While Taylor Swift may not be performing in Lake Charles—YET, many of our locations evoke the same feelings you get when listening to her songs. Whether reliving the best moments from the Eras Tour, or planning a swiftie-inspired road trip, Lake Charles has plenty of romance, excitement, and picturesque locations. So hop in your getaway car and let the games begin as you explore 13 ballad-worthy locations in Louisiana's Playground!

"The Last Great American Dynasty"- Shell Beach Drive
"They picked out a home and called it Holiday House..."
Shell Beach Drive in Downtown Lake Charles is home to dozens of historic residences dating back to the 1800s. The Victorian architecture is remarkably preserved among homes along the Lakefront and within the Margaret Place and Charpentier Historic Districts. Nowadays parties and gatherings like the Charpentier District Front Porch Series and Jingle and Mingle are quite loud, but far from gauche.

"Style"-Golden Nugget
"We never go out of style..."
Step into the timeless elegance of Golden Nugget Lake Charles, where Vegas glam effortlessly blends with modern luxury. The world-class casino, upscale amenities, championship golf course, and pool paradise offer an elevated experience that never goes out of style.

"Our Song"-Panorama Music House
"Took a pen and an old napkin and wrote down our song..."
Looking to pen an ode to your significant other? Look no further than a live performance or an open mic night at Panorama Music House. The décor is a music enthusiast's dream with everything from exposed brick walls adorned with signed posters to multi-level views of the performance stage.

"The Lakes"-North Beach
"I'm sailing off, but not without my muse..."
Southwest Louisiana has five beaches and numerous waterways easily explored by boat or kayak. North Beach, the only white sand inland beach from Texas to "FLORIDA!!!", is great for families wanting to play pickleball and swim in Lake Charles or quiet reflection during an early morning run. Not to mention, a prime location for chasing the magnificent Southwest Louisiana sunsets.

"The Alchemy"-Crying Eagle Brewing
"Beer sticking to the floor, folks cheering..."
Whether watching the game, attending a concert, or sipping delicious beers, Crying Eagle Brewing is a great place to kick back with friends. The bistro offers unique takes on familiar favorites paired with delicious brews. From weekly trivia nights and karaoke to community festivals and fundraisers, it's more than just a brewery, it's the perfect way to experience Lake Charles's charm and Southern hospitality.

"Invisible String"-Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse
"You ate at my favorite spot for dinner..."
Plan the perfect date night or celebratory dinner over a delicious gourmet meal at Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse. Sip on a glass of wine from their extensive collection as you soak in the intimate atmosphere.

"Lover"- The Sallier Oak Tree
"There's a dazzling haze a mysterious way about you dear..."
Like any great love story, The Sallier Oak is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a bit of magic. The nearly four-century-old oak tree has survived numerous weather events from major hurricanes to historic floods. Situated directly behind the Imperial Calcasieu Museum,
The Sallier Oak is the perfect backdrop for a surprise proposal or intimate ceremony. The peaceful grounds hold a history of romance, heartbreak, and even an alleged illicit affair involving notorious pirate Jean Lafitte.

"You Are in Love"-Creole Nature Trail-All American Road
"You can hear it in the silence, feel it on the way home, see it with the lights out..."
There's beauty in silence and simplicity, and both can be found along the Creole Nature Trail-All American Road. The scenic byway also known as "Louisiana's Outback" is a great place to spot alligators, flora, fauna, and over 400 species of birds in an untouched, natural environment. Outdoor enthusiasts will find many locations for crabbing and fishing and 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches perfect for a sunset picnic.

"Never Grow Up"-Port Wonder
"Don't you ever grow up, just stay this little..."
The young and young at heart will love spending the day at Port Wonder. The newest addition to the lakefront opening in 2025, will house The Southwest Louisiana Children's Museum and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' Nature and Wildlife Center.
In the museum, visitors will explore oversized exhibits in four distinct galleries highlighting nature, health, technology, and cityscapes. The Nature and Science Center will showcase Louisiana’s rich biodiversity and highlight coastal conservation efforts with several aquarium exhibits and interactive displays.

"Out of the Woods"- Sam Houston Jones State Park
"But the monsters turned out to be just trees..."
Unplug and unwind at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The only national park in Southwest Louisiana boasts over 1,000 acres of land and waterways with abundant wildlife. From alligators and deer to nearly 200 species of birds, the land is perfect for observing animals in their natural habitat. Explore the grounds while hiking on one of five scenic trails or grab your kayaks and head to the Calcasieu River. Extend your visit and bring the RV or rent a luxury cabin for the weekend.

"You Belong With Me"-The Legacy Center
"She's cheer captain and I'm on the bleachers..."
Witness the action at a basketball or volleyball game in the McNeese Legacy Center. From top-tier athleticism to entertaining performances, enjoy a world-class experience no matter where you're cheering from.

"Sparks Fly"- Downtown Lake Charles
"Kiss me on the sidewalk, take away the pain..."
Downtown Lake Charles is the ultimate spot for a scenic stroll, karaoke bike ride, or bar crawl. From quaint shops and boutiques to picture-worthy murals, each colorful block is waiting to be explored.

"End Game"-Nellie Lutcher Memorial Park
"You and me we got big reputations."
Nellie Lutcher, a jazz and blues star of the 1940s, is best known for her smooth vocals and excellence on the keys. She graced many stages across the United States and Europe, but her humble beginnings stem from her hometown of Lake Charles. Her legacy is honored with a cultural district and memorial park in the downtown area.
These spots are perfect for experiencing the unique Southwest Louisiana culture, romanticizing life to relatable lyrics, and creating new memories. Taylor Swift herself may even draw inspiration for the next album here. Discover more Tunes for the Trail from local artists and Louisiana natives as you explore these iconic locations and more in Louisiana's Playground!