Uncover Louisiana’s Beaches

Lola MagazineMegan Fontenot, Travel

  • A special thank you to Bayou Blend Apparel. To shop these looks visit www.shopbayoublend.com.
  • Louisianatravel.com
  • Photography by Megan Fontenot

There are famous Gulf Coast Beaches all over  Florida, Alabama, and Texas. But, did you know in Louisiana, we have some gorgeous sandy spots of our own – they’re just not as well known.

While still living in these uncertain and trying times, we all want to get away, but are hesitant to cross state lines! You can have the best of both worlds right here at home! Check out some of south Louisiana’s best beaches and see another side of the Pelican State. 

Holly Beach

You’ll know you’re getting close to Holly Beach when you start seeing the bundles of houses on stilts. This beach town is about an hour south of Lake Charles, and it marks the western point of what locals call the Cajun Riviera, a 30-mile stretch of south Louisiana coastline sprinkled with marshes and rivers. Camping is allowed on the beach, and the various rental house and RV areas might convince you to stick around for more than just a day. 

Rutherford Beach

Located off Highway 82 in Cameron Parish, Rutherford Beach offers beautiful sights and sounds as the rumble of the crashing waves come up on the shoreline. It’s a great place for shell collecting on this rural beach stretch. Camping is available on the beach and the tranquility of this spot will make you feel like it’s your own private getaway. 

Cypremort Point Beach

Cypremort Point Beach is home to this charming beach overlooking Vermilion Bay. Windsurfing and fishing are popular here; for boat-less visitors, Cypremort Point has a great fishing pier. Overnight visitors to the area should check out one of the six cabins on site. 

North Beach

North Beach, located in the actual southwest Louisiana capital of Lake Charles, is your best bet at finding a true urban beach. The fact that it is located more than 20 miles from the ocean highlights its excellence as the only inland white sand beach between Texas and Florida. At North Beach (also known as I-10 Beach), you’ll find a boardwalk that connects three of Lake Charles’ well-known parks. Lounge about in the sand, show off your volleyball skills, or show up during one of Lake Charles’ many festivals. City beachcombers never had it so good.

Fontainebleau State Park

Families and sunbathers thrill in the beauty of the white sand beaches of Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville.  Stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain provide a beautiful backdrop for a lazy day on the beach.  Or more enthusiastic types will enjoy exploring the park’s sugar mill ruins, hiking the 6 miles of trail, biking, or a paddle along the lakeshore.  Bring the family and camp for a fun-filled weekend.

Grand Isle

Travel two hours south of New Orleans, through the swamps and into the barrier islands, and turn left just before the road ends. You’ll soon find yourself on Grand Isle, a tiny oceanside town and barrier island overlooking Caminada Bay. This is perhaps the most famous of Louisiana’s beaches, and for good reason. Its closeness to the Crescent City makes it an easy daytrip for city dwellers, and the redfish and tarpon fishing here – as is the case everywhere in southern Louisiana – is second to none. Explore the ten miles of shoreline here or simply relax in the sand.