Lake Charles, LA: The Perfect Spring Break Destination
Whether you’re a student spending the week off from campus or just need a break from the humdrum of everyday life, a spring break vacation is a suitable way to relax and further explore the world around you. Lake Charles, LA, is one destination that satisfies casual and adventurous tastes.
From attending a festival to trekking the nearby parks and forests, a spring break in Lake Charles can lead you to experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Come along with our team at Rjourney as we guide you through the many attractions and activities to do during your spring break stay in Lake Charles, LA.
Why Visit Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles is an ideal vacation destination because of the numerous seasonal and year-round activities. Known as the Festival Capital of Louisiana, Lake Charles doesn’t get that name for no reason, as it hosts over 75 yearly festivals. In addition to this, there are also countless year-round attractions such as museums, parks, and shopping areas. With so much to do, filling a week of fun in Lake Charles is easy, especially over the spring.
Attractions in Lake Charles, LA
When planning your Lake Charles getaway, it’s best to start with learning what attractions pique your interest. Various destinations that capture different interests are all across the area. Whether you want to stay closer to downtown or explore what the great outdoors offer, Lake Charles has something for everyone.
Museums and Historical Sites in Lake Charles, LA
Discover the rich and lively history of Lake Charles through the various museums and historical sites found throughout town. Among the most popular destinations include the following:
- 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center. A public art and history gallery with various traveling exhibitions and two permanent exhibits for guests to explore.
- Imperial Calcasieu Museum. A museum that explores the area’s local history and heritage, emphasizing the arts.
- DeQuincy Railroad Museum. A railroad history display with a steam engine, passenger car, caboose, and much more.
- Charpentier Historic District. A historic space covering 40 blocks of downtown Lake Charles, filled with an extensive collection of historic buildings in Victorian architecture.
Casinos in Lake Charles, LA
Do you want to try your luck while in Louisiana? Lake Charles is a great place to do so, with several casinos in the area. Among the most popular destinations is the Golden Nugget, a top-notch destination with an 18-hole golf course, spa, and more. Another premier option is the L’Auberge Casino Resort, a sweeping experience with over 85 table games and 400 slot machines.
Festivals in Lake Charles, LA
As mentioned, Lake Charles is commonly known as the Festival Capital of Louisiana with its many annual festivals, including the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the state. However, if you plan to stay during the spring, you’ll want to align your stay with one of the fantastic springtime events to participate in the festivities yourself.
Here are some to consider attending:
Louisiana Pirate Festival
Hosted in early May each year along the shores of historic Lake Charles, the Louisiana Pirate Festival is a swashbuckling celebration with events on land and sea. You and your family and friends can enjoy carnival rides, costume contests, local vendors, and several talented musicians and performers throughout the festival grounds.
Iowa Rabbit Festival
Commonly held in mid-March, the Iowa Rabbit Festival in nearby Iowa, LA, is an annual festival to increase awareness of the local rabbit processing industry. During the jam-packed festival, festival-goers will enjoy the sights and sounds of a carnival, pageant, and rabbit show. On top of that, performers and musicians put on shows throughout the festival’s duration.
Restaurants in Lake Charles, LA
Whether it’s lunchtime or near the end of a fun-filled day, you, your family, and your friends deserve a great meal to enjoy. Across Lake Charles, there are several restaurants that satisfy various tastes. However, it’s hard to ignore the famed Cajun cuisine of the area. Here are some popular restaurants to try out during your stay in Lake Charles:
- Leonard’s Food Quarters. A family-run eatery that serves customers traditional Louisiana-style Cajun-Creole cuisine and soul food.
- Pujo Street Cafe. An aesthetic cafe with an extensive menu of meat dishes, sandwiches, rotating specials, and wine tastings.
- KD’s Diner. A classic diner serving breakfast and American staples in an old-timey setting.
- Steamboat Bill’s on the Lake. A large and bustling fish house serving Cajun seafood in nautical-themed quarters.
- Luna Bar & Grill Downtown. California-accented Louisiana eats in an easygoing bar and eatery with frequent live music performances.
Outdoor Activities in Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles has numerous outdoor destinations to explore and activities to partake in. From fishing and crabbing to strolling along the lakeside beaches or park trails, take in the fresh Louisiana air easily throughout your stay in Lake Charles. Let’s dive deeper into what outdoor destinations are throughout the area.
Parks in Lake Charles, LA
Since there are countless parks throughout Louisiana, it should be no surprise that Lake Charles also has a wide range of parks to explore. Whether you want to explore the lakeside of Prien Lake Park or head into the 1,087 acres of Sam Houston Jones State Park, the parks of Lake Charles make it easy to see what the Louisiana environment has in store.
Creole Nature Trail
Starting in neighboring Sulpher, the Creole Nature Trail is a long and scenic route for road travelers to explore the diverse wildlife of Louisiana. With alligators, over 400 species of birds, and marshlands flowing with vast amounts of wildlife, the Creole Nature Trail is an ideal path for birdwatching, nature observing, and exploration.
Stay at the Best RV Resort in Louisiana With Rjourney
If you’re looking for a place to stay during your Lake Charles, LA, adventure, look no further than Rjourney. Take in the warmer climate at our Lake Charles RV resort and enjoy our amenities that will make you feel right at home. Situated along Interstate 10, you also have quick and easy access to the fun in Lake Charles and Iowa. Contact us online to plan your stay today!