The best beaches near New Orleans

Every New Orleanian knows the thrill of seeing the bright, colorful Pensacola sign 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.

Nearby eats: Head to Shaggy's for a laid-back meal heavy on the seafood or grab a drink at The Sandshaker, home of the original Bushwacker. For a sweet treat, don’t miss Casino Beach Bar & Grille’s frozen cocktails.

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). If you’re here in the spring, catch Sand in my Boots Fest right on the beach, drawing music lovers from all over.

Nearby eats: The Hangout serves up family-friendly seafood dishes and live music, while Big Beach Brewing Company pours local craft beer and offers a relaxed, family- and pet-friendly atmosphere.

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, check out 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 into Southern charm.

Nearby eats: The James Beard Award-nominated Vestige is a must for a memorable meal. More casual eats can be found at The Shed BBQ and Blue Dog Bistro. Or sip a craft cocktail at The Wilbur Bar.

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 like 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.

Nearby eats: For fresh Gulf seafood, Half Shell Oyster House is a classic, while Shaggy’s Biloxi Beach has a relaxed, toes-in-the-sand vibe, with a menu that includes shrimp tacos and crab cakes.

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 is a Gulf Coast institution known for live music and Bushwackers. When you're not beachcombing, explore the Backcountry Trail, a scenic path perfect for biking.

Nearby eats: The Gulf serves up waterfront views alongside casual bites like burgers and tacos. For breakfast, Brick & Spoon offers hearty Southern fare, including beignets and signature Bloody Marys.

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. This beach is just an hour away from New Orleans’ city limits, and it's a sure-bet for anyone looking for a quick getaway.

Nearby eats: Stop by Shaggy’s for seafood and island vibes or try Bacchus on the Beach for po’boys and beachy cocktails. For a taste of local history, visit Cat Island Coffeehouse, a bookstore and café with views of the harbor, or grab classic bistro fare at Whiskey Prime.

Gulfport shares the beach with Biloxi, but the second-largest city in Mississippi offers a lot of things to do besides lounging by the pool, setting up shop by the slot machines or shopping 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 if you're in dire need of a weekend out of town. 

Nearby eats: The Rack House Steak & Spirits has a great whiskey selection, and Half Shell Oyster House offers fresh Gulf oysters and Creole flavors. If you’re seeking a quirky stop, try Boozer’s Brew & Cafe for creative brews and local bites.

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 spans 14 miles with nearly 2,000 residents. 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 Alabama Aquarium and the Dauphin Island Marina.

Nearby eats: Head to Pirates Bar & Grill for seafood with a view. If you’re craving sweets, stop by Lighthouse Bakery for homemade pastries and island-famous cinnamon rolls.

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.

Nearby eats: Pack a cooler, as dining options are limited, but when you're back in Gulfport, Shaggy’s is the go-to for seafood and cold drinks.

In addition to nature trails, picnicking, and camping, this 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.

Nearby eats: Grab a bite at Rip's on the Lake or Pat's Rest-a-While for seafood with views of Lake Pontchartrain, or The Rusty Pelican or Cafetomas for casual eats near the Trace.