Discover the Beauty and Diversity of Louisiana's Coastal Region: Top Places to Visit

 

Louisiana's coastal region is a destination like no other. From the bustling city of New Orleans to the serene beaches and natural parks, this area has something for everyone. Whether you are a foodie, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, you will find plenty of attractions to enjoy. Here are some of the top places to visit in the Louisiana coastal region:

Beaches

Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about beaches, but this southern state has a unique coastline that offers visitors a different kind of beach experience. From the wild and rugged stretches of sand to the calm and serene beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana has a lot to offer beach-goers.

Holly Beach

Also known as the "Cajun Riviera," Holly Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the beach is known for its calm waters and soft white sand. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the shoreline. The area is also popular for crabbing and fishing.

Rutherford Beach

Rutherford Beach is a quiet and secluded beach located in Cameron Parish. The beach is known for its calm waters, making it a popular spot for families with young children. Visitors can relax on the sandy shore or go for a swim in the clear blue waters. The beach is also a great place for fishing and crabbing.

Johnson Beach

Located in Barataria Preserve, Johnson Beach is a secluded spot that offers visitors a unique beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation, and visitors can take a hike along one of the many nature trails before cooling off in the water. The beach is also a popular spot for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Rip Van Winkel Garden 

Rip Van Winkle Gardens - This botanical garden is located on Jefferson Island and features a stunning collection of exotic plants and flowers. You can also tour the Joseph Jefferson Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Address:

5505 Rip Van Winkle Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560

Admission:

Home Tours: 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Tickets: $12.00 Sr. & Groups $10.00

Avery Island

Avery Island - Home to the famous Tabasco sauce, Avery Island is a must-visit destination for foodies. You can tour the factory and sample some of the spicy sauce, or explore the beautiful Jungle Gardens.

 

Address:

32 Wisteria Rd, Avery Island, LA 70513

 

Tabasco factory & Jungle Garden Admission:

$12.50 Adults

$9.50 Children (4 and under are free)

Grand Isle     

This barrier island is known for its pristine beaches and excellent fishing. You can also visit the Grand Isle State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and birdwatching opportunities.

New Orleans

The Big Easy is one of the most popular destinations in the region. From Bourbon Street to the French Quarter, the city is full of historic landmarks, world-class cuisine, and vibrant culture.

 Fontainebleau State Park

Located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also explore the ruins of a historic sugar mill and a beautiful lagoon.

Address:

62883 Hwy. 1089

Mandeville, LA 70448

Admission:

$3 per person

Free for seniors (62 & older)

Free for children (3 & under)

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

 

 

Exploring St. Augustine, Florida: Top Things to Do

 

St Augustine, the oldest European settlement in the United States, is located on the northeast coast of Florida. This oceanside community is rich with history and offers so many things to do and see.

St Augustine is usually included on our Florida road trip itineraries. We have spent many days overs several years exploring this beautiful city. I am not much on history, but this place seems to have a draw on me. I am sharing some places we thought were interesting below.

Lightner Museum

Three floors of antiques and memorabilia housed in the former Alcazar Hotel.

 

Hours:

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  7 Days a week (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)

 

Admission:

Adult: $17.00

Senior (65+): $14.00

College Student: $14.00

Youth (12-17):  $10.00

Child (11 and under): Free

 

Address:

75 King Street

Saint Augustine, FL

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument

The Castillo de San Marcos, located on the shore of Matanzas Bay, is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. With walls 33 feet high and 12 feet thick, it is one of only two forts in the world built out of coquina.

 

Hours:

 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.    7 days a week (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day)

 

Admission:

Adults (Age 16 and above) $15.00 - valid for 7 consecutive days.

Children (age 15 and under) free

Tours available

 

Address:

1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084

St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum

Tour the 145 years old lighthouse tower, see shipwreck artifacts, and learn about the shipyard’s involvement in WWII.

Hours:

9am – 7pm Daily

Admission:

 Adults            $14.95

Seniors (60 & over)         $12.95

Children (Age 12 or under and 44″ or taller)         $12.95

Tours:   $17.50 - $30.00 three different tour packages

 

Address:

100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080-5443

      St. George Street

Unique shops will call you to visit as you walk down this cobblestone street. Be sure and grab some sweet treats and food from local restaurants along the way.

We parked on A1A along the water near the Bridge of Lions and walked.

The St Augustine Old Town Trolley is also in that area if you don’t want to walk the few extra blocks.

  Bridge of Lions

The Bridge of Lions is a draw bridge connecting St Augustine to Anastasia Island. There are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge. Take a walk on the bridge at sunset for an amazing view.

Flagler College

An amazing building built by Henry Flagler in 1888.

Admission:

Tours are available or you can walk around the courtyard and into the entrance area without a ticket.

 

Address:

74 King Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084

Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park

Dating back to at least 1868, the Fountain of Youth is the oldest attraction in Florida. The spring water has 30 minerals which is said the help with youthfulness. Check out the Timucua burials, watchtower, blacksmith exhibit, and much more while you are there.

Hours:

9am – 6pm Daily

 

Admission:

Adults  $18.00

Seniors 60+     17.00

Children 6-12   $10.00

Children 5 and Under    FREE

 

Address:

11 Magnolia Avenue

St. Augustine, FL

Marineland Dolphin Adventure

Get up close to sea life and learn about them. We had planned on visiting , but they were closed when we arrived.

Hours:

9:00am. - 4:30pm. daily

 

Admission:

Adult (12 – 54): $14.99 + tax

Child (5 – 11): $7.99 + tax

Senior (55+): $13.99 + tax

Young Child (4 and under): FREE

 

Dolphin interaction packages are available.

Address:

9600 Oceanshore Blvd

St. Augustine, FL 32080

Magnolia Avenue

Magnolia Avenue is lined with oak trees creating a canopy over the street.  Spanish moss draping from the branches is the touch that makes the scene perfect. One of the most photographed spots in St. Augustine.

 

Address:

Runs in front of the fountain of Youth.

Whetstone Chocolates

Tour the small factory and enjoy some of the best chocolates anywhere. Be sure and purchase some chocolates from the store before you leave. They are the best!

 

Tour Times:

Monday - Thursday: 10:00am, 11:15am, 1:00pm, 2:15pm 3:30pm

Friday - Sunday: 10:00am, 10:30am, 11:15am, 11:45am, 1:00pm, 1:30pm, 2:15pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm

 

Tour price:

Adults $8.00

Children 5-17 years old $5.50

Children under 5 Free Entry

 

Address:

149 King Street, St. Augustine, FL

St. Augustine’s Beaches

Anastasia State Park

300 Anastasia Park Road

 

Crescent Beach

6930 A1A South

Oceanfront Hotel Vilano Beach

The Oceanfront Hotel has some of the best rates in St Augustine. The beach is just a walk across the road. Get up early and take a sunrise stroll down the beach and pick up a few shells. 

The Old Jail

The jail was built in 1891 to look like a hotel so as not to be an eyesore to the town. A fun place for the family.

Admission:

Adults       $14.90  

Children (4-12)       $8.51    

      Children under 4 free

 

Hours:

9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily

 

Address:

167 San Marco Ave

St. Augustine, FL 32084

Old Town Trolley Tours

Located with the Old Jail, Old Town Trolley Tours has several options for available at different price points.

 https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine

With so much to do and see, I am sure you will fall in love with this charming historic town like I have. 

Happy & Safe Travels!

1.  

Unveiling the Best Activities in Anna Maria Island, Florida: A Comprehensive Guide

Anna Maria Island is one of my top three picks for best places to visit in Florida. Just in case you are curious; Naples and the Keys are the other two places. My favorite thing about the Anna Maria is that no matter where you stay, it feels like you actually live there. All of the hotels/resorts are nestled in neighborhoods among palm trees, colorful foliage, and private homes.

The Island is about an hour’s drive south of Tampa and is 7 1/2 miles long and less than a mile wide. It is divided into three sections; Anna Maria (Northern end), Holmes Beach (Middle section), and Bradenton Beach (Southern end).

Anna Maria (North End of Island)

The north end is my favorite part of the island and where we usually spend most of our time. The homes are gorgeous and the beaches are less crowded. Unless you are staying in the area, it is hard to use the beaches due to lack of parking.

Beaches

Bean Point

Bean Point is the best beach on the island. It is at the northern tip of the island. There is a massive area of white sand and the sunsets are amazing. It is a public beach, but mainly used by people staying in the area.

 Limited parking is along North Shore Drive. Park completely off the road (no tires touching the road) and between the designated signs.  Last time we were there, it was limited to about six spots along the whole road. It will basically be in someone’s yard. There are access points along the road with signs indicating beach access. It will be between houses. Be prepared for a long walk through sand to get to the water.

Address:

Starts around 825 N Shore Dr Anna Maria, FL 34216 and runs west

100 Pine Avenue access

 It is usually more crowded by people staying locally and basically has no parking either.

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park has a nice beach area and the water is calmer. A good size public parking area is available. 

Address:

316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Shopping

Bayview Plaza

We loved the clothing boutiques and ice cream shop and it is withing walking distance of where we usually stay. 

Address:

101 S Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Pine Avenue

Tons of colorful boutiques and specialty shops are along Pine Avenue. Most have parking in front. 

Where to Eat

The Donut Experiment

The Donut Experiment is a donut shop where you pick your topping to make a designer donut. We were told they are amazing, but unfortunately, it was so crowded that we couldn’t even get in the door. People were sitting around outside eating them and they did look good! Maybe next time. Lol

Address:

210c Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Rod and Reel Pier

Enjoy one of the most amazing views on the island while eating local seafood at The Rod and Real Pier.

Address:

875 N Shore Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Sandbar Restaurant

 The Sandbar Restaurant is another great place with local seafood but with beach front dining and a perfect sunset view.

Address:

100 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Lodging (Reasonably Priced)

Sunrise Garden Resort

The Sunrise Garden Resort is surrounded by lush tropical landscape in a quiet residential area, It is the perfect place to enjoy the laid-back feel of Anna Maria Island. See my review post here.

Address:

512 Spring Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Anna Maria Motel & Resort Apartments

This place is all about the location. Walk across the road and you are at Bean Point beach access. We have only stayed here once, but it was clean and has a nice pool.

Address:

808 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Other Fun Things to do 

Movies in the Park

Movies  at the Bayfront Park on Wednesday nights a 6:30 pm.  Check here to see what’s playing. 

Address:

316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216

 Holmes Beach (Middle section)

This is where the main access to the island is located. It is super crowded and is very time consuming to drive through this area.

Beaches

Anna Maria Public Beach  &  Manatee Beach Park

Both are public and have parking. As I said, they are very crowded during the day.

Address:

Anna Maria
102 39th St, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Manatee Beach
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Shopping

Sun and Surf Beach Shop

They have the cutest clothes and unique gifts. We also love all the birds in the cages lining the front of the store.

Address:

5418 Marina Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Where to eat

We usually stop at the Publix Super Market and get food to cook at the cottage. It is the only grocery store on the island.

Address:

3900 E Bay Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

Where to stay

We have never stayed in this area. It is so busy that the north and south ends are better options.

Bradenton Beach (Southern end)

Beaches

Coquina Beach

Coquina Beach is a nice public beach with plenty of parking.

Address:

 1438 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

 Shopping & Where to Eat

 Bridge Street

Historic Bridge Street is the spot that used to be the only access to the island. An old wooden bridge was where the pier is located now. You will find a good selection of unique places to shop and eat.


Address;

Bridge streets meets Gulf Drive around 111 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Lodging

Tropic Isle Beach Resort

Beautifully landscaped, clean, reasonably priced and only a road between it and the beach.

Address;

101 22nd St N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Other Fun Things to Do on the Island

Charter a trip to Egmont Key, rent kayaks or jet skis, get a massage on the beach, or take a sunset cruise

Kayak rentals - https://happypaddler.com/rentals-kayak-paddleboard-longboat-key-anna-maria-bradenton/

Eggmont Key, Dolphin tours, and sunset cruises - https://www.amidolphintours.com/tours

massages - https://searenityspa.com/

Ways to Get Around the Island

The free Anna Maria Island trolley, Renting a golf cart, or a bike

Shelling on Anna Maria Island

Anna maria is not great for shelling. Occasional shells can be found on the beaches, but they are small. 

Day Trips off the Island

Sarasota Jungle Gardens

About a 30-minute drive 

3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234

Fort De Soto Park

About an hour drive

 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, St. Petersburg, FL 33715

Sunken Gardens

About an hour drive

 1825 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704

Happy Travels!