Visit Lake Charles, LA

VISIT LAKE CHARLES

Louisiana’s Playground

Soak in the blend of intriguing contrasts from Cajun/Creole cooking to luxurious surroundings and outdoor recreation in Louisiana’s Playground. Home to two gaming resort properties, L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget, both boast championship golf courses. Play Tom Fazio’s Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge or the Country Club at Golden Nugget, named the #1 course in Louisiana in Golfweek’s Best of 2021! While on property at either resort, you can enjoy lazy rivers with swim-up bars, the warm glow of firepits overlooking the beach, live music or get a spa treatment or two – not to mention fine or casual dining on site. Nearby, The National Golf Club of Louisiana, named as one of the Top 5 Public Courses in Louisiana, recently underwent renovations with their new restaurant – “The Max.” Louisiana signature dishes are on the menu, so you’ll want to make sure you save room for a filling, classic Louisiana meal. Another stand-out is Mallard Golf Club south of town in Lake Charles – complete with preserved Louisiana’s wetlands throughout the course. Also featuring a driving range, you’ll notice wildlife, birds and indigenous plants are sprinkled throughout the Scottish links course. While in town, explore downtown Lake Charles for dining and shopping or art exhibits. Crowd favorites downtown include Luna Bar & Grill, The Villa, Pujo Street Café, Botsky’s Premium Hotdogs and Buffi’s Peaux Boys for dining or Stellar Beans for beignets and coffee. Seasonally, festivals and events are held in the streets of downtown from art walks to music festivals or culinary events. Kayak, canoe or paddleboard rentals are popular experiences for people who want to glide out on the waterways surrounding the Lake Area. For night cruising, Lake City Cruisers lighted bike rentals offer guided tours around along the lakefront. Nearby, Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is the perfect launchpad to the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road for walking trails and shelling along Gulf Beaches while spotting an alligator or two! Other hot spots include South Beach Volleyball with 9 white sand volleyball courts, complemented by a bar & grill. Or, for a cold brew, check out Crying Eagle Brewing Company. Here, patrons can enjoy an outside beer garden, stage with live music, wine and spirits, games and The Bistro for stone fired pizza and more. A trot down the road, enjoy Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel for games of chance, dining experiences, and of course, horseracing! For more information on where to stay, jazz and blues brunches, live music and more, check out VisitLakeCharles.org.