15 BEST Beaches in Louisiana [December 2024]

Louisiana has a far-reaching reputation for its multiple vibrant festivals held throughout the year. From the Voodoo Experience to Mardi Gras, you can make your way to this lively state for an impressive all-round experience.

Outside of the festivals and unique gastronomic experiences with a Louisiana flair, this state also has a wealth of natural landscapes that you can also enjoy. Although its most popular natural landmarks are its swamps, Louisiana is blessed with a number of beautiful lakes as well as natural and man-made beaches along its shores.

So, if you’re not spending your time paddling across the swamp waters in search of wildlife, make your way to its multiple water features and landscapes for a fun day out and about.

Here’s our list of some of the best beaches in Louisiana.

Best Places to Stay in Louisiana

If you’re looking for amazing accommodation near some of these amazing beaches and water features, here are some of our favorite picks.

#1 – Canal Express Studios New Orleans

Best Budget Hotel in Louisiana

Visit your home away from home at the Canal Express Studios in New Orleans. This accommodation is perfect for the traveler looking for convenience.

Not only is it perfectly located on the streetcar line that’ll take you to many other points of interest. It is also a great place to set base if you’d like to explore some of the best lakes and beaches in proximity.

#2 – Maison St. Charles New Orleans

Best Mid-Range Hotel in San Louisiana

Step back in time in the classically designed Maison St. Charles Hotel. This property has an eclectic atmosphere and is based in a great location.

New Orleans is one of Louisiana’s best offers, while you’re here you can make your way to some of its most famous landmarks without forgetting its beaches and lakes. After a long day out, you can also choose to retreat in the hot tub at this hotel.

#3 – The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

Best Luxury Hotel in Louisiana

If you’re looking for a grand and luxurious stay while you’re in Louisiana, look no further. The Roosevelt Hotel will meet all your needs!

This 5-star hotel is nothing short of spectacular and many of the most famous landmarks are a short 15-minute walk away. If you’d like to enjoy a day out at the beach, ask the concierge to help plan a lovely day out.

#1 – Grand Isle Beach

One of the more famous beaches in Louisiana

• A peaceful beach, great for deep-sea fishing
• About 7 miles long

 The Grand Isle Beach is one of Louisiana’s most beautiful gems. With a 7-mile long coastline and views of the Gulf of Mexico, this beach is a definite must-see when you’re in the state of Louisiana.

You can easily plan a day trip or a weekend getaway in this area with so much more to do. Around the beach, you can enjoy some fresh seafood dishes or even pack your own picnic to enjoy!

 Grand Isle Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Louisiana.

Have some time in New Orleans? These are our favorite day trips from New Orleans!

#2 – Fontainebleau

A beach that is fun for all

• Family-friendly beachfront with multiple camping locations
• Situated on the edge of a park 2,800 acres in size

Fontainebleau Park is rich in history, with a number of monuments that remain within its surroundings that are a testament to this fact.

This area was once a sugar plantation in the 1800s. However, it has now transformed into a state park. Serving a completely different purpose.

When the weather is at its best, you can sail, kayak, hike or picnic along the shores. Not only does this site have a plethora of fun things to do, but it’s also suitable for different age groups.

#3 – Shell Beach

One of the most unique beaches in Louisiana

• In-land lagoon formed by gulf waters
• One of the smaller, more remote beaches

This lagoon is a popular destination for tourists and residents alike because it’s one of the best places to enjoy a relaxed time by the waters.

Make sure to time your visit with the summertime if you’d like to take a dip in the waters. It’s also a great place to catch a spectacular sunset after a long day out.

The kids can also enjoy some tidal pooling or if you’re lucky you might just even spot some sea lions nearby.

Still haven’t booked for New Orleans? We’ve organized the best places to stay in New Orleans for all types of trips!

#4 – Cypremort Point State Park

A great beach for the whole family

• Located in a state park with lots to do. Pet-friendly and family-friendly
• A small man-made beach

Cypremort Point State Park has a man-made beach and a number of other convenient facilities to make use of while you’re here.

If swimming isn’t your thing, you can rather enjoy a lovely day out with family or friends on one of the many picnic tables laid out. Alternatively, sharpen your fishing skills or relax and watch the boats from the distance with a drink in hand.

With so many options of things to do, you might even want to consider staying over in one of the many cabins on site.

#5 – White Sands Lake Beach

A relaxing beach with ample amenities

• Best described as an inflatable haven with lots of them to choose from
• Small enough to keep an eye on the kids but big enough for plenty of play space

This day beach lives up to its name with its white sandy shores and waters that glisten beautifully under the rays of the sun. If you’re looking for a fun day out in the sun, make your way here.

White Sands Lake has a range of inflatables for you and the kids to enjoy. Plus, you can also rent some paddle boards and boats to add to the fun.

For a more comfortable setting, you can even opt to hire a cabana with added facilities.

#6 – Holly Beach

An unspoiled beach in Louisiana

• Non-commercial quaint beachfront
• Tiny, secluded beach with a long stretch of shoreline

If you enjoy the intimate nature of a smaller beach, then you’ll probably like this one. The only downside is that it is slightly untouched so there aren’t many facilities to make use of.

Make sure to pack all the things you’d need to use during your visit including a picnic blanket if that’s what you’d like to do while you’re here.

If you’re a shell collector this is one of the best places to add to your collection. The type of shells you can find here come in a variety of colors and sizes. They also make for a lovely keepsake or souvenir.

Are you made of money? If not, our helpful New Orleans hotel guide was made for you!

#7 – Rutherford Beach

A classic Louisiana beach experience

• Unique free camping site
• Very small and remote beach

The beaches in Louisiana aren’t always crystal blue in color, but they are almost always unique. The Rutherford beach is one such location. It’s also one of the most unique camping sites you could pick while you’re in Louisiana.

If camping is not your thing, do not despair. You can always opt to practice your fishing skills or enjoy a long walk while enjoying the sunset.

#8 – North Beach – Lake Charles

A great public beach to spend the weekend

• White sandy urban beach
• One of the small beaches in Lake Charles

This lovely urban beach is perfectly located on the gulf coast which has a host of other exciting things to do within its radius. You can easily plan to spend a whole day or weekend nearby if you’re looking to relax or enjoy some thrilling activities.

Amongst other exciting things, you can enjoy a good old game of volleyball on the shores with friends or, of course, you can make new ones.

It’s also the perfect place to enjoy the views along the promenade where you can catch an impeccable sunset.

If you’ve already booked, make sure you know about all the great things to do in New Orleans!

#9 – Jimmie Davis State Park

One of the best beaches in San Diego for watersports

• One of the most popular state parks in Louisiana
• Located in a 295 acre park

The Jimmie Davis State Park is the perfect place to unwind while surrounded by the beauty of nature. It has a plethora of facilities and cabins that you can choose from and is a great escape from the city.

You can choose to fish, hike, picnic or even boat at this magnificent park that is easily one of the most decked out offers around.

The swimming beach is also a great spot to enjoy some of the watersports on offer. Make sure to learn a new skill like water skiing while you’re there.

Want to avoid the big crowds? Check out our guide to the best times to visit New Orleans!

#10 – Little Florida Beach

A relaxed beach atmosphere

• Great spot for peaceful fishing
• Small piece of shore to enjoy the sun

This well-maintained beach is one of the quietest beaches around Louisiana. If you’re looking to steal a moment away from the crowds, this is one of the best places to do just that.

Its facilities are little to none, so do make sure to bring all the different things you’d need throughout the day. The locals are very big on creating a clean safe space so always make sure that you leave the place just as you found it.

The Little Florida Beach is a lovely unspoiled gem in Louisiana.

 

#11 – Lake Pontchartrain

One of the most beautiful “beaches” in Louisiana

• Has a number of swimming points to enjoy
• Small beach with one of the longest bridges over water

If you haven’t yet, you need to add Lake Pontchartrain to your bucket list of things to do while you’re in Louisiana. It’s popularly known for its 24-mile long bridge over water, a sight that’s completely worth seeing for yourself.

After a long drive, you can reward yourself with views near the shores and incredible dining experience. There are several interesting restaurants to choose from. This lake is also one of the best places to fish as well.

#12 – Lake Claiborne State Park Beach

A gorgeous man-made Louisiana beach

• Family-friendly beachfront with multiple camping locations
• The entire park is 642968 acres in size

This state park offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy a number of water sports. It has amazing scenery throughout its grounds where you can also enjoy a number of other exciting things to do.

This beach is an artificial one but it has been so beautifully done that it doesn’t take from the ambiance of a day out at the beach. Kids hike

#13 – South Toledo Bend State Park

A beach built on a reservoir

• A great place to visit for unparalleled natural wonders
• The park is 1000035 acres in size

The nature lovers are in for a treat at this magnificent state park. The South Toledo Bend State Park is a great place to visit if you’re looking to have loads of fun! There isn’t much sand, but the rest of the park makes up for that.

Go boating or tubing on the waters or choose to stay the night over to immerse yourself in the nearby natural wonders. There are many wooden platforms over the water to enjoy the sights from, and a canoe trip here is a must.

#14 – Bogue Chitto State Park

A great beach for swimming, kayaking, and tubing

• Soft sand, volleyball, fishing, with the background of lush park area
• The beach is a ± 200-yard stretch

If you’re looking to enjoy a fun day out in one of the newer state parks make your way to Bogue Chitto. This state park has been intricately designed to offer a wide range of things to do with people of different age groups.

The kids can go splash paddling nearby while you enjoy a refreshing drink at the sandbar overlooking the waters. Although this is not a traditional beach you can enjoy some of the activities you’d enjoy at one while you’re here.

#15 – Lake End Park

A campsite beach on a clean lake

• Ample amenities for the whole family
• The park is 11,520 acres in surface area

Lake End Park attracts many families looking for an outdoor getaway. This campsite lake beach offers camping grounds, kids’ playgrounds, and hiking trails to enjoy while here. Pets and kids alike can enjoy the fun here. There is a small entrance fee for day visitors.

It’s ideal as a weekend family vacation spot, or simply a day trip for some time outdoors. The lake is swimmable, there is a pier for fishing, and a family of ducks is often found waddling through the beach.

Final Thoughts On the Best Beaches in Louisiana

The vibrant state of Louisiana has an amazing host of things to offer tourists and residents alike throughout the year. Among these interesting things in store is a range of beaches for a fun day out in the sun.

Make your way to these varying beaches to create memorable experiences with your family or friends. Whether you choose to explore the lakes, man-made beaches or the more traditional ones, there’s no doubt that you’ll definitely enjoy the experience.

Make sure to add one of its many beaches to your itinerary when you visit this impeccable state.