Beaches in Louisiana – Gulf Coast Beauty, Relaxed Shores & Wildlife-Rich Coastlines

Louisiana may be famous for jazz, food, and culture, but the state also offers a handful of beautiful Gulf Coast beaches perfect for relaxation, fishing, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and peaceful coastal getaways. Expect a mix of wide sandy shores, quiet natural beaches, barrier islands, and calm waters great for families and nature lovers.

From the long sandy stretches of Holly Beach to the tranquil shores of Grand Isle State Park, the beaches in Louisiana offer a unique blend of Southern charm, coastal nature, and warm-weather relaxation.

Why Visit Beaches in Louisiana?

  • Warm Gulf waters in summer & fall
  • Quiet, peaceful, uncrowded beaches
  • Great fishing, crabbing & birdwatching
  • Beautiful sunsets over the Gulf Coast
  • Unique small beach towns & coastal culture
  • Family-friendly swimming areas

Best Beaches in Louisiana

Here are the top beaches across Louisiana’s coastline:

Grand Isle State Park

Louisiana’s most popular beach — great for swimming, fishing, camping, nature viewing & long walks.

Holly Beach (“Cajun Riviera”)

A long stretch of wide sandy shoreline perfect for swimming, shelling, RVs & peaceful coastal days.

Cypremort Point State Park

A beautiful man-made beach on Vermilion Bay — great for families, boating & calm water days.

Fontainebleau State Park

A scenic lake beach with warm shallow water, picnic areas, trails & iconic sunsets.

Rutherford Beach

Remote, quiet & peaceful — great for free camping, fishing & wildlife spotting.

Things to Do at Louisiana Beaches

  • Go fishing on piers, jetties & surf zones
  • Try crabbing — especially in Grand Isle & Holly Beach
  • Watch coastal birds & wildlife (huge biodiversity)
  • Go kayaking or paddleboarding in calm waters
  • Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood at local coastal restaurants
  • Watch sunrise & sunset over the Gulf
  • Explore coastal trails & marshboardwalks
  • Swim on warm summer days
  • Drive the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road

Where to Stay Near Louisiana’s Best Beaches

Grand Isle

  • Beach cabins & island rentals
  • Fishing camps & waterfront lodges

Holly Beach

  • RV parking, coastal rentals & quiet cottages

Cypremort Point

  • Lakeside cabins & cozy state park lodges

Lake Pontchartrain Area

  • Hotels in Mandeville & Covington
  • Perfect for Fontainebleau visitors

Best Time to Visit Louisiana Beaches

Season Highlights
Summer (June–Aug) Warm Gulf water, swimming, peak season
Fall (Sept–Oct) Best weather, warm water, fewer crowds
Spring (Apr–May) Mild temps, great fishing & wildlife
Winter Quiet, peaceful, good for RVs & nature walks

🌡️ Louisiana Beach Water Temperatures

  • Summer: 82–87°F (very warm)
  • Fall: 76–84°F
  • Spring: 70–78°F
  • Winter: 55–65°F

🚗 How to Get to Louisiana’s Beaches

✈️ By Air

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport
  • Lafayette Regional Airport
  • Lake Charles Regional Airport

🚗 By Car

  • LA-1 → Grand Isle
  • LA-27 → Holly Beach (Creole Nature Trail)
  • LA-3090 → Cypremort Point
  • I-12 → Fontainebleau State Park

🐶 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Louisiana

  • Holly Beach: very dog-friendly
  • Grand Isle: dogs allowed on a leash
  • Rutherford Beach: very pet-friendly & quiet
  • Fontainebleau State Park: dogs allowed in some areas

What to Pack for Louisiana Beaches

  • Sunscreen & a hat (strong summer sun)
  • Cooler with drinks (hot & humid climate)
  • Water shoes (shells & natural beaches)
  • Bug spray (important near marshes)
  • Light breathable clothing
  • Crabbing nets (popular local activity)

⭐ Best Louisiana Beaches by Category

Best for Families

  • Cypremort Point
  • Fontainebleau State Park
  • Grand Isle

Best for Nature Lovers

  • Grand Isle State Park
  • Rutherford Beach

Best for Peace & Quiet

  • Holly Beach
  • Rutherford Beach

FAQs About Louisiana Beaches

Does Louisiana have good beaches?

Yes — Louisiana’s beaches are peaceful, warm, and great for fishing, swimming, and relaxing coastal days.

Which beach in Louisiana is best for swimming?

Grand Isle State Park and Cypremort Point are the best for calm, family-friendly swimming.

What is the quietest beach in Louisiana?

Rutherford Beach and Holly Beach offer the most peaceful, uncrowded coastline.

Can you camp on Louisiana beaches?

Yes — especially at Rutherford Beach (free) and the campgrounds near Grand Isle.

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