In this post, I’ll share the quiet beaches I discovered in Louisiana during my many trips there. The vibe is relaxed, with Gulf breezes and marshy backdrops. If you can visit on a weekday, it's a real treat. Think coastal beauty, birdwatching and peaceful surroundings! If you go on weekends, expect more families and fewer available parking spots.
We had some extra time while visiting Lake Charles, so I decided to drive to Holly Beach with my family. Here is what we liked.
Best Beaches in Louisiana:
1. North Beach - in the heart of Lake Charles
Location:
North Beach, Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, USA
Recommended For:
Family picnics.
What I Love: ♥
North Beach is located inland on a freshwater lake. It's a white sandy beach which is rare in combination with a freshwater setting. Because it's in Lake Charles, there many great accommodations nearby.
Cost:
Free public access. Parking and picnic areas are available.
Best time to visit:
Spring through fall for beach-friendly weather. If you are in the area, catch Lake Charles' festival season. There's music and food events along the waterfront.
Local tips:
Bring folding chairs or a blanket. Restrooms and shaded areas are available nearby. It can get crowded on weekends so plan to get there early.
Distance:
Located just off Interstate 10 in the heart of Lake Charles.
How to Get to North Beach:
From I-10, take the Lakeshore Drive exit and follow signs to North Beach. I biked from downtown Lake Charles which was fun.
2. Cypremort Point Beach - 65 miles south of Lafayette
Location:
Cypremort Point Beach, Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point, Louisiana
Recommended For:
Anglers, boaters, wildlife watchers
What I Love: ♥
Cypremort Point Beach is just 10 miles from the Gulf, located on the shores of Vermilion Bay. The beach is man made but you'll also be surrounded by wild coastal marshland. I packed a picnic lunch and had a great time with my friends. There's fishing and boating too if you are interested.
Cost:
State park entrance fee applies. Free access to picnic areas and the beach; fees may apply for boat launches or pavilion rentals.
Best time to visit:
Summer is great for swimming and boating. I was there in the fall and it was perfect for swimming. Birdwatching is best in the winter when other vacationers aren't scaring away the wildlife.
Local tips:
Pack bug spray if you plan to explore the marshy areas. Bring your own fishing gear, sunscreen, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Boat ramps and cabin rentals are available nearby.
Distance:
Approximately 65 miles south of Lafayette, Louisiana, and about 135 miles west of New Orleans.
How to Get to Cypremort Point Beach:
Drive from Lafayette via LA-14 and LA-83 toward Cypremort Point State Park. The beach is located within the park grounds at 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, with on-site parking and clearly marked signs upon arrival.
Review:★★★★★ "We launched our kayak from Cypremort Point Beach and it was great. We saw the marshes and stayed for the sunset. It’s a great hidden gem."
Louisiana Beaches for Couples:
3. Fontainebleau State Park - 40 miles north of New Orleans
Location:
Fontainebleau State Park, Lake Pontchartrain North Shore, Mandeville, Louisiana
Recommended For:
Families, history enthusiasts.
What I Love: ♥
"Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre natural getaway just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans.
I enjoyed the sandy beach and checked out historic sugar mill ruins. There are diverse recreational opportunities as well such as birdwatching, cycling, kayaking, and hiking."
Cost:
State park entrance fee required. Cabins and campsites available for overnight stays (book here). Additional fees may apply for guided programs.
Best time to visit:
Spring and fall for bird migrations, mild temperatures, and clear skies. Summer to enjoy the beach.
Local tips:
Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park. Bring binoculars!
Distance:
About 40 miles (64 km) north of New Orleans via the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
How to Get to Fontainebleau State Park:
From New Orleans, take the Causeway Bridge north to Mandeville, then follow LA-22 and LA-1089 to 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70471. The park entrance is well-marked, with ample parking and easy access to beach and trail areas.
4. Grand Isle - 110 miles south of New Orleans via bridge
Location:
Grand Isle, Admiral Craik Drive, Grand Isle, Louisiana 70358
Recommended For:
Birdwatchers, anglers, families, swimmers, campers, and anyone seeking a peaceful Gulf Coast retreat with rich wildlife and easy beach access.
What I Love: ♥
"Grand Isle is Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island. We actually came here for fishing but discovered much more: trails, sunsets, birds and even butterflies!"
Cost:
Grand Isle State Park requires a small entry fee. Parking, picnic pavilions, fishing pier access, and basic campground facilities are included. Lodging on the island is available in rentals and motels. Look for one with direct beach access.
Best time to visit:
March through May is my favorite time here. September through November is my second favorite because you can see birds migrating. Summer is more humid and crowded because people come to swim.
Local tips:
Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months. Visit the pier (or tower) at sunset for best photos.
Distance:
About 110 miles (177 km) south of New Orleans, accessible by car via LA-1.
How to Get to Grand Isle:
Drive south from New Orleans via LA-1 through Golden Meadow and across the elevated bridge to Grand Isle. The state park is located at the island’s eastern tip, with signs along Admiral Craik Drive pointing the way. (More Info)
Louisiana Beaches for Families:
5. Holly Beach - FREE - 60 miles from Lake Charles
Location:
Holly Beach, Gulf of Mexico Coast, Southwest Louisiana, near Cameron
Recommended For:
Families, RV travelers, fishermen, beachcombers.
What I Love: ♥
"Affectionately known as the Cajun Riviera, Holly Beach is located on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. There are miles of soft sand as well as kid-friendly shelling. I enjoyed the casual atmosphere and spend a few hours relaxing. People also like this area for crabbing, fishing, and four-wheeling right along the shoreline."
Cost:
Free public beach access. Most accommodations are beach cabins, RV sites, or campsites—making this a great destination for road trippers and campers. No entrance fees required.
Local tips:
Bring your own supplies. Holly Beach is remote with limited services.
Distance:
Approximately 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Cameron and about 60 miles (97 km) from Lake Charles.
How to Get to Holly Beach:
Drive south from Lake Charles via LA-27 through Cameron, or take LA-82 along the coast. Follow the signs for Holly Beach. There is free parking along the sand.
6. White Sands Lake Day Beach - 70 miles north of New Orleans
Location:
White Sands Lake Day Beach, 52129 Sandstone Blvd, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438
Recommended For:
Families with children, swimmers, paddlers
What I Love: ♥ "
White Sands Lake Day Beach is located on a spring-fed lake. It's a soft white sandy beach. "
Cost:
$18 for adults, $12 for kids. Additional fees apply for cabana rentals and watercraft rentals. Pets are not permitted. You can book your cabana online ahead of time.
Best time to visit:
Open from late April through October. Try to visit on a weekday in July and July.
Local tips:
Bring beach chairs, towels, and your own paddleboard or kayak. Shade fills up quickly but you can rent a cabana (book ahead!).
Distance:
About 70 miles (113 km) north of New Orleans and roughly 40 miles (64 km) from Covington.
How to Get to White Sands Lake Day Beach:
From New Orleans, take I-10 west to I-12, then LA-25 north through Franklinton. Follow local signage to Sandstone Blvd. Free parking is available on-site, and the park is well-marked and easy to find.
Plan Your Trip
Beaches in Louisiana
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In This Article:
- • North Beach - in the heart of Lake Charles
- • Cypremort Point Beach - 65 miles south of Lafayette
- • Fontainebleau State Park - 40 miles north of New Orleans
- • Grand Isle - 110 miles south of New Orleans via bridge
- • Holly Beach - FREE - 60 miles from Lake Charles
- • White Sands Lake Day Beach - 70 miles north of New Orleans