When you think of Louisiana, images of lazy bayous, cypress-studded swamps, and the occasional alligator probably come to mind, and you’re not wrong. Louisiana is full of beautiful lazy waterways to explore, including one of Louisiana’s best-kept hidden gems: the beaches!

You don’t have to be a local to enjoy Louisiana’s beaches, and Rutherford Beach is one of the best beaches in Louisiana.

Nancy Janicek/Google

Located right where the Mermentau River meets the Gulf of Mexico in Creole, Rutherford Beach is the perfect spot to spend a day with your toes in the sand while enjoying the view.

Jason Preece/Google

It’s very likely you’ll have the beach all to yourself!

Mike Reeher/Google

While you stroll up and down the shoreline, keep your eyes peeled for seashells. Rutherford Beach is a great place to pick up some seashells to take home as a memento.

Jonny T./Google

Fishing, crabbing, and of course, swimming are all popular past times here, so don’t forget your gear.

Audra D. Watkins/Google You might just catch yourself some dinner! Bring a grill and enjoy a fresh fish dinner on the beach.

One of the coolest parts about this beach is that you can drive right onto it.

Jacob Richards/Google Everyone knows the worst part about going to the beach is lugging all of your gear from the parking lot. Well, you don’t have to worry about that here! Pull right up onto the beach and drop your chair in the sand.

You can even camp right on the beach.

Nathan Clark/Google Imagine waking up to this view!

Louisiana has other Gulf beaches, and one of the closest to Rutherford is Holly Beach, another awesome beach where you can pull right up to the shoreline and spend the night, too. Have you ever been to Rutherford Beach? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

Nancy Janicek/Google

Jason Preece/Google

Mike Reeher/Google

Jonny T./Google

Audra D. Watkins/Google

You might just catch yourself some dinner! Bring a grill and enjoy a fresh fish dinner on the beach.

Jacob Richards/Google

Everyone knows the worst part about going to the beach is lugging all of your gear from the parking lot. Well, you don’t have to worry about that here! Pull right up onto the beach and drop your chair in the sand.

Nathan Clark/Google

Imagine waking up to this view!

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Address: Rutherford Beach, Gulf of Mexico, Creole, LA 70632, USA