Two-Day Itinerary in Lake Charles

Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

DAY ONE: Downtown Delights

Downtown Lake Charles, a micro-destination unto itself, offers a culturally rich, activity-filled, historic area of Lake Charles that boasts great restaurants, stunning sunset lake views, parks and playgrounds and locally-owned boutique shopping in a walkable district.

(BREAKFAST): The Bekery, LLC.

Fresh baguettes, scones, biscuits, muffins, quiche, coffee, and more delicious treats are baked fresh daily. Located just blocks from the Lake Charles scenic Shell Beach Drive, the French-inspired bakery is light, open and airy, with chandeliers sparkling on the wall of windows, two areas for outdoor patio seating, and a coffee bar. The Bekery is now serving wine and champagne in the afternoons. Enjoy seasonal specialties like king cake, crawish cheddar quiche, and boudin filled croissants!

(MORNING): Past, Present, and Future

Spend the morning immersing yourself in every aspect of Southwest Louisiana culture. Start your day at Historic City Hall, located in the heart of Downtown Lake Charles. Explore three floors of cultural exhibits, including the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. Next, head to Port Wonder, the newest addition to the lakefront and home to the Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center. Touch tanks and saltwater habitats let you experience the ecosystems local to Lake Charles while learning about ongoing preservation efforts.

(LUNCH): Luna Bar & Grill Downtown

Luna Bar & Grill is a cultural cornerstone in Downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana. This local staple offers a diverse menu that mixes regional flavor with eclectic tastes. Don't miss their signature Luna Tuna or delectable Redfish entrees! It's a great choice for lunch or dinner, and even a special Jazz Brunch every Sunday. Luna’s prime location along the Mardi Gras parade route and in the heart of the downtown festival scene makes it a local favorite for celebrations any time of year.

(AFTERNOON): Historic Walking Tour

Experience Lake Charles like never before on a Historic Walking Tour hosted by the Imperial Calcasieu Museum that details the early lives of Lake Charles residents. Throughout the tour, learn about the city's founding, notable historical figures, and key events. Following the tour, enjoy downtown shopping at The Fair Vintage Market, hunt for your favorite vinyl records and music memorabilia at The Emporium and Album Addict, then shop for antiques and collectibles at Recent Relics.

(DINNER): The Villa Harlequin

The Villa Harlequin combines favorites from Italian and Louisiana influences to present dishes like Harlequin Crab Remick, Crab Royale, Creole Tomato Bisque with Lump Crab, and Shrimp & Crab salad with famous Harlequin House dressing. Enjoy a lively dinner in the heart of downtown Lake Charles.

(BREAKFAST): Coffee:30

Fuel up for your day with the scrumptious menu at Coffee:30 Café, which includes breakfast favorites such as the Chicken Lake Charles: a fresh biscuit, fried chicken, egg, apple-smoked bacon, and Cajun hollandaise sauce, or a fresh avocado toast on Artisanal Sourdough. Foodies with a sweet tooth will enjoy their fluffy beignets and Forever French Toast. Kick it up a notch with a flight of mimosas or coffee-flavored cocktails at the full-service bar.

(MORNING): Sam Houston Jones State Park

Sam Houston Jones State Park is a nature-lover’s paradise, with over 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, rivers, and hiking trails. Explore the newly added 500-foot boardwalk along the Calcasieu River and keep an eye out for wildlife, including over 200 migratory bird species. Kayak launches provide access to Calcasieu Lake. Book your kayak through the self-service kiosk, Bayou Adventure. RV parking, camping, and cabin rentals are bookable online.

Bayou Glamping Co. offers a riverside glamping retreat with fully furnished, air-conditioned glamping tents, a communal firepit, rentable kayaks, and a fishing deck.

(LUNCH): Crying Eagle Brewing Company

Opened in July 2016, Crying Eagle Brewing-University is a craft brewery with a unique vision for the entire family. The 4,000-square-foot taproom features plenty of comfortable indoor seating made for sampling the rotating line of beers you won’t be able to get anywhere else. Step outside to the beer garden to relax and enjoy Louisiana’s beautiful outdoors while playing a game of washers or cornhole. The Bistro features weekly specials, hand-rolled pizzas, Louisiana classic small bites, and more.

For a more elevated experience, opt for Crying Eagle Brewing-Lakefront, a 12,000-square-foot restaurant with sweeping views of the lakefront. Choose from indoor and outdoor dining, three full-service bars, and a stylish lounge area. Savor a menu blending Gulf seafood with Louisiana flavors and ten house-brewed beers on tap.

(AFTERNOON): Gators & Rum

Hit the open road in Louisiana’s Outback. Drive down the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to Pintail Wildlife Drive, a 3-mile driving loop known by locals as the best place to see wildlife. Alligators, birds, bobcats, otters, and more call this area home. Be sure to stop at the half-mile loop over water boardwalk to walk right out into the marsh!

Before you head back to Lake Charles, take a short detour down Interstate 10 to Bayou Rum – Louisiana Spirits Distillery. Distilled from locally grown fresh Louisiana sugarcane, their recupe uses 100% single estate molasses produced by the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United States. Tour the distillery and sample all the flavors!

(DINNER): RESTAURANT CALLA

Restaurant Calla stands as a culinary masterpiece, where each dish is a work of art, and every visit is an unforgettable experience. The menu features thoughtfully crafted culinary creations to showcase the freshest ingredients from local farms and waters. From the first bite to the last, each plate tells a story of passion and innovation, guided by a commitment to culinary excellence. Local favorites include the blue crab beignets, the Calla burger, and Brussels sprouts, in addition to exquisite seafood and flavorful steaks.