There’s nothing better than spending a few hours outdoors surrounded by beautiful scenery. Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to start filling up your calendars with weekend adventures that will create lasting memories. One of the many perks of living in Louisiana is that you’re never too far away from a natural landscape, and these lovely lakes make for perfect springtime adventures.
- Lake Pontchartrain
Allen Moncey Verghese/Google Covering 630 square miles, Lake Pontchartrain is a lake commuters to New Orleans know all too well. While you may have probably driven across the Causeway several times, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this lovely lake, including Fontainebleau State Park and both the New Orleans and Mandeville Lakefront.
- Lake Martin
Pierrick L./Trip Advisor This beautiful lake is nestled just on the edge of Breaux Bridge, and it’s a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a popular spot to begin a swamp tour, and there are even places to rent a kayak and explore the lake on your own.
- Vermilion Bay
Crystal Vautour/Google Even though it’s technically a bay and not a lake, we just had to include Vermilion Bay. Fishing and sailing are popular springtime activities here, and there’s a great little strip of beach over at Cypremort Point State Park where you can sink your toes in the sand in between swimming around the bay.
- Prien Lake
Lei Wang/Google If you live in the Lake Charles area, then you know the beauty that is Prien Lake. Prien Lake Park is an ideal spot for those days when you just want a little sunshine and lake views.
- Lake Charles
Ramons Broadway/Google While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Lake Charles. While the city sure is pretty, the lake is something special. Head over to the Lake Charles Beach Picnic Area for a memorable day of fun in the sun and some especially mesmerizing sunsets over the water.
- Lake Chicot
Donald Kingham/Google There’s a lot to love about central Louisiana, and Lake Chicot is just the beginning. The 2,000-acre man-made lake is great for fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing… take your pick!
- Caney Creek Reservoir
Wanderer/Google Again… technically not a lake, but close enough to make the list, the Caney Creek Reservoir is one of those dreamy places you never want to leave. Jimmy Davis State Park is your best access point to this man-made body of water, where you’ll waterskiing, swimming, and fishing as some of the most popular pastimes. Of course, those benches look like front row seats to an amazing sunset!
- Kincaid Reservoir
John Hughes/Google For beach bums, Kincaid Reservoir will make you feel like you’re right on the coast when you’re still in central Louisiana. The trails nearby are great for nature walks, and the refreshing waters of the reservoir are the perfect way to cool down.
- Cheniere Lake
Tiffany Hundshamer/Google Located in West Monroe, Cheniere Lake stretches across 3,600 acres when full, making it the largest lake in Ouachita Parish. Known for its scenic beauty, it’s a great spot for a weekend picnic or an afternoon paddling around the waterways.
Did your favorite Louisiana lake make the list? Let us know in the comments!
Allen Moncey Verghese/Google
Covering 630 square miles, Lake Pontchartrain is a lake commuters to New Orleans know all too well. While you may have probably driven across the Causeway several times, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this lovely lake, including Fontainebleau State Park and both the New Orleans and Mandeville Lakefront.
Pierrick L./Trip Advisor
This beautiful lake is nestled just on the edge of Breaux Bridge, and it’s a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a popular spot to begin a swamp tour, and there are even places to rent a kayak and explore the lake on your own.
Crystal Vautour/Google
Even though it’s technically a bay and not a lake, we just had to include Vermilion Bay. Fishing and sailing are popular springtime activities here, and there’s a great little strip of beach over at Cypremort Point State Park where you can sink your toes in the sand in between swimming around the bay.
Lei Wang/Google
If you live in the Lake Charles area, then you know the beauty that is Prien Lake. Prien Lake Park is an ideal spot for those days when you just want a little sunshine and lake views.
Ramons Broadway/Google
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Lake Charles. While the city sure is pretty, the lake is something special. Head over to the Lake Charles Beach Picnic Area for a memorable day of fun in the sun and some especially mesmerizing sunsets over the water.
Donald Kingham/Google
There’s a lot to love about central Louisiana, and Lake Chicot is just the beginning. The 2,000-acre man-made lake is great for fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife viewing… take your pick!
Wanderer/Google
Again… technically not a lake, but close enough to make the list, the Caney Creek Reservoir is one of those dreamy places you never want to leave. Jimmy Davis State Park is your best access point to this man-made body of water, where you’ll waterskiing, swimming, and fishing as some of the most popular pastimes. Of course, those benches look like front row seats to an amazing sunset!
John Hughes/Google
For beach bums, Kincaid Reservoir will make you feel like you’re right on the coast when you’re still in central Louisiana. The trails nearby are great for nature walks, and the refreshing waters of the reservoir are the perfect way to cool down.
Tiffany Hundshamer/Google
Located in West Monroe, Cheniere Lake stretches across 3,600 acres when full, making it the largest lake in Ouachita Parish. Known for its scenic beauty, it’s a great spot for a weekend picnic or an afternoon paddling around the waterways.
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Address: Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana, USAAddress: Vermilion Bay, Louisiana, USAAddress: Kincaid Reservoir, Parish Governing Authority District E, LA, USAAddress: Prien Lake, Louisiana, USAAddress: Lake Charles, Louisiana, USAAddress: 104 Cheniere Lake Dr, West Monroe, LA 71292, USAAddress: Caney Creek Reservoir, Louisiana, USAAddress: Lake Chicot, Louisiana, USAAddress: Lake Martin, Alabama, USA
