Explore Louisiana’s Grand Isle Beach
Pack your fishing pole and birding binoculars for this beach getaway that offers a simple escape from it all in the splendor of Louisiana's outdoors.
Getting to Grand Isle State Park
There’s a solitary strip of road that cuts a path through the marsh and mangroves to connect travelers between Louisiana’s mainland and the state’s only inhabited barrier island. Grand Isle is the end of the road for Louisiana Highway 1, and it’s arguably one of the most dramatic locations along the highway.
Once you're here, roll down the windows to breathe in the salty air as you take in the views of endless Gulf waves. Visitors aren’t drawn here for extravagant condos and silky white sand; they come to Grand Isle to experience life at its simplest and purest.
Start your journey on the island’s far end at Grand Isle State Park, where you’re likely to find more people fishing off the pier than sunbathing on the sand. The beach here reflects nature at work: The sand appears weathered by the sun, and waves continuously beat on the shore. It’s not uncommon to find rows of shells washed up alongside the sun-bleached skeleton of a fish.
Fishing on Grand Isle Beach
On an island where fishing is the locals' livelihood, the options are endless. Grand Isle boasts 280 species of fish, and you can catch them from almost any spot on or off the island. There are two major piers — one at the state park and one called the “Old Fishing Bridge” next to the Caminada Bridge. There are dozens of charter fishing companies, marinas, bait shops and even kayak rentals for kayak fishing.
You can fish day or night, right off the beach or from a boat bobbing in the waves. If you’re curious where they're biting, ask a local — who not only will know, but will happily share expert advice. You can even compete against fellow anglers in dozens of fishing rodeos, including the nation’s oldest — the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo held in July. There are also several restaurants along the main road, or you can pick up fresh fish, shrimp or crabs from marinas and local fishermen.
Birding on Grand Isle
When visiting in the spring, you’ll share the island with another frequent visitor — thousands of migrating birds. The Nature Conservancy maintains nature hikes through the island’s last remaining stand of oak-hackberry forest, where the birds tend to congregate when in town. The annual spring Migratory Bird Festival celebrates the feathered friends’ arrival. Another prime location for bird watching is Queen Bess Island, a nesting site home to hundreds of pelicans and brilliantly pink roseate spoonbills.
Visit Louisiana Birding to find birding opportunities all along the coast.
How to Camp on the Beach
Grand Isle State Park allows tent camping on the beach, so you can fall asleep under the stars to the peaceful sounds of the sea. You’ll wake to the sight of porpoises breaking the water’s surface, sending a morning greeting to the pelicans skimming the air above them. If sleeping in a tent on the sand is a little too rustic for you, RV camping is available, or you can stay in a motel or rent one of the many camps and cabins nearby. Either way, it’s worth staying the night so you can get up early to cast a line in the waters.
Learn more about Grand Isle.
Kristy Christiansen is a New Orleans, Louisiana-based travel writer. Read about her outdoor adventures in her Beyond the Bayous blog.
