15 Best Beaches Near New Orleans, LA
And who says a trip to New Orleans can’t include some time on the beach?
New Orleans does not have any beaches, although it has easy access to beaches in nearby cities and states.
Several of them are less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans.
Visit one of our hand-selected top beaches near New Orleans, Louisiana, and let the good times roll.
- Holly Beach
This 30-mile Gulf Coast area, located 250 miles from New Orleans, is called the Cajun Riviera.
Why We Recommend This Beach
A trip to Holly Beach is one of the best weekend beach getaways from New Orleans.
This beach, with its laid-back atmosphere and unspoiled beachfront, is a great antidote to your hectic lifestyle.
In addition, watersports like windsurfing, boating, swimming, and crabbing are fun at the beach.
Expert Tip
Holly Beach is a popular destination along the 180-mile-long Creole Nature Trail.
For a weekend to remember, drive the entire strip and witness some of the most stunning landscapes in southern Louisiana.
- Grand Isle
The 10 kilometers of white sand beaches on Grand Isle are perfect for a day of sunbathing and relaxation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This barrier island tucked away amid the expansive coastline of Louisiana is your ticket to an incredible experience.
The oasis is famous for more than just its beach; it’s also a great place to camp, fish, and watch birds.
Expert Tip
You do not need to bring a large quantity of food and basics for your trip to Grand Isle.
Food and other necessities are relatively light loads for a journey to Grand Isle.
Get all the necessities for your trip at Island Dollar Supermarket and Sureway Grocery.
- Biloxi Beach
It takes about 90 minutes to drive east on I-10 from New Orleans to reach this lively coastal town.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are you looking for a resort-like beach getaway? Why not spend the day or the weekend at Biloxi Beach?
This beach stretches for 26 miles and is crammed with amusing amenities and activities.
In addition, it is surrounded by opulent hotels and casinos like the Hard Rock Biloxi and the Beau Rivage.
Expert Tip
Explore the city’s local cuisine instead of its upscale restaurants.
Biloxi hosts a well-known crawfish festival with thriving oyster and shrimp fishing industries.
In addition to their tantalizing flavors, these dishes are less expensive than those served in food chains and restaurants.
- Fontainebleau State Park
This 2,800-acre state park is located in St. Tammany Parish and contains a beach near New Orleans.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Seeking close-by lake beaches suitable for families?
Then, remember to stop at Fontainebleau State Park.
It is the most child-friendly beach near New Orleans, with its gentle slopes and calm, shallow water.
A water playground complete with a splash pad is available at all times.
Expert Tip
Put in some time with the park’s bids by bringing binoculars.
More than 400 bird species, including egrets and pelicans, make their home in Fontainebleau’s diverse ecology.
- Navarre Beach
This beachfront hamlet, situated between Destin and Pensacola, is an unheralded gem of the renowned Emerald Coast.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Navarre is an excellent choice for a beach vacation close to New Orleans.
This tranquil beachfront hangout is 227 miles from New Orleans, making it the perfect spot for a weekend getaway with your special someone.
Moreover, its crystalline blue sea makes it the best beach for swimming near the city.
Plus, many seafood restaurants in the area are sure to satisfy your hunger.
Expert Tip
Discover the marine and terrestrial species that inhabit the area.
Although much of “Jaws 2” was shot here, you won’t find many large sharks in the water.
On the other hand, dolphins are a common sight near the coast.
On land, you can find a wide variety of animals, such as rabbits, birds, and deer.
- North Beach
This freshwater cove on the western tip of Lake Charles is an ideal day trip for families.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This urban beach is convenient to get to, but it has maintained its pristine natural beauty despite its location.
Volleyball, boating, and sunbathing are just a few of the activities available at the beach.
In addition, a boardwalk connects three of the lake’s major parks.
Expert Tip
Check out several museums to find out more about the history and legends of pirates in the area.
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, the Brimstone Museum, and the Mardi Gras Museum are among our favorites.
- White Sands Lake Day Beach
This lake beach in Franklinton is brimming with water-based attractions, ensuring a fantastic day out with the family.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Have you got little ones in tow?
Include this destination on your list of the most convenient beach vacations from New Orleans.
In addition to a beach, it also features a waterpark with trampolines and inflatable water slides.
Expert Tip
At this beach, each cabana has its grill.
If you want to save money, pack some hamburgers and hot dogs.
- Panama City Beach
This northwest Florida hamlet is a five-hour journey from New Orleans, but trust me, it’s well worth the trip.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Panama City is a heaven for beach enthusiasts.
Panama City provides a healthy dose of vitamin sea with its 27 miles of beautiful, sandy shoreline.
In addition, it has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Expert Tip
Relax on this beach for the whole weekend.
There are numerous activities to enjoy along the shore.
Also, after you’ve had your fill of the beach, Panama City has piers, hiking trails, and Shipwreck Island.
- Coconut Beach
This artificial beach has hosted sand volleyball events in the Greater New Orleans area since 1988.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This vibrant area in Kenner is the closest beach to the city’s heart.
Although manufactured, this sand area can provide enjoyable activities in the sun.
This beach has a grill, a bar, and 22 courts, so you can exercise your entire body and get a tan without traveling far.
Expert Tip
You can skip the volleyball and go straight to the bar if you’re not in the mood.
It’s a calm and peaceful watering spot, with beers on tap, abundant seating, and five televisions.
You will also enjoy the shrimp tacos, burgers, robust entrees, and small plates.
- Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island in Alabama is a great place to take the kids since it has a relaxed atmosphere and a genuine Gulf Coast flavor.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Dauphin Island is the best place to find charming and beautiful beaches near New Orleans.
This island, known as the “sunset capital of Alabama,” captivates visitors with its breathtaking views and pure expanses of white beach.
Additionally, the island provides a variety of fascinating ocean activities, including boating and fishing.
Expert Tip
Visit Fort Gaines, at the island’s easternmost point.
This fascinating historical landmark provides an insight into the American Civil War history of the region.
- Pensacola Beach
This seaside community on Santa Rosa Island is beloved for its emerald-green waters and sugar-white sands.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The magnificent blue waters of Pensacola Beach are on par with those of Miami and Highway 30A.
But here’s the kicker:
Being only three hours away by car from New Orleans, it is an excellent substitute for the more well-known beaches of Florida.
Expert Tip
Don’t let a trip to this beach pass without stopping at Plaza Deluna.
It is a tranquil 2-acre park where you can fish and watch a breathtaking sunset.
Concessions, working water fountains, and broad grassy areas are also available.
- Ship Island
This barrier island in Mississippi, which is only accessible by ferry or boat, is a delightful sunny getaway.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This barrier island’s natural splendor will wow you because it is undeveloped and untouched.
This barrier island has been left largely unaltered, and its pristine beauty will astound you.
Were the historical attractions mentioned?
Expert Tip
Don’t plan on spending the night on the island.
Neither camping nor any other overnight stay is permitted on this property.
Due to its distance from New Orleans, we suggest you spend the night in Gulfport, which is home to numerous lodging options and tourist attractions.
- Cypremort Point State Park
This 185-acre state park features an artificial beach and picnic areas, making it perfect for a day trip with the kids.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This picture-perfect beach is a hotspot for windsurfers and anglers due to its prime location on Vermilion Bay.
In addition to the fishing pier and the half-mile of artificial beach, there is a marina where you may launch your sailboat.
Expert Tip
Take a two-day trip to this part of Louisiana.
After spending some time at this state park, check out nearby destinations like Avery Island and Jungle Gardens.
- Bogue Chitto State Park
This 1,786-acre park in Franklinton opened to the public in 2010.
Why We Recommend This Beach
There are more than a thousand acres of hilly terrain, forest, and beaches in Bogue Chitto.
The best thing is that the park is easily accessible; it takes only an hour to drive there from New Orleans.
In addition, there are countless options for kayaking and fishing.
Expert Tip
Explore the 14-mile horse route, 7-mile nature trail, and 4-mile cycling track to enhance your beach vacation.
These trails will take you through cypress-tupelo marshes, hardwood forests, and undulating terrain.
- Gulfport
You can enjoy the waves, the sand, and the sun all day long in Gulfport, Mississippi’s second-largest city.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Without Gulfport, no list of the most incredible beaches near New Orleans, Louisiana, would be complete.
This enormous span, which stretches from Biloxi to Long Beach, features a tranquil environment and many fascinating activities.
In addition, the city has an abundance of exciting tourist destinations.
Expert Tip
Discover the beauty of the park’s paved trail that hugs the shoreline.
This track is great for a scenic bike ride because it is simple, flat, and accessible to cyclists of all skill levels.
You may break up the trip with shopping, dining, and beach time along the route.
