I’ve often heard that New Orleans is landlocked and has no sandy beaches where both the natives and visitors can sit in the sun or cool off in the water. Not true! With a bit of imagination and effort I came up with seven spots for this week’s blog and seven for a follow-up. Let’s take a look.

ONE

The Bayou Segnette State Park Wave Pool,

7777 West Bank Expressway, Westwego, LA

Nothing is more fun for kids than a wave pool and this one is just a 20-minute drive across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. Wave pools replicate the movement of the ocean so there’s lots of jumping, hollering and fun. This is a park that allows visitors to go boating, fishing, canoeing and picnicking – no one will be bored – that’s for sure. 

TWO

Cool Zoo Splash Park, at the Audubon Zoo,

6500 Magazine St., New Orleans

A splash pad is for water play that has little or no standing water. Some have movable nozzles similar to those found on fire trucks – this allows users to spray others. The Audubon one is the only Water Park in New Orleans. The fun starts with a 750 ft. lazy river that sports a huge alligator water slide. Best of all, it’s right beside the Audubon Zoo so there’s lots to see and do. 

THREE

NORDC Pools (Citywide)

All these are FREE pools

The New Orleans Recreation and Development Commission (NORDC) is responsible for 17 pools where folks of all ages can swim. Adults must accompany children under eight-years-old. CLICK HERE for a list of all pool locations.

I checked out this site and it’s excellent – you’ll find information about lap swimming, pool locations, swim classes, upcoming events and much more. Take time to read it, you won’t be sorry.

FOUR

Lafreniere Park Splash Pad,

3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, LA

It will take you roughly 20 minutes on I-10 W to reach this 4,000 sq. ft. of fun for children age 10 and under. The Pad sprays more than 135 gallons of water per minute and features five above ground water spray attractions. Guests can also spray each other with “water cannons.” The Pad is adjacent to the Carousel in the park.

FIVE

Henderson Point Pass in Christian, Mississippi,

Slightly over 62 miles on I-10E

This is a quintessential southern beach town. The houses along the coast are magnificent. You’ll love the atmosphere here as you stroll along and explore “small town” living. The Whisky Hotel in the “downtown” area is charming and deserves a look. There are a handful of shops and a quaint coffee/book store right across from the beach. This is definitely a spot for those looking for an escape from big city life.  

SIX

Ship Island, Mississippi is 68.6 miles from New Orleans

Are you dying to get on the water? Then take a trip to Ship Island (really two separate islands) that are off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi and only accessible by boat or ferry. Personally, I love islands – they have a certain mystique – easy to explore – one can discover an entire island in a day if possible. Ship islands have natural beaches for swimming, birding and shelling. The ferry ride takes roughly one hour – just right.

SEVEN

The Country Club,

634 Louisa St., New Orleans

For $15 per day guests have access to a lush tropical landscape and can spend hours enjoying the pool, sauna and hot tub. The food is superb and the drinks are creative. What more can anyone ask? Happy hour is from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? This is the shortest route you’ll ever take in New Orleans to get to a pool and hot tub! And, next to our pool you’ll find a large self-serve bar (for registered guests) and a seating area where you can sit and chat.

PLEASE CHECK THE WEB for any additional information you may need about any of the sand/surf/sun spots that appear in this blog.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick