Best State Beach in Louisiana

Jimmie Davis State Park is a scenic waterfront destination located on a peninsula of Caney Lake in Louisiana. The park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, boating, and waterskiing. It is surrounded by a beautiful mixed pine and hardwood forest, providing a serene backdrop for picnics, hiking, and birdwatching. The park features two boat launches, a fishing pier, and a beach area, making it a popular spot for families and nature lovers alike. Visitors can stay overnight in cabins, lodges, or RV campsites, and the park also offers a group camp for larger gatherings.

The park's unique geography, with numerous inlets and a picturesque lakefront, makes it an ideal location for boaters and fishermen. The area is known for its large fish, including largemouth bass and redear sunfish. Beyond the park's borders, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling and the Ruston Farmers Market.

Originally named Caney Creek Lake State Park, it was renamed in 2003 in honor of two-term Governor Jimmie H. Davis, who served from 1944 to 1948 and again from 1960 to 1964. The park is open year-round, offering a family-friendly environment with picnic areas, playgrounds, and a covered pavilion.

Fourchon Beach is located in Port Fourchon, Louisiana, offering a serene coastal experience. It stretches for miles with soft, white sand, ideal for sunbathing and beach activities. However, the beach is currently closed to public access due to ongoing disputes and erosion issues. The area is known for its rich birdwatching opportunities and proximity to oil rigs, making it a unique spot for nature lovers and industry workers alike.
The beach's surroundings are characterized by the vibrant coastal marshes of Louisiana, providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking. Despite its closure, the area remains a significant part of the local ecosystem and economy.
Visitors often explore nearby attractions like the Port Fourchon Marina and hiking trails, though direct beach access is limited.

Grand Isle is located on a barrier island off the coast of Louisiana with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. There can be rip currents here so look for signs indicating swimming is okay. On days when swimming is not an option plenty of other activities are available including birdwatching, crabbing, boating and hiking.

Bogue Chitto State Park is located in Franklinton, Louisiana, offering a serene and natural escape with its diverse landscapes and activities. The park is situated along the Bogue Chitto River and features eleven lakes, providing ample opportunities for water recreation like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. It also includes hiking trails, equestrian paths, and a splash park for families. The park's unique blend of upland forests, sandy river bottoms, and swampy areas creates a diverse ecosystem, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from tubing down the river to exploring the park's trails on foot or by bike. The park's scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation and adventure alike. With its well-maintained facilities and friendly staff, Bogue Chitto State Park is a must-visit destination in Louisiana.

The park's proximity to Franklinton and other nearby towns ensures that visitors have access to local amenities while still enjoying the peace of nature.

Lake Charles North Beach is a popular destination in Lake Charles, Louisiana, known for its white sand and picturesque views. The beach stretches over half a mile along the shores of Lake Charles, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy various activities like fishing and volleyball, and there are amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available. The beach is also dog-friendly, but pets must be on a leash. It has been featured in several movies and television shows, adding to its charm.
The beach is part of a larger lakefront area that includes attractions like the USS Orleck Naval Museum and hiking trails at Sam Houston Jones State Park. The City of Lake Charles has initiated projects to enhance the beach experience, including new restroom facilities and lighting upgrades.
The area around the beach offers a vibrant scene with live music at the amphitheater and a variety of dining options, making it a great place for both relaxation and entertainment.

The 2,800-acre paradise known as Fontainebleau, an old sugar plantation, is now Louisiana's premier camping location. Depending on what you're looking for, you can go to camping sites that range from including bathrooms, electric hookups and bathhouses to primitive camping areas with no amenities. The park offers one of the most beautiful nature trails in the US and is great for bird-spotting. With regards to its beach, the white sand and beautiful water is a favorite in Louisiana. Overall, it's a great location if you're looking to get away from it all and love nature.

Holly Beach, affectionately known as the 'Cajun Riviera,' is a serene coastal community in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, it offers a tranquil escape with its expansive sandy shores and stunning sunsets. The area is famous for its laid-back vibe, rich marine life, and authentic Cajun culture. Despite being battered by hurricanes, the community remains resilient, with many residents rebuilding their homes and camps. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, crabbing, and shell collecting in this uncrowded and peaceful environment.

Holly Beach has a unique history, with its origins dating back to the early 1900s. It was named after a local cattle rancher and has since become a popular spot for those seeking a relaxed beach experience. The beach stretches for miles, providing ample space for driving on the beach and enjoying water activities.

The area's natural beauty and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those interested in exploring the authentic charm of Louisiana's Gulf Coast.

Cypremort Point, located in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, is a scenic destination known for its 185-acre state park situated on Vermilion Bay. The park features a half-mile man-made beach, offering stunning views and a variety of activities such as swimming, windsurfing, and fishing. The name 'Cypremort' translates to 'dead cypress' in French, reflecting the area's historical and natural significance. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, beachcombing, and exploring the surrounding marshes, which are home to diverse wildlife like alligators and deer.
The park is accessible by road, making it a unique spot on the Louisiana Gulf coastline. It attracts families and those seeking a day's escape from nearby cities like Baton Rouge and Lafayette. The park's cabins provide comfortable accommodations for overnight stays.
Cypremort Point State Park is also renowned for its excellent saltwater fishing, with species like spotted sea trout and red drum frequenting the waters.

Rutherford Beach is a serene and picturesque destination located in Creole, Louisiana. It stretches approximately three miles along the Gulf Coast, offering stunning white sand and a tranquil atmosphere. The beach is part of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking solitude. Visitors can enjoy activities like camping, fishing, and shell collecting, with the beach being particularly noted for its display-worthy shells. The area is also known for its sparse population, with alligators outnumbering humans in the surrounding swamplands.

The beach has faced significant challenges from hurricanes, which have left lasting impacts on the local community. Despite these challenges, Rutherford Beach remains a hidden gem for those looking to escape into nature. It offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for water sports and exploration of the nearby wetlands.

For those planning to visit, it's essential to be well-prepared, as amenities like supermarkets are about 40 miles away. However, the beach itself provides a peaceful retreat with minimal signs of civilization, making it ideal for those seeking a rustic experience.