Get a bird's-eye-view of Lake Charles and its attractions at the Lake Charles Visitor Center, the ideal place to begin your stay. Chat with the knowledgeable staff over a cup of coffee, ask questions, look at maps and make reservations. The Bord du Lac (“next to the lake”) Park has a walking path, picnic tables with grills, a marina, a children’s play area and an interactive fountain. You may prefer to get around the park via a horse-drawn carriage, stepping back into old-time Louisiana: you can do that here as well. Spend a moment at the 9/11 memorial before moving on.
If you want a casino experience, then L’Auberge du Lac (“the inn on the lake”) Casino is for you. Lots of machines and all the games you might expect to find. Excellent restaurants, a good rewards program and friendly staff round out the picture. Next, head over to the Sam Houston Jones State Park, one of Louisiana’s prettiest areas, where you can picnic under Spanish moss draped over trees by the river or take energetic hiking trails that will ensure a good night’s sleep. There is a deer pen along with a great range of wildlife on view. (Oh, and in case you were wondering: Sam Houston Jones was a governor of Louisiana).
The World War II destroyer USS Orleck, now a museum ship with the tagline “Remember, honor, restore, educate,” is berthed in Lake Charles. You can explore the destroyer and learn about her roles in the Second World War, the Korean conflict, and even a stint in the Turkish navy… and you also may be interested in some of the ancillary activities, such as public laser tag on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If your children are too young for the USS Orleck’s laser tag fun, do not despair: they will have a wonderful time getting to know Lake Charles at the Children’s Museum. Three floors of exhibits and activities await, with interactive spaces that include the Louisiana wetlands, the Sweet Lake & Gulf Railroad, a nature center, a very large mouth that will teach kids about dental hygiene from very close up, a Bernoulli cannon and much more. Louisiana is famous for its food, its hospitality, and the fun.
Stay at one of the Lake Charles hotels above and get the best of all three. Take a moment and book with Choice Hotels today.