Ready for a fun-filled, action-packed 48 hours in Lake Charles? From adventurous outdoor activities to delightful local eats and hands-on museums, this itinerary has everything your family needs to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring nature, immersing in culture, or enjoying delicious cuisine, Lake Charles offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure for every family member!
DAY 1
4:00 p.m.
Arrive at one of our many hotels, settle in, and enjoy dinner at one of our mouthwatering restaurants. If you’re in the mood for a craft beer and sharing a delicious pizza with the family, head to Crying Eagle Brewing. If barbecue sounds appealing, visit Paul’s Rib Shack Barbecue. These restaurants feature adult and kid-friendly options. Get a good night’s rest before your big day filled with family fun.
DAY 2
8:00 a.m.
Start your day at Coffee:30 on College Street with gourmet coffee and fluffy, powdered, sugar-dusted beignets. Adults try a café au lait and order hot cocoa for the kids. Enjoy the Chicken Lake Charles for breakfast or try the Alligator Benedict: An English muffin with fried alligator bites, over-easy eggs, Creole remoulade, and Cajun Hollandaise. For the kids, options include pancakes, a breakfast platter, or French toast.
10:00 a.m.
After breakfast, head downtown to the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. This public gallery hosts traveling exhibitions from around the world, including the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake, which showcase regional and local artists. Explore three floors of gallery space, a charming clock tower, and a beautiful landscaped plaza—all with free admission for the whole family. The center offers live music, arts and crafts, and cultural immersion throughout the year through art exhibitions.
12:30 p.m.
Take a stroll and fuel up downtown at Pujo St. Café on Ryan Street. Savor Louisiana cuisine: crab ravioli, fresh crab stuffed shrimp, or piled-high po’boys (shrimp, oyster, catfish). For the young ones, there’s the legendary “Lake Charles’ Best Burger.” Don’t miss the Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce - a heavenly combo of warm, custardy bread and boozy rum sauce.
1:30 p.m.
Then head to Port Wonder (opening early April) on North Lakeshore Drive near Interstate 10 along the Lake Charles lakefront. Home to The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Nature and Science Center, these attractions offer interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, arts and crafts stations, and freshwater and saltwater aquariums. It’s an educational adventure the whole family will enjoy. For nursing moms or families with toddlers, the Children's Museum offers a comfortable and private nursing room, nestled within a toddler-friendly playroom.
5:00 p.m.
Take in the view at Bord du Lac Park and enjoy a relaxing walk along the waterfront. Let the kids play at the Millennium Park playground and enjoy the scenic views of the lake as you take in one of Southwest Louisiana’s breathtaking sunsets.
7:00 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious seafood meal with a scenic view at Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake. Try local favorites like boiled crawfish (hot & spicy), crabs, seafood dinners, crawfish and shrimp pistolettes, gumbo, etouffee, po-boys & stuffed potatoes.
DAY 3
8:00 a.m.
Start your day in downtown Sulphur with a fresh coffee or smoothie from The Village Coffeehouse. Enjoy fresh pastries like homemade cinnamon rolls or order a garlic cheddar biscuit sandwich.
9:00 a.m.
Make your way to Almosta Ranch and enjoy your Sunday surrounded by adorable animals you can pet, take a scenic hayride (weather permitting), or enjoy a whimsical barrel train ride. Top it off with a pony ride (reservations recommended) for unforgettable family memories.
12:00 p.m.
Head back to Lake Charles for lunch at The Terrace Restaurant at Lake Area Adventures. From juicy burgers to elevated flatbreads, award-winning chef Amanda Cusey has crafted a menu with options for all appetites, including children.
1:00 p.m.
Let the kids run free at Lake Area Adventures, where they can jump, climb, swim, and play games. The 35,000-square-foot family entertainment center offers a variety of adventures, and even the grown-ups can join in on the fun.
4:00 p.m.
Wrap up your 48 hours in Southwest Louisiana with a relaxing dinner at Luna Bar & Grill South. Savor the flavors and pack up those happy memories (until your next visit, of course!).
With your 48 hours complete, we hope you’ve made lasting memories in Lake Charles! Don’t forget to tag your adventure photos using #VisitLakeCharles to inspire others and start planning your next fun-filled getaway today!
