Explore Top Southwest Louisiana Beaches and Activities

From a white-sand beach minutes from downtown to lively casino beaches and quiet seaside retreats, Lake Charles is your gateway to beach-going fun in Southwest Louisiana. For families, first-timers, and road-trippers alike, check out this guide to the best beaches around the region.

Resort Beaches

Connected by a lighted path and within walking distance of each other lie the beaches of L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Lake Charles. The walkability between beaches makes it easy to explore both in one day, maximizing your beach experience. Both beaches offer an upscale experience right in the heart of Lake Charles.

Enter by way of the resorts or dock your boat at the marina and head for the warm sand. Enjoy a game of beach volleyball or soak up the sun in the water. These casino beaches are perfect for those hoping to blend relaxation and excitement with a breathtaking view of the sunset over Lake Charles.

L’Auberge Beach and Marina

Unwind in the relaxed atmosphere of L’Auberge Beach and Marina. The beach offers ample space for a picnic with tables and comfortable seating. The marina is ideal for boaters, offering docking space.

Golden Nugget Beach

Golden Nugget Beach boasts similar amenities with the bonus of Bill’s Bar & Burger, offering an extensive list of local and craft beers. When the sun sets, gather around the fire pits with friends.

Top Beaches in Southwest Louisiana

North Beach

The only inland white-sand beach in Louisiana, North Beach is easily accessible from downtown, located right off I-10. It’s a popular spot for families and sports enthusiasts, with beach volleyball and pickleball courts, and the calm waters are perfect for swimming and boating.

Holly Beach

Take the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road to Holly Beach. Nicknamed “The Cajun Riviera,” under an hour from Lake Charles, this Gulf beach is a go-to for crabbing, fishing, and shell hunting (just remember to leave what you find on the beach), as well as birding and swimming.

Rutherford Beach

For a serene experience, head to Rutherford Beach. Naturally preserved, it offers fewer built-up features so you can enjoy nature at its most pristine, and the remote locale makes it great for RVs and beach camping.

South Beach Sports Bar and Grill

For an entertaining blend of beach fun and delicious dining, head to South Beach Sports Bar and Grill. Located near McNeese State University, this spot offers a full menu and bar, perfect for refueling after a long day of outdoor activities. Enjoy beach volleyball and pickleball on their courts or relax with a refreshing drink in hand. Keep an eye out for special events like crawfish boils and tournaments, fun for all ages.

What to Know Before You Go

North Beach offers free parking and is just a short walk or quick drive from downtown, making it an easy stop to add to your day. Leashed dogs are welcome, but campfires and glass containers are prohibited. The best time to visit is between June and August, when swimming conditions are the most comfortable. It’s also a great spot to watch Fourth of July fireworks.

On the Gulf, Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach both offer free parking. At Holly Beach, parking runs along the side of the road heading west towards Johnson Bayou, and even directly on the beach itself, while Rutherford Beach has a free lot near the beach access point. Leashed dogs are welcome at both locations, but visitors should leave glass containers at home.

Visitors and campers can make fires, just check the current fire restrictions in the area ahead of time. Basic amenities, including port-o-lets, are available at Rutherford Beach. Optimal times to visit are in the spring and fall, marked by fewer crowds and lower humidity. Be mindful that alligators and snakes may be present on or near the beach, and avoid swimming in strong currents.

Beach Activities & Things to Do

At Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach, visitors can go fishing and crabbing, and both spots are great for shell hunting and beachcombing. At North Beach, the inland waters attract herons and egrets, as well as plovers and sandpipers. Terns and gulls, meanwhile, tend to flock along the Gulf Coast.

For beach-bound families, North Beach offers close proximity to downtown, with calm inland water and a group-friendly picnic area. In the grassy area next to the parking lot, trees provide shade to take a break from the sun. On the Gulf Coast, be sure to watch the current, and don’t swim in murky or strong waters. While Holly and Rutherford Beaches don’t have picnic areas, they feature plenty of room for DIY picnic blankets and camping.

Nearby, visitors can go fishing and crabbing, and embark on a scenic drive along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, a 26-mile trek through Cajun culture, marshes, and coastline. Along the way, look for alligators and explore Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Located near Holly Beach, the park features trails and scenic overlooks of lakes, bayous, canals, and marshes.

How to Get There: Maps & Directions

North Beach is just two miles (about five minutes) from downtown, with clear signage leading to the south side of I-10. Take Exit 29 for eastbound travelers, or Exit 30A if driving westbound.

Via LA-27, Holly Beach is 46 miles (50 minutes) south of Lake Charles, and Rutherford Beach is slightly closer, with a drive time of around 45 minutes along the same coastal route. More remote than North Beach, the Gulf beaches have minimal signage and spotty cell service, so be sure to download any maps or navigation ahead of time.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet picnic on family-friendly beaches, a place to cool off, or a wilderness adventure, these destinations in Southwest Louisiana offer something for everyone. Start planning your next coastal adventure today.