Beaches in Louisiana

Location:

North Beach, Lake Charles, Southwest Louisiana, USA

Recommended For:

Families, picnic-goers, sunset lovers, festival fans, and anyone looking to enjoy a scenic beach with urban amenities in the heart of Lake Charles.

What we Love:

North Beach is one of the only white sand beaches located inland on a freshwater lake in the U.S. It offers expansive shoreline views, a scenic lakeside promenade, and access to cultural landmarks—all within walking distance of downtown. It’s a favorite spot for sunsets, festivals, and family fun.

• Play a round of beach volleyball or simply lounge on the sand with a good book.
• Walk the promenade that connects three beloved parks: September 11th Memorial Park, Millennium Park, and Veteran’s Memorial Park.
• Picnic with family or friends as you enjoy panoramic lake views and vibrant local energy during city events and festivals.

Cost:

Free public access. Parking and picnic areas are available. Special event vendors may charge during festivals.

Best time to visit:

Spring through fall for beach-friendly weather and to catch Lake Charles' festival season, including music and food events along the waterfront.

Local tips:

Bring folding chairs or a blanket for sunset views. Check the Lake Charles events calendar for beach festivals and concerts. Restrooms and shaded areas are available nearby in the linked parks.

Distance:

Located just off Interstate 10 in the heart of Lake Charles, near downtown and civic landmarks.

How to Get to North Beach:

From I-10, take the Lakeshore Drive exit and follow signs to North Beach. It’s easily accessible by car with parking available at the beach or adjacent parks. Walking or biking from downtown is also convenient.

Location:

Cypremort Point Beach, Vermilion Bay, Cypremort Point, Louisiana

Recommended For:

Anglers, boaters, families, wildlife watchers, windsurfers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet activity-rich bayou escape.

What we Love:

Nestled on the shores of Vermilion Bay, just 10 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Cypremort Point Beach offers a unique blend of man-made beachfront and wild coastal marshland. With top-tier fishing, boating access, and picnic-friendly spaces, it’s a versatile destination for recreation and nature alike.

• Fish from the 100-foot-long pier or the fishing pavilion—home to sea trout, red drum, and more.
• Swim or sunbathe along the half-mile man-made beach with gentle waters and picnic tables nearby.
• Explore the coastal marsh habitats and spot wildlife such as alligators, nutria, deer, and red foxes.
• Windsurf in Vermilion Bay—this is one of the few Louisiana state parks known for consistent winds ideal for sailing sports.

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:

Spring and fall for mild temperatures and peak fishing. Summer is great for swimming and boating, while winter is quieter and ideal for birdwatching and nature walks.

Local tips:

Pack bug spray for marshy areas. Bring your own fishing gear, sunscreen, and binoculars for wildlife spotting. Boat ramps and cabin rentals are available nearby. Early mornings are great for peaceful shoreline walks and wildlife viewing.

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.

Louisiana Beaches for Couples:

Location:

Fontainebleau State Park, Lake Pontchartrain North Shore, Mandeville, Louisiana

Recommended For:

Families, history enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hikers, cyclists, and anyone looking for a relaxing escape near New Orleans with beach and nature access.

What we Love:

Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre natural haven just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. With its sandy beach, historic sugar mill ruins, and diverse recreational opportunities, it offers the perfect balance of education, outdoor fun, and scenic relaxation. The park is a hotspot for birdwatching, cycling, kayaking, and hiking.

• Swim or relax on the lakeside beach with views of colorful sailboats and long sunsets over the water.
• Explore the ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill for a glimpse into Louisiana’s past.
• Cycle or skate along the Rails to Trails path, which winds through the park and beyond.
• Discover native flora on the nature trail with educational signage and tranquil walking paths.
• Kayak or fish in the park’s streams, bayous, and lakefront waters.

Cost:

State park entrance fee required. Cabins and campsites available for overnight stays. Additional fees may apply for rentals or guided programs.

Best time to visit:

Spring and fall for bird migrations, mild temperatures, and clear skies. Summer is great for beachgoers and water activities. Winter offers solitude and quiet nature exploration.

Local tips:

Bring binoculars for birdwatching—over 400 species have been recorded in the park. Pack water and snacks if cycling or skating the full trail. The sugar mill ruins make a great photography stop, especially during golden hour.

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.

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 we Love:

Grand Isle is Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, stretching into the Gulf of Mexico with white sandy beaches, incredible fishing opportunities, and an ecosystem teeming with birds and butterflies. Whether you're hiking through coastal trails, casting a line from the pier, or watching the sunset from the beach, this island offers a rare blend of tranquility and adventure.

• Swim and sunbathe at Grand Isle State Park, with warm Gulf waters and gentle waves.
• Fish from the 400-foot pier or take a deep-sea charter—Grand Isle is known for some of the best fishing in the region.
• Climb the observation tower for sweeping views of the island, marshlands, and Gulf horizon.
• Spot migratory birds and butterflies in the lagoon and along the park’s hiking trails.

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, many with direct beach access.

Best time to visit:

March through May and September through November for bird migration seasons and pleasant weather. Summer is great for beachgoers and fishing but may be more humid and crowded.

Local tips:

Bring insect repellent, especially in warmer months. Crabbing gear can be rented or brought along—it's a popular and fun local pastime. Sunrise and sunset views from the pier or tower are particularly memorable.

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:

Location:

Holly Beach, Gulf of Mexico Coast, Southwest Louisiana, near Cameron

Recommended For:

Families, shell collectors, RV travelers, fishermen, beachcombers, and those looking for a laid-back coastal escape along the Cajun Riviera.

What we Love:

Affectionately known as the Cajun Riviera, Holly Beach is a resilient and welcoming community on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Despite challenges from recent hurricanes, the beach has bounced back, offering miles of soft sand, kid-friendly shelling, and a casual atmosphere that’s perfect for crabbing, fishing, and four-wheeling right along the shoreline.

• Crab or fish from the shore or boat—Holly Beach is a classic Gulf fishing spot with accessible waters.
• Drive directly on the packed sandy beach—a unique feature loved by locals and visitors alike.
• Collect shells or relax with the family along the wide, open shoreline, ideal for sunbathing and swimming.

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.

Best time to visit:

Late spring through early fall for warm beach weather and optimal water conditions. Fall and winter offer a quieter visit with fewer crowds.

Local tips:

Bring your own supplies—Holly Beach is remote with limited services. Expect rustic charm and come prepared for self-catered fun. Be respectful of storm recovery efforts and support local businesses when possible.

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 signs for Holly Beach. The beach is car-accessible and easy to navigate by vehicle with free parking along the sand.

Location:

White Sands Lake Day Beach, 52129 Sandstone Blvd, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438

Recommended For:

Families with children, swimmers, paddlers, picnickers, and anyone looking for a safe, fun-filled day trip in the heart of Louisiana’s Northshore region.

What we Love:

White Sands Lake Day Beach is a seasonal paradise centered around a spring-fed lake with crystal-clear, cool waters and a soft white sandy beach. Ideal for kids and adults alike, it offers a mix of water sports, inflatable fun, and relaxed lakeside lounging. It’s the perfect inland beach experience in Louisiana’s piney woods.

• Swim or paddle in the clear lake waters, ideal for kayaking, SUP, and floating.
• Let the kids play at the aqua park, featuring slides, trampolines, and floating mats.
• Relax under a rented cabana or in the shade of picnic pavilions perfect for family gatherings and lunch breaks.
• Play beach volleyball with friends or enjoy a lazy sunbathing session on the soft sand.

Cost:

An entrance fee is required. Additional fees apply for cabana rentals and watercraft rentals. Outside food and coolers are allowed, but alcohol and pets are not permitted.

Best time to visit:

Open from late April through October. Mid-summer weekends are the busiest—arrive early for a good spot. Weekdays offer a quieter experience for families with small children.

Local tips:

Bring beach chairs, towels, and your own paddleboard or kayak if desired. Water shoes are recommended for traction around the inflatables. Shade fills up quickly, so consider renting a cabana in advance for extra comfort.

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.