Best Beaches in Louisiana
Louisiana’s coast is a blend of Gulf Coast charm, rich culture, and hidden natural escapes. From sandy stretches along barrier islands to family-friendly state parks, the beaches here offer a more relaxed, authentic feel compared to busier tourist spots. Whether you want to enjoy fresh seafood by the shore, explore wildlife-rich marshlands, or simply soak up the sun in a laid-back atmosphere, Louisiana has something special to offer. Here are the best beaches I recommend from my four weeks' exploration, and I think you’ll love them too.
1. North Beach - in the heart of Lake Charles
I thought this spot was the perfect blend of relaxation and Gulf Coast charm! Stretching out with its soft white sand — one of the few white-sand inland beaches between Texas and Florida — it felt like an unexpected coastal escape right in southwest Louisiana. Families were splashing in the calm waters of Lake Charles, seagulls wheeled overhead, and the wide shoreline had that laid-back Southern vibe that made it both welcoming and refreshing.
Just off I-10, I reached North Beach in minutes after crossing the bridge into Lake Charles. We stayed at Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino for two days, which gave me easy access to both the beach and the lively downtown dining scene. My day was filled with lounging on the sand, cooling dips in the lake, and an evening stroll along the boardwalk that links the beach to Millennium Park and Veterans Memorial Park. all with gorgeous sunset views across the water.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
2. Cypremort Point Beach - 65 miles south of Lafayette
I want to start with the sunsets because Cypremort Point they are some of the most dramatic in the state. If you are patient, you'll see Vermilion Bay in shades of gold and crimson.
Getting here was part of the fun, a scenic drive through sugarcane fields and marshland southwest of Lafayette, leading straight to this beachside state park. I stayed at The Juliet Hotel in Lafayette for two nights, enjoying Cajun food and music in town, then made the short drive out each day. My visit was a mix of swimming along the half-mile stretch of sand, picnicking under the shady pavilions, spotting wildlife along the marsh boardwalks, and watching the sky ignite over the bay at dusk.
3. Fontainebleau State Park - 40 miles north of New Orleans
This park felt like stepping into a dreamy blend of Louisiana history and Gulf Coast beauty. The beach along Lake Pontchartrain was the perfect place to wade in the warm shallows or stretch out under the sun.
I thought that Fontainebleau State Park was one of the best beaches in Louisiana. Why? I loved how the moss-draped oaks gave the whole area a timeless Southern charm! There were egrets and herons in the marshes that you could reach by following a trail. The haunting brick ruins of Bernard de Marigny’s old 1829 sugar mill were super interesting.
Just an hour’s drive north from New Orleans over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, I based myself in the nearby town of Mandeville for two nights at 2-star Comfort Suites Mandeville. We were surrounded by a lovely mix of small-town cafes. I went walking along the Tammany Trace trail, relaxed on the sandy beach, paddling a kayak in the lake, and enjoyed the sunsets.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at Comfort Suites Mandeville
- Lake Pontchartrain website
4. Grand Isle - 110 miles south of New Orleans via bridge
Grand Isle is Louisiana’s ultimate barrier island escape, raw, windswept, and full of Gulf Coast character! The island’s seven miles of public beach are wide and open. I liked my barefoot strolls, and fishing. What struck me most was the sense of being right on the edge of the continent. Pelicans were skimming the waves, shrimp boats chugging offshore, and the Gulf past all that.
Reaching Grand Isle took a scenic drive south through bayou country, across long stretches of marshland and the sweeping bridge over Caminada Pass. I stayed two nights at 3-star Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages. My highlight was exploring Grand Isle State Park with its boardwalks and elevated views over the dunes.
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages
- Grand Isle State Park website
5. Holly Beach - 60 miles from Lake Charles
Known fondly as the “Cajun Riviera,” Holly Beach has that windswept, untamed Gulf Coast feel. Instead of manicured resort sands, you’ll find wide open beaches where you can drive right onto the sand, and set up a chair. I saw families building driftwood forts, anglers casting into the surf, and seashell collectors wandering for hours along the shoreline. After a long day, the sunsets here were fiery and endless across the Gulf.
The drive itself was an adventure because Holly Beach lies deep in Cameron Parish. Reaching it took me along coastal marshes, bayous, and wildlife refuges teeming with birds. I based myself in Lake Charles, about an hour away, and made a day trip out of it.
6. White Sands Lake Day Beach - 70 miles north of New Orleans
White Sands Lake Day Beach is one of those fun, family-oriented getaways that feels like a mix between a beach vacation and a lakeside water park. The lake’s clear spring-fed water sparkles under the sun, and its long stretch of white sandy shoreline makes it easy to imagine you’re on the coast — even though you’re right in the middle of piney woods. The highlight for me was the floating water playground: giant inflatables with slides, trampolines, and climbing features that kept both kids and adults laughing all day long. It’s more lively than wild, and that energy made it feel like a festive summertime escape that completely won me over.
The drive was easy just north of Covington in St. Tammany Parish. I treated it as a quick day trip when we were based in New Orleans (about an hour away). I spent the day alternating between swimming in the cool, clear water, lounging on the sandy beach with a picnic, and trying my luck on the inflatable obstacle course before drying off under the pines. Since it’s a day-use park, the atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, with plenty of families and groups making the most of the summer sunshine. No, dogs aren't allowed on this beach.
Conclusion
Louisiana’s beaches offer something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the Gulf’s untamed coastline, the calm freshwater lakes of the piney woods, or the cultural charm that surrounds each destination, these spots prove that the Bayou State is more than just swamps and jazz. It’s also a place to dig your toes in the sand, watch a fiery sunset, and recharge by the water.
If you love Louisiana, check out these Southern places:
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
