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Photo: Getty Images / Tyrone Callahan Jr / EyeEm
When it comes to
beautiful beaches
, the South is no novice. When the weather warms, folks from across the country flock to our coast. And their affection for our sandy shores doesn’t show signs of waning anytime soon. While most are familiar with Alabama and
Florida’s Gulf Coast
or the
Outer Banks
and barrier islands off the Carolinas, there’s one oft-forgotten Southern coastal state that’s got its bevy of beaches to share.
Louisiana’s coast, lovingly known as the Cajun Riviera, is filled with hidden gems and lesser-known shorelines perfect for a weekend getaway or weeklong escape. Plus, it has plenty of lake-side beaches too. From white sand beaches packed with activity for the whole family to secluded stretches of shoreline tucked into natural state parks, these are the best Louisiana beaches.
01
of 08
Grand Isle
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Cavan Images / Getty Images
Grand Isle, Louisiana
Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, Grand Isle is in good company with some of the South’s favorite island destinations, including
Amelia Island
,
Hilton Head
, and
Jekyll Island
. While coastal purists enjoy Grand Isle’s white sand beaches and crashing Gulf waves, wildlife enthusiasts enjoy opportunities for excellent fishing, birding, and crabbing.
Lowkey cottages and laidback beach motels give ’round-the-clock beach access to visitors. If you go for the day, hit up the public beach access at Grand Isle State Park and stop at the observation tower for sweeping views of the gorgeous beach below.
townofgrandisle.com
;
Grand Isle, LA
02
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North Beach
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Getty Images / Steven Turner / EyeEm
Lake Charles, Louisiana
If the Great Lakes prove anything, it’s that an ocean isn’t necessary to have a perfect beach day. Located on
Louisiana’s Lake Charles
, there’s always something happening on the white sand shores of North Beach. A
scenic promenade
on the lakeshore links three popular Lake Charles parks, where events and festivals are hosted year-round. The beach is popular for beach volleyball, beachcombing, and picnicking. Plus, you won’t have to worry about saltwater stinging your eyes!
visitlakecharles.org
; N. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles, LA 70601
03
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Fontainebleau State Park
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Getty Images / Tyrone Callahan Jr / EyeEm
Mandeville, Louisiana
Another lakefront beach, Fontainebleau State Park on Lake Pontchartrain, one of the state’s biggest lakes, has something for everyone. A soft, sandy beach is ideal for soaking up the sun, while waders and swimmers of all ages enjoy the shallow, calm waters. If you tire of the beach, the 2,800-acre park, which was once the location of a large sugar mill, offers hiking and biking trails, as well as several streams and waterways to explore on kayak or canoe.
lastateparks.com
; 62883 Hwy. 1089, Mandeville, LA 70448
04
of 08
Rutherford Beach
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Getty Images / Judy Darby
Creole, Louisiana
This quiet stretch of beach is a favorite among locals when they’re looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Located at the old mouth of the Mermentau River, this beach is protected from the choppy Gulf of Mexico waves, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and watersports. The pet-friendly spot has plenty of room to let Fido roam, and it’s also a great place to pitch a tent and wake up to the sound of crashing waves. A morning stroll or shell hunt completes the serene escape.
visitlakecharles.org
; Gulf of Mexico, Creole, LA 70632
05
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Holly Beach
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Getty Images / Matthew D White
Cameron, Louisiane
Holly Beach est le point le plus à l’ouest de la Cajun Riviera, une bande côtière de 30 miles en Louisiane, parsemée de marais et de rivières. À environ une heure au sud de Lake Charles, vous saurez que vous avez atteint cette charmante
ville côtière
lorsque vous commencerez à voir des groupes de maisons colorées sur pilotis surplombant l’eau. La zone étant essentiellement résidentielle, il est préférable de louer une maison et d’en faire son port d’attache pour le week-end. Vous pourrez alors vous adonner à la collecte de coquillages, à la pêche et même au surf. N’oubliez pas d’admirer chaque soir les magnifiques couchers de soleil depuis cette plage pittoresque.
visitlakecharles.org
; 403 Porpoise Ave, Cameron, LA 70631
06
de 08
Parc d’État de Cypremort Point
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Explore Louisiana
Cypremort Point, Louisiana
Located less than two hours from
New Orleans
, Lafayette, and Baton Rouge, Cypremort Point State Park is an ideal summer day trip. This man-made beach along Vermilion Bay near the Gulf of Mexico is a great spot for nature lovers. In the marshes of the 185-acre park, visitors may see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, alligators, red foxes, deer, and birds. Pack for a day on the beach and enjoy swimming, shelling, sailing, kite surfing, kayaking, or fishing. Visitors can also reserve a cabin or campsite for the night.
lastateparks.com
; 306 Beach Lane, Cypremort Point, LA 70538
07
of 08
Jimmie Davis State Park
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Courtesy of Jimmie Davis State Park
Chatham, Louisiane
Consider this state park a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Jimmie Davis State Park is located on a peninsula on Caney Lake. When it comes to enjoying the lake’s crystal-clear water, take your pick of swimming, waterskiing, or fishing. Spend the day sunbathing on the sandy shoreline, or pack your binoculars and explore the forest nearby, filled to the brim with wildlife. Kids will enjoy the on-site playground and splash pad. Whatever you decide, a day out in Louisiana’s nature is calling your name.
lastateparks.com
; 1209 State Park Road, Chatham, LA 71226
08
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White Sands Lake Day Beach
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Courtesy of White Sands Lake Day Beach
Franklinton, Louisiana
Right outside of Franklinton, Louisiana lies White Sands Beach, a family-friendly lake beach open from the first weekend of May through Labor Day Monday. As the name suggests, the beach is known for its white sand. Rent a shaded cabana for you and your crew to enjoy throughout the day. Each cabana has a grill, so you can smoke up some grub on your beach day.
Les activités ludiques ne manquent pas sur cette plage. L’Aqua Park, situé sur place, propose des jeux d’eau pour tous les âges : trampolines, toboggans aquatiques, etc. Des filets de volley-ball sont disséminés sur la plage, et si vous aimez les sports nautiques, vous pouvez louer un kayak ou un bateau à aubes.
whitesandslake.com
; 52129 Sandstone Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438