What are the Most Popular Beaches in Louisiana?
The bayou state may be better known for its swamps than its pristine stretches of sand — but make no mistake about it, there are some incredible beaches in Louisiana. From its interior lakes to its Gulf Coast shoreline, here are the most beautiful Louisiana beaches you don’t want to miss.
Top Beaches in Louisiana
1. South Toledo Bend State Park Beach
2. Holly Beach
3. North Beach
4. Rutherford Beach
5. Cypremort Point Beach
6. Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge Beach
7. Grand Isle Beach
8. Fontainebleau State Park Beach
9. White Sands Lake Beach
10. Lake Claiborne State Park
Louisiana Beaches
Without further ado, let’s dive into these gorgeous beaches!
1. South Toledo Bend State Park Beach
Located in the middle section of the western edge of the state, right on its border with Texas, South Toledo Bend State Park has no shortage of worthwhile attractions, not the least of which is its shimmering beachfront. A more off-the-beaten-path option than some of our other beaches on this list, and also a convenient drive from many of the state’s interior cities, though it’s also a great getaway for those living along the coast. Along with its soft sands and beautiful clear waters, this state park also boasts some of the best bass fishing in the south, and is a known spot for wildlife and bird spotters. On-site camping is available, although there are also many other campgrounds in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Things to do near South Toledo Bend State Park Beach: A short drive from other preserved wildernesses, such as Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area and the Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area, this beach is surrounded by untouched countryside that will give you a whole new appreciation for Louisiana. Here are some local RVshare rentals to consider.
2. Holly Beach
This stunning stretch of the Gulf Coast is sometimes known as the “Cajun Riviera” — and once you visit, you’ll see why. A small coastal community surrounded by characteristic Louisiana swamps and marshes, Holly Beach is known for its shining white sands and gentle, soothing wake — though there can be rip currents here, so always be sure to proceed with caution when you wander into the water. Along with sunbathing and sand-castle building, this stretch of shoreline is also known for its wind surfing potentiality, and is a great place for those who spend their time on the beach searching for shells.
Things to do near Holly Beach: Just a short trip up 27, you’ll find the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place to spot a variety of migratory birds as well as (of course) alligators. The nearby town of Cameron has all the resources you need for your trip, and an RVshare rental vehicle makes it easy to call just about anywhere your home away from home.
3. North Beach
Lake Charles is already a destination worth visiting, both for the lake itself and the city that has sprung up around it. But along with all the other attractions of this interior body of water, be sure to add North Beach to your list: the soft white sands will make you feel like you’ve traveled to a tropical, oceanside location, and the waters are calm and shallow, making it a great place for those traveling with families and not-so-strong swimmers. Because it’s such a popular vacation zone, this beach has been developed with amenities like a volleyball net, picnic areas and more. And, of course, the larger city of Lake Charles offers plenty of other things to see, do, and experience in the area.
Things to do near North Beach: Be sure to save some time to thoroughly explore Lake Charles, which has plenty of great eateries, shops, and other attractions to peruse. Need to get away from the hubbub? Sam Houston Jones State Park is just outside of town, and offers spacious and generously appointed on-site camping. Here are some nearby RVshare rentals to take you there.
4. Rutherford Beach
Considered by some visitors to be one of the very best beaches in all of Louisiana, Rutherford Beach is prized for its relatively quiet, private location as well as its stunning view of the Gulf. Soft, broad sands offer plenty of room to spread your towel (and plenty of incentive to do so), and the beach does allow pets, making it the perfect place to spend a day — or whole weekend — with your entire family in tow, including the four-legged members. Although there aren’t many developments, there are some outhouses along the shore to keep the beach clean and your family comfortable, and the serene seaside is dotted with shells and other interesting ocean flotsam. And, of course, the sunsets are phenomenal… or the sunrises, if you’re up early enough to see them!
Things to do near Rutherford Beach: Less than an hour away lies the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, a beloved spot for bird-watchers and wildlife lovers (and also a great place to set out traps for crabs or cast a line). Further inland, unique ecosystems like the one at Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge await; here are some local RVshare rentals to consider.
5. Cypremort Point Beach
This beautiful stretch of sand, which is nestled onto the small peninsula of Cypremort Point, sandwiched between the Vermillion and West Cote Blanche Bays, is part of the larger (though still fairly small) Cypremort Point State Park, a marshland of just under 200 acres that also features a fishing pier and a boat ramp. Swimming and sunbathing are common, but this area is especially well known as a fishing destination — which works out well, since the park offers a generous number of grills and picnic areas so you can whip up your very own dinner, fresh from the bay. Showers and washing stations are also available, as are restrooms.
Things to do near Cypremort Point Beach: Cypremort Point is a marshy and fairly remote stretch of land, with a variety of small towns dotting the road from the larger metro of Lafayette… which is only an hour away. Other area wildernesses, like the Attakapas Island Wildlife Management Area, make this swampy, sandy stretch a great place to while away a weekend. Here are some local RVshare rentals to help make it happen.
6. Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge Beach
The fingers of water-strewn land extending down into the Gulf from New Orleans are characterized by saltwater marsh and scenic, fish-filled lakes — not to mention stretches of sand-dune-backed beaches. If you’re looking for a more remote place to spend a beach day in Louisiana, we recommend a trip to the Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge Beach, which offers a great proximity to a variety of local wildlife as well as the opportunity to wade, fish, swim, and sunbathe, all in the shadow of one of Louisiana’s biggest cities.
Things to do near Elmer’s Island Wildlife Refuge Beach: Although not far from New Orleans as the crow flies, this roads leading through the marshy surroundings to this wildlife refuge does mean it’s two full hours of driving from the Big Easy… which is perfect for those looking to feel like they’ve gotten away from it all without having to really go too far. There are some excellent RVshare rentals available in these parts, not to mention beautiful and well-appointed campgrounds!
7. Grand Isle Beach
One of the premier destinations, especially for those local to New Orleans, is Grand Isle State Park — which, nestled along the Gulf Coast and backed by a series of bays as it is, is best known for its multiple sandy stretches of waterfront. Along with its gorgeous beaches, Grand Isle State Park offers a short nature trail for those who want to stretch their legs and get a full sense of the park, including elevated boardwalks and an observation tower that offers endless views of the Gulf and the surrounding countryside. With its combination of developed amenities and untouched natural scenery, Grand Isle Beach is easily one of the most popular in the state, if not the entire south, so be sure to set up early to get the best spot — same goes for on-site camping!
Things to do near Grand Isle Beach: This barrier island is one of the most popular destinations in all of Louisiana, so it’s populated by plenty of hotels, eateries, shops, and other vacation-town sorts of explorables. A variety of small islands are strewn across the waters and accessible by boat, and, of course, New Orleans is only a quick day trip away. Here are some local RVshare rentals and campgrounds to consider.
8. Fontainebleau State Park Beach
Situated directly across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, Fontainebleau State Park Beach is sure to be well-populated by sun-seeking locals on any sunny Louisiana weekend, especially during the muggy summertime when everyone’s in need of a quick dip to cool off. The shimmering lake beach is certainly one of the biggest draws, but this state park has plenty else to offer: a water playground adds another innovative way to splash around and cool down, and the park is criss-crossed with a few relatively easy, enjoyable hiking trails, including a nature trail with interpretive signage to help you get better acquainted with the park and its natural surroundings.
Things to do near Fontainebleau State Park Beach: Thanks in large part to the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway — which is itself a sight to behold, holding the title for longest bridge over a body of water at just shy of 24 miles long — Fontainebleau State Park is only an hour away from all of the big lights and beautiful sounds of New Orleans, from its world-famous Bourbon Street to its slightly-less-populated (but no less incredible) Frenchmen Street. Here are some of the best RVshare rentals in the area, as well as some incredible area campgrounds to take them to.
9. White Sands Lake Beach
It’s a bit further from the beaten path, but those who venture inland from New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain to the smaller (but no less scenic) White Sands Lake will be rewarded for their efforts. Soft, golden sands and beautiful, clear waters characterize this common family vacation destination, whose resort-style amenities include plenty of places to stay as well as opportunities for family fun such as a large trampoline, teeter-totters, floating mats for rent, a beach volleyball court, and many more. For older kids, teens, and adults, be sure to check out the nearby available paddleboard and pedal boat rentals, perfect for a day out on the water — but even if you just hang out along the coastline, you’re sure to have an excellent day of fun in the sun!
Things to do near White Sands Lake Beach: About equidistant from the small-ish towns of Franklinton and Covington, White Sands Lake Beach is simultaneously away from it all and easily reachable by a wide variety of Louisianans, making it a popular vacation getaway destination. Here are some local RVshare rentals to help you visit with your very own home away from home on wheels!
10. Lake Claiborne State Park
Far from the Gulf, tucked into the north-central part of the state of Louisiana, Lake Claiborne State Park waits amidst beautiful southern pine forests, offering well-appointed and relaxing camping cabins, hiking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities, and more. One of the major reasons people are drawn to this inland lake state park? Its beautiful stretch of freshwater beach, which is actually located along an inlet, which protects waders and sunbathers from the wake and noise of boaters and the waterskiers they often tow. Once you’ve had your fill of sunshine and sand, grab your rod and reel and cast a line for a freshly caught dinner of largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, striped bass, chain pickerel, bream or white perch. It’s also got the #1 and #2 best-ranked disc golf courses in the state, so there truly is something to do here for everybody!
Things to do near Lake Claiborne State Park: Only a little more than an hour outside of Shreveport (pending traffic), Lake Claiborne State Park is central to many Louisianans, as well as folks from certain parts of Arkansas and Texas. Here are some local RVshare rentals and campgrounds to explore, as well.
Planning an RV Trip to Louisiana
Louisiana’s beaches are a great reason to make a trip to the Bayou State — but they’re far from the only reason! Louisiana also has some incredible state parks and cities to explore, not to mention wonderful campgrounds. There’s no better time to find your dream Louisiana RV rental and hit the road!
