Louisiana
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Just Might Be The Most Naturally Beautiful Spot In All Of Louisiana

Lake Martin in Louisiana, part of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse bird population.

Published Sep 22, 2017

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Louisiana isn’t short on natural beauty, that’s for sure. We are blessed with endless bayous, swamps, and rivers that can mesmerize us. There’s one lake in particular that has captured our hearts and just might be the most naturally beautiful spot in all of Louisiana.

The Cypress Island Nature Preserve is 9,500 acres of cypress-tupelo swamps located between Breaux Bridge and Lafayette.

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KMalloy1202/Trip Advisor

Lake Martin is the highlight of this preserve, and for good reason.

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Marina & Enrique/Flickr

This place is absolutely stunning.

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The bird population is just one of the reasons this place is so incredible.

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DebAusen/Trip Advisor

It’s one of the largest bird rookeries in the country. Egrets, herons, spoonbills, white ibis, owls, and many many more all regularly spotted at the lake.

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jc.winkler/Flickr

You’ll find more than just birds here.

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Alla K/Trip Advisor

All of the usual suspects found in the swamps call Lake Martin home.

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Doesn’t it look like this alligator is just gazing at how beautiful the scenery is?

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There’s also a 2.5 mile walking trail so you can explore the area further.

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UpWrite/Trip Advisor

The lake is a great place for canoeing/kayaking.

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Cajun Country Swamp Tours is a great way to explore the area. Spend a couple of hours with a knowledgeable guide who will explain everything about these important ecosystems and maybe share a tale or two about growing up in the area.

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The sunsets at Lake Martin are truly breathtaking.

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Marina & Enrique/Flickr

Seeing the Spanish moss-draped cypress trees silhouetted by the golden sun confirms it — this is the most naturally beautiful spot in Louisiana.

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You can find Lake Martin at 1209 Rookery Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517

Have you ever been to Lake Martin? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Places In Louisiana That Are Like A Caribbean Paradise In The Summer

Discover some of the most beautiful and fun beaches in Louisiana that offer a variety of activities and scenic views.

Updated Jul 3, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

We may not have the white sandy beaches that our friends in Florida have, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have some spectacular hidden gems that are nothing short of the most beautiful places in Louisiana. There's nothing like a Louisiana summer! Next time you’re looking to have some fun in the sun, consider these tropical places in Louisiana where you’ll feel like you’ve drifted away to a Caribbean island. They're some of the most fun things to do in summer in Louisiana. Don't forget your sunscreen!

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1. Lake Claiborne

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T Christian/Google

The beautiful sandy beach at Lake Claiborne State Park provides endless hours of fun and the cool waters of the lake are great for keeping cool. It's easy to see why it's one of the best beaches in Louisiana since you've got the best of both worlds: shade and sun! When you’ve had enough of the sun, you can retreat back to the cooling shade of the pine trees. There are plenty of picnic tables along the treeline, too, so pack a lunch!

2. Holly Beach

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Amy Britt/Google

Head on down to the Cajun Riviera for some beautiful scenery. Holly Beach, located in Cameron Parish right on the Gulf, is wonderful for looking for seashells and there are several houses you can rent if you’d like to make a weekend out of it. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can bring your camping gear and pitch a tent right on the beach!

This amazing drone video shows just how breathtaking Holly Beach really is:

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3. Cypremort Point State Park

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Cypremort Point State Park/Facebook
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Chastity Savage/Google

There’s a little stretch of man-made beach over at Cypremort Point State Park that’s a delightful spot to sit back and watch the sailboats go by. Fishing is a popular pastime here, but what you really need to do it stay to watch the sunset—it’s simply mesmerizing and easily one of the most tropical getaways in Louisiana.

4. Grand Isle State Park

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Adeel Abid Khan/Google

Grand Isle has seven miles of beaches you can sink your toes in. It's also a fisherman’s paradise, so be sure to bring your rod and reel. It's yet another spot where you can also camp right on the beach, so you can fall asleep to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.

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5. White Sands Lake Day Beach

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Alexander Ignacio/Google

For fun for the whole family, spend an afternoon at White Sands Lake in Franklinton. The spring-fed lake makes it one of the clearest lakes in Louisiana, and the aqua park is fun for all ages. You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the lake on your own.

Did your favorite tropical getaway in Louisiana make the list? What beaches in Louisiana did we miss? Add yours in the comments! If you're looking for more fun, put on your summer hat and check these wonderful places out:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/louisiana/things-to-do-in-summer-la/

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

5 Lazy Rivers In Louisiana That Are Perfect For Tubing On A Summer’s Day

Discover some of the best lazy rivers for tubing in Louisiana to cool down during the hot summer months.

Updated Jul 2, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Lazy rivers in Louisiana can bring a peaceful cooling to some brutally hot summer days. Spending the day on the water is a great way to stay out in nature while relaxing in the beautiful surroundings. Below we've listed just a few lazy rivers (some are natural, some are man-made) that are some of the best places to go tubing in Louisiana. Don't forget your sunscreen!

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1. Bogue Chitto River: Franklinton, Washington Parish

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Raymond Sweet/Google

Sit back and relax as you go tubing in Louisiana along the Bogue Chitto River for a few hours. Beautiful scenery, great friends, and the sun shining down on your face. Sounds like a day in paradise, right? Louisiana River Adventures is one of the most popular tubing companies in this area, and the staff offers tubes of all shapes and sizes in addition to canoeing and kayaking. And the best part: Reservations are not required.

2. Whisky Chitto River: Allen, Beauregard, and Vernon parishes

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Also known as the Ouiska Chitto River, this river flows through an area that was once referred to as "no man’s land" and was home to adventurers, robbers, cutthroats, murderers, and even pirates. It’s rumored that Jean Lafitte buried his treasure somewhere along the river banks. These days, it’s a beautiful float down the river near me where you’ll be surrounded by nature and quartz sand beaches. What a perfect way to spend a summer day in Louisiana!

3. Coushatta Casino Resort: Kinder

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Coushatta Casino Resort/Facebook

One of the best places to go tubing in Louisiana that's not out in the wild is at this luxury resort in Kinder. Underwater jets help propel you along the 500 linear feet. The lazy river is welcome to guests staying at the Seven Clans Hotel, The Grand Hotel, or The Inn at Coushatta.

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4. L’Auberge Casino Resort: Lake Charles

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L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake/Facebook

Another spot for those who still want the relaxing sensation of floating down the river without having to deal with the elements, this lazy river in Louisiana could be the place for you. is a great spot to spend the day floating around, swimming up to the poolside bar, and maybe even enjoying a frozen cocktail in a serene, bug-free zone. Discover more on the L'Auberge Casino Resort website.

5. Blue Bayou Lazy River: Baton Rouge

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Blue Bayou Dixie Landin'/Facebook

Another river for those who aren’t looking to venture out into nature, Blue Bayou Water Park is the ultimate water park in Louisiana. You could stay in this river all day as it takes you around and around the park. The river isn’t very deep, and there are little bridges and waterfalls every so often to cool you down. Plus, multiple lifeguards ensure a safe experience for everyone.

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Have you visited any of these peaceful spots on the list? Let us know in the comments below! Check out the cool swimwear available on the L.L.Bean website

And before it gets cold again, be sure to peruse our best road trips in Louisiana.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/louisiana/best-state-parks-in-louisiana/

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