The best New Orleans beaches

Every New Orleanian knows the thrill of seeing the bright, colorful Pensacola sign just after the Waffle House and right before crossing the bridge over to the beach. Just three hours away from the city, Pensacola Beach’s clear blue waters rival those on Highway 30A and even Miami. Not surprisingly, it’s a huge tourist destination in the South, and yet it's a little more peaceful than the larger beach towns like Destin (also in Florida). There’s plenty to do here: long strips of beach, delectable meals at restaurants, and family-friendly entertainment galore.

Between the condominium buildings, resorts and the bevvy of beachside bars, tourism plays a major role in the Gulf Shores economy—for travelers, this means there’s plenty to do in this Alabama beach town. Hit the water and charter a boat for a sunset cruise (or perhaps dolphin watching, fishing and water sports) or stick to land and visit one of Gulf Shores’ top-rated golf resorts. Visiting with the family? Stop at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and Waterville USA amusement and water park. In the springtime, Hangout Fest (a music festival that takes place right on the beach) takes over, so keep an eye out for the annual event.

Ocean Springs is a charming Gulf Coast town known for its vibrant arts community. Less than a mile away from town is Front Beach, a two-mile stretch of soft white sand. Once you’ve had your fill of sun and gentle waves, stroll the historic downtown’s quaint shops, art galleries and restaurants. Or explore the Gulf Islands National Seashore and enjoy kayaking, bird watching and fishing. The town hosts several annual festivals, making it a prime spot for both a dive in the Gulf and a dive into Southern charm.

Biloxi, Mississippi is just under an hour and a half away from New Orleans, and about 30 minutes past Pass Christian. The waters are not pristine and clear as Florida's, but Biloxi has plenty of resort life and action. If you’re up for a livelier weekend, stay at the Beau Rivage Casino or the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for a bit of a different vibe. Both resorts offer live entertainment, pool scenes, casinos and of course, buffets.

Orange Beach is the last stop before crossing over to Florida, so make sure to visit the Flora-Bama Lounge on the Florida-Alabama state line. The beachfront bar and grill has been called a “cultural landmark” of the Gulf Coast, but it’s definitely a rite of passage for New Orleanians who visit frequently—what began as a spring break destination has now become an escape during family vacations. If you don’t indulge in the obligatory Bushwacker, did you even go?

The water isn’t the clearest here, but Pass Christian is the quintessential southern beach town—the houses along the coast are magnificent, and the town is simply adorable. There are charming shops and cafes just across the street from the beach. Don't miss Shaggy's, a popular island-stayle restaurant that also offers fishing charters. This place is just an hour away from New Orleans’ city limits, and it's a sure-bet for anyone looking for a quick getaway.

Gulfport shares the beach with Biloxi, but the second-largest city in Mississippi offers a lot of other things to do besides lounging by the pool and setting up shop by the slot machines. Have a cold one at Chandeleur Island Brewing Company or shop for deals at the Gulfport Premium Outlets. It’s only about an hour and a half from New Orleans but seems like a world away, especially when if you're in dire need of a weekend out of town. 

Just two hours away from New Orleans, Dauphin Island is a barrier island located three miles south of Mobile Bay. Accessible by ferry or a bridge that connects with the Alabama mainland, the entire island is 14 miles long with only about 1,300 residents. As you can imagine, it’s a rather quaint vacation spot. Beyond the long stretches of public beach—with clear water and powdery sand—you'll also find ocean adventures at the Dauphin Island Marina, an aquarium and estuarium, and a preserved archeological site called Indian Shell Mound Park.

Ship Island, which is actually two separate islands, is a gem that sits 11 miles off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi (note: it’s only accessible by boat and ferry). Visit West Ship Island for better beaches and an old fort that’s open for exploring; it’s one of the few barrier islands in the United States that has been left undeveloped, which means it’s still in its natural state.

In addition to nature trails, picnicking, and camping, this Northshore state park has a sandy little beach that families have enjoyed for decades. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it a great spot for all ages, and there’s a water park with a splash pad where kids can cool off. When you need a little beach time but don't want to drive far, Fontainebleau is the spot.