With Labor Day weekend here, everyone is ready to get away
from all the stress of COVID-19, school and work responsibilities, and trying
to shift back into normal life. Imagine sitting in your beach chair, sunglasses
on, drink in hand… Now, let us make it a reality. Below are five nearby beaches
that you and your family, friends, or just you can visit this Labor Day weekend.
Ship Island and Excursions
Ship Island is the perfect day trip for those who have kids.
With a 50-minute ferry ride to the island and a lot of interesting history, it
is sure to be a day they will not forget. Only an hour and a half from New
Orleans, Ship Island is one of five Mississippi barrier islands that is located
only miles off the mainland of coastal Mississippi. Dolphin
watching cruises are a popular option for visitors, with tickets priced at
$21 for adults. 1040 23rd Ave., Gulfport, MS; (228) 864-1014,msshipisland.com
Grand Isle—Sportsman's Paradise
Grand Isle is Louisiana's only
inhabited barrier island. This island, that is only two hours from New Orleans,
is known for its world-class fishing and birding habitat. Grand Isle has seven
miles of beaches and Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge, and you can camp overnight
in Grand Isle State Park. Interesting fact: Barrier Islands, like Grand Isle,
are the first line of defense against destructive hurricanes. If Grand Isle were
not there, Hurricane Katrina and others would have caused even more damage to
New Orleans and surrounding areas. For Labor Day, Grand Isle will be hosting
its 5th Bloody Decks
Fishing Rodeo and its 60th Grand
Isle Redfish Rodeo. Grab the family and explore Louisiana's own Sportsman's
Paradise. 2757 LA Highway 1, Grand Isle, (985) 787-2997, townofgrandisle.com
Dauphin Island - Sunshine Capital
of Alabama
Just a two-and-a-half-hour drive
from New Orleans, Dauphin Island is the perfect getaway from the city. This
old-fashioned, charming town in Alabama does not even have the need for a stop
light. The island accommodates kids as
well with the Daulphin Island Sea Lab's
Public Aquarium. To get to this secluded island, guests must take an automobile
and passenger ferry. With 17 miles of beaches and some of the best seafood
Louisiana has to offer, Dauphin Island is a great place to spend your Labor Day.109 Bienville Blvd., Dauphin Island, AL, (251)
861-3607, dauphinisland.org
Relax on Navarre Beach
Just three and a half hours from
New Orleans is "Florida's Most Relaxing Place": Navarre Beach. Navarre Beach is
in the heart of Florida's panhandle and offers 12 miles of sandy, white
beaches. Even though it's quaint, Navarre Beach has activities for everyone to
enjoy, from surfing lessons to multiple art galleries.
Leave Footprints in the Sand at
Pensacola Beach
Last year, Pensacola Bay Area in
Florida celebrated the 460th anniversary of its founding. Pensacola Beach is
known for having many fun things to do, crystal-blue water, and the sparkling, white
beaches (quartz from the Appalachian Mountains is what makes them so white!).
With 18 miles of beautiful beaches and not a cloud in the sky, Pensacola Beach
is the perfect Labor Day weekend getaway.
The Island Cross is a 10-foot
cross on Pensacola's Beach that recognizes the first Christian mass held in the
United States. The cross has stood firm through all of Mother Nature's turmoil
so far. Pensacola is very eco-friendly, making sure that they keep their
wildlife safe and their beaches and community clean. Check out the Footprints in
the Sand Eco Trail, where you will learn about local animal and plant life
through informative signs. With a mobile device, you can access the secrets of
Pensacola Beach, learn about the journey of sea turtles, identify mysterious
seashell, and more.
