Grab your girls and get ready for a getaway packed with joy! From star-studded casino entertainment and indulging in self-care to discovering new flavors at a wine tasting or creating a commemorative keepsake, Lake Charles has big-city entertainment perfectly blended with small-town charm. Check out our 8 must-do activities perfect for your girls' trip or last celebration before your big day.
Plan an Upscale Stay
Our casino resorts are micro-destinations featuring lazy rivers, spectacular pools, spas, casual and upscale dining, and a variety of gaming opportunities. In addition to luxury amenities, these properties have exciting nightlife and often host top entertainers.
For an unplugged retreat, rent a fully furnished cabin at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The screen-in porches are perfect for making late-night s'mores in the fireplace or stargazing with a glass of wine. Similarly, Bayou Glamping takes camping to the next level. Enjoy a private or semi-private retreat with furnished glamping tents, a communal firepit, and peaceful views of the river.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
The Golden Nugget Lake Charles has a brand ethos that speaks for itself, so you…
L'Auberge Casino Resort
Go ahead, let your hair down. Spend an afternoon and call it a vacation. Play a…
Horseshoe Lake Charles
The 60,000-square-foot property showcases the ultimate gaming experience for…
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel/Vinton
Delta Downs offers fast-pace casino action with more than 1,600 of the hottest…
Sam Houston Jones State Park
Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western…
Bayou Glamping Co.
Bayou Glamping Co is a riverside retreat for glamping in SWLA. Enjoy modern…
Organize a Self-Care Day 
Plan a self-care day packed with pampering at one of Lake Charles' luxurious spas or wellness centers. Head to Mantra Yoga Center for instructor-led classes, meditation, and more! The Golden Nugget Spa & Salon offers a range of treatments from massages to facials, perfect for a day of relaxation with friends. L’Auberge’s Spa du Lac offers guests a serene environment with refreshing services. Alevan Salon and Spa and Scarborough’s Salon and Day Spa offer an upscale lineup of treatments and services that cater to your rejuvenation from head to toe.
Organize a Self-Care Day 
Plan a self-care day packed with pampering at one of Lake Charles' luxurious spas or wellness centers. Head to Mantra Yoga Center for instructor-led classes, meditation, and more! The Golden Nugget Spa & Salon offers a range of treatments from massages to facials, perfect for a day of relaxation with friends. L’Auberge’s Spa du Lac offers guests a serene environment with refreshing services. Alevan Salon and Spa and Scarborough’s Salon and Day Spa offer an upscale lineup of treatments and services that cater to your rejuvenation from head to toe.
Wine and Dine with Your Besties
Enjoy weekly wine tastings at Vin Ami Boutique Wines & Spirits and Lake Street Liquor, and happy hour at Hokus Pokus Liquor. For a more intimate setting, book a private room at Bodega Wine Dive and choose from appetizers, Italian-inspired entrees, and a delicious collection of wines.
Rouge et Blanc Wine and Food Festival is a beloved celebration of cuisine and wine in Southwest Louisiana. Dozens of chefs and wine experts adorn the quad at McNeese State University, sharing their industry expertise for a great cause! The Louisiana Food and Wine Festival is a four-day all-inclusive tasting event, showcasing over 300 culinary, wine, beer, and spirits, celebrity chefs, and 40 local and regional restaurants.
If bourbon is more of your style, plan your trip around Smoke & Barrel, a fall tasting event featuring over 80 bourbons, whiskeys, and mouth-watering BBQ from top pitmasters.
Enjoy a Friendly Competition
From fierce pickleball games to thrilling laser tag tournaments, Lake Charles has your competitive drive covered! Game2Life is a multi-level entertainment complex with axe throwing, laser combat, pickleball, golf simulators, and delicious bites!
Bayou Games is a 31-acre paintball and airsoft complex in Sulphur. Groups can choose from a broad range of activities catering to varying skill levels, including traditional paintball and gellyball. Looking to flex your mental muscles? Test your team's wits while racing against the clock at one of the thrilling simulations at Bayou Escape Rooms.
Soak in the Scenery
Explore Southwest Louisiana's beautiful outdoor scenery during your girls' trip! From picturesque sunsets to colorful murals and street art, there are plenty of Instagrammable locations throughout town. Craft the perfect Bridgerton-themed playlist for an evening picnic with Magical Moments near the Lakefront or at Prien Lake Park.
Looking to grab the perfect selfie with alligators? Take a drive along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, home to over 400 bird species, colorful wildflowers, and plenty of alligators. Plan an early morning hike or venture through the marshes of Sam Houston Jones State Park. Bayou Adventure's kayak kiosk makes exploring the waterways at your own pace a breeze.
Take A Class
No matter the size of your party, you'll love learning a new skill or creating something to commemorate your time together. The Art Factory, Paint & Fire, Painting with a Twist, and Lil' Art House, popular art studios, offer instructor-led craft sessions and private bookings. Follow along to a template or create your own unique pieces with a private hat bar party at Bespoke Hat Co.
If your girls have a sweet tooth, plan a cupcake or cake decorating course at Pronia's Deli and Bakery, where they'll walk you through the delicious decorating process. Want to learn a dance style before the big day? Central School Arts and Humanities Center houses a few dance studios that offer drop-in lessons.
Attend a Show
Southwest Louisiana is home to dozens of live entertainment venues. Nearly every weekend, you'll find captivating theatrical performances, soulful entertainers, and chart-topping acts gracing the stage. Our casino resorts and Lake Charles Event Center frequently bring in award-winning touring artists and comedians. Intimate venues like Southlake Theater feature state-of-the-art performances, immersing the audience in an unforgettable experience.
Top Live Music Venues in Lake Charles, Louisiana
- 9 minute read
Whether you're craving Cajun rhythms, bluesy jams, Zydeco energy, or chart-topping acts, Lake Charles, Louisiana, delivers live music experiences that match the soul of Southwest Louisiana. From our luxury casino resorts to cozy stages, Lake Charles offers a rich mix of venues where…
Wrap Up with Brunch
Whether wrapping up your fun-filled weekend or easing into the activities for the day, brunch is a must-have on your itinerary. Upscale eateries like Chart House and The Villa Harlequin will cater to your sweet and savory food and drink cravings and the elegant atmosphere is perfect for photos. For a more laid back vibe head to Biscuits n Jamz or Coffee:30 Café, where unique culinary creations like seafood grits, stuffed French toast, and cookies 'n cream beignets will capture your taste buds!
Looking for live entertainment while you dine? Don't miss popular weekend brunches featuring local Zydeco and Jazz musicians like Zydeco Brunch at Panorama Music House, Sunday Jazz Brunch at Luna Bar & Grill Downtown, or the Brew-zy Brunch at Crying Eagle Brewing-University.
Plan Your Visit
Grab your girls and head to Louisiana's Playground for an unforgettable girls getaway! Make the most of your trip and time your visit with popular annual festivals and events like the Louisiana Food and Wine Festival, Mardi Gras, or Rum Revival. Planning to tie the knot in Lake Charles? Check out our weddings for venue recommendations and more!