Coastal Louisiana
99 Coastal Destinations Rated
(Score: 24) Fact: The 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico damaged much of southeastern Louisiana’s coastline. Also fact: Much of the Pelican State’s western coast was spared, thanks in part to a fortuitous combination of geography and gulf currents that kept most of the tar balls away. Here, the coastal wetlands that define the region have remained a haven for both wildlife and the state’s unique Cajun and Creole cultures.
Stretching to the Texas border, this watery landscape of bayous and cheniers—earthen ridges composed of sediment deposits and live oaks—ironically owes its survival in part to big hurricanes like Rita in 2005 and Ike in 2008: Repeat batterings discourage development. “Western Louisiana’s coast is low, wet, and difficult to get to,” adds John Andrew Nyman, associate professor of Wetland Wildlife Ecology at Louisiana State University. “This has helped keep the region’s culture and natural environment relatively intact.”
Challenges abound, however. Assaults by everything from nutria, an invasive South American rodent that chews up marsh grass roots, to channels that were cut through the wetlands by the oil and gas industries, have affected the natural balance here. But, says Nyman, “Louisiana’s wetlands are resilient. They’ve endured and remain one of our greatest treasures.”
Exhibit A: The 180-mile Creole Nature Trail into “Louisiana’s Outback,” a wetland landscape comprising five nature refuges and sanctuaries teeming with vegetation—moss-draped live oaks, sheltering marsh grasses—and punctuated by windswept cheniers. Paths thread along swamps, through pasture lands, and into legend; the 18th-century pirate Jean Lafitte allegedly hid his gold somewhere along the Calcasieu River here. Located on major migratory flyways, this “outback” supports large populations of herons, ibises, and other waterfowl. The state-run Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is a center for alligator research, and the reptile is frequently glimpsed along the trail.
Then there is the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States. A primeval waterscape and river delta extending over 595,000 aqueous acres, it serves as a critical habitat for the endangered Louisiana black bear and is treasured for its bottomland hardwood forests, cypress-filled bayous, meandering marshes fringing the Gulf—and spirited Cajun culture.
“Many Louisianans rent houseboats and spend the weekend afloat in this ‘Lost World,’ fishing and relaxing,” says Pelican State native Emery Van Hook. On Sunday nights, you’ll find them mingling on the deck of Angelle’s Whiskey River Landing, a dockside dance hall and bar near Breaux Bridge sporting a deck that literally bounces from the stomping feet of revelers moving to Cajun and zydeco bands. In nearby Lafayette a similar blend of entertainment is dished out at landmark restaurants like Randol’s, where local couples and families kick up their heels between plates of fried alligator and crawfish étouffée. The Cajun expression of delight, “Ca c’est bon!” (“That’s good!”) neatly sums up the experience of this world built on water.
From the November-December 2010 issue of National Geographic Traveler
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
- An octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret worldAn octopus invited this writer into her tank—and her secret world
- Peace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thoughtPeace-loving bonobos are more aggressive than we thought
Environment
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security - Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?Will we ever solve the mystery of the Mima mounds?
History & Culture
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?This ancient cure was just revived in a lab. Does it work?
Science
- The unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and MounjaroThe unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and Mounjaro
- Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
- This 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its timeThis 80-foot-long sea monster was the killer whale of its time
Travel
- How to plan an epic summer trip to a national parkHow to plan an epic summer trip to a national park
- This town is the Alps' first European Capital of CultureThis town is the Alps' first European Capital of Culture
- This royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala LumpurThis royal city lies in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur
- This author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomadsThis author tells the story of crypto-trading Mongolian nomads