12 Best Beaches Near New Orleans 2023 Offers A Refreshing Vibe To The Visitors
It has easy access to many beaches in the neighboring cities and states of New Orleans. However, it’s worth noting that we’re only looking at beaches around New Orleans on this list. If you’re willing to drive a little more, you’ll find famous beach resorts like Biloxi in Mississippi and even Pensacola in Florida which is truly gorgeous. Some of them are a few hours away from the Big Easy by car.
There is something on this list for everyone’s beach desires, each beach is different, and each has its own characteristics, have a good time, and see our list of the best beaches near New Orleans. Also, choose the beach and enjoy your vacation.
Please it is a good idea to double-check your requirements before your trip and be sure to follow all local guidelines to keep yourself and others safe! Thanks.
1. Holly Beach
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Holly Beach is one of the most attractive beaches. Holly Beach is located at a driving distance of 4 hours from the city of New Orleans which is really lovely, you can spend the day relaxing here, enjoying the spectacular sunset here, or the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico. You can enjoy collecting shells and fishing or eating crabs on the beach.
Holly Beach, with its serene surroundings and undeveloped coastline, offers a refreshing vibe to visitors. You can also enjoy recreational marine activities at this beach like crabbing, fishing, bird watching, sea shelling, sunbathing, picnics, and camping which make it a good choice.
2. Biloxi Beach
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Biloxi, Mississippi is only 90 minutes away from New Orleans. This beach is well maintained and has chairs and umbrellas as well as jet skis and kayaks. This beach is packed with recreational facilities and activities.
There is plenty of life and action in Biloxi. If you’re up for a lively weekend, it’s time to stay and enjoy one of the lavish resorts and glamorous casinos like Hard Rock Biloxi and Beau Rivage. These resorts also offer pool views, live entertainment, a casino, and, a buffet.
It is also counted among the best public beaches in New Orleans. If you like to go to white sand beaches, then Biloxi Beach can be a good option for you.
3. Grand Isle
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Grand Isle, located in southeast Louisiana, is known for its high-class fishing and large bird habitat. The beach offers miles of sandy shores for lovers to enjoy which makes it a good choice.
Considered to be the only inhabited barrier island in Grand Isle, Louisiana, this barrier island offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, white sandy beaches, and lots of recreational activities to enjoy.
It is especially considered one of the best places for birdwatching, fishing, and camping. It is located about 110 miles from New Orleans.
4. Panama City Beach
Photo by Matt Hardy: https://www.pexels.com/
A 5-hour drive from the Big Easy to northwest Florida city is Panama City Beach, which is very beautiful and popular. It is known for its 27 miles of gorgeous sandy shoreline.
You will never want to leave the beach during your stay here, as you will find hiking trails, fishing piers, and Shipwreck Island Water Park all here to fill you with joy. There is a lot to experience by the sea, apart from this, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
5. Fontainebleau State Park
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Fontainebleau State Park is built on 2800 acres of land. This is a refreshing beach near New Orleans that can be a great option for a family getaway. The park is filled with lush green forests and houses more than 400 species of birds and other animals including egrets and pelicans.
With its gentle slopes and calm, shallow waters, it is considered the safest beach for kids near New Orleans. As you move towards the park, you will see some splendid beaches surrounding the beach which fill you with joy. There is also a water playground, which is open throughout the year. The soft white sand at Fontainebleau State Park makes it an even better choice.
6. White Sand Lake Day Beach
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White Sands Lake Day Beach is a lovely and charming family-friendly recreational park that offers a variety of activities for kids and adults alike. It’s located about an hour’s drive north of New Orleans, so if you want a break from all that activity, you can rent a cabana with a barbecue grill or even bring your own.
The color of the sand on this beach will be white. Apart from aquatic entertainment, this beach is also suitable for camping, cabanas, and boating which makes it a good place to spend a day. Remember this beach has a strict ‘no glasses’ policy that extends to food and drinks containers. If you want to bring some snacks and drinks with you, make sure they are in plastic or metal containers.
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Navarre Beach is considered to be one of the best beach vacations from New Orleans. A 3.5-hour drive away for New Orleans residents, it is known for its white sands and quiet shore.
Navarre Beach is perfect for a romantic weekend. Another notable feature of this beach is that it is believed to be home to the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico, in addition to that, it has an immaculate crystal, clear waters, which makes it one of the best places to visit near the city. Makes the best beach for swimming. Which is a popular place to see fish and dolphins. Spend some time and enjoy watching the wildlife in and out of the sea.
8. Coconut Beach
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Coconut Beach is believed to be the oldest artificial beach in New Orleans. Coconut Beach, a good place for volleyball players, is a man-made beach, developed for beach volleyball fans. Which has attracted volleyball players since 1988.
The Coconut Beach complex has 22 courts, which makes it the largest sand sports complex in America. If you’re a volleyball fan, then it may be a good choice for you. This is why Coconut Beach is actually considered one of the favorite beaches of the city, despite the paucity of water.
9. Pontchartrain Beach
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Pontchartrain Beach is located on the banks of Lake Pontchartrain, which is a kid-friendly beach. If you are looking for various recreational activities apart from swimming then Pontchartrain beach can be a good choice for you.
There is an amusement park on the beach that attracts visitors throughout the year. The beach of Lake Pontchartrain has white sand which is the perfect place for sunbathing and for picnics. The nearest beach, just 30 minutes away from New Orleans’ city center, provides the perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
10. Pensacola Beach
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Near a beautiful Pensacola town on the Gulf Coast barrier island of Santa Rosa, Pensacola Beach is known for its emerald green waters and sugar-white sand, making it one of Florida’s breathtaking white sand beaches.
There is a vast tourist destination with endless opportunities for beach-goers. Pensacola Beach, a good place to relax and watch the waves or explore underwater aquatic life, is considered a good place to watch the sunset in the evening. This beach is very popular for swimming and snorkeling and one can also enjoy fresh seafood which makes it an even better place. Just three hours away from the city of New Orleans, there is Pensacola Beach which is very lovely.
11. Dauphin Island
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Dauphin Island in Alabama is considered a family-friendly haven that you can visit with your family. A two-and-a-half-hour drive from New Orleans, Dauphin Island is an underrated beach destination.
Birdwatchers and history buffs can also enjoy visiting Dauphin Island, as the entire island is designated as a bird sanctuary and there is also a historic fort, Fort Gaines, which is an interesting historical site, this fort. Provides you with information about the American Civil War history in the area. You can enjoy exciting sea adventures including fishing, if you are a history buff, then Dauphin Island can be a good option for you.
12. Bogue Chitto State Park
Photo by Ryutaro Tsukata: https://www.pexels.com/
Located in Franklinton, Bogue Chitto State Park which is an area of 1,786 acres, this park was opened to the public in 2010. Bogue Chitto also includes a hardwood forest, cypress-tupelo swamps, rolling fields, and upland forests.
The park has 14 miles of horseback riding trails, the river is perfect for kayaking or canoeing, and, best of all, the park is just an hour from New Orleans by car. The 11 lakes here are full of fish, and campgrounds and cabins are also available for an overnight stay which makes it an even better destination.