Fontainebleau Beach

Fontainebleau Beach is a barrier island off Louisiana’s southern coast. The water is warm year-round, with depths up to about 20 feet. There are no boat launches or public facilities at Fontainebleau Beach; however, it does have a pier where you can fish if you want to. The beach is unguarded and open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas.

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Fontainebleau Beach is a small but beautiful beach

Fontainebleau Beach is a picturesque beach located within Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana, on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It offers visitors a serene and natural environment to relax and enjoy outdoor activities. Here’s an overview of Fontainebleau Beach:

Location: Fontainebleau Beach is situated within Fontainebleau State Park, which covers a significant area on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is approximately 40 miles north of New Orleans, making it a convenient escape from the bustling city.
Scenic Beauty: The beach boasts stunning views of Lake Pontchartrain and its surrounding natural landscape. With sandy shores, calm waters, and shady areas, Fontainebleau Beach offers a tranquil setting for visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
Recreation and Activities: Visitors can engage in various activities at Fontainebleau Beach. The sandy shoreline is suitable for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles. The calm waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy angling from the beach or the nearby pier.
Fontainebleau State Park: Fontainebleau Beach is part of Fontainebleau State Park, which provides additional attractions and amenities. The park features hiking and biking trails that wind through forests, marshes, and along the lake. Birdwatching is a popular activity, as the park is home to a diverse range of bird species. The park also houses a nature center, offering educational exhibits and programs about the local flora and fauna.
Facilities and Amenities: Fontainebleau Beach offers several facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences. There are restrooms and shower facilities for convenience. Picnic areas with tables and grills are available for family gatherings or outdoor meals. A playground provides entertainment for children. Additionally, there is a bathhouse and a concession stand near the beach area.
Camping Opportunities: Fontainebleau State Park provides camping facilities for those looking to extend their stay. The campground offers RV sites and tent sites with amenities such as water and electrical hookups, restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Camping amidst the park’s natural surroundings can provide a unique and immersive experience.

Fontainebleau Beach, nestled within Fontainebleau State Park, is a destination that combines natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer stay, the beach offers a chance to unwind, explore nature, and create lasting memories.

Fontainebleau Beach

FAQ:

Where is Fontainebleau Beach located?

Fontainebleau Beach is located within Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, Louisiana, on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain.

What are the main attractions of Fontainebleau Beach?

The main attractions of Fontainebleau Beach include a sandy beach area for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by Fontainebleau State Park, which offers scenic trails for hiking and biking, a nature center, and opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Are there facilities available at Fontainebleau Beach?

Yes, Fontainebleau Beach offers various facilities for visitors’ convenience. There are restrooms, picnic areas with tables and grills, a playground for children, and a pavilion that can be reserved for events. Additionally, there is a bathhouse and a concession stand near the beach area.

Is there an admission fee to access Fontainebleau Beach?

Yes, there is an admission fee to enter Fontainebleau State Park, which includes access to the beach area. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the fee for Louisiana residents is $3 per person, and for non-residents, it is $5 per person. However, please note that fees and policies might have changed, so it’s best to check the current rates before visiting.

Can I camp at Fontainebleau State Park?

Yes, Fontainebleau State Park offers camping facilities. There is a campground with RV sites and tent sites available for overnight stays. The campground provides amenities such as water and electrical hookups, restrooms, showers, and a dump station.

Are pets allowed at Fontainebleau Beach?

Yes, pets are allowed in designated areas of Fontainebleau State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s essential to follow park rules and clean up after your pet.

What other activities can I enjoy at Fontainebleau State Park?

Apart from enjoying the beach, visitors to Fontainebleau State Park can engage in various activities. These include hiking and biking on the park’s trails, birdwatching, fishing from the pier or shoreline, boating and canoeing on Lake Pontchartrain, and exploring the nature center to learn about the local flora and fauna.

Pros & Cons of Fontainebleau Beach

Pros:

Scenic Beauty: Fontainebleau Beach is located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain, offering beautiful views of the lake and its surroundings. The beach is surrounded by Fontainebleau State Park, which features lush forests and picturesque trails.
Swimming and Water Activities: The beach provides a sandy shoreline and calm waters, making it suitable for swimming and water activities. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake or engage in activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.
Family-Friendly Environment: Fontainebleau Beach is an ideal destination for families. The park offers a playground for children, picnic areas for family gatherings, and open spaces for kids to play. The facilities cater to the needs of families, providing a safe and enjoyable environment.
Nature Exploration: Fontainebleau State Park offers an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Louisiana. Visitors can take advantage of the park’s hiking and biking trails, allowing them to discover the local flora and fauna. The park also has a nature center where educational programs and exhibits are available.

Cons:

Limited Beach Area: Fontainebleau Beach may not offer an extensive stretch of beach compared to some other coastal destinations. The sandy area available for sunbathing and recreational activities might be relatively smaller.
Lake Water Quality: As with any natural body of water, the water quality of Lake Pontchartrain can vary depending on environmental factors. It’s advisable to check for any advisories or warnings regarding water conditions before swimming.
Seasonal Considerations: Fontainebleau Beach may experience changes in water levels and beach conditions depending on the season and weather patterns. It’s recommended to check for any seasonal fluctuations or closures, especially during stormy or extreme weather conditions.
Distance from Urban Areas: Fontainebleau Beach is located in Mandeville, which is approximately 40 miles from New Orleans. While this provides a sense of tranquility and escape from the city, it may require a longer drive for those staying in urban areas.

“Fontainebleau Beach is a Gulfside condominium complex in Gulf Shores, Alabama. It is located across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. There are 4 buildings on the property with two buildings Have Elevators which makes it wheelchair friendly. However there are many stairs so you will find some difficulty with disabled family members or seniors.”
— Rostislav Sikora, Author

Overview of Fontainebleau Beach

Fontainebleau Beach is located on the southern end of Lake Pontchartrain. It’s about a 30 minute drive from New Orleans, but if you’re coming from Baton Rouge or Slidell it will take longer because all three cities are on different sides of the lake. The beach itself is pretty small, but there’s plenty of room for everyone and you’ll never feel crowded or cramped while you’re there.

The only restriction at Fontainebleau Beach is that swimming isn’t allowed during certain times due to dangerous rip currents (see “safety”). Other than that though, there aren’t any rules regarding what kind of vehicles can enter or exit through their gates–including motorcycles and bicycles! However if you do decide to bring your bike along with you I would recommend locking it up somewhere safe before heading into any buildings since most places don’t allow bikes inside their facilities due to insurance reasons (and no one wants their expensive bicycle stolen).

There are bathrooms available near both entrances/exits so don’t worry about having no place nearby where someone could go pee while enjoying themselves outside either – just make sure not too many people try doing so at once though because otherwise lines might form which could get annoying after awhile…

Parking

Parking is free and easy to find. There’s a small lot right next to the beach, so get there early if you want a spot. The parking lot is paved and has a restroom.

Pier at Fontainebleau Beach

The pier is a long structure that extends out into the water. It’s used for fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. Piers can be made of wood or concrete and are usually built over water.

Temperature

The water is warm year-round, with depths up to about 20 feet. The average temperature of the Gulf of Mexico is 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius), which makes it one of the warmest bodies of water in the world. Because of its shallow depth and calm nature, Fontainebleau Beach is popular among swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers looking for a tropical getaway without leaving home.

No public facilities

There are no boat launches or public facilities at Fontainebleau Beach. Open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas, parking is available at the beach. You can walk down a sandy path through a coastal marsh to get to the water’s edge, but there aren’t any designated swimming areas here so take care where you step!

The beach is unguarded and open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas. The only amenities are a couple of trash cans, but there are no bathrooms or parking lots.

If you’re looking for a place to picnic, this isn’t it! There aren’t any picnic tables either. You’ll have to bring your own gear if you want to set up camp here, but there are also no showers or boat launches nearby either (and definitely no public facilities).

Water park at Fontainebleau Beach

Fontainebleau Beach is a great place to spend the day. The water park is open from 10am to 5pm, and parking at the beach is free. There are public restrooms at Fontainebleau Beach as well as a small playground for children.

Fontainebleau Beach is a barrier island off Louisiana’s southern coast

It is the largest barrier island in Louisiana, measuring roughly 16 miles long and 2 miles wide at its widest point. The beach itself is located just north of Slidell, which makes it easy to get to by car or bus from New Orleans. The beach itself is open 24 hours a day and has lifeguards on duty from 9am-5pm during the summer months (June 1st – September 30th).

Fontainebleau Beach offers all sorts of activities for visitors looking for fun in the sun: fishing, crabbing, surfing–even swimming with dolphins! There are also several restaurants nearby where you can grab lunch before heading back home after exploring this beautiful part of our state further. You can get more info on Google review.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quiet day at the beach, Fontainebleau Beach is a great place to go. It’s easy to get to and free of crowds, so you can relax and enjoy yourself without worrying about traffic or parking. If you want something more adventurous, there are plenty of other activities nearby like fishing or kayaking on Lake Pontchartrain!

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