These Are the 10 Best Beaches in Louisiana

Each beach is special in its own way.

Other states bordering the Gulf Coast may be more famous for their sandy stretches, but Louisiana has its fair share of beaches, too. From a barrier island that beckons anglers—Louisiana isn’t billed as a Sportsman’s Paradise for nothing!—to the “Cajun Riviera” that draws crabbers, and placid lakes with campgrounds and cabins, there are plenty of ways to unwind on the water throughout the state.

Pro tip: If swimming is high on your list of things to do during a beach day, be sure to check the water quality reports posted weekly by the Louisiana Department of Health’s Beach Monitoring Program before you dive in.

Ahead are 10 of the best beaches in Louisiana.

Grand Isle Beach in Grand Isle

Grand Isle is Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island. Two hours from New Orleans, vacationers come here to wade in the warm Gulf waters, devour fresh seafood, and bike around the slim, seven-mile slice of paradise.

With more than 250 species of fish inhabiting the waters, Grand Isle is a popular spot with anglers and the stage for several fishing tournaments. For those looking to reel in a fresh catch for dinner, the Grand Isle State Park features a 400-foot long public fishing pier with a nearby fish-cleaning station.

Birders should also put Grand Isle on their bucket list because twice a year 100 species of birds make their 500-mile commute across the Gulf of Mexico. Occasionally, birders can witness a phenomenon known as “fall out” when thousands of exhausted birds drop from the sky into the safety net provided by the canopy of trees. The island celebrates its biannual visitors at a migratory bird festival in the spring.

Lake Claiborne State Park

While Louisiana may not have as many ocean beaches as neighboring states, it does have some spectacular lakes that make for relaxing getaways, including Lake Claiborne State Park, an oasis in northern Louisiana.

For those who want to stay a while, cabins tucked away in pine trees are available to rent, plus there are several campsites.

There’s much to do at the state park: A 6,400-acre freshwater lake also has swimmable waters and a sandy beach, plus kayaks and canoes to rent. Hiking trails braid the park, visitors can play disc golf on the park’s two, 18-hole courses, and it’s easy to reel one in here. The waters are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, striped bass, and more.

Fontainebleau State Park

Glampers and campers can spend the night in Fontainebleau State Park, which has sand beaches lining Lake Pontchartrain. The cute overwater cabins were knocked out during Hurricane Ida in 2021 and haven’t reopened, yet, though.

Located on the north shore of the lake, the beach is an ideal spot to catch a sunset, go sailing,  and laze on the beach. The state park also converted old railroad tracks into a trail, the Tammany Trace, for walking, biking, and skating.

North Beach

North Beach’s bragging point: It’s the only white-sand inland beach from Texas to Florida.

The Lake Charles beach is a popular spot for volleyball players to join in on a game in the sand and for kids (as well as the young at heart) to construct sand castles. Beach-goers dip their toes in the lake, but the water can get murky.

Don’t forget to pack an umbrella to post in the sand; there’s not a lot of natural shade on this beach.

Cypremort State Park

Thanks to a boat launch right outside the park, Cypremort State Park is a popular launching point for those coming to fish as they can venture into the Gulf or Vermilion Bay to reel in flounder and redfish. There’s also a 100-foot fishing pier that extends into the bay for those who want to cast their lines from the shore.

Overnight options include a limited number of camping spots as well as some cabins.

For sunseekers, there’s a 1/2-mile stretch of sand on the manmade beach. When the breeze is right, Cypremort becomes a playground for windsurfers and those taking their sailboats out. It’s also a known spot for water skiing.

Holly Beach

If you’re looking for a secluded stretch of sand in the Bayou State, head to Holly Beach. Located along the “Cajun Riviera”—a 30-mile stretch of Gulf Coast coastline—Holly Beach flies a little under-the-radar with out-of-towners. It’s a known spot among crabbers, though, and puts on one heck of a show every night at sunset. The beach is also dotted with seashells. Vacation rentals perched on stilts and RV campgrounds are available to book.

Mae’s Beach

Close to the Texas-Louisiana state line, Mae’s Beach is located along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. It's a 180-mile route where the landscape changes from wetlands to marshes to prairies and you might need to slow down for the occasional alligator crossing.

Mae’s Beach is close to other Gulf of Mexico beaches including Holly Beach and Little Florida Beach, so you can check visits to all of them during a single trip. ATVs and trucks are allowed to cruise along the beach so long as you stay off the dunes and steer clear of wildlife.

Jimmie Davis State Park

A hit with families, Jimmie Davis State Park is located on the northern section of Caney Creek Lake, a 5,000-acre reservoir. The park has a sandy beach as well as a giant splash ground for kids to run through and cool down plus a playground. The state park has bookable campsites as well as cabins and, for bigger groups, lodges, and group camp dorms with a conference center. Other amenities include boat launches, docks, and covered pavilions as well as a fishing pier and cleaning stations.

White Sands Lake Beach

For max fun in the sun, White Sands Lake Beach has an aqua park with floating water slides and trampolines. A small kids' area features smaller versions of the equipment and a jungle gym to monkey around on.

Admission is $12 for kids aged three to 11; $18 for those 12 and up; and free for kids under three. Season passes are also available. There’s not much shade at the beach, but there are small and large cabana rentals that come with charcoal grills.

Rutherford Beach

Who needs a sleep machine when you can be lulled asleep by the crashing waves? Located on the Gulf of Mexico and at the mouth of the Mermentau River, Rutherford Beach is a peaceful spot for camping along the Gulf of Mexico. Located off Highway 82 in Cameron Parish, Rutherford Beach is filled with shells and is known for its spectacular sunsets. Beachgoers can also go kayaking, fishing, or pull out their binoculars and birdwatch.

Read the original article on TripSavvy.