Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
10 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 600 m
Frequently asked questions
Pontchartrain Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — grey, clarity murky, average temperature +24.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Pontchartrain Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Pontchartrain Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 10 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Pontchartrain Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — grey. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 600 metres.
Pontchartrain Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May. It ends in September. The best month for a holiday is April. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Pontchartrain Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as moderate. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Pontchartrain Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: mosquitoes. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Pontchartrain Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Pontchartrain Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Pontchartrain Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Brisbi's Lakefront Restaurant, The Blue Crab Restaurant, Landry's Seafood House. Cuisines available: Creole, Cajun, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Pontchartrain Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Insect repellent, Headwear, Towel, Cash, First aid kit.
Pontchartrain Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Swimming is prohibited. The best time for walks is morning or evening when it is cooler.
Pontchartrain Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is prohibited due to underwater drop-offs and riprap. Littering is prohibited.
Pontchartrain Beach: who is this beach best for?
Suitable for walks, picnics and lake watching. Not suitable for swimming due to hazardous conditions.
Pontchartrain Beach: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is a historic site where musicians such as The Beatles and Elvis Presley performed in the mid-20th century. Today the beach is closed for swimming but remains popular for walks and picnics.
Pontchartrain Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Historic site, popular since the early 20th century, Long sandy beach — about a mile, Scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain, Close to New Orleans city centre, Water declared safe for swimming, Free access, Popular spot for picnics and walks. Cons: Beach closed for swimming due to underwater drop-offs and riprap, No infrastructure: no toilets or showers, No lifeguards, Can be dirty after storms, Limited parking, Mosquitoes and sandflies, No natural shade.
Pontchartrain Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Lake Pontchartrain, New Orleans, City Park. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Pontchartrain Beach: how do I get to the city of New Orleans?
The beach is located near the city of New Orleans. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for New Orleans.