New Orleans is truly captivating in the best of ways and some not so good. Take it from me, a multi-time visitor.
One minute, you’re blown away by the French Quarter’s timeless architecture and the next, your nostrils are hit with a lingering reminder of Bourbon Street’s aftermath.
Despite being the shining star of Louisiana, there’s far more to discover in this state than Swamp People of the Bayou and jam-packed college football games.
For instance, did you know Louisiana is a beach destination? That’s right! This underrated state boasts far more than seemingly endless gator-filled swamplands and Mardi Gras shenanigans.
Far away from N’awlins’ chaos lies Grand Isle, Louisiana’s beautiful stretch of coastline, long overlooked in favor of more notable neighbors with the likes of Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
New Orleans may be the ultimate place to let loose, but Grand Isle is the Bayou State’s ultimate place to unwind!
Louisiana’s Secret Beach Hideaway
Many vacationers in the South circle their calendars each year ready to road trip to Gulf Shores or any number of Florida’s top beaches, but what’s likely not known is they’re driving past one of the South’s best kept secrets.
Grand Isle is a barrier island along the scenic Gulf coast—and no, it’s not unsightly lined with oil rigs as you might expect.
It’s a delightful beach town that flies under the radar. Grand Isle’s only claim to fame is being a victim of hurricane damage, including Katrina, but this coastal hidden gem is back on the up-and-up.
As a small town of just 1,000 residents, there’s no airport here like in other popular southern beach getaways such as Gulf Shores and Biloxi.
That being said, the journey from New Orleans is well worth it. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is roughly 40 miles away, far less than what many vacationers drive to reach the beaches of neighboring states.
And once here, it’s full of surprises!
Louisiana’s Only Inhabited Island
Grand Isle has been a tight-lipped secret since 1781. Local Louisianians have been coming for centuries to relax and unwind in this laid-back community.
The folks behind the island’s Tourism Board describe their beloved home as a ‘passport to adventure’, and I couldn’t think of a better way to describe it.
Louisiana has long been a wildlife haven, both for tourists on the state’s famous fan boat tours and for fishing excursions.
One thing you don’t have to worry about as much here is alligators, a common sight across the rest of the state.
But wildlife as a whole is undoubtedly one of the top draws for Grand Isle visitors, even being dubbed as a ‘Sportman’s paradise’.
While you may encounter dolphins or sea turtles along the wide-open beaches, Grand Isle State Park ($3 admission) is your best bet for sightings.
Plus, there are a variety of scenic hiking trails to explore and campsites with great stargazing conditions, as this remote island isn’t typically impacted by city light pollution.
Grand Isle is warm through the fall months. In December, sunny temps begin to drop from the 70s, so you can expect bathwater-esque conditions through November when swimming is encouraged.
Tip: Queen Bess Island is a nearby hidden gem for wildlife spotting. Read all about the remarkable work recolonizing Brown Pelicans here.
Waterfront Stays And Phenomenal Cuisine
Sometimes the Gulf doesn’t have the best reputation with water conditions, but Grand Isle Beach will surprise you.
In fact, it holds an impressive 4.6 rating on Google and we all know how people love to gripe in this day and age!
One beachgoer boasted, “Nice, clean beach. It’s not crowded, and the water quality is relatively clean.”
It’s not just the beach itself that will delight you; it’s where you’ll rest your head at night too.
While there are certainly no Cancun-like all-inclusives here; there are some comfortable Mom & Pop-style digs that won’t break the bank.
The town’s B&B’s, hotels, and cabins cost about $100 per night through fall, which means more savings to splurge on local cuisine!
No matter where you find yourself in Louisiana, it’s almost impossible to have a bad meal in “Cajun Country”.
In Grand Isle, fresh seafood and a cold beer are a way of life.
These are Grand Isle’s top 3 restaurants, according to TripAdvisor:
- Starfish Restaurant
- Lighthouse Restaurant
- Yum’s
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