Visiting the US? Here are four unique experiences along Louisiana’s waterbodies and waterfronts

Louisiana is a state defined largely by its waterways which pave the way for endless water activities and experiences across its rivers beaches and lakesRiding the waters boating and cruisingSet out on a relaxing boating experience or a luxury cruise and explore Louisianarsquos lakes rivers and waterbodies from a new perspectiveLake Pontchartrain Louisianarsquos largest inland body of water in the state can be accessed from New Orleans via the main hub in the Lakeview neighbourhood Set out on the water from the West End Boat Launch on Breakwater Drive or launch from the Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie Fontainebleau State Park is a great launching point for kayakers along Lake PontchartrainToledo Bend Reservoir on the TexasLouisiana border is the largest manmade body of water in the South home to trophylevel largemouth bass white perch catfish and bream On the Louisiana side access to the lake via two state parks North Toledo Bend State Park in Zwolle has a boat launch with a double ramp Visitors can also rent flat boats canoes or kayaks In Anacoco South Toledo Bend State Park features a boat launch and courtesy docks plus flatbottom boat rentalsWhether you are renting a vessel or have your own boat Louisianarsquos state parks offer the perfect launch for a day on the water At Lake Bruin State Park in St Joseph set off for the 3000acre Lake Bruin from the yearround boat launch and enjoy the convenience of a boat shed for dockingAnd what could be a more classic Louisiana experience than boarding an oldschool riverboat on the Mississippi River complete with dining al fresco while being serenaded by a New Orleans jazz band Enjoy this quintessential Louisiana river experience on the Steamboat Natchez with their lunch brunch and dinner jazz cruises which dock at the edge of New Orleansrsquo famous French QuarterUltimately enjoy a luxurious ride on an authentic paddlewheeler the 800passenger Creole Queen and explore the Mississippi River in a unique way Choose from one of three different excursions the Dinner Jazz Cruise a traditional affair where you will enjoy an elegant Creole dinner while listening to live music the Historical River Cruise where you will hear a narrated tour describing New Orleansrsquo fascinating backstory or the everpopular Sunday Jazz BrunchOutdoor water activitiesWaterbodies across Louisiana are a gateway to exploring the area through wildlife viewing hiking fishing swimming surfing and many such adventurous activitiesCatahoula Lake is the statersquos largest natural freshwater lake spanning more than 46 square miles Near and partly encompassed by the Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge in Jonesville the lake also offers a winter home to a variety of waterfowl At the wildlife refuge visitors can fish and explore a dozen trails of varying lengthsIf you prefer a quiet lakeside getaway head to Lake Claiborne in NorthCentral Louisiana a true hidden treasure Hike through a hilly forested landscape to find a 6400acre manmade freshwater fishing area fully stocked with largemouth bass bluegill sunfish channel catfish and white perch among othersNext the Cane River Lake is an oxbow lake that offers fantastic fishing with a side of history as the lake is close to the Cane River Creole National Historic Park Access the river from a public boat ramp across from Oakland Plantation or fish from a dedicated wooden dock near the Shell Beach rampLake DrsquoArbonne is another popular spot for anglers and pleasure boaters surrounded by campsites summer homes yearround homes and commercial landings Expect breathtaking views and record catches of bass crappie catfish and bream which can be accessed from a public boat launch at Lake DrsquoArbonne State Park in Farmerville The park includes fishing piers boat docks tennis courts and nature trails The entire family can splash around in the seasonal swimming pool then relax in a deluxe cabin or lodge or rent a kayak and explore hidden inletsIf wind surfing is your game visit Cypremort State Park where visitors are welcome to swim along the halfmile manmade beachUp north Caney Lake at Jimmie Davis State Park is also known for record bass catches and the state park features two boat launches and a fishing pierFinally near Natchitoches Black Lake offers a slice of fishing heaven for trophy hunters Hit the water from the public boat launch and look for largemouth bass and crappieBeachfront funIf you are more about sunwarmed sand than mossfilled bayous visit one of Louisianarsquos beautiful coastal beaches Nicknamed the ldquoCajun Riviera Holly Beach is an unpretentious little strip of sand along the Gulf Itrsquos just an hourrsquos drive from Lake Charles and perfect for fishing bird watching and strolling along the sand Shell collectors praise Holly Beach for its variety including whelks cockles angel wings and even sea glassAnother quaint stretch of sand Rutherford Beach is located off the Creole Nature Trail AllAmerican Road near the mouth of the Mermentau River in Cameron Parish Enjoy beachcombing bird watching fishing and kayaking then wash the sand from your toes at a convenient outdoor shower Paddlers can explore the 9mile river trail perfect for a mindful solo journey or trip with friendsThe holy grail of Louisiana Gulf Coast beaches Grand Isle Beach offers 7 miles of public beaches off scenic Highway 1 Thanks to the warm climate visitors can swim yearround and even camp along the shore Anglers can find speckled trout and redfish during the fall and winter months and birders will enjoy the Migratory Bird Festival in AprilWaterfront restaurantsWrap up your water adventures in Louisiana with a stunning waterfront dinner Louisiana offers the ideal opportunity for waterfront restaurants to blend the best of culinary flavours and outdoor viewsExperience elegance at the Tchefuncte River waterfront courtesy of its namesake dining destination at Tchefunctersquos Restaurant located in the Northshore town of Madisonville offering toptier dining with a focus on local ingredients and dishes such as Louisiana oysters blackened redfish and other Gulf delicacies while overlooking one of the regionrsquos most scenic waterwaysSituated next to the verdant Heritage Park near downtown Slidell Palmettos on the Bayou offers quiet intimate dining on the Bayou Bonfouca waterfront This is a great dining getaway especially for New Orleans visitors since the restaurant is located just a halfhourrsquos drive from the city Located across the Bogue Falaya River from downtown Covington The Chimes offers some of the most spectacular waterfront featuring Cajun and Creole traditions with menu items that include everything from boudin to alligator Follow it up with a leisurely paddle down the Bogue FalayaWhile Cajun cuisine may be more closely associated with south Louisiana than north Trapprsquos brings the flavours of boudin crawfish gumbo beans and rice to West MonroeAnd situated on a tributary of the Ouachita River Waterfront Grill is steeped in local history and among the bestknown dining destinations in Monroe This being northeast Louisiana the cuisine here is more traditionally Southern than Cajun with its most popular dish Catfish DeSiard earning accolades in Southern Living Magazine