Lake Charles North Beach

This small white sand beach is on a peninsula jutting out from the northern shore of Lake Charles. The 50-square-mile body of water, located just off Interstate 10 in Lake Charles, is an excellent spot for birding travelers to cool off while adding new species to their lists.

Besides open water and beach habitats, this small site is dotted with groves of live oak and loblolly pine trees, offering a habitat for woodland birds such as woodpeckers, flycatchers, and various songbirds. The more isolated edges of the beach are often inhabited by larger wading birds such as Great Egret and Great Blue Heron. Seabirds, including Brown and American White Pelicans, Laughing and Ring-billed Gulls, and Forster’s and Royal Terns, are often spotted on open water or the beach.

At times, shorebirding can also be good, with various species of plovers and sandpipers dropping in, especially during spring and fall migration. Canada Geese have also been seen flying over the beach at these times.

Amenities include ample parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Besides birding, other outdoor recreational opportunities include boating/kayaking, swimming, and photography.