5 Lafayette, LA, Date Night Ideas
Forget movie nights at home, Lafayette, LA, has plenty of options for date nights that you and your significant other are sure to love. Think grabbing drinks at a local brewery, taking an art class or exploring natural areas or museums. Ahead, find five Lafayette, LA, date night (and day) itineraries to add to your calendar.
In This Article
1. The Fancy Date
Spend an afternoon at the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA), Lafayette’s premier facility for arts and culture. Grab a drink at the on-site cafe and browse its galleries, which feature work from regional artists and creators. Admission is free on the second Saturday of each month.
Jesse Guidry, vice president of communications for Lafayette Travel, suggests checking AcA’s calendar for concerts, readings, artist workshops, limited-time exhibitions and more. Plus, keep your eyes open for special events celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Social Southern Table & Bar is a great place to dine for your Lafayette, LA, date. As one of the area’s first farm-to-table restaurants, Social Southern works closely with local farmers and purveyors to bring a fresh approach to upscale dining. The rotating Gulf fish special and Social Cheeseburger are guest favorites. Cap off your fancy night out with a visit to Pamplona, a nearby tapas restaurant with an extensive specialty cocktail menu and small plates to share.
2. The Outdoorsy Date
Lafayette, LA, has plenty of opportunities to indulge in outdoor fun. Lake Martin is an ideal spot for outdoorsy couples. You and your partner can rent canoes or kayaks and paddle around the scenic lake; there are ample trails for walking, biking and birdwatching, too. You can also explore Moncus Park, which is the largest green space in Lafayette. Stroll along the walking path to the tallest point in the city for a breathtaking view. Guidry says the Farmers & Artisans Market on Saturdays is a must-visit for local produce and goods.
What better option for an outdoorsy date than a picnic? Swing by Wild Child Wine Shop for drinks and bites (including freshly baked focaccia) or curate the perfect to-go charcuterie board from Graze Acadiana. Roll out your blanket and enjoy a relaxing picnic at Lake Martin or Moncus Park. You might even catch a stunning sunset.
3. The Creative Date
If you’re looking to plan a date around the arts, Lafayette, LA, doesn’t disappoint. At Pinspiration, create a masterpiece from one of their available projects, like flower holders, string arts or seasonal décor, or sign up for one of their DIY workshops.
For something upbeat, put on your dancing shoes and head to Glide Studios. Learn zydeco, a Creole-Cajun fusion, or classic ballroom styles in a private lesson or small group.
Whether you painted or learned to dance the pasodoble, keep the adventure going with a delicious dinner at Masala Indian Kitchen. Opened by a retired anesthesiologist, Masala has been cooking Northern Indian cuisine for guests for almost 20 years. Start with flaky golden samosas followed by favorites like the tandoori mixed grill, chicken tikka masala, saag paneer or lamb kebab, all served with warm, freshly baked naan. Masala is a great option for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan couples.
4. The Sporty Date
Lace up your shoes for this fun daytime date in Lafayette, LA. First, fuel up with a fresh, flavorful sandwich or salad from Scratch Farm Kitchen. Then, grab your paddles and head to any of Lafayette’s three public pickleball facilities. Guidry says Beaullieu Park is a popular choice, as it has six first-come, first-serve pickleball courts. Beaullieu is dog-friendly, so your pups can tag along. Other pickleball venues in Lafayette include Thomas Park Recreation Center and George Dupuis Recreation Center.
After some friendly competition, enjoy beverages and a bite to eat at Adopted Dog Brewing, Lafayette’s first craft brewery. Cool down with a pint of their Fleur de Lis lager or Oatmeal Cream Pie stout or build your own flight for an adventurous variety. Pair your drinks with some of the delicious appetizers and sandwiches available. Yelpers recommend the cheese curds sampler and housemade potato chips with beer cheese. And yes, your four-legged friends are welcome.
5. The Brunch Date
Foodie couples, this one’s for you! The French Press is a Lafayette staple, serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with Cajun flair. The Cajun Benedict and Acadiana Breakfast Sandwich are five-star dishes, and you can’t have brunch without beignets! The French Press is loved by locals, so plan ahead for potential wait times.
After brunch, get in touch with your crafty side at The Bougie Bar. Sip on a glass of wine or mimosas (no corking fee, so bring your own) while creating your perfect scent and pouring your own candle. This stylish, relaxed atmosphere is ideal for any couple looking for creative connection – or a great option for a double date in Lafayette, LA.
End your day date on a sweet note at Carpe Diem, a coffee house and wine bar. Toast to your love with a glass of wine or a specialty latte and housemade dessert, like cake, a pastry or authentic Italian gelato.
This article is sponsored by the Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission, Lafayette Economic Development Authority and One Acadiana.