If you have come to explore Louisiana and think that music, cultural hotspots, and culinary experiences are what it’s known for, think again. Beaches in Louisiana are delightful places and are especially frequented during summer. They are a blend of barrier islands, gulf beaches, and freshwater lakes. Although not known as much as other things, a trip to them does make sense, particularly when they offer plenty of recreational opportunities. Explore the best beaches below.
Beautiful Beaches in Louisiana
1. Grand Isle Beach
How does the thought of white, pristine sand and crashing Gulf waves sound? If it sounds tempting, you will love a visit to the Grand Isle Beach in Louisiana this summer. The beach is seven magical miles long and gives plenty of opportunities to witness nature in all its glory. We are talking about windblown oak trees, crepe myrtle, palms, ferns, lots of aquatic life, and water birds. In addition, fishing, birding, and crabbing are some exciting activities you can partake in here. Louisiana maintains a mile of beachfront at Grand Isle State Park on the island’s easternmost end. Besides the different activities, you can be a part of the Annual Migratory Birding Festival during spring and spot songbirds in oak-hackberry woods, shorebirds, and waders.
2. North Beach
North Beach is one of the best inland white-sand beaches in Louisiana, and it lies between Texas and Florida. The family-oriented beach is always packed with picnic tables. You can see people of all ages cooling down and relaxing on a hot summer day. It is open every day from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. year-round. Once here, let go of all worries by spending the day building sand castles, splashing in the sunny water, or playing beach volleyball. If you’d like some entertainment, visit the gorgeous promenade on the lakeshore that links the Lake Charles parks. Here, food, wine, and wildlife events and festivals are organized 360 days of the year.
3. Holly Beach
Any list of beaches in Louisiana for summer cannot miss Holly Beach. The rustic beach, commonly known as The Cajun Riviera, is best for those who love collecting shells, fishing, and birdwatching. It is pet and handicap friendly and welcomes you around the year. This beach offers a great locals-only vibe. It is also an ideal option if you want to just sit and watch nature after fishing and crabbing and then doze off to the melody of lapping waves.
4. White Sands Lake Day Beach
White Sands Lake Day Beach is another great place to beat the summer heat with your family. The water here is not very deep, and there is hardly any current near the shore. This makes it the ideal place to let off the reigns on your children and see them splash in water. To make you have the most enjoyable time, there is an aqua park with inflatable water slides, floating mats, trampolines, the blob bag, and more. You can play beach volleyball or indulge in paddleboarding. When hungry, have something delicious at the BBQ grill. This beach in Louisiana is also a famous spot for birthday parties, family reunions, church, or youth group shows. It is open from the first weekend in May until Labor Day Monday every year.
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5. Rutherford Beach
Rutherford Beach in Creole is a must-visit beach for camping in summer. It has nice, hard-packed sand on which even the most robust RVs can move. You can set up a tent or park a van here. There is no shortage of amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, and showers. This beach is at the old mouth of the Mermentau River. It allows for shallow water estuary canoeing or kayaking via the old Mermentau River system. Sometimes, it can get really windy. So, while you’re camping here, be sure to bring your canopy or weights.
6. Mae’s Beach
One of the prettiest yet secluded beaches in Louisiana to ward off summer heat lies in Cameron. Mae’s Beach is a primitive beach where you can admire the sunset, find exquisite blue glass and shells, and camp your heart out. If you are looking to spend quality time with your partner under beautiful skies, this is the place to go. The pet-friendly and handicap-accessible beach allows ATVs and trucks. Just be sure to avoid the dunes and wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, you can find many interesting views. Spot gulls, terns, and ducks during spring and early summer, and Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, and Northern Gannet during winter. You are welcome 24 hours at this beautiful beach.
7. Beaches Along the Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre park on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. If you visit it as a glamper or camper, it’s hard not to be drawn to the gorgeous sandy beaches along it. The beaches along the lake are ideal for sunbathing and watching the sunset. You can go sailing, walking, biking or skating here. Birdwatchers would love to know that more than 400 species live in and around Fontainebleau!
8. Elmer’s Island Beach
Elmer’s Island is a haven for birds boasting 215 species of birds, such as waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds. The Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge is owned and maintained by the state of Louisiana. It’s a beautiful 230-acre tract of barrier beachfront. The area is situated at the southwestern tip of Jefferson Parish and across Caminada Pass from Grand Isle. The beach is quite popular among tourists in summer. They love the multi-colored bubbles and sea shells that the surf brings. Besides, you can catch catfish and shrimp, rent kayaks, and paddle into the marsh by yourself. This beach is a nice place for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, those who love to sit amid nature, fish, watch birds, or search the beach for beautiful gems.
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9. Lake Claiborne State Park Beach
Lake Claiborne State Park is a famous recreation site that opened in 1974. This park has a sandy beach where visitors love to swim, particularly because Lake Claiborne is renowned for its clear sparkling water. The beach is at the inlet of the lake and is secured from boats and waterskiers. You can spend your days in the cabin tucked away in the pine trees, rent a canoe, go kayaking, or hike the trails to explore the great park on your own. The site is open daily.
10. Shell Beach
If the thought of boating and swimming in summer interests you and you want to do it at an abandoned but beautiful spot, visit Shell Beach. The beach is not really a beach in the true definition of the term. It is an unincorporated community in St. Bernard Parish at the Gulf Outlet Canal near Lake Borgne. Here, you can paddle your kayak into the deep fringe of the marsh. A striking feature of this beach is the massive relic of Fort Proctor. The brick fortification was set up between 1856 and 1859. So it holds a historical charm. You’ll see several fishing boats and fishermen doing their daily tasks. That’s why boating, swimming, and sunbathing are the top choices for activities here.
Conclusion
There isn’t any shortage of quaint, sandy beaches in Louisiana. Each has its unique charm and draws plenty of visitors in the summer. You can organize a trip to any one of them and enjoy kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching. The multitude of activities will keep you busy throughout the day.
