If you’re looking to get out in nature and enjoy all that she has to offer, lakes are a great place to do that. There are some really amazing lakes near New Orleans that can make your day truly special. Here are 8 of the most gorgeous in New Orleans that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

1) Lake Pontchartrain
Syed Y/TripAdvisor
The largest lake by New Orleans. There are so many amazing opportunities to enjoy this gorgeous body of water all the way around. Check out Fountainebleau State Park or just pull up on Lakeshore Drive and enjoy the day.
2) Lake Maurepas
Lesley/TripAdvisor
This sister lake to Lake Pontchartrain is an awesome place to enjoy wildlife and go boating. You might also want to explore Maurepas Swamp which borders this lake by New Orleans.
3) Lake Borgne
Lake Borgne, Louisiana, USA
Facebook.com / Raymond Joseph Gervais Sr.
Because of erosion, this lake isn't truly one of the New Orleans Lakes any longer, but rather a part of the Gulf of Mexico, making its wildlife high risk.
4) Lake Salvador
Lake Salvador, Louisiana, USA
Facebook.com / Suzanne Trauth Autin
This 44, 800 acre lake by New Orleans is 12 miles SW of the city and is very shallow. It is a great place to catch bass and redfish.

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5) Lac des Allemands
Todd Hubbell/Google
Translated as "Lake of the Germans," this shallow lake is surrounded by cypress swamp and is known as one of the best lakes near New Orleans to catch catfish in the state.
6) Lake Verret
Lake Verret, Louisiana, USA
Facebook.com / Lake Verret
Bordered by Elm Hall Wildlife Management Area, Lake Verret is one of the lakes near New Orleans to check out hunting and fishing.
7) Lake Palourde
Lake Palourde, Louisiana 70380, USA
Facebook.com / Tim Monty Montgomery
This is one of the beautiful lakes near New Orleans that offers lots of recreation activities, including hanging out at Lake End Park.
8) Lake Martin
Thomas Webster/Google
Lake Martin is an amazing lake by New Orleans that is almost certain to wow you with all of the incredible wildlife that finds a home here.

Aren’t these lakes near New Orleans gorgeous? And they are all within a 2.5 hour drive of New Orleans. Here are some of the best lakes in New Orleans to visit this summer. Some of them are truly beautiful. Let us know if you’ve ever been to one of these lakes and what your favorite parts were!

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More to Explore

Lakes Near New Orleans

Libby Monson | June 01, 2022

Which lake in New Orleans is the most fun?

If you are looking to cool down at one of the lakes near New Orleans this summer and you want to make sure the kids will have a blast, head to White Sands Lake. You'll find everything you need for the whole family to have fun in the summer sun. The aqua park is the most popular activity at White Sands Lake. It is made up of all types of inflatables, including slides, trampolines, teeter-toters, and jungle gyms. In addition, the aqua park has a separate area for little kids, so they are sure to have fun without being overwhelmed. White Sands Lake Park also has a beautiful white beach where you can set up for the day or rent a cabana. If you want to adventure out a little farther on the lake, kayak and stand-up paddle boards are also available to rent.

Are there any lakeside restaurants near New Orleans?

The Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar is located on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes near New Orleans. You'll have spectacular views of Lake Pontchartrain as you dine on the patio and the view from the inside dining room is also pretty great. The Blue Crab serves up all the New Orleans classics like BBQ Shrimp and Grits, Stuffed Flounder, and Blue Crab Pasta. You'll also find a great selection of fried or grilled fish, burgers, and salads on the menu. The Blue Crab is locally owned and is proud to serve Louisiana seafood. After a great day on the lake, enjoy a delicious dinner while watching the sunset.

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