Louisiana is a fantastic state that offers a variety of beautiful beaches. Along with beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana also has stunning lakeside beaches. Each beach has its own unique landscape that sets it apart from the others.
One great thing about the beaches in Louisiana is that some of them are dog-friendly, and a few even allow camping right on the beach! If you enjoy being outdoors and want to set up your tent along the coast without any trouble or charges, then you will definitely love Louisiana.
10. Jimmie Davis State Park Beach
The Jimmie Davis State Park Beach is a great spot to enjoy beach volleyball, fishing, and kayaking with your family. The beach is located on a thin strip of land with many small water channels nearby. If you love fishing, you’ll be excited to know that some of the largest largemouth bass and redear sunfish in the state have been caught here.
Don’t forget to bring a grill in case you catch your own dinner. There are plenty of campgrounds available at the beach, and you can even book a glamping trip for a more luxurious camping experience. Just remember that this beach is not on the ocean, but rather on the shores of Caney Creek Reservoir.
9. Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle State Park is a beautiful park located on the Gulf of Mexico and it happens to be the only state park along the Gulf of Mexico in the state. You can find this park in the charming fishing village of Grand Isle, which hosts thrilling annual events such as the Grand Isle Migratory Bird Festival and International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo.
The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds that spend part of the year on this island. Fishing enthusiasts will love this place as it offers abundant redfish and tarpon. However, it’s important to be cautious of stingrays and jellyfish when swimming in the water.
If you’re visiting New Orleans and want to escape the busy city, the park is just a two-hour drive south. Spend a day here to relax and unwind. And if you want to extend your stay, take advantage of the beachfront camping available.
8. Rutherford Beach
Rutherford Beach is a peaceful and beautiful place with soft sand. One of the main attractions of the beach is that you can set up your tent right there! Yes, you can put up your tent on the shore and even drive your RV onto the sand.
Isn’t it amazing to fall asleep while listening to the soothing sound of the ocean waves and wake up on a sandy Gulf beach? You might think that it’s too good to be true and that the beach must be crowded. However, Rutherford Beach is actually a calm and untouched spot. It has a secluded atmosphere that makes it special.
The beach provides both Gulf waters and the Mermentau River, making it an ideal location for adventurous activities like kayaking and canoeing. You can easily reach the beach through the Gulf Beach Highway, and it takes around 45 minutes to get there from Lake Charles. Moreover, you’ll be happy to know that dogs are allowed on the beach!.
7. Fontainebleau State Park
The state park is popular because of its beautiful beaches and tropical atmosphere. In addition to the stunning views, Fontainebleau State Park has a beach by the lake where you can relax and enjoy the sand. If you’re up for it, there are also hiking trails that span over 6 miles for you to explore.
Alternatively, you can go biking on the Tammany Trace. There are plenty of activities to do on and around the lake, such as visiting the old sugar mills or trying paddle boarding. It could be a great place to go on a family camping trip.
6. Cypremort Point State Park
Cypremort Point State Park has a beautiful beach that offers a view of Vermilion Bay. It is a great place for windsurfing and fishing, which is a popular activity in Louisiana. Visitors can rent boats to go fishing in the sea or use the fishing pier at Cypremort Point. Cypremort Point is one of the best beachfront parks in the state.
It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy warm and joyful days on the half mile long beach. Additionally, visitors can take short trips to explore the surrounding bays, barrier islands, and coastal marshland near the beach. If you are unsure where to stay, the park offers cabins for rent on-site, and the location is unbeatable.
5. Port Fourchon
The port town of Port Fourchon is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, which are typical of the Gulf Coast. Unlike other Louisiana beaches, Port Fourchon beach offers something unique: the opportunity for surfing! The waves here are decent enough for you to enjoy surfing and have fun, although it may not be as epic as California.
This beach is also dog-friendly and conveniently located near many restaurants that serve mouthwatering fresh seafood. If dining out is not your preference, you can also bring your fishing rod and try your luck at catching your own dinner for the day.
4. Lake Charles Beaches
Lake Charles is a charming city located along the Lake Charles lake. It offers a variety of attractions, such as the Charpentier Historic District, lakeside parks, and a small beach. If you’re seeking a peaceful experience, the marina provides stunning views of the lake where you can reflect on life.
For those looking to relax, North Beach offers sand for sunbathing and the opportunity to enjoy a good book. As the sun sets, the sky becomes adorned with captivating colors, creating a delightful spectacle. While Lake Charles only has one beach, it is conveniently close to some of the best beaches in Louisiana.
In just a thirty-minute drive, you can visit Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach, and Little Florida Beach is only ten minutes further.
3. White Sands Lake Day Beach
The town of Franklinton has a lake and a beach. You can easily enjoy a peaceful time at this lakeside beach, either in the morning or in the afternoon. The water is clear and great for swimming, especially when it’s hot outside.
The kids will be excited to see the fun inflatables and aqua lily pads floating on the lake, which they can play and have fun on. While they are occupied, you can relax and read a book, giving yourself some much-needed rest.
Additionally, you have the option to rent canoes and access a picnic area with a BBQ grill, making it perfect for larger groups.
2. Holly Beach
When you reach Holly Beach, you’ll notice the beautiful houses on stilts, which are a clear indication that you have arrived. This beach is conveniently located just an hour away from Lake Charles and Sulphur, making it ideal for a day trip from either city.
One amazing thing about this beach is that you can actually camp here! So, bring your tent along and enjoy spending the evenings on the beach, where you can witness breathtaking sunsets. The sound of the waves will relax you and put you in a state of pure bliss.
And when you feel like doing something more active, you can try fishing or take off your shoes and stroll along the sandy shore, searching for the most beautiful seashells to bring back home.
1. Bogue Chitto State Park
If you want to combine relaxing beach days with a nature-filled vacation, Bogue Chitto State Park is perfect for you. The park offers a good mix of beach and adventure activities. It has 11 lakes, some of which have small sandy beaches where you can relax and swim under the hot sun.
At night, you can enjoy excellent stargazing due to the park’s secluded location. The park also has a network of rivers that are ideal for kayaking. Don’t worry about where to stay because there are various accommodation options available, including camping, glamping, RV park-ups, and cozy cabins.
