5 Best Louisiana Beaches

Although Louisiana is a coastal state, people are often surprised to realize that it contains many wonderful white sand beaches that are as beautiful as those in Florida and California. The Cajun Riviera is what the locals call a stretch of sandy beaches that includes Holly Beach and Cypremort Beach. Grand Isle, a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, is a popular destination for picnickers and holiday makers, who come to enjoy its wide, sandy beach. Lake Charles’ North Beach is an urban beach and the only inland white sand beach in Louisiana and on the Gulf Coast. Photo: jenniveve84/Fotolia

Holly Beach, or the Cajun Riviera as this beach and the small community are known by the locals, is located in southwest Louisiana on the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, about 10 miles from Cameron. The community and the beach have both been severely damaged by several recent hurricanes, but the residents of Holly Beach are rebuilding and the beaches have been cleaned and are open to the public. The wide expanses of fine sand are popular for crabbing, driving on the packed sand, swimming, windsurfing, boating, fishing, and more, and there are always plenty of shells for the kids to collect. Most of the accommodation options consist of small beach cabins or camp sites. Photo: Voyagerix/Fotolia

Located in Vermilion Bay, a deep bay about 10 miles from the vast Gulf of Mexico, Cypremort Point State Park is a very popular 185-acre green space perfect for picnics, swimming, fishing, crabbing, boating, and especially windsurfing. Most of the environment is coastal marsh with a man-made half-mile-long beach. The beach has several picnic tables, a sailboat launch, and a fishing pavilion. There is also a 100-foot-long fishing pier, and the park is famous for its great and diverse fishing. The freshwater from the Vermilion and Atchafalaya rivers creates a rich environment for spotted sea trout, red drum, redfish, and speckled trout. The park is also home to many other animals, such as nutria, alligator, muskrat, deer, black bear, possum, rabbits, and red fox. Contact: 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, Phone: 337-867-4510 Photo: Naj/Fotolia

North Beach is a large, white, sandy beach located in Southwest Louisiana in Lake Charles. A true urban beach, North Beach is the only inland white sand beach in Louisiana and on the entire Gulf Coast. The beach is a great place for beach volleyball, beachcombing, and picnicking. There is also a marina and a wonderful scenic promenade on the lakeshore with breathtaking views all around, and it is a popular place for watching sunsets. The promenade links three popular Lake Charles’ parks – September 11th Memorial Park, Millennium Park, and Veteran’s Memorial Park. The beach is part of many of Lake Charles’ lively festivals Contact: Lake Charles, LA 70601, Phone: 337-491-1201 Photo: ALF photo/Fotolia

Just a short drive from New Orleans, on Lake Pontchartrain’s north shore across the 24-mile-long Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge, is Fontainebleau State Park, a 2,800-acre park that was once, in 1829, the location of a large sugar mill. There is only a ruin of a brick building left now, but there is a nice sandy beach for swimming and watching colorful sailboats on the lake. An old disused railroad track in the park is now a part of the Rails to Trails program and is a great cycling, in-line skating, and hiking path. The park also has a nature trail with many interpretive signs that identify common shrubs and trees. There are more than 400 species of birds in the park, and the park’s streams and waterways are great for kayaking and fishing. Contact: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70471, Phone: 985-624-4443 Photo: PixAchi/Fotolia

The only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana, Grand Isle is a narrow, sandy ridge in the Gulf of Mexico formed by the relentless action of the waves. The island is known for its fantastic white, sandy beaches, deep sea fishing, and an incredible number of bird and butterfly species. Most rental homes and motels have their own beach access and the only public beach is located in Grand Isle State Park, on the eastern part of the island. The park has an observation tower that offers spectacular views in all directions. A 400-foot fishing pier is a popular place to throw the line and try to catch your dinner. Crabbing is another popular activity. There are several picnic pavilions and a fairly simple campground. A hiking trail loops through the park. The beach is great for swimming and has warm water and a gradual slope. The lagoon is the best place to spot some of the many species of birds. Contact: Admiral Craik Drive, Grand Isle, LA 70358 Photo: jenniveve84/Fotolia