New Orleans is the northernmost Caribbean city that you can visit. It lies on the banks of the Mississippi River overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful city of Louisiana has become a popular destination with good reason. It has plenty of white sand beaches and clear waters to swim in. That said, if you are visiting here soon, you might want to check out the best beaches to head out to.
Beaches in Florida Close to Louisiana!
The Best Beaches In and Around Louisiana
There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in and around Louisiana. In fact, the real challenge is deciding which one to head out to. If you are looking for a beach destination to add to your itinerary, you can start with the ones below.
#1 Cajun Riviera or Holly Beach
Just four hours away from New Orleans lies Holly Beach in Cajun country. After it was hit by Hurricane Rita, the entire beach town underwent reconstruction. Nowadays, you will find rental camps for tourists to stay in.
Aside from that, this is the perfect spot for couples to head out to for some alone time. After all, it is near Lake Charles, where you will find North Beach. Also, it is near the western edge of what locals call the Texas border. This is why it is easy to reach for locals and tourists alike.
#2 Biloxi Beach
Meanwhile, Biloxi Beach is the closest beach town to New Orleans. What makes it a great place for sea lovers is its white sand and clear blue waters. You can bring your pets here too although it is not a dog beach. Aside from that, there are casinos and restaurants nearby.
#3 Grand Isle
Grand Isle boasts miles of white sandy beaches for its guests to enjoy. In fact, this is one of the closest Gulf coast beaches in New Orleans. Aside from that, it is also the closest Gulf shores to New Orleans. However, this barrier island has more to offer than its beach. You can also go birdwatching, camping, and fishing. You will see plenty of migratory birds here for sure. If you want to see the best beaches, head to Grand Isle State Park. This is where you will find the great fishing pier. Afterward, you can visit Caminada Bay which is nearby.
#4 Panama City Beach
One of Louisiana’s beaches that you should add to your itinerary is Panama City Beach. If you don’t mind the five-hour drive from the Big Easy, this is a great place to visit. In fact, with its miles of sandy shore, you will not be tempted to leave the Florida Panhandle anytime soon. Aside from that, there are several attractions nearby like Shipwreck Island Water Park and miles of trail.
This beach is just 3.5 hours away from New Orleans and is a great spot to visit on a day trip. It has everything you want on a beach vacation. Imagine white-sand beaches and a quiet shore to stroll on this Santa Rosa beach. You will find it on Santa Rosa Island.
#6 Lake Pontchartrain Beach
Beaches don’t always have to be on the ocean for them to be enjoyable. As a matter of fact, Lake Pontchartrain is a good example. Also, it has just half an hour away from the city. The white sand is perfect for sunbathing and enjoying a picnic with the family. In fact, the shallow waters are suitable for all ages.
#7 Dauphin Island
If you want to avoid the crowd, head to Dauphin Island. This is just three miles from Mobile Bay. Aside from swimming, this is also a great spot for you to go fishing or crabbing. Also, birdwatchers, as well as history buffs, will enjoy it here. After all, the entire island is a bird sanctuary and a fort too which is Fort Gaines. For sure, you will enjoy the rich history of the fort.
#8 Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach is a popular town on Estero Island. You should expect the clearest water here plus they are shallow too. This makes it an ideal spot for families with children. Aside from that, there are several water sports that you can do here like parasailing and kayaking.
#9 Clearwater Beach
If you are looking for the best Gulf Coast beaches, this is one of them. Aside from the white sand beaches, there are other tourist attractions to check out. For example, you can bring your kids to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There are activities here like pirate cruises as well as dolphin shows to enjoy.
#10 Gulf Shores and Orange Beach
Both these beaches lie on the southern edge of Alabama. What you’ll love about them is their sandy shores made from tiny grains of quartz. Aside from that, you will be spoiled for choices for activities. You can go on dolphin cruises, deep-sea fishing, and others.
#11 Marco Island
Family vacations should be spent away from the crowd. Fortunately, Marco Island fits the bill. Although this is the largest Ten Thousand Islands, it is relatively small. In fact, it is only six miles long and boasts a cozy vibe for its guests.
#12 Fontainebleau State Park
One of the Florida State Parks that you can visit is Fontainebleau. The calm, shallow water makes it a great spot for families with children. In fact, there is a water playground nearby complete with a splash pad.
#13 Cypremort Point State Park
Another state park that you should visit is Cypremort. It overlooks Vermilion Bay and is ideal for windsurfing and fishing. Also, the man-made beach and picnic sites are great for families.
#14 Bogue Chitto State Park
With more than a thousand acres of land to explore, this state park is perfect for outdoor activities. Also, it is just an hour away from New Orleans. This is a good spot for fishing and kayaking. You can do these water sports at Bogue Chitto River.
#15 Henderson Beach State Park
Another option that you can consider is Henderson Beach State Park. This is a great addition to your beach vacation because of its warm waters. In fact, the boardwalk provides easy access to the beach. Aside from that, the nature trails are worth exploring too. This public beach also has several campsites for those who are looking for vacation rentals.
#16 Lake Claiborne State Park
This state park has it all. You can go swimming, fishing, boating, and others. Head to its freshwater lake to see different species of gamefish. Also, boatless visitors can head to the beach in the lake’s inlet. The water quality here is clear so you can have fun in the waters.
Wrap Up Everything You Need to Know About Florida Beaches Near Louisiana
The coastal state of Louisiana has much to offer its guests. Spring breakers will be spoiled for choices for beaches here like the ones above. Of course, if you prefer to get away from the crowd, you can head to Rutherford beach and Rosemary beach both of which have managed to retain their old-world charm.
The crescent city of New Orleans is one of the top destinations in Louisiana. Aside from being the largest city in the entire state, it has miles of coastline that attract tourists. Check out the Bay St. Louis in the area or you can go on a road trip to see amusement parks. Of course, there is no shortage of beach houses in the area with a welcome center and turquoise waters to swim in. Add to this the palm trees dotting the beach and you have found the perfect place to unwind.
