Does Louisiana have beaches? Yes, and Travel + Leisure says to check out these 9 spots
While Louisiana may be known for its swamps and bayous, the state also is home to quite a few beaches.
Along Louisiana's Gulf Coast, there are a number of lesser-known, beautiful beaches to be found.
Although, the coast is not the only place in Louisiana where beaches can be found, some of the state's lakes are home to sandy shores.
Travel + Leisure has released a list of the nine best beaches in Louisiana, including both Gulf Coast and lake-shore beaches. At these beaches, there are opportunities for sunbathing, water sports, boating, fishing, hiking park trails and observing wildlife.
Holly Beach, also referred to as the "Cajun Riviera," is in Cameron Parish and is about an hour drive from Lake Charles. This beach is a 20-mile-long strip of sand located along the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Louisiana. Since there aren't many restaurants or stores in the vicinity, Holly Beach is mainly a bring-your-own umbrella and food kind of beach.
Jimmie Davis State Park in Northwestern Louisiana is located on a peninsula on Caney Lake. Here, the waters are perfect for fishing, swimming, waterskiing and other kinds of water sports. The shores are also perfect for bird watching, taking in the forest views or simply relaxing on the sand.
Grand Isle is Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island and, at Grand Isle Beach, there are seven miles of beach to relax on and take in the views of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is about a two-hour drive from New Orleans and is a popular destination for camping, picnicking and surfing some waves. The area is also known for its fishing opportunities, and the beach boasts a 400-foot long fishing pier.
Fontainebleau State Park is located in St. Tammany Parish on the North shore of Lake Lake Pontchartrain, which is the largest lake in Louisiana. At this lake, sandy beaches can be found and shallow waters near the shore make for the perfect swimming opportunity. The waters are also popular for kayaking and canoeing, which are activities that allow visitors to take in the lakefront views.
Cypremort Point Beach in Cypremort Point, Louisiana is a half-mile long man-made beach located on Vermilion Bay. The beach, as well as Cypremort Point State Park's amenities and surrounding marshland, provide excellent opportunities for picnicking, swimming, fishing and other water activities. The beach and state park is also known for its abundant wildlife, where plenty different species of animals can be spotted.
North Beach is located in Lake Charles, Louisiana and is the state's only white-sand inland beach. The area is a popular, urban beach that offers views of the city, as well as the rivers and wetlands. This beach is a popular spot for picnicking, paddling the waters, playing beach games and watching sunsets.
White Sands Lake Day Beach is a privately owned recreational area that is filled with activities for all ages. This aquatic park features an inflatable waterslide, trampolines, floating mats, as well as an air-filled "blob bag" that catapults visitors into the water. Then, on land, visitors can find volleyball nets, BBQ grills and space to relax on.
Lake Claiborne State Park, located in Northwestern Louisiana, is a man-made body of water that offer opportunities for water sports, as well as boating, fishing or swimming. The lake also features areas with sandy shores, where visitors can relax and enjoy the surrounding views. Additionally, the state park has two disc golf courses, an RV campground and 10 two-bedroom cabins to rent.
Rutherford Beach is located on the Gulf in Cameron Parish and is about an hour drive from Lake Charles. This beach has thick, tawny sand and boasts an array of collection-worthy shells. Here, there are multiple miles of shoreline where visitors can observe wildlife or spend the day relaxing on the sand.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are the best beaches in Louisiana? What Travel + Leisure says
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