Lake Charles, located in beautiful southwest Louisiana, sits on the shore of Lake Charles, also bordered by Prien Lake. You have your pick of outdoor entertainment, live music, and colorful Louisiana parades. A dramatic history permeates the culture of this beautiful Creole city, thanks to the centuries-past invasion of the Pirate Jean Lafitte.

1. Explore the wetlands

You don’t know what you’re made of until you’ve been eye-to-eye with a big ole’ gator. Get on board one of the many airboat tours in Lake Charles and ooze into the famous Louisiana swampland. Even if you don’t spot an alligator, you’ll learn why the haunting Louisiana landscape has attracted so many brooding vampires (and brooding novelists).

2. Eat

You’ll run into some colorful characters and brass bands, so make sure you’re feeling wide awake from the get-go. Get coffee and brunch from Stellar Beans, or visit Southern Spice Restaurant and Grill good for a traditional Gulf meal – indulgent Creole staples, seafood, and probably more than you’ll ever finish.

Popular local options for fresh seafood include Steamboat Bill’s and Luna’s Bar and Grill. Steamboat Bill’s is highly-recognized seafood establishment in southwest Louisiana. Luna’s offers a more grown-up atmosphere, with an upscale bar and regular live music.

3. Music

While you’re in town, check the concert schedule for the Lake Charles Symphony. Going strong since the 1950s, the symphony performs regular local concerts and forms the cornerstone of local performing arts.

Visit Ryan Street for a selection of bars and restaurants that regularly host live music. You’ll find piano bars, jazz, and hopefully some zydeco on a weekend evening.

At the L’Auberge Casino, you’ll find a wide variety of live music performances, as well as table games, poker, and slots.

4. Sightsee

Sequin me timbers. Lafitte sure made an impression with his poofy pirate sleeves. Come to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcascieu to admire the ruffly, puffy, over-the-top splendor of Mardis Gras costumes over the years. You’ll learn the history of the quintessential Louisiana celebration, and get swept up in the long trains of former parade queens.

Got a soft spot for pirates? Don’t we all. Pillage and plunder Lake Charles during the first 2 weeks of May for Contraband Days, the official celebration of the arrival of Pirate Jean Lafitte! In one of the largest Louisiana holidays, residents gather to sample local musical and culinary talent. “Contraband” refers to the treasure Lafitte supposedly buried somewhere near Lake Charles. Dust off the metal detector! And set sail for our Lake Charles corporate housing.