 reviews)
"Great place to go"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Wyndham Lake Charles

Wyndham Lake Charles

3 out of 5
2940 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA
The price is Rp1.280.447 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp1.280.447
Rp1.482.117 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lake Charles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"The carpets int hallway was so soft, the beds and sheets were excellent but the cutlery was not thoroughly cleaned had residue from the last meal."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

Wyndham 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.
Family Home w/ Deck & Yard in Lake Charles

Family Home w/ Deck & Yard in Lake Charles

3 out of 5
Lake Charles
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Lake Charles. Enjoy a computer station and air conditioning. Popular attractions Golden Nugget and Lauberge ...
Family Home w/ Deck & Yard in Lake Charles
Spacious Lake Charles Craftsman - Pet Friendly!

Spacious Lake Charles Craftsman - Pet Friendly!

3 out of 5
Lake Charles, LA
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Lake Charles. Enjoy free parking, balconies and a computer station. Popular attractions Golden Nugget and Lauberge ...
"This is a very beautiful home. I loved the openness of the rooms. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone looking for a place to stay with their family. I would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2024

Spacious Lake Charles Craftsman - Pet Friendly!
Lake Charles Cottage w/ Fireplace & Yard!

Lake Charles Cottage w/ Fireplace & Yard!

3 out of 5
Lake Charles, LA
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Lake Charles. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces and air conditioning. Popular attractions Golden Nugget and Lauberge Casino ...
"Place was great may need a few updates like some tiles may need replacement home is very nicely redone down fall only has 1 bathroom other than that everything was great"

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2024

Lake Charles Cottage w/ Fireplace & Yard!
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Lake Charles