Coastal Beaches in Louisiana - Exploration America

After moving to Louisiana I quickly realized that even though the entire southern portion of the state lies on the Gulf of Mexico, beaches in Louisiana are a little fewer and further between than I expected. I had assumed, much like Florida’s gulf coast, that beaches were littered throughout the entire coast. These hidden gem beaches in Louisiana all have something special though.

Let me just be up front and put this out there right away, Louisiana beaches are NOT like Florida beaches. You aren’t going to find stark white beach sand with clear blue water and tons of ocean life. The far west beaches will be your cleanest ones in the state, but we have a lot of silt and erosion. There’s a reason everyone goes to Florida for vacation. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful gulf sunsets and a great time at the ocean.

Each of the beaches in Louisiana below are broken down by salt water (including brackish) and fresh water as well as being listed from the west gulf coast of Louisiana in order to the east gulf coast. When one thinks of Louisiana, images of either swamps or lively cities, delicious Cajun cuisine, and vibrant music often come to mind. However, the state also boasts a stunning coastline, offering visitors an opportunity to unwind on its beautiful beaches.

Despite not being as renowned for its beaches as other coastal destinations, Louisiana’s coastline is dotted with hidden gems that showcase the unique blend of the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters and the state’s distinctive charm. Grab your over-sized beach blanket and waterproof phone holders and let’s go!

Beaches in Louisiana From West to East:

Coastal Beaches in Louisiana:

I designate the difference between saltwater beaches vs freshwater beaches because if you’re from the south, you likely don’t feel like anything freshwater is considered a beach. But if you’re from the North, you consider freshwater lakes as a beachfront! This post is about saltwater beaches.

Holly Beach

Holly Beach is a quiet gem of a beach in Louisiana. Most people that live here know about it, but it is too far for anyone to bother driving out to it. Most locals of Louisiana prefer to head to the panhandle for clearer water, but Holly Beach is a great place to catch a gorgeous sunset. Even better, tent camping is allowed on the beach!

Unlike some other Louisiana beaches, you can also find seashells here! While you can drive (and camp) on the beach, no bonfires or ATVs are allowed. This beach is free.

North Beach (near coastal)

In Lake Charles, more than 20 miles from the ocean, this beach is the only inland “white sand beach” between Texas and Florida. It is brackish water – meaning that it’s a mixture of fresh and salt water, and generally this is not a beach I would personally drive out of my way for.

It’s great for throwing out a fishing line or stopping if you’re passing by, but not worth the drive for a beach vacation at all. Within walking distance of the visitor’s center, Millennium Park, the September 11th Memorial and Veteran’s Memorial Park. This beach is free.

Rutherford Beach

Located in Cameron Parish, Rutherford Beach and Holly Beach are close by and both are referenced frequently by locals as a worthy beach for a long road trip from their daily lives. Camping and driving on the beach are also allowed here, just like Holly Beach – just don’t drive so far out that you’ll get stuck.

This is by far my favorite beach in Louisiana and it feels the most like your panhandle beaches – an unspoiled coastline, except mostly empty and quiet with very little human activity. You can even find scores of hermit crabs in the tidal pools here! The seashells here are the best in the state too! I find everything from conchs to moon snails, olive snails and so much more!

There is a port-o-potty on site but I recommend having your own toilet paper on hand just in case. This beach is free but can come with strong currents so be careful if swimming.

Cypremort Point State Park

Cypremort Point is the one I live closest to and we frequent here a lot due to its proximity. If you’ve been here in the past, chances are you came before all of the massive improvements the state put in. Most reviews you would read online are in this same boat. What was once a deserted quiet piece of land with nothing there, now boasts both tent AND RV camping as well as cabins to rent, a stunning wildlife boardwalk out into the marsh, and two fantastic fishing pier setups complete with sink.

I frequently see everything from nutria to spoonbills, pelicans, deer tracks, and even an occasional bear or gator. There are no shells to find here, and chances are you don’t want to play in the water here because it is so silted, but it’s a beautiful quiet beach with covered pavilions and fantastic fishing. You can also launch a boat or kayak. Bait can be purchased in Lydia on the way to the park. You will need to pay state park fees to access this beach.

Fontainebleau State Park

cypress trees at beach — Fontainebleau State Park

Fontainebleau is the best “drive for a full day” state park as there is TONS to do here! There are over 2800 acres of park off of Lake Pontchartrain with six miles of hiking trails, mostly covered, but bring a strong bug spray with you for when the mosquitos are out. If it’s not flooded there’s a great wooden boardwalk out into the marsh too. There is a nature center, historic 1800’s sugar mill ruins to explore, PLENTY of area for hundreds of people to visit and spread out in, and one small sandy beach nestled in the cypress trees.

Although a cool spot and very unique, this is also the busiest beach area I’ve been to and it’s not exactly a hidden gem in the state. It is, however, a great “one stop shop” for camping and biking/hiking all in the same place. You will need to pay state park fees to access this beach.

Grand Isle State Park

marbled godwit bird in Texas coastal marsh

Normally touted by locals as the ultimate gem of Louisiana, Grand Isle State Park has been hit hard by hurricanes in recent years, although much of it has been fixed and re-opened. Grand Isle definitely has the best fishing pier in the state – over 400 feet long – and is one of several nearby! This state park has over ten miles of coastline (although about a mile of it is for beach access) and is not only a fisherman’s paradise, but is know for it’s diverse bird and wildlife population as well.

Every spring is the Migratory Bird Festival teeming with hundreds of pelicans, pink roseate spoonbills, and other coastal wildlife. Nearby also worth checking out is Elmer’s Island and Fort Livingston. You will need to pay state park fees to access this beach.

Though often overshadowed by its lively culture, cuisine and historic cities, Louisiana’s coastline hides a treasure trove of picturesque and lesser-known beaches. Each sandy stretch of beach offers a unique experience, blending the state’s distinctive charm with the Gulf of Mexico’s warm waters. Whether you seek solitude, family fun, or nature’s embrace, these hidden gems provide an opportunity to escape, unwind, and connect with Louisiana’s natural beauty.

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