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Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a city full of contrasts existing together in perfect harmony. The city has a Cajun heritage with a Texas flair. Gambling and big city entertainment and an unabashed love of the joys of nature. Laid back yet bold and brash. A unique and oh so charming place to visit.
Located in Southwest Louisiana, Lake Charles is located along the banks of the Calcazien River and borders both Lake Charles and Prien Lake. Contraband Bayou, English Bayou and Henderson Bayou flow through the city. Oak trees and pines dot the landscape.
What To Do
The Creole Nature Trail was designated an All-American Road in 2002. Spanning 180 miles, it was among the first National Scenic Byways in the Gulf South. “Louisiana’s Outback” is one of America’s “Last Great Wilderness.” Travel along the Creole Nature All-American Road is a trip through wild, rugged terrain unique to Louisiana.
See alligators, over 40 species of birds and marshlands teeming with life. The trail features 26 miles of Gulf beaches with fishing and crabbing areas. These beaches have a wealth of shells, enough to satisfy even the most avid collector.
With just a few supplies from a local bait shop, you can try your hand at crabbing. Louisiana blue crabs are easy to catch. The fish are always jumping here. Local guides can take you to the hot spots. In Louisiana, you can fish year round.
After your day outdoors, what could be better than a night on the town! You’ll find some of the most luxurious resort casinos east of Las Vegas in Lake Charles. Try your hand at gaming or dance the night away.
If you enjoy gaming, try these casinos that were chosen as the 3 Best Casinos in Lake Charles:
- L’Auberge Casino Resort
- Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
- Buddy’s Casino
Lake Charles is known for its amazing Cajun cuisine. A freshwater shellfish that is considered a Louisiana delicacy is the crawfish, aka mudbug. Enjoy a crawfish boil, crawfish stew and etouffee. Fish, crab, oysters, and shrimp are also frequently seen on menus in Lake Charles.
Another Cajun staple, boudin, is made from Louisiana long grain rice, pork, liver, onions and special spices made into a sausage. Boudin recipes are passed down from generation to generation.
Creole food is also very popular. While Creole and Cajun food are similar, they use different ingredients. Typically, Cajun food is spicier than Creole food and it also contains more pork and crawfish. Creole food uses ingredients like tomatoes, shrimp, oysters and crab.
While you’re in Lake Charles, try the 10 Best Cajun and Creole Restaurants as chosen by the users of TripAdvisor.
- Southern Spice Restaurant
- Biscuits & Jamz
- Rita’s Creole Family Kitchen
- Luna Bar & Grill
- Steamboat Bill’s
- Seafood Palace
- Leonard’s Food Quarters
- Nina-P’s Cafe
- Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux – Lake Charles Restaurant
- Kelly’s Cajun Grill
Hotel Deals
People planning to visit Lake Charles now will be happy to learn many of the hotels are offering some great deals. These discounted rates can save you money on your stay.
- Wingate by Wyndham Lake Charles Casino Area: 30% Discount
- Horseshoe Lake Charles Hotel & Casino: 30% Discount
- Days Inn by Wyndham Lake Charles: 30% Discount
- Wingate by Wyndham Near Lake Charles: 30% Discount
- Days Inn by Wyndham Sulphur West: 30% Discount
- Howard Johnson by Wyndham Historic Lake Charles: 30% Discount
- OYO Hotel Sulphur: 24% Discount
- Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel: 20% Discount
- America’s Best Value Inn: 15% Discount
- America Inn of Kinder: 10% Discount
- Fairway Inn: 10% Discount
- Deluxe Inn Motel: 10% Discount
- Relax Inn: 6% Discount
- L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Resort: 5% Discount
- Kinder Inn: 5% Discount
And here are houses, condos and other rental units that might be perfect for your trip. Take a look at these rental options.