If you want affordable Las Vegas-style recreation and fun, think Lake Charles, Louisiana. First-class casino resorts, fine dining, and non-stop entertainment await you in a place known for friendly good times. Here are some ideas for your stay in Lake Charles.
Stay at a Luxury Casino Resort
Southwest Louisiana is a gaming haven with four world class resorts rivaling those anywhere in the country.
L’Auberge Casino Resort has enticed visitors with its deluxe accommodations for almost two decades. This towering 26-story resort boasts over 1,000 deluxe rooms and luxury suites. Test your luck at the sprawling casino floor featuring 1,400 slots, thrilling video poker, action-packed sports betting at the sportsbook, and 82 classic table games. Beyond the casino, indulge in fine dining at the resort's diverse restaurants, explore unique shops, and unwind at vibrant bars. When relaxation calls, take a dip in the refreshing pool area featuring a lazy river and cabanas, perfect for soaking up the Texas sun.
Golden Nugget, synonymous with quality, takes its Lake Charles casino to new heights. Wake up in your luxury room with a stunning lake view as your backdrop. Step out to enjoy world-class gambling (over 1,6000 slots, live-action poker tables, and 87 table games), vibrant nightlife, and a variety of Landry’s restaurants. And if that's not enough, there’s a two-acre heated pool complex with cabanas, bars, water slides, and a lazy river, ensuring the ultimate relaxation.
Horseshoe Lake Charles, operated by Caesars Entertainment, offers a luxurious escape with a more intimate feel. This 253-room property boasts all the excitement you crave under one roof. Test your luck at the casino featuring over 800 slot machines and 40-plus table games, including a prestigious poker room. If you want to enjoy sports betting, head to the Caesars Sportsbook. Refuel your energy with delicious meals from several on-site restaurants.
Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino & Hotel, conveniently located just a short 30-minute drive from Lake Charles, is a fantastic choice. The resort boasts all your favorite games, a selection of deluxe rooms, and plenty of dining options. What truly sets it apart is the thrilling racetrack, hosting some of the best horse racing in the region. If you’re a fan of the ponies, this is the place for you!
Unwind with a Massage
Nothing says vacation like a relaxing massage. Both the L’Auberge Casino Resort and the Golden Nugget feature in-house spas to help you unwind. L’Auberge’s Spa du Lac is a spacious facility devoted to comfort, providing an array of treatments, saunas, whirlpools, vanity areas, and private locker rooms. Golden Nugget’s Spa & Salon is a beacon for luxury with massage, wax, and facial treatments alongside relaxing hot tubs.
As you explore Lake Charles, consider other spas throughout the city. Alevan Spa is a modern relaxation haven with a variety of facial, waxing, and massage options, including hot stone and deep tissue. Scarborough’s Salon & Day Spa is another popular local option that offers custom day-vacation packages, as well as bridal and couples services.
Enjoy Down Home Eateries and Fine Dining Establishments
Southern Louisiana is a food lover’s paradise with high-energy restaurant options in and around Lake Charles casino resorts.
Horseshoe Lake Charles is home to a Gordon Ramsay eatery (Gordon Ramsay Steak) and the place to go for perfectly cooked, aged steaks. At L’Auberge, the Johnny Sánchez franchise doles out gourmet Mexican dishes inspired by the award-winning TV chef.
Nestled in the historic district, 1910 is the place for high-end dining with local favorites such as shrimp and grits, boquerones, and quail bombs. The James 710 features globally inspired Southern dishes using local ingredients and an inspired craft cocktail menu.
Craving down-home Louisiana classics? Mama Reta’s Kitchen serves up her legendary fried chicken, ready for quick and easy drive-thru pick-up.
Panorama Music House and Luna Bar and Grill (South & Downtown) feature weekend brunch with live music. For tasty craft brews, head to Crying Eagle Brewing Company or Rikenjaks Brewery Company for great beers, good food, and live music.
Play a Round of Golf
Lake Charles offers a variety of stunning golf courses at its clubs and casino resorts. Tee off at Mallard Golf Club, known for its Scottish-links inspiration, or Contraband Bayou Golf Course, designed by Tom Fazio and located at L'Auberge. After your game at the Country Club at Golden Nugget, unwind with a delicious lunch at Chart House.
Explore Nature
For a well-balanced visit, become one with nature in Lake Charles.
Sam Houston Jones State Park features a trio of trails, boat launches, luxury cabins, and great opportunities for bird watching. The Lakefront Promenade at Bord du Lac Park provides a picturesque waterfront setting perfect for a walk. Explore the wonders of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, a scenic 180-mile route teeming with wildlife. Spot alligators basking in the sun or soaring birds along the scenic byway.
For guided outings, join Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours on a boat tour. If you’d like to hop on a fishing charter, you’ll find plenty of outfitters available.
Let Loose at a Festival
Lake Charles is also a vibrant hub for festivals throughout the year! Immerse yourself in the region's unique culture and infectious energy at joyous extravaganzas.
This is Home Fest is a free springtime event where you can enjoy local music, food, and culture celebrating southern Louisiana heritage. Juneteenth Freedom Festival is a four-day event celebrating African American culture with a variety of activities. And, of course, there’s Mardi Gras filled with parades, food, and fun!
Come and experience the magic of Lake Charles–your Vegas on a budget escape filled with excitement, delicious food, and Southern hospitality!
