Louisiana
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

7 Mesmerizing Louisiana Lakes That You’ll Want To Spend Your Summer At

Explore seven mesmerizing lakes in Louisiana perfect for summer day trips.

Published Apr 28, 2020

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

When the temperatures begin to rise, there’s nothing more fun than spending the day out in the sun on the water. Luckily, Louisiana certainly has no shortage of beautiful waterways to spend an afternoon at. When you’re starting to plan your summer day trips, keep these seven mesmerizing Louisiana lakes in mind.

1. Lake D’Arbonne

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Wanderer/Google

Nestled within Lake D’Arbonne State Park, this 15,250-acre lake is a popular spot during the warmer months. Between fishing, sunbathing, and boating, you could easily spend an entire day here and never get bored.

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2. Prien Lake

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Larisa Porter/Google

If you find yourself in the Lake Charles area, a visit to Prien Lake Park is a must. Overlooking Indian Bay on the eastern shore of Prien Lake, you’ll have a stunning view of both with one of the most magical sunset views in the state.

3. Caney Lake

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Amit/Google

For waterskiers, the refreshing waters of Caney Lake are ideal. Sit back, relax, and watch the calming waters and the beautiful mixed pine and hardwoods sway in the breeze for a picture-perfect day.

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4. Lake Martin

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Michelle Z./Trip Advisor

For wildlife enthusiasts, you won’t do better than a visit to Lake Martin. Located just on the outskirts of Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is home to scores of alligators, turtles, nutria, plus endless amounts of migratory birds. Walk along the trail or rent a canoe or kayak and see the lake from an entirely new perspective.

5. Caddo Lake

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Hashim Waheed/Google

This massive, 25,400-acre lake and bayou borders Texas and Louisiana, and the views from Earl G. Williamson Park are picture-perfect.

6. Lake Claiborne

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Christine W./Trip Advisor

A beautiful 6,400-acre body of water, Lake Claiborne attracts people from all walks of life frequent this majestic lake. The freshwater lake is stocked with largemouth bass, and there’s a lovely little strip of beach to sink your toes into.

7. White Sands Lake

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Rya Butterfield/Google

Tucked away in Franklinton, Louisiana, this beautiful lake is fun for the whole family. Featuring an epic aqua park plus a big, white sandy beach, this is perhaps the most underrated summer attraction in Louisiana.

Where's your favorite lake in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below, or nominate it for a chance to be featured!

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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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StwBuck/Trip Advisor
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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!

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

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.

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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.

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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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!

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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.

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.

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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.

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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