When people think of a trip to Louisiana, New Orleans tends to be the place to go. But if you’re looking for something different, Lake Charles needs to be on your list. A jaunt further west than Nola, it’s a destination that still feels off the beaten pat, something that can be somewhat surprising considering it’s the fifth largest city in Louisiana. It’s a city steeped in beauty, where you can devour genuine Cajun cuisine, cycle through scenic routes, and head to the water on a paddleboard.
There’s a truly fantastic food scene and plenty of parks to relax under the hot sun, or outdoor adventures to be had when you want to get your adrenaline pumping. Of course, there’s a cultural scene too. You can visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, DeQuincy Railroad Museum or the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu which is opening December this year. Located in the cultural district of Lake Charles, southwest Louisiana, this new 6000 square foot museum will showcase the story of the state’s rich Mardi Gras culture heritage. The new space will house around 400 historic Mardi Gras costumes worn over the past 50 years, along with more than 15 animatronics that will guide visitors through the rich history of Mardi Gras.
There’s also Lake Charles’s Little Theatre where locals put on a variety of productions throughout the year, a Black Heritage Gallery that celebrates the work of African American artists and black culture, and Gallery by the Lake. Festivals are also a big thing here and if you can time your visit with one of their celebrations, such as the Louisiana Food and Wine festival, Mardi Gras or Louisiana Pirate Festival, you’re in for a real treat.
Where to stay in Lake Charles
When heading to Lake Charles, Louisiana, we couldn’t recommend the L’Auberge Resort enough. A beautiful casino hotel that stands tall against a picturesque backdrop, it provides the ideal place for your break away. Each of the rooms are designed with relaxation in mind and most provide incredible views from floor to ceiling windows, where you can watch the sunset over the waters below. You can relax in their pool areas complete with private cabanas and a lazy river, head to the spa for a treatment, or take a flutter in their world-class casino. There are seven restaurants on site, from seafood hotspot Drago’s, to a steakhouse, grille and wine bar and more. You can make the most of live entertainment in the evenings and if you’re one for golf, their sprawling course offers a fantastic chance to get some games in.
Where to eat in Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a city with a thriving culinary scene which you need to make the most of during your trip. While there are so many places to eat, some of our top spots include:
The Bekery
This charming French-inspired bakery is the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch. Not only does The Bekery look absolutely beautiful from the outside, but the food is the best way to start your day. Enter to the smell of freshly baked pastries and tuck into fresh baguettes, cakes, croissants, quiches and more. Light floods in and the atmosphere is classy yet casual, where you can spend a languid morning sipping coffee and catching up with friends.
Famous Foods
If you’re having a picnic – which we highly recommend around the lake – head to Famous Foods. A local, no-frills source for homestyle BBQ plates, cracklings (pork rinds) & boudin sausage, it’s the ideal way to sample local cuisine in the best way.
Chart House at Golden Nugget
When looking for a spot where you can indulge in the most incredible sunset views alongside perfectly crafted dishes and mouth watering cocktails, Chart House at the Golden Nugget is your place. The decor here is sexy and sophisticated, with low-level lighting and soft music playing in the background. Head for post-dinner cocktails or indulge in their food menu for an unforgettable evening.
Salt Revival Oyster Co
There’s nothing like fresh oysters accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and Salt Revival Oyster Co. is your place. Chic, trends and with a focus on innovation and sustainability in aquaculture, the results are dishes that taste undeniably fresh and as though real care has gone into every aspect. Ideal for a date night or evening with friends, it’s a real must on your list. This was the first place I ever tried oysters and I have to say, it set the bar almost impossibly high for any future orders!
Luna South
Louisiana is known for its music and if you want to dine in a spot that encapsulates this spirit perfectly, Luna South is an effortless choice. Complete with music-themed decor and a menu as lively as the bands that play in the background, there’s something for everyone.
What to do in Lake Charles
Lake Charles is a hotbed of activity, but one where you don’t feel the need to constantly be on the go – unless you wish to of course. It’s somewhere that lends itself to languid hours spent around the pool one day, and paddle boarding on the lake the next. You can’t leave the city without taking part in a karaoke bike tour with Biking Through the Lake. Where else you can learn about the history of a location, sing along to Shania Twain and stop off for a frozen daiquiri mid-route?
Tour Port Wonder, where you can explore the new Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, and the LDWF Nature and Science Centre and be sure to take to the water for a pontoon boat ride. This relaxing trip enables you to sink back into sumptuously soft leather seats, feel the gentle spray of water in the air and take in the city from another angle, learning more about the location while also just marvelling in the beauty it offers. Spend a day getting lost downtown, where there are a myriad of boutiques, cafes and thrift stores to explore, as well as incredible wall murals which lend a truly creative flair to the neighbourhood. You can’t leave Lake Charles without spending an evening (or two) exploring the local music scene, in particular at the Panorama Music House. Here you can enjoy live performances, a buzzing atmosphere and feel really immersed in the local music scene.
Lake Charles is a destination with so much to offer. It’s somewhere you can spend a couple of days, or a week or two depending on what you want to make of your trip. Combine it with a festival such as the Louisiana Food and Wine festival where you can experience the best of the city’s culinary scene, just be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid any disappointment if they sell out! Make the most of the beautiful sunshine by staying at the L’Auberge Lake Charles where you can float around the lazy river, cocktail in hand and take the time to just get lost down the local streets, taking in the sights and stumbling upon incredible local businesses. Lake Charles feels safe, friendly and like a home from home, something that cities often struggle with. It’s beautiful but with a whole lot of soul under the surface, making it a destination to return to time and time again.
Lake Charles
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