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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

You’ll Have The Most Louisiana Day Ever When You Kayak Through The Atchafalaya River Basin

The Atchafalaya River Basin, the largest wetland in the U.S., offers diverse paddling experiences and abundant wildlife.

Published Mar 24, 2022

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Clocking in at almost a million acres, the Atchafalaya River Basin is the largest wetland and swamp in the country. It’s one of the most beautiful natural areas in the state, and it draws people from all across the world. An airboat or swamp boat tour is one of the most popular ways to see the Atchafalaya, but renting a kayak or a canoe can give you greater access to see the sights.

Because the Atchafalaya is so large, there’s really no one true way to access it.

A calm river scene with lush greenery and reflections, featuring a small alligator swimming in the water.
McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

There are boat launches all over the basin, and several paddle trails, too. The Louisiana Travel website is a great resource for seeking out all of the paddle trails by region.

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Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is a great access point.

Canoes lined up by a serene lake, surrounded by trees and lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky.
David Dupree/Google

The 6,000-acre park is nestled right in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, and the seven-mile canoe trail is a popular paddle trail for outdoor enthusiasts.

It's a great introduction to the swamp, and perfect for paddlers of all skill levels.

A view from a kayak on a river, with other kayakers paddling in the distance surrounded by lush greenery.
Gareth Burgess/Google

Just remember to start your paddle headed upstream so that your journey back down is much easier, as you can flow with the current.

McGee’s Swamp Tours offers several different types of tours, including airboat, swamp tours, and sunset tours.

A person paddles a kayak through a serene, tree-lined waterway, surrounded by lush greenery and cypress trees.
McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

You can also rent a canoe and create your own adventure.

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McGee’s is one of the only rental companies in the Basin that rents canoes and offers unguided paddling trips.

Two people in a green kayak paddling through a lush, green waterway surrounded by trees and foliage.
McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook

Lake Martin is another popular spot for paddling.

A person kayaking through a serene swamp with tall trees and moss hanging from branches.
Qian Song/Google

And Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours offers canoes so you can paddle around the lake.

The Atchafalaya is filled with wildlife, including alligators.

A large alligator rests on a green, algae-covered bank while a turtle approaches nearby in a calm water setting.
Richard Wingard/Google

Yes, it does seem very scary to see an eight-foot alligator while you're in a canoe, but they care less about you than you do them. Remember, don't feed the wildlife and certainly don't harass them.

You'll see all sorts of wildlife as you paddle around.

A bald eagle in flight, clutching a fish, over a shimmering body of water with rocky cliffs in the background.
Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours/Google

It's a great place to do a little birdwatching. Bald eagles, herons, egrets, and anhingas are just a few of the feathered friends you may see out and about during your paddle.

Have you ever paddled around the Atchafalaya? Where is your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments!

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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

A serene lake scene with clear blue skies, fluffy clouds, and lush green trees lining the shore.
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

A sandy beach stretches along the shore, with a blue sky and distant smoke rising from the land.
StwBuck/Trip Advisor
A serene beach scene at sunset, with gentle waves lapping at the shore under a colorful sky.
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

A serene beach scene at sunset, featuring vibrant clouds and palm trees silhouetted against the colorful sky.
Cypremort Point State Park/Facebook
A sandy beach stretches along a calm shoreline under a clear blue sky, with palm trees in the background.
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

A serene beach scene with gentle waves, a clear blue sky, and distant buildings along the shoreline.
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

A sandy beach with people enjoying the water, shaded by blue tents under a bright sky with fluffy clouds.
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

A scenic river with kayakers paddling, surrounded by lush trees and a partly cloudy sky.
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

A serene river scene surrounded by lush green trees and clear blue skies, reflecting in the calm water.
Ana Magan/Tripadvisor

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

Aerial view of a water park featuring winding pools, slides, palm trees, and lounging areas.
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

Aerial view of a resort with pools, lazy river, palm trees, and lounge areas surrounded by lush landscaping.
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

A person relaxes on a blue inner tube in a lazy river, surrounded by more tubes and lush greenery under a sunny sky.
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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