The Best Waterfront Stays in Louisiana for a Scenic Escape

With its long stretch of coastline along the Gulf, plus bayous, rivers, and lakes, it's not hard to find waterfront rentals in Louisiana. So, if spending time relaxing by the water, with a book or a fishing rod in hand, or going for a boat ride or paddle is on your wishlist for your next getaway, discover five highly rated vacation homes you'll want to book ASAP.

1. Cajun Country Bayou Home - New Iberia, Louisiana

• Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 baths
• Standout amenities: Dedicated workspace, BBQ grill, fire pit, outdoor seating and dining, kayak, boat slip
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with 4.98/5 stars

Suited for a couple or family who wish to be close to the water for recreation such as canoeing, kayaking, or fishing, the Cajun Country home in New Iberia provides the ultimate bayou getaway. The interior of the home is comfortable and stylish, featuring contemporary furnishings, two bedrooms (one with a queen bed and the other with two full-sized beds), a stocked kitchen, dining room, and a workspace with bayou views. The home sits on Bayou Jack and is nestled among moss-covered trees, offering plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing right from the back porch. There's a kayak for you to use, and if you go fishing, you'll find a fish cleaning station on the property.

The Cajun Country home is a short drive from downtown New Iberia, Avery Island (home to Tabasco), and Cypremort Point. With its convenient location to area attractions, waterfront property, and amenities, this is one of the top vacation rentals on the water in Louisiana.

2. Lightning Bug Lane in the Trees on the Lake - Shreveport, Louisiana

• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 bath
• Standout amenities: Outdoor seating and dining, BBQ grill, kayak
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with 4.98/5 stars

If fairytales were real, the Lightning Bug Lane Treehouse on Cross Lake would be the perfect setting. The treehouse sits in a quiet section of the forest and is perfectly charming. Inside, there is one bedroom, a stone fireplace for romantic nights in, a stylish kitchenette, and even a reading nook in the loft, complete with a selection of books. During the day, take the kayak out on the lake and marvel at the stunning cypress that grow here. At night, dine outside, watch for lightning bugs, and use the telescope to get a closer look at the stars. You'll discover that this is one of the most enchanting lakefront rentals in Louisiana.

3. The Blue Cabin - Homer, Louisiana

• Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 6), 1 bathroom
• Standout amenities: Outdoor kitchen with sink, outdoor seating and dining, dock, boat slip
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with 4.97/5 stars

If you're looking to launch your boat on Lake Claiborne, The Blue Cabin waterfront Airbnb in Louisiana has its own private 14x24 dock and 10x24 boat slip. Even if you don't have a boat, you will still love being on the lake, whether renting a kayak to take out on the water, cooking a meal in the outdoor kitchen, or just relaxing out on the covered deck. This tiny cabin in the small town of Homer, Louisiana, is cozy and comfortable inside, and you may find yourself loving it as much as past guests have. As one guest stated, "I hate to say how wonderful my stay here was for fear of not being able to book here again in the future! Everything was perfect and well-appointed."

4. The Nest at Eagle Bay Cove - Downsville, Louisiana

• Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 11), 3 baths
• Standout amenities: Ping pong table, arcade games, fireplace, fire pit, outdoor kitchen with sink, outdoor seating and dining, BBQ grill, sun loungers, kayak
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with 5/5 stars

The Nest at Eagle Bay Cove on Lake D'Arbonne offers the finest in lakeside living. From the moment you walk inside this spacious home, your stress may melt away! The home features an airy, open floor plan; floor-to-ceiling windows on both floors offering spectacular lake views; a gourmet kitchen that will turn anyone into a chef; and a game room with ping-pong, arcade games, and more. And then there are the outdoor spaces—a boathouse deck with two boat slips, a fishing deck, and a poolside deck (yes, there's a pool!)—where you'll spend most of your days. You can even take the home's kayak out on the lake for an on-the-water adventure, or go for a swim (at your own risk). Whether you're here with friends or family, The Nest offers plenty of ways to relax and have fun!

5. Down Da Bayou Lodge - Erath, Louisiana

• Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 baths
• Standout amenities: Fireplace, fire pit, outdoor kitchen with sink, outdoor seating and dining, BBQ grill, sun loungers, boat slip
• Rating: A Guest Favorite with 5/5 stars

If you've ever dreamed of a luxurious getaway in the heart of Cajun Country, book a few nights at Down Da Bayou Lodge in Erath. For those who enjoy nature, you'll love seeing pelicans and seagulls flying overhead as you sit outside the lodge, which happens to be right on Delcambre Canal, aka Bayou Carlin. If you bring your boat or rent one, there's a boat slip, and you can explore the canal leading to Lake Peigner and Vermillion Bay. From the property, you can go crabbing or fishing (there's a fish cleaning station here), or just hang out and marvel at the views and wildlife. At night, gather your group around the fire pit for some conversation under the stars.

The interior of the lodge is just as spectacular as the exterior, with three beautiful coastal-inspired bedrooms, an open-concept kitchen and living room complete with a foosball table, and more. As one of the more conveniently located riverfront cabins in Louisiana, staying here puts you close to Avery Island and Rip Van Winkle Gardens.

Which of these vacation homes do you think you'll book first? For more options, check out these unique stays in Louisiana. And for a Gulf Coast getaway, discover one of the best beachfront rentals in Louisiana, perfect for a large group to enjoy some fun in the sand and sun!