8 meilleures plages à visiter pendant vos vacances en Louisiane

Fontainebleau State Park


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

Grand Isle, Louisiana Beauty Images during sunset


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


of 08



North Beach

North Beach in Louisiana


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


of 08



Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau State Park


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

Sand dunes on Rutherford Beach, Cameron Parish, Louisiana


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


of 08



Holly Beach

Holly Beach, Louisiana


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

Cypremort Point beach at sunset

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

Jimmie Davis State Park Splash Pad

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


of 08



White Sands Lake Day Beach

White Sands Lake Day Beach in Lousiana

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