Louisiana is a state defined largely by its waterways, which pave the way for endless water activities and experiences across its rivers, beaches, and lakes.
Riding the waters, boating and cruising
Set out on a relaxing boating experience or a luxury cruise and explore Louisiana’s lakes, rivers, and waterbodies from a new perspective.
Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana’s largest inland body of water in the state, can be accessed from New Orleans via the main hub in the Lakeview neighbourhood. Set out on the water from the West End Boat Launch on Breakwater Drive, or launch from the Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie. Fontainebleau State Park is a great launching point for kayakers along Lake Pontchartrain.
Toledo Bend Reservoir on the Texas-Louisiana border is the largest man-made body of water in the South, home to trophy-level largemouth bass, white perch, catfish and bream. On the Louisiana side, access to the lake via two state parks. North Toledo Bend State Park in Zwolle has a boat launch with a double ramp. Visitors can also rent flat boats, canoes or kayaks. In Anacoco, South Toledo Bend State Park features a boat launch and courtesy docks, plus flat-bottom boat rentals.
Whether you are renting a vessel or have your own boat, Louisiana’s state parks offer the perfect launch for a day on the water. At Lake Bruin State Park in St. Joseph, set off for the 3,000-acre Lake Bruin from the year-round boat launch and enjoy the convenience of a boat shed for docking.
And what could be a more classic Louisiana experience than boarding an old-school riverboat on the Mississippi River, complete with dining al fresco while being serenaded by a New Orleans jazz band? Enjoy this quintessential Louisiana river experience on the Steamboat Natchez with their lunch, brunch and dinner jazz cruises, which dock at the edge of New Orleans’ famous French Quarter.
Ultimately, enjoy a luxurious ride on an authentic paddlewheeler, the 800-passenger Creole Queen, and explore the Mississippi River in a unique way. Choose from one of three different excursions: the Dinner Jazz Cruise, a traditional affair where you will enjoy an elegant Creole dinner while listening to live music; the Historical River Cruise, where you will hear a narrated tour describing New Orleans’ fascinating backstory; or the ever-popular Sunday Jazz Brunch.
Outdoor water activities
Waterbodies across Louisiana are a gateway to exploring the area through wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, swimming, surfing, and many such adventurous activities.
Catahoula Lake is the state’s largest natural freshwater lake, spanning more than 46 square miles. Near and partly encompassed by the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge in Jonesville, the lake also offers a winter home to a variety of waterfowl. At the wildlife refuge, visitors can fish and explore a dozen trails of varying lengths.
If you prefer a quiet lakeside getaway, head to Lake Claiborne in North-Central Louisiana, a true hidden treasure. Hike through a hilly forested landscape to find a 6,400-acre man-made freshwater fishing area, fully stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, channel catfish and white perch, among others.
Next, the Cane River Lake is an oxbow lake that offers fantastic fishing with a side of history, as the lake is close to the Cane River Creole National Historic Park. Access the river from a public boat ramp across from Oakland Plantation, or fish from a dedicated wooden dock near the Shell Beach ramp.
Lake D’Arbonne is another popular spot for anglers and pleasure boaters, surrounded by campsites, summer homes, year-round homes and commercial landings. Expect breathtaking views and record catches of bass, crappie, catfish and bream, which can be accessed from a public boat launch at Lake D’Arbonne State Park in Farmerville. The park includes fishing piers, boat docks, tennis courts, and nature trails. The entire family can splash around in the seasonal swimming pool, then relax in a deluxe cabin or lodge or rent a kayak and explore hidden inlets.
If wind surfing is your game, visit Cypremort State Park, where visitors are welcome to swim along the half-mile man-made beach.
Up north, Caney Lake at Jimmie Davis State Park is also known for record bass catches, and the state park features two boat launches and a fishing pier.
Finally, near Natchitoches, Black Lake offers a slice of fishing heaven for trophy hunters. Hit the water from the public boat launch and look for largemouth bass and crappie.
Beachfront fun
If you are more about sun-warmed sand than moss-filled bayous, visit one of Louisiana’s beautiful coastal beaches. Nicknamed the “Cajun Riviera,” Holly Beach is an unpretentious little strip of sand along the Gulf. It’s just an hour’s drive from Lake Charles and perfect for fishing, bird watching and strolling along the sand. Shell collectors praise Holly Beach for its variety, including whelks, cockles, angel wings and even sea glass.
Another quaint stretch of sand, Rutherford Beach is located off the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, near the mouth of the Mermentau River in Cameron Parish. Enjoy beachcombing, bird watching, fishing and kayaking, then wash the sand from your toes at a convenient outdoor shower. Paddlers can explore the 9-mile river trail, perfect for a mindful solo journey or trip with friends.
The holy grail of Louisiana Gulf Coast beaches, Grand Isle Beach offers 7 miles of public beaches off scenic Highway 1. Thanks to the warm climate, visitors can swim year-round and even camp along the shore. Anglers can find speckled trout and redfish during the fall and winter months, and birders will enjoy the Migratory Bird Festival in April.
Waterfront restaurants
Wrap up your water adventures in Louisiana with a stunning waterfront dinner. Louisiana offers the ideal opportunity for waterfront restaurants to blend the best of culinary flavours and outdoor views.
Experience elegance at the Tchefuncte River waterfront, courtesy of its namesake dining destination at Tchefuncte’s Restaurant, located in the Northshore town of Madisonville, offering top-tier dining with a focus on local ingredients and dishes such as Louisiana oysters, blackened redfish and other Gulf delicacies while overlooking one of the region’s most scenic waterways.
Situated next to the verdant Heritage Park near downtown Slidell, Palmettos on the Bayou offers quiet, intimate dining on the Bayou Bonfouca waterfront. This is a great dining getaway, especially for New Orleans visitors, since the restaurant is located just a half-hour’s drive from the city.
Located across the Bogue Falaya River from downtown Covington, The Chimes offers some of the most spectacular waterfront, featuring Cajun and Creole traditions, with menu items that include everything from boudin to alligator. Follow it up with a leisurely paddle down the Bogue Falaya.
While Cajun cuisine may be more closely associated with south Louisiana than north, Trapp’s brings the flavours of boudin, crawfish, gumbo, beans, and rice to West Monroe.
And, situated on a tributary of the Ouachita River, Waterfront Grill is steeped in local history and among the best-known dining destinations in Monroe. This being northeast Louisiana, the cuisine here is more traditionally Southern than Cajun, with its most popular dish, Catfish DeSiard, earning accolades in Southern Living Magazine.
Visiting the US? Here are four unique experiences along Louisiana’s waterbodies
