Romance can take many forms in Lake Charles. Plan a weekend around quiet spa visits, intimate dinners, and comfortable vacation rentals, or spend time exploring the city’s cultural venues together with this itinerary as your guide.
Day 1: Sunset Strolls & Fine Dining
Morning – Coffee & a Gentle Start
Rise and shine at a cozy neighborhood café, like Coffee:30, where couples can share beignets, or The Bekery, a Parisian-inspired spot that serves quiche and croissants under chandeliers. Then stroll downtown, lined with murals and a few boutique shops, or along the scenic Lakefront Promenade.
Midday – Culture & Shared Experiences
For an afternoon of shared discovery, visit one of Lake Charles’ museums. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum celebrates Southwest Louisiana history through art and artifacts that date back to the region’s Native American roots. 1911 Historic City Hall, the historic site featuring three floors of exhibit space including the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. DPR Gallery, also located in Downtown Lake Charles features exhibits and events that spark conversation and engages the audience directly with the works.
Later, stop for a leisurely lunch at 121 Artisan Bistro, a rustic-chic eatery specializing in Italian-meets-Louisiana comforts like crab cakes, Parmesan shrimp, and crawfish fettuccine.
Evening – Date Night by the Water
Enjoy a lakeside picnic at North Beach as the sky softens into warm evening hues, then linger over a romantic dinner at one of the city’s fine dining restaurants. Among them, Mazen’s is a mainstay for upscale Mediterranean cuisine in a lofty space bedecked with chandeliers and vibrant art.
Start with grilled quail or carpaccio, and indulge in steaks, rack of lamb, or any of Mazen’s incredible seafood dishes. Then, head to The L Bar at L’Auberge Casino Resort for a nightcap and live music.
Day 2: Spa Time, Scenic Views & Sweet Treats
Morning – Couples Spa & Relaxation
Ease into the morning with a couple’s treatment at a renowned spa. Casino resorts, like Golden Nugget’s Spa & Salon, offer elegant wellness experiences with packages for two, while Alevan Salon Spa Sanctuary is a tranquil oasis, complete with a mimosa bar, pergola-covered patio, fire pit, and koi pond.
Midday – Outdoor Adventure & Leisure
Keep the serenity going with a stroll through nature or on the water. The Charpentier Historic District, featuring 40 blocks of Victorian-style homes, offers a walk through tree-lined history. Another historic route is Shell Beach Drive, which weaves along the southern shore of Lake Charles, lined with stately manors, lush gardens, and vintage boathouses.
For more adventure, rent a couple’s kayak from Bayou Adventures and explore the wooded wonders of Sam Houston Jones State Park. Afterwards, circle back along Shell Beach Drive for a lakeside lunch at Laguna’s, a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seating and balcony views.
Evening – Dessert & Nightlife
Start the night on a sweet note at Twanie’s Terrific Treats, a local favorite for indulgent desserts. For the main event, reserve a table at Pat’s of Henderson, known for Cajun comfort dishes like fried alligator and stuffed snapper.
If you’re looking for a more romantic evening, consider dinner at Ember Grille and Wine Bar followed by a nightcap with live music at Blu Martini.
Where to Stay: Comfortable Hotels
From lavish resort-style hotels to vacation rentals, there’s a romantic destination for every couple here. Casino resorts offer lake views, fine dining restaurants, and endless entertainment, while hotels provide more intimate and relaxed accommodations, balancing comfort with atmosphere.
The Marco Hotel places you within minutes of downtown dining, the lakefront, and the city’s major casinos. And it doesn’t get any more quaint than Aunt Ruby’s Bed & Breakfast, a charming inn dating back to 1911 in the Charpentier Historic District.
Plan Your Visit
Looking to make your getaway feel more special? Enjoy a wine tasting at Bodega Restaurant & Wine Bar, and join a couples’ cooking class at Pasta Lab. To fully immerse yourselves in Southwest Louisiana culture, join a private fishing charter or rent a tandem kayak for one last adventure. Start planning your next romantic escape, and let Lake Charles set the pace for unhurried days together.
