New Orleans is a Mississippi River port city of about 384,000 people in southeast Louisiana, known for the French Quarter, jazz and brass bands, Creole and Cajun food, Mardi Gras, above-ground cemeteries and the streetcar-lined Garden District.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in New Orleans.
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- local, relaxed promenade with open lake views
- Paved lakefront path
- Free parking along Lakeshore Drive
- Grass and levee seating
- Mardi Gras Fountain
Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront (Lakeshore Drive)
Editor’s tip. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon in summer to avoid midday heat and humidity.
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- quiet, family-friendly lakeshore under live oaks
- Sandy lakeshore beach
- Picnic pavilions
- Restrooms
- Nature trails
- Camping and cabins
Fontainebleau State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on summer weekends, as parking and pavilions fill quickly.
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- quiet small-town Gulf Coast seafront
- Public sandy beach along the Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Roadside parking
- Harbour and pier nearby
- Restaurants on Scenic Drive
Pass Christian Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before late morning on summer weekends to find roadside parking.
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- easygoing small-town beach with an arts district nearby
- Public sand beach
- Fishing pier
- Historic Old Town restaurants and galleries nearby
Bay St. Louis Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive in the morning on summer weekends for easier roadside parking.
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- relaxed island day trip with clearer water and a historic fort
- Ferry from Gulfport
- Swimming beach with clearer water
- Fort Massachusetts tours
- Restrooms and snack bar
Ship Island (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
Editor’s tip. Reserve ferry tickets ahead, especially in summer, and check weather before departing.
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- laid-back Louisiana fishing island
- Fishing pier
- Beach and picnic areas
- Camping and cabins
- Restrooms and showers
Grand Isle State Park Beach
Editor’s tip. Check hurricane and storm forecasts before the two-hour drive, as LA-1 can flood.
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- family-friendly white-sand Gulf resort beach
- White sand beach
- Pier and pavilion
- Lifeguards in season
- Restrooms and showers
Gulf State Park Beach (Gulf Shores, Alabama)
Editor’s tip. Plan an overnight stay, as the drive is about 3 hours 15 minutes each way.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in New Orleans memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about New Orleans’s coast.
Can visitors swim at the Lake Pontchartrain lakefront?
The lakefront is a seawall and levee promenade rather than a swimming beach, and the water is murky. Visitors should check current local water quality advisories before any contact with the water.
From the Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront (Lakeshore Drive) editorial.
How far is the lakefront from downtown New Orleans?
It is about 6 miles (10 km) north of downtown, typically a 20 to 30 minute drive depending on traffic. There is no direct streetcar.
From the Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront (Lakeshore Drive) editorial.
How far is Fontainebleau State Park from New Orleans?
About 35 miles (56 km), a drive of roughly 45 to 60 minutes across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
From the Fontainebleau State Park Beach editorial.
Is the Causeway toll charged both ways?
No. The toll is collected southbound only, on the return to New Orleans.
From the Fontainebleau State Park Beach editorial.
How long does it take to reach Pass Christian from New Orleans?
About 1 hour 15 minutes by car, driving east on I-10 and then US-90 along the coast, covering roughly 60 miles (97 km).
From the Pass Christian Beach editorial.
Is the beach natural sand?
Like much of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the beach is a man-made strip of imported sand along the Mississippi Sound, with calm water.
From the Pass Christian Beach editorial.
How far is Bay St. Louis from New Orleans?
About 55 miles (89 km), roughly one hour by car via I-10 and US-90.
From the Bay St. Louis Beach editorial.
Is there a fishing pier?
Yes, a fishing pier extends from the beach and is popular with anglers and visitors watching the sunset.
From the Bay St. Louis Beach editorial.