Best Beaches in Louisiana
Searching for the best Louisiana beaches to visit on your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! I was completely won over by Louisiana’s Gulf Coast sunset views, and hidden, underrated beach escapes inland too.
From sandy stretches along barrier islands to family-friendly state parks, we found many cool spots on our recent four week road trip through "the Pelican State". Here are the best beaches I recommend in Louisiana and I hope you’ll love them too.
Best Gulf Coast Beaches in Louisiana
It wasn't until I moved to the South six years ago that I started to appreciate the beauty of Gulf Coast beaches. Now suddently we can't get enough...
1. Cypremort Point Beach - 1 hour south of Lafayette
Sitting at the edge of a long, marsh-lined peninsula, this is one of the most unspoiled stretches of Louisiana coast I’ve explored, and I think it’s one of the absolute best beaches near Lafayette.
What really stood out for me at this beach was seeing Vermilion Bay in shades of gold and crimson at sunset!
But just getting to Cypremort Point Beach this month was part of the fun, an interesting drive through sugarcane fields and marshland. I stayed in a Suite with a King Bed at The 3-star Juliet Hotel (around $184/night) in Lafayette, enjoying Cajun food and music in town, then made the short drive to the beach in the morning.
What I loved best:
My personal highlights were swimming along the half-mile stretch of sand, picnicking under the shady pavilions, and spotting wildlife along the marsh boardwalks on our afternoon stroll.
2. Fontainebleau State Park - 45 minutes north of New Orleans
This Gulf Coast park is one of my favorite beach day-trip destinations when I want a mix of beach time, trails, and a nice small-town that's a great weekend getaway from New Orleans.
After just an hour’s drive north from New Orleans over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, I based myself in the nearby town of Mandeville (8 minutes from the beach by car!) for two care-free days at the affordable 2-star Comfort Suites Mandeville (around $103/night) where we were surrounded by a lovely mix of small-town cafes and incredible bakeries. I can personally vouch for Croissant French Bakery which made the most amazing croissants I've had in the U.S.! In addition to enjoying great coffee, tea and pastries, Chris, our son and I went walking along the Tammany Trace trail, relaxed on the sandy beach, and enjoyed the sunsets.
I thought that Fontainebleau State Park was one of the best beaches in Louisiana. Why? First off, I loved how the moss-draped oaks gave the whole area a timeless Southern charm! In addition, there were egrets and herons in the marshes that you could reach by following a trail.
What I loved best:
The haunting brick ruins of Bernard de Marigny’s old 1829 sugar mill were super interesting and my personal highlight.
3. Grand Isle - 110 miles south of New Orleans via bridge
There’s something about Grand Isle that instantly made me feel like I’d discovered one of the Gulf’s best-kept secrets.
We adored the island’s seven miles of public beach that are wide and open, and I think that this is Louisiana’s ultimate barrier island escape!
I liked our romantic barefoot strolls (of course!), and fishing, but what struck me most was the sense of being right on the edge of the continent.
Reaching Grand Isle meant a scenic drive south through bayou country, across long stretches of marshland and the sweeping bridge over Caminada Pass. We stayed five nights in a Junior Suite at 3-star Blue Dolphin Inn & Cottages (around $120/night) where we had a comfortable bed, a living room area with a futon, a private bathroom, microwave, and a refrigerator.
What I loved best:
The boardwalks and elevated views over the dunes were a real standout for me personally.
4. Holly Beach - 60 miles from Lake Charles
Spread out along the edge of the Gulf in Cameron Parish, this is one of the most unspoiled and refreshingly simple beach stretches I’ve ever visited in Louisiana, and it quickly became one of my favorite beaches near Lake Charles. I visited Holly Beach on a day trip while staying in Lake Charles, about an hour away.
The coolest part for me was finding wide open beaches where you can drive right onto the sand, and set up a chair. We had so much fun building a sandcastle with driftwood features! We didn't fish on this beach trip but we enjoyed watching anglers casting into the surf, and seashell collectors wandering along the shoreline.
What I loved best:
After a long day, the sunsets here were fiery and endless across the Gulf, my favorite highlight!
Best Inland Beaches in Louisiana
On our road trip, we decided to check out a few inland (lake) beaches and I was so glad we did because they became some of our favorite beach spots in the South. Here are my favorite lake beaches in Louisiana and I hope you will enjoy them too.
5. White Sands Lake Day Beach - 1 hour 15 minutes north of New Orleans
If you’re craving a beach day without heading to the Gulf, this beach is a standout! I love how peaceful it feels compared to many coastal hotspots, yet it still offers that classic beach experience with soft sand underfoot, and plenty of space to enjoy the sunshine.
The lake’s clear spring-fed water was amazing for a refreshing summer dip and I was glad we decided to check out this inland beach on our road trip! It was the coolest day trip when we were based in New Orleans. We spent the day alternating between swimming in the cool lake water, lounging on the sandy beach with a picnic, and enjoying cool shade under the pines.
Since this is a day-use park, the atmosphere stays casual, with plenty of families and groups making the most of the summer sunshine. Locals told me that unfortunately dogs aren't allowed on this beach.
What I loved best:
The highlight for me and my son was the floating water playground with giant inflatables with slides, trampolines, and climbing features.
6. North Beach - in the heart of Lake Charles
This is one of my favorite spots to unwind on the beach in Louisiana because it's so convenient to get to. I was thrilled that I could go from working in my apartment to relaxing with an ocean view in minutes!
I've always loved the way North Beach stretches out with its soft white sand (actually, one of the few white-sand inland beaches between Texas and Florida). When we moverd to the South, I instantly thought that it was one of the coolest beach escape right in southwest Louisiana!
Just off I-10, I reached North Beach in minutes after crossing the bridge into Lake Charles where we stayed in a Rush Tower Deluxe King at Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino (around $202 / night) for two days.
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
Having many great restaurants to choose from on our beach vacation was such a treat, including the Asian-themed buffet at The Golden Nugget on Sundays, Landry's Seafood House and 121 Artisan Bistro where I had a Shaved Smoked Ribeye Sandwich ($18).
- Map & Directions
- Check prices at 4-star Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino
What I loved best:
For me, North Beach is one of the best beaches in Louisiana because it's serene and unique!
My personal highlight was our family picnic next to the calm waters of Lake Charles, on the wide shoreline. In addition, we loved the gorgeous sunset views across the water.
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.
