Louisiana is a state unlike any other in the United States — a vibrant gumbo of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures simmering along the Gulf Coast. Home to New Orleans' legendary French Quarter, Cajun country's cypress swamps, and world-class cuisine ranging from crawfish étouffée to beignets, Louisiana captivates visitors with jazz-drenched streets, extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations, and antebellum plantation grandeur set against a backdrop of moss-draped live oaks.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Louisiana.
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- Parking
- Picnic areas
- Fishing pier
- Camping
- Bird watching tower
- Restrooms
Grand Isle State Park Beach
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- Parking (free)
- Fishing
- RV camping
- Shrimping access
Holly Beach (Cajun Riviera)
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- Swimming area
- Fishing pier
- Camping
- Picnic shelters
- Restrooms
- Boat launch
Cypremort Point State Park Beach
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- Fishing
- Seafood restaurants
- Marina
- Walking path
Lake Pontchartrain Beach (Lakeview / West End)
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- Free parking
- Beach driving permitted
- Fishing
- Bird watching
Rutherford Beach
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- Swimming area
- Picnic area
- Camping
- Hiking trails
- Restrooms
- Boat launch
North Cove Beach — Fontainebleau State Park
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.