5 Great Date Night Ideas in Southwest Louisiana

Nathan Lambrecht

Whether it’s a first date with your Coffee Meets Bagel match or you’ve been with your partner for years, there’s no shortage of fun and interesting things to do on a date in Southwest Louisiana. Here are five fantastic ideas for a date night in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana – from creating art and exploring nature to catching a sporting event, they are sure to make sparks fly. 

1. Hit the Casino 

The region is home to numerous casinos, so if you’re looking for a date night in Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana that really hits the jackpot, this is it. Of course, casinos aren’t just about gaming. Explore luxe pools, spas, shopping, dining and live entertainment. 

In Vinton, Delta Downs not only has a beautiful pool deck, but also offers horse racing. After betting on your favorite, head to upscale Rosewater Grill & Tavern, where you can have a ribeye and a Manhattan. 

At L’Auberge in Lake Charles, catch acts like The Temptations, Los Lonely Boys and Trace Adkins – but not before you’ve had dinner at the local outpost of Drago’s, where you can start with a dozen of their charbroiled oysters followed by some of your favorite Creole classics, like crawfish étouffée, shrimp and grits, or red beans and rice. Wash it all down with a local Abita beer. 

2. Take a Class 

Teamwork makes the dream work, and there’s no better way to collaborate than to take a class together. Paint and sip at Painting with a Twist or learn to make ravioli at Pasta Lab in Lake Charles, improve your swing with a clinic at Frasch Golf Course in Sulphur (followed by lunch at the clubhouse) or take a country dance class at Ward 7 Recreation in Vinton (or in Lake Charles, where you’ll find adult dance classes at No Supervision and salsa, tango, swing and ballroom at Boogie Woogie Ballroom). 

After school gets out, take your date for a picnic in the park, curated by Bayou Boards by Gabrielle. 

3. Connect with Nature 

The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a 180-mile scenic byway that’s nicknamed Louisiana’s Outback. The trail encompasses four wildlife refuges and 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches. The remote terrain includes prairie, wetlands and beaches. Sighting a variety of birds and wildlife like alligators is common, and the area is peppered with small fishing communities and sandy ridges called cheniers. 

The walkway through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot native species, while Holly Beach is great for swimming and shell seeking with scenic views. The Peveto Woods Sanctuary is an approximately 40-acre island that is a haven for birds – some 2 million visit the spot each year. 

In Bell City, the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for wildlife photography. The area is a hub for shrimp and crab houses – stop to pick up the fresh catch of the day to cook up at home for your sweetheart. 

4. Visit a Museum 

SWLA is home to a vibrant collection of museums. For a deep dive into local history, the Imperial Calcasieu Museum will provide background on the area, and the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center has three galleries full of the works of local, regional and national artists. 

Stroll the Charpentier Historic District to ogle historic mansions, and if you are a rail fan, head to DeQuincy to see the Railroad Museum. In Sulphur, museum-goers can explore rotating exhibits by local artists at the Henning Cultural Center, a historic home that was built in 1911. 

End your date with a trip to Homsi’s, the stop for boudin and cold beer that’s right in the heart of Lake Charles’ Museum District and part of the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail. If you want a more upscale option, try The Villa Harlequin, which is known for its rustic flavors and local tradition. Try the gamberetti and pair it with a signature cocktail. 

5. Root for Your Local Team 

Residents of SWLA love their sports, and McNeese State University delivers with men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and women’s volleyball. Many high school teams are supported by the community, as well. 

Facilities in Lake Charles and Sulphur host the Perfect Game Super National Invitational, a national youth baseball tournament, and both cities also host statewide basketball tournaments, one with competitors from around Louisiana and the other featuring elite teams from around the region. 

Sulphur also holds a high school swim meet with swimmers from around the state. After the games, head to Frosty Factory in Lake Charles, which boasts a full bar and 20 frozen daiquiri machines. 

If you’re more hungry than thirsty, go to Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, where you can watch sports on one of their 75 TVs and order a loaded burger and bloody mary.