Closest Beach to New Orleans | A Beach Holiday Guide In Louisiana

Jan 17, 2025

Last Updated on: Jul 3, 2025

Travel Guides

The specific geographical location of New Orleans, especially the proximity to Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, blesses the city with a vast coastal landscape. 

So, along with the local heritage and culture of the city, the beaches and beach activities on the Gulf Coast can be a prominent factor in boosting tourism here. 

From Bay Saint Louis, the closest beach to New Orleans, to more beautiful options like the Biloxi Beaches, await you with a lot of excitement!

No wonder people are opting for vacation rentals near the New Orleans beach locations and cruise trips in the Mississippi River. 

Adventure Life is such a service, organizing a Lower Mississippi River Cruise. You can contact them at +1.800.344.6118 to know more about the cruise trip. 

Along with these cruise trips, many other activities like fishing, nature strolls, hiking, and bird watching make the beautiful beaches in New Orleans a lot of fun! 

Charmed and impressed with these beaches, we have created a beach tour guide at Tour and Travel. Let’s explore the places! 

Closest Beach To New Orleans | Explore The Gulf Shores At Their Best 

Closest Beach To New Orleans Explore The Gulf Shores At Their Best

Summer days in New Orleans can be extra balmy. So, winter, especially January, is the ideal time to explore the beaches here. The average temperature in New Orleans ranges between 43-62 degrees F and rarely there is snowfall in the city.

All these weather conditions add to beach fun and vibe in New Orleans, and these are places you need to be at for some beach fun. 

1. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi | The Closest Beach To New Orleans

Distance from New Orleans: 58.7 Miles

An hour’s drive from New Orleans will take you to Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. The water here is shallow, but the peaceful ambiance and stretches of white sand more than makeup for it. 

Enjoy sunbathing and crabbing here on a sunny day, and let your kids build adorable sand castles. 

2. White Sands Lake Day Beach 

Distance from New Orleans: 74 Miles

Franklinton, on the north of New Orleans, has White Sands Lake Day Beach. This is a man-made and spring-fed lake that has become a popular tourist destination near New Orleans. 

The Aqua Park is the prime attraction here. Your little ones will love playing on the slides and with inflatable water toys here. You can even play beach volleyball, kayaking, and boating here. 

For a relaxing experience, you can even try full-day cooking. The entry fee to the Aqua Park is $18 for adults and $12 for children.

3. Biloxi Beaches

Biloxi Beaches

Distance from New Orleans (90.2 Miles)

The City of Biloxi has been one of the forerunners in restoring the beaches after the rampage of Hurricane Katrina. On its southern border, Biloxi is surrounded by a beautiful white sand beach, the Harrison County Sand Beach.

With a whopping 26 miles of shimmering white sand, the Harrison County Sand Beach is the largest man-made white sand beach in the world. You can take a stroll along the pedestrian pathway here and on your way, you will also find some magnificent sand dunes. 

The beach is also known for hosting special events. You can contact the Harrison County Sand Beach Authority at (228) 896-0055. 

Moreover, you can take a drive along Beach Boulevard to enjoy the sound of the Mississippi and meet the historic oak trees. You will even find the antebellum homes here. 

4. Grand Isle State Park

Distance from New Orleans (110 Miles)

Grand Isle State Park is next on our list of closest beaches to New Orleans. If you want to experience the coastal wildlife of Louisiana, there can be no better place than your destination. 

Nestled at the southeast corner of Louisiana, the Grand Isle State Park is accessible to visitors with an entry fee of just $3. 

Here, you can be a part of the deep-water fishing excursions and wildlife viewing. If you are here for fishing, don’t miss the longest fishing pier in Louisiana. It is 400 feet in length. 

Do you want to make the most of the Grand Isle State Park fishing experience? Why don’t you get in touch with the best fish charter services, like the Southern Angler Fishing Charters, and explore the options? You can reach out to them at +1 504-458-7328. 

Furthermore, this state park has a lot of hiking trails that you can explore. You will even enjoy birdwatching here with varieties like seagulls and pelicans displaying their prowess. 

5. Dauphin Island, Alabama

Dauphin Island, Alabama

Distance from New Orleans (148 Miles)

Dauphin Island on the border of Alabama and Mississippi, is a great spot for family vacation near New Orleans. This will be your ideal destination if you especially want to relax and have a low-key holiday. 

Like many other beaches in New Orleans or beyond, it does not experience a rush of visitors. However, if you want to know about the local history, you will love visiting  Fort Gaines here. 

This historical site has an association with the American Civil War. You must pay $10 for adults and $5 for children to visit this historical fort. 

Moreover, Dauphin Island is a wonderful location for avid birders. It is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Covering a span of 165 acres, this bird sanctuary will allow you to walk through the trails and meet winged wonders.

You will find osprey, gray catbirds, blue jays, and yellow-rumped warblers here. 

No wonder that the American Bird Conservancy has termed Dauphin Island as the “Globally Import Bird Area.” Dauphin Island is also “America’s Birdiest City.”

6. Orange Beach, Alabama

Orange Beach, Alabama

Distance from New Orleans: Around 200 Miles

Orange Beach, Alabama, is not the closest beach to New Orleans. However, covering the 200-mile distance between the two is worth it because of the pristine shores. Looking at the stretches of white sand shores is an experience in itself. 

Another major attraction on Orange Beach is the coastal cuisine. In fact, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism organized a specialized Foodie’s getaway for a gastronomic tour of the area. 

Further, there are dedicated food trails like the “Oyster Trail,” “Burger Trail,” “Shrimp Trail,” etc. The Mardi Gras Food & Drink trail is another attraction for food lovers here.

You can email Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism at Info@AlabamasBeaches.com to learn more about this food tour. 

You can even get real-time updates about the city of Orange Beach, Alabama, from the government website or by contacting the authorities at 251-981-6979.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE Essential Safety Supplies To Pack On Your Backpacking Trip

Essential Safety Supplies To Pack On Your Backpacking Trip

BY  Nabamita Feb 3, 2024

Embarking on a backpacking trip can be an exhilarating experience, immersing yourself in nature's beauty and embracing the wilderness. However, safety should always remain a top priority amidst the excitement of exploration. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a novice venturing into the great outdoors, the injury lawyers in Chicago note that packing the right safety supplies for any situation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and secure journey. If you are wondering what the essentials that should be in your travel backpack are, we have you covered! Here's a comprehensive guide to essential safety supplies that should be in your backpack before hitting the trails. Backpacking TripPack Rightly: Things You Must Include In Your Backpacking Trip Ready to explore the sky-pointing peaks? Make sure to pack all the essential items, or you can ruin your entire journey. Given below are a few essential things you must never forget on your travel backpack. Check them out: First Aid Kit A well-stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable for any backpacking excursion. It should include bandages, adhesive tape, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, scissors, pain relievers, blister treatment, and any personal medications you may need. It is recommended that your kit be based on the length and location of your trip, ensuring you're prepared to handle common injuries and ailments that may arise on the trail. Navigation Tools Getting lost in the wilderness can quickly turn a thrilling adventure into a nightmare. Always carry reliable navigation tools such as a map, compass, or GPS device, and make sure you know how to use them effectively. Familiarize yourself with the terrain and plan your route to minimize the risk of getting off track. Emergency Shelter Unforeseen circumstances like sudden changes in weather or unexpected delays can leave you stranded outdoors. Pack lightweight emergency shelter options such as a tent footprint, emergency bivvy, or space blanket to provide protection from the elements and retain body heat in case you need to spend an unexpected night in the wilderness. Fire Starter Kit Fire can be a lifesaving resource in survival situations, providing warmth, light, and a means to cook food. Pack waterproof matches, a lighter, or a fire starter tool to ensure you can easily ignite a flame even in damp conditions. Additionally, carry some fire accelerants like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly for reliable fire starting. Water Purification System Access to clean water is vital for staying hydrated and healthy during your backpacking trip. Invest in a reliable water purification system such as a portable water filter, water purification tablets, or a UV water purifier to treat water from natural sources like streams and lakes safely. Avoid drinking untreated water to prevent waterborne illnesses. Multi-Tool A multi-tool is a versatile gadget that combines several essential tools into one compact package. Opt for a quality multi-tool that includes features like a knife, scissors, screwdriver, pliers, and bottle opener. Products like the Microtech Ultratech knives can come in handy for various tasks, from preparing food to hard use. Therefore, these qualities automatically make such a tool an indispensable item for any backpacker. Emergency Communication Device In remote wilderness areas, cell phone reception may need to be more reliable and present, making it challenging to call for help in case of an emergency. Carry an emergency communication device such as a satellite phone, personal locator beacon (PLB), or two-way radio to summon assistance if you encounter a serious injury or other life-threatening situations. Sun Protection For Your Backpacking Trip Exposure to the sun's harmful rays can lead to sunburn, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, particularly at higher altitudes. Do not forget to carry some essential sun protection products like sunscreen that carries a high SPF rating, sunglasses with UV protection, a broadly-brimmed hat, and lightweight clothing that covers your skin to shield yourself from the sun's intense glare. Insect Repellent Insect bites and stings can not only be irritating but also carry the risk of transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease or West Nile virus. Apply insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin to exposed skin and clothing to ward off mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and other pesky bugs that inhabit outdoor environments. Emergency Whistle In situations where verbal communication may be difficult or impossible, an emergency whistle can serve as a simple yet effective signaling device to attract attention and alert others to your presence. Keep it easily accessible on your backpack or person, and use short bursts to signal for help if needed. Read Also: The Ultimate Guide To Hassle-Free Sightseeing In Rome How To Choose The Right Backpack For Your Trip? When it comes to choosing the right backpacking trip, two things have to be considered. First is its fit, and second is its volume. I know you got the least idea when I said this. That’s why here is a brief idea about how to pick the right backpack: Fit As functional as a backpack should be, it must be comfortable, too. And it all begins with a proper fit. Various packs come in either two or three sizes, thus indicating the pack’s length. Do not forget to visit your local store and enquire about the different fit they are providing. Volume  Secondly, your backpack’s volume should be large enough so that it can hold everything you carry. However, don’t buy something extravagant and carry unnecessary weight. Backpacking carryons are usually measured in terms of liters, so be sure to pack something only in the range of 40-70 liters. Parting Thoughts While the allure of the wilderness beckons with its promise of adventure and exploration, it's essential to prioritize safety when venturing into the great outdoors. By packing these essential safety supplies on your backpacking trip, you'll be better prepared to handle emergencies, navigate challenging terrain, and enjoy a memorable outdoor experience with peace of mind. Remember, preparation is key, so take the time to plan and pack accordingly before setting out on your next backpacking adventure. That was all about packing the important supplies for your backpacking trip and ensuring a seamless journey. Comment your thoughts below and tell us what you think about it. Thank you for reading! Read More: How to Choose A Backpack 10 Best Places To Visit In Europe Top 3-Week Itineraries For A Perfect Tour Of Europe

READ MORE places to visit in Meghalaya

What Are The Places To Visit In Meghalaya? – Travel Guide

BY  Nabamita Aug 17, 2022

Meghalaya, or the Abode of Clouds, here you will find that nature has to give. It is one of the best places for its biodiversity richness. Known best for its famous monsoon seasons, Meghalaya has the most dramatic natural terrains with rich cultural festivals. Having such beautiful natural diversities, which are among the best places to visit in Meghalaya. The tribals of Garos, Jaintias, and Khasis make up the majority of the population. Meghalaya: Abode Of Clouds! Located in the northeastern parts of India, with Shilong as its capital. During the British rule of India, it was dubbed the “Scotland of the East.” With a range of beautiful terrains, Meghalaya is surely going to surprise your imagination. With beautiful greenery everywhere, with forests, valleys, waterfalls, and mountains, that are one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. But since Meghalaya is known for its monsoon seasons, what is the best time to visit there? What Is The Best Time To Visit Meghalaya? Since Meghalaya is one of the wettest places in India, with the occasional cloudbursts and landslides, you need to know the best time to visit there. Weather Condition In Meghalaya Oct-Feb = 9c        Apr-Jun = 21c        June-Oct =15c  Peak Season When the temperature is between 16c and 31c, that is the best time to visit Meghalaya. This will probably be from April and June. During this time, Meghalaya has the optimum temperature for you to explore the place. Shoulder Season From the months of November to March receives a moderate amount of tourists, as the weather is cold and misty at the same time. Low Season The lowest season for tourism in Meghalaya is from July to October. During this time, the state receives about moderate to heavy rainfall. Best Places To Visit In Meghalaya Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya is, you need to know what are the top Meghalaya tourist places. 1. Cherrapunji Popularly regarded as the wettest place on Earth, Cherrapunji has the best lush greenery you will ever see. Here you will find the highest rainfall any time of the year. Tourists from all over the world come here to see the most beautiful waterfalls, like Dain-Thlen,Nohkalikai, and Kyrem. Cherrapunji is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Specialty - An abundance of natural scenic beauty and environmental attractions. Places To Stay - Polo Orchid Resort Cherrapunjee, Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee and Saimika Resort. Attractions - Krem Mawmluh, Wakaba Falls, Double Decker Living Root Bridge, and also Nohkalikai Waterfalls. How To Reach - From Guwahati, it's 166km, And from Cherrapunji Umroi Airport, it's 79km. 2. Shillong Known as the Scotland of the East, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Away from the bustling life of the city, Shillong has beautiful forests, hills, and mesmerizing scenic beauty. Shillong is considered the Meghalayan Gateway. Popular landmarks of Shillong are Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim. Specialty - Mesmerizing view, the beauty of nature, and its popular landmarks. Attractions - Elephant falls, Maharam, Lady Hydari Park, Bhowal, Mylliem, and Langrim. Places To Stay - Pinewood Hotel, The Loft-Executive Inn, Hotel Polo Towers Shillong, and Tripura Castle. Location - East Central Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - From September to May. 3. Mawsynram Out of all the places in Meghalaya, Mawsynram receives the most rainfall each year. This is why here you will find the most greenery and beautiful green hills and valleys. Mawsynram receives about 11,872 mm of rainfall each year. Specialty - The most beautiful waterfalls. Location - The East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - From April to June. 4. Balpakaram National Park Known as a traveler’s paradise, the Balpakaram National Park is a “Land of Spirits” for its rich natural biodiversity. With its beautiful wildlife with animals like Tiger, Leopard, Deer, Buffalo, Elephant, and Red Panda. Specialty - It is rich in natural biodiversity. Location - Western Meghalaya and Garo Hills. Best Time To Visit - From October to March. Entry Free - Free. 5. Nohkalikai Falls The Nohkalikai Falls is the 4th most noted waterfalls in the World. The height of this fall is about 335 meters from the cliff to the ground. The falls are considered “the pride of the territory of Meghalaya.” Specialty - It is like paradise with an extraordinary scenic view. Entry Fee - INR 10. Timing - From 8 am to 5 pm. 6. Double-decker Living Root Bridge Located in Cherrapunji, the double-decker living root bridge is famous all over, as the bridge is made up of roots. The roots are of rubber trees. The bridge is about 3km long and about 2400ft in height. Specialty - The oldest of natural bridges. Location - Cherrapunji, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - Anytime other than from May to September, due to the slippery. Trek Time - It takes about 4 to 6 hours. 7. Kyllang Rock This extraordinary rock is made entirely out of red stone. The rock is 54ooft above sea level and 1000ft in width. The hike up the rock gives a beautiful scene with rhododendrons and shrubs. Specialty - It is on the highest points in all of Meghalaya. Location - West Khasi Hills, Shillong, Meghalaya. Best Time To Visit - Anytime, except the monsoon. Read Also: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? 8. Elephant Falls Meghalaya is known to have the best waterfalls in all of India. And Elephant Falls is definitely one of that beautiful waterfalls. It is called Elephant falls as it has an Elephant-shaped stone at its foot of it. It is one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya. Specialty - The falls are surrounded by beautiful scenic beauty. Location - It is only 12km from Shillong. Best Time To Visit - During Monsoon. Read Also: Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Now that you know what the best time to visit Meghalaya and the best tourist places is, you won’t have any other problems. But if you do, here are some questions asked by other people. 1. What Is The Popular Place Of Meghalaya? The most popular Meghalaya places to visit are:1. Mawsynram2. Nohakalikai Falls3. Mawlynnong Village4. Umiam Lake5. Seven Sisters Falls6. Living Root Bridges 2. Does Meghalaya Have Snow? Though the state of Meghalaya has a higher elevation, it doesn’t receive any snowfall throughout the year. But due to humidity and low temperature, frost forms which can look like snow but are not. 3. What Is Famous Food Of Meghalaya? The food that is famous in Meghalaya is a spicy preparation of fish or meat and rice. They are great at rearing pigs, goats, cows, ducks, and fowl for their meat. Visit Now! If you are an avid nature lover, then visiting Meghalaya should definitely be on your bucket list. There are some beautiful places to visit in Meghalaya. And if you are a mountain lover, then you need to visit here once. Hopefully, this article encourages you to book your tickets soon for Meghalaya. Let us know in the comments where in India you wanna visit next. Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India

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6 Reasons Why You Need Travel Insurance

BY  Abdul Aziz Aug 24, 2023

Traveling could be among the most rewarding experiences one can have, whether it's for leisure or business. The idea of discovering a new destination and wandering its streets is really exciting. However, before you embark on a fresh journey, have you ever thought of what might go wrong during your travel arrangements? Imagine arriving at your destination only to discover that your luggage is nowhere to be found. Consider the scenario where your flight unexpectedly gets canceled. The solution to these uncertainties is travel insurance. What Is A Travel Insurance?  Suppose you missed your early flight to America or forgot your bags in China- who is going to take responsibility?  Have you ever thought about the priceless money you will lose without a stable backup? Here is when the need for travel insurance kicks in.  Travel insurance refers to an insurance type that covers financial losses related to traveling. But it doesn’t end there. Insurance for traveling can also be helpful while getting protection for international or domestic travel. Other factors that might also affect travel are also covered under this, like injury, illness, accidents, etc.  Many travelers either forget to opt for travel insurance or purposely avoid purchasing it. In both these cases, you will have to bear the consequences. Regardless of whether you are traveling abroad or within your own country, travel insurance is an essential safeguard that offers multiple advantages. Why Do You Need This Insurance Right Away: 6 Key Reasons?  Imagine going on a fun tour with your friends or your loved one, and something unfortunate happens. Nobody would ever want that, right? This is why here are the top 6 reasons why travel insurance is important when you embark on any journey. Financial Security When Traveling Abroad Imagine a situation where you visit a foreign country for the first time and find your wallet or bags stolen. What could you do in this situation? This is where your travel insurance proves its worth. In cases of unexpected emergencies, such as thefts, your travel insurance company becomes your support system, providing the necessary financial assistance to address the situation. If you're uncertain about which service provider to choose from the many available, you can easily compare prices with Utility Saving Expert and find the cheapest and most appropriate cover for your travel needs. It Covers Medical Emergencies Every Travel Insurance policy includes coverage for medical treatment expenses up to a specified limit. These policies are inclusive and do not differentiate between various types of medical emergencies. Whether it's medical treatment or accident-related expenses, the insurance company will reimburse costs up to the predetermined limit. Moreover, insurance providers maintain a roster of network hospitals where you can receive the necessary treatment. If You Lose Luggage And Personal Belongings In case your luggage is lost or significantly delayed, whether due to your negligence or the airport authority, travel insurance offers you peace of mind. The policy will provide coverage for purchasing essential items temporarily while your baggage is located. While your personal belongings may be irreplaceable, your travel experience will remain unaffected thanks to this coverage. If the Trip Get Cancelled Travel insurance additionally safeguards you in cases where you might need to cancel your trip for valid reasons, such as illness, injuries, national emergencies, or natural disasters. With travel insurance, you can be reassured that you won't lose the entire sum you invested in the trip if it happens to get canceled. When You Miss A Connecting Flight When you encounter the unfortunate situation of missing a connecting flight, perhaps due to a delay in your first flight, travel insurance comes to your rescue. This coverage enables you to seek reimbursement for the expenses incurred as a result of the missed connecting flight. The policy would allow you to file a claim for the expenses you've had to incur due to missing the connecting flight. This reimbursement can cover various aspects, including the cost of rebooking your missed flight, arranging new transportation, and even adjusting your accommodations if necessary. Fraudulent Charges Imagine yourself losing your credit/debit card during a trip, and suddenly, you start getting texts that someone is using your credit or debit card. Scary, right? You are not only losing your money, but you are losing in an unfamiliar place where assistance might be hard to come by. However, with the safety net of travel insurance, you would not have to face this problem. Your insurance coverage will reimburse you for any monetary losses incurred due to stolen payment cards, even covering transactions up to 12 hours preceding your initial report of the incident. What Is Meant By Comprehensive Travel Insurance?  Another very popular type of insurance is comprehensive travel insurance which consists of various other coverage. They are generally grouped under a single plan. Very commonly, comprehensive insurance for travel consists of a 24-hour helpline for healthcare when some emergency arrives. Alternatively, you might be able to buy every coverage type separately.  Interruption Coverage & Trip Cancellation This particular insurance helps in reimbursing a traveler for all or some prepaid travel expenses. Under it come trip cancellations, travel delays, cancellations, and trip interruptions.  Baggage Loss and Damage Coverage A frequent travel problem is your personal belongings getting either lost, damaged, or stolen. It immediately sabotages your whole mood because you have to look for replacements. However, various travel insurance policies pay only for belongings after exhausting other claims.  Rental Insurance Thirdly, vacation rental insurance coverage includes accidental damage costs from a vacation rental property. Some of these plans might also provide trip interruption and cancellation that help in reimbursing travel costs, particularly when you cannot access your vacation rental.  Conclusion Whether you're preparing for a vacation within your own country or embarking on an international journey, it's crucial to consider obtaining travel insurance. This prudent step will help guarantee a vacation that is not only secure and trouble-free but also offers you peace of mind throughout your travels. Read Also: How To Apply For A Passport Online In This Pandemic, And Which Countries Allow You To Travel Now?