Romantic Things to Do in Lake Charles, LA

When date night rolls around for mom and dad, they want to make the most of it. In Lake Charles, LA, there are plenty of romantic opportunities available, from fine dining to spa pampering to just relaxing in the great outdoors. Decide which fits your mood and make plans to do it today.

Every mom deserves some me time, when she is thoroughly pampered. Sharing this time with a loved one during a couples’ massage makes it even better. A great place to indulge in such a treat is the Golden Nugget Spa & Salon (2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles, LA). Sign up for a couple spa treatment and, for something a little extra, add on the couples bath. Plan time to also enjoy the spa’s steam, sauna and whirlpool facilities.

Most mothers love taking a break from the kitchen and leaving the cooking to someone else. A great place to do just that is at the Chart House at the Country Club at Golden Nugget (2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., Lake Charles, LA). Enjoy fresh seafood specialties, prime steaks and other traditional and local flavors, all while taking in views of Lake Charles. If you’re in the mood for different cuisines, check out one of Golden Nugget’s other 11 on-site restaurants.

Lake Charles is surrounded by natural beauty that provides a wonderful, relaxing respite for those seeking romance. Head to the Pintail Wildlife Drive and Boardwalk in Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, part of the 180-mile Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Drive along the 3-mile loop, and take in the natural beauty and wildlife in the area. Stroll the 0.5-mile boardwalk over the freshwater marsh for a closer look, but keep an eye out for alligators.

Not much is more romantic than a carriage ride, and Lake Charles Carriages (The Seawall at 900 Lake Shore Dr., Lake Charles, LA) delivers. Enjoy a ride through the Charpentier Historic District, with more than 40 blocks of Carpenter-style buildings. Or take in the Southern mansions along the lakeshore during a Shell Beach Drive tour. Tours also are available in historic downtown Lake Charles, or choose a scenic country ride without the history.

Sometimes, nothing is more romantic than just letting loose and having a good time, and Lake Charles provides many opportunities to do just that. For example, see if Lady Luck is on your side at L'Auberge du Lac Resort (77 Ave. L'Auberge, Lake Charles, LA), where you can play cards or try the slots in the casino. For something a little more low-key, head to Arts Desire (1322 Ryan St., Lake Charles, LA), a local art studio where couples can create a special memento of their time alone—she can paint her own scarf to wear on their next date night, while he can paint with a fish (for real!) while making a painting to commemorate their night out.

With such a wide range of activities available in Lake Charles, it’s easy to create a romantic outing to fit any budget. These activities range in price from free to $300, so couples can choose exactly what they want to do while staying on budget. Also, most of the activities are available year-round and are not weather-dependent, but remember that Lake Charles can be quite hot and humid in summer, with some cold spells in winter.