Whether you’re old school and call it the Gulf of Mexico or have caved to its updated name, the Gulf of America, there’s one stretch between Galveston and Mississippi’s ever-so-trendy coastal hotspots you likely have never uttered:
The Gulf of Louisiana.
It’s true — the land of Mardi Gras, untamed swamplands, and crawfish boils does indeed have beaches, and very pretty ones at that.
The Bayou State isn’t just lakes and rivers; there are hidden beach towns just as enticing, if not more, than its neighbors to the east and west.
But anything beats Galveston, amirite?
Local experts recently highlighted Louisiana’s top beach escapes. As such, the Travel Off Path team dissected our favorites with a fine-toothed comb and we believe these 3 Gulfside hideaways deserve a loud “Who dat?” this summer.
PLUS: We’ve created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect Bayou Beach match!!
Grand Isle: Louisiana’s Only Inhabited Barrier Island
Be sure to check the latest Travel Alerts & Entry Requirements before your trip.
Grand Isle was put on my radar when my weekly binge of the Dat Louisiana Life family swapped their houseboat hideout for Louisiana’s surprisingly clear-water beach town — at least for that day anyway…
Like some Gulf towns, water conditions can be unpredictable, where one day you can see your toes and avoid squashing hermit crabs, while others are more brackish, like that of Galveston and Mississippi.
But what makes Grand Isle special is its a full-fledged vacation destination, fully equipped for a beachfront getaway with cozy lodging and ample outdoor activities.
There are 7 miles of virtually footprint-free sand, with the exception of the few locals in the know.
But the truth is not many people are coming from outside states. It’s not that they’re not welcome; it’s just that Louisiana isn’t often viewed as a beach destination, especially after being hit hard by Katrina and overshadowed with the Superdome madness and fallout of the storm.
Grand Isle has since been restored, yet remains low-key for a relaxing vacation with less pizzazz and more memorable days spent under the sun, fishing from its 400-foot pier, camping, boating, and indulging way too much seafood.
Holly Beach: Welcome To “The Cajun Riviera”
You might think certain pockets of New Orleans or Baton Rouge feel like a “Cajun Riviera” in their own right, but it’s actually little-known Holly Beach that has adopted the moniker.
Not that there’s a laundry list of comparisons, this map-dot slice of paradise is considered to be one of Louisiana’s prettiest beaches.
For wildlife enthusiasts, it’s a great spot for birdwatching, since that’s practically become the new Pokémon Go, as well as all-day fishing and crabbing.
If there was ever a place along the Gulf to bring a metal detector, this is the place. Maybe skip the goofy attire, though.
You know who you are…
Holly Beach is particularly known for its small-town hospitality and all-but-guaranteed no-crowd coastline.
As such, if you’re tired of spending your summers elbow-to-elbow in Destin, Panama City, or even what’s becoming of Mississippi right now, Holly Beach is on the flip side of the spectrum.
With the only “hotel” being an RV resort, your best bet for a weekend getaway is booking one of many vacation rentals in a colorful stilt home, unless you brought your apartment on wheels for a road trip.
Speaking of getting here, this Gulf oasis is actually more convenient to reach from Houston than from New Orleans, as it’s located just across the Texas-Louisiana line.
Fontainebleau Beach: New Orleans’ Secret State Park Is A Must-Visit
Next time you find yourself dreaming of beignets and po’boys, hold off for dinner because your daytime should be spent lakeside on a secret beach that blew our minds.
Why?
Because when it comes to Louisiana in general, you think most bodies of water are off-limits due to Jurassic swamp vibes.
Have we been lied to all along?
Not exactly — but that was one of the most surprising aspects of watching the wholesome, nature-forward lifestyle depicted on Dat Louisiana Life as much as I have: swimming in rivers and lakes is deemed normal.
Our local sources claim Lake Pontchartrain boasts “white-sand beaches”, where you can sit back and relax or swim in the warm water as sailboats breeze by.
Located within Fontainebleau State Park, Fontainebleau Beach is one of Louisiana’s most scenic hideaways, perfect for sunbathing and wading to beat the South’s notorious summer humidity.
That said, yes, gators still play a vital role in the ecosystem, so you do want to keep your wits about you, but the park is still promoted and described as a safe swimming spot.
The park is located across the sprawling Lake Pontchartrain on the opposite side of New Orleans, making for a fun, unexpected day trip many tourists skimp over.
Now take this quiz to find your perfect Bayou Beach match!
Question 1 of 4
What is your ideal scenery?
Question 2 of 4
Choose your primary activity:
Question 3 of 4
Which logic fits your trip?
Final Question
Pick your hidden gem vibe:
Grand Isle
Louisiana’s Barrier Gem
Pro Tip: Visit the 400-foot pier for world-class fishing or camp right on the 7-mile stretch of sand.
Holly Beach
The “Cajun Riviera”
Pro Tip: Rent a colorful stilt home and bring a metal detector—this spot is famous for coastal treasures.
Fontainebleau Beach
The Secret Lakefront Hideaway
Pro Tip: Head across Lake Pontchartrain for white-sand swimming that defies the typical swamp reputation.
