53 Best Beaches of Louisiana

Enjoy the Southern spirit! These are perfect for fishing, crabbing, RVing and camping

Louisiana beach vacation? Why not!

Going for a beach vacation in Louisiana may sound counter-intuitive. However, after quick research it becomes clear that there are many amazing options for a perfect weekend – there are plenty of sandy ocean and lake beaches near New Orleans and Baton Rouge! Some Gulf beaches are quite popular, such as Holly Beach in Cameron or Rutherford Beach in Creole. In fact, there are many others that are lesser known to the public, which means fewer crowds for you. LA beaches are perfect for fishing, sunbathing and, due to strong winds, kiting or windsurfing. Loved by RV owners and shellers, these places are where you will discover the essence of the Southern soul!

Show beaches from:
Cypremort Point, Louisiana

Huge fishing area and a pier, there are two beaches - for swimming and non-motorized boats. Can be crowded. Dogs should be on a leash and by side. Many cafes nearby.

Close to Cypremort Point city center
Lake Charles, Louisiana

Family-friendly beach. No pets allowed. Water is murky, however, it's a popular destination. Catamarans are available for rent. A few hotels around offer accommodation.

Close to Lake Charles city center
Chatham, Louisiana
5 mi from Chatham city center
Hammond, Louisiana

Park within the city limits, nice place for sport games, jogging, fishing. Modern playground and a fenced water play area, as well as a fenced off-leash dog park.

Close to Hammond city center
Anacoco, Louisiana
14 mi from Anacoco city center
Franklinton, Louisiana

Family-friendly park with a splashpad and a water playground for children. Features a group camping and a conference room great for team building. Offers horse trails.

6 mi from Franklinton city center
Creole, Louisiana

Far from civilization it gives a great relaxing experience. Bonfires are allowed. Common activities are shelling, fishing, kayaking, canoeing. Amenities are limited.

3 mi from Creole city center
Franklinton, Louisiana

Family-friendly atmosphere. All necessary facilities. The beach has a list of rules, and you'll need to pay cash for some things. No animals. No lifeguards provided.

12 mi from Franklinton city center
Cameron, Louisiana

Wild place with just a few toilets and elevated homes available for rent. Public crabbing sites to watch. In general, it's not the best beach, but ok for a short visit.

8 mi from Cameron city center
Cameron, Louisiana

Hardly-known, therefore calm and secluded sandy beach. Drive-on sand, speed is limited to 10. No stores. Features Peveto Woods Bird and Butterfly Sanctuary nearby.

17 mi from Cameron city center
Mandeville, Louisiana

Interesting place for families and couples. Visitors can rent comfortable beach-houses and have romantic evenings with a scenic sunset. Facilities aren't clean enough.

17 mi from Mandeville city center
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana

Good for a day-trip, it's rather for fishing and boating more than for swimming. However, some visitors do swim. Close to Bayou Park with its playground and wave pool.

20 mi from St. Bernard Parish city center
Grand Isle, Louisiana

Giant sandy beach with options of camping on the beach or renting cabins. Bonfires are allowed. Only one store. Chilly nights and mosquitoes may be the only problem.

3 mi from Grand Isle city center
Port Arthur, Texas

Wild and spacious with brown water. Opportunity to find sealife artifacts. Hardly suits for swimming. Offers free hunting,fishing, hiking and wildlife photography.

19 mi from Port Arthur city center
Long Beach, Mississippi
Close to Long Beach city center
Gulfport, Mississippi

Relatively close to the city, has lots of new eateries and hotels. Sand is soft and clean. Umbrella rentals are on site. Free and spacious parking. Shallow waters.

Close to Gulfport city center
Gulfport, Mississippi

Beautiful gem on the Gulf coast. Lots of regulations help to keep this beach clean, safe and nice as much as possible. Uncrowded and calm. No animals are allowed.

Close to Gulfport city center
Biloxi, Mississippi
3 mi from Biloxi city center
Biloxi, Mississippi

Beach with a white sand and palm trees - perfect for taking Instagram pictures. Waters are shallow but murky and smelly. Variety of restaurants and casinos nearby.

Close to Biloxi city center
Nudist beach
Biloxi, Mississippi

Uncrowded spot, well-kept. Except basic beach activities, you can watch dolphins, crabs, jellyfish. There's no shade, bring or rent an umbrella. Popular among nudists.

14 mi from Biloxi city center
Port Bolivar, Texas

Remote and uncrowded beach with drive-on sand. Relaxing atmosphere, clean sand and warm water. Shopping might be difficult so make sure you took everything needed.

9 mi from Port Bolivar city center
Port Bolivar, Texas
4 mi from Port Bolivar city center
Galveston, Texas

Famous party destination, home for festivals and performances as well as annual sandcastle contests. Various see animals and birds. Beach wheelchairs are available.

3 mi from Galveston city center
Nudist beach
Porter, Texas

Open all year-round nudist destination with special rates and discounts. Spectacular waterfront views at campsites. Spa facilities include outdoor pool, fitness area.

Close to Porter city center
La Porte, Texas

Free and spacious parking. The white-sand beach is clean and equipped with shaded playgrounds. Swimming, sunbathing, strolling and fishing are common activities here

Close to La Porte city center

Louisiana Beaches

Louisiana coast beach

Does Louisiana have good beaches?

Louisiana is located in the southeast of the U.S. on the Gulf of Mexico. Well, one doesn’t usually think of beach recreation when it comes to Louisiana. Still, the Pelican State does have some really nice swimming beaches, it’s just they’re not as well-known as some other beaches on the Gulf Coast – like those in Florida or Texas. Some of the best Louisiana beaches are located in close proximity to Baton Rouge and New Orleans. So if you happen to be there on vacation, consider going to the ocean and spending a day or two soaking up the hot Louisiana sun and refreshing yourself in the Gulf waters.

Beach Locations

For beach recreation in Louisiana, you don’t necessarily have to go south to the Gulf Coast – there are also many beaches on lakes and rivers in well-maintained inland state parks like Jimmie Davis State Park, Zemurray Park, South Toledo State Park, Bogue Chitto State Park, etc. Lake Charles is a good freshwater alternative to the coastal destinations. If you stay in New Orleans, check out the famous Biloxi Beach, which is the closest to the city. Another must-visit in the area is the absolutely gorgeous Grayton Beach with fine white sand and clear turquoise water.

What are Beaches Like in Louisiana?

Overall, Louisiana has numerous family-friendly beaches with basic amenities (including restrooms, outdoor showers, concession stands, and various rental services) where you can bring your family and relax in clean, safe, and comfortable ambiance. Many parks and beaches also offer facilities for tent and RV camping. If you like naturist beach recreation, there are several nudist destinations you might want to check out (for example, Ship Island Beach). If you strive for tranquility and seclusion, choose some of the less crowded beaches like Rutherford Beach or Little Florida Beach.

What are the most popular beaches along the coast of Louisiana?

Some of the best sandy spots in Louisiana are located along the 10-mile coastline of Grand Isle, which is just 2 hours south of New Orleans. This barrier island is popular with picnickers and holidaymakers and is said to be the most famous beach in the Pelican State. Other popular destinations include the serene and scenic Holly Beach with its marshes and rivers, the urban white sand North Beach in Lake Charles, the picturesque Cypremort Point Beach with a nice fishing pier, and the amazing rustic Rutherford Beach in Cameron Parish offering tranquility, on-beach camping, and some good shell collecting.