Lake Pontchartrain

The Basics

Technically, Lake Pontchartrain is not a lake at all; it’s an estuary that flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Whatever its official designation, it makes a fun day trip from the city of New Orleans, whether for a fishing excursion, pleasure cruise, airboat swamp tour, or a shoreline picnic.

There are also a number of lakeside beaches open to the public, including Fontainebleau State Park on the North Shore. The North Shore is accessible by a 24-mile (39-kilometer) causeway (one of the longest bridges in the world), which connects the shoreline communities with downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter.

Things to Know Before You Go

• For a great photo opportunity, drive across the causeway at sunset when the lake reflects the colors in the sky to impressive effect.

• There’s a pleasant running/walking path that follows the route of Lakeshore Drive past the University of New Orleans.

• If you drive across the causeway, stop off for a bite to eat at one of the pretty lakeside restaurants in the town of Madisonville along the North Shore.

• Lake Pontchartrain is somewhat accessible for wheelchair users, with a few ADA-compliant hiking trails nearby.

How to Get There

Lake Pontchartrain sits to the north of New Orleans city. Most people access the lake via I-610, using the West End exit. From there a scenic road—Lakeshore Drive—hugs the shore through the Metairie district and is ideal for a sightseeing drive. To reach the North Shore, take the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.

When to Get There

Lake Pontchartrain is publicly accessible at all times. The shoreline beaches are busier on weekends when local families come to enjoy picnics.

Exploring the Bayou

Many New Orleans visitors first glimpse the lake on the way to explore the region’s swamps and bayous. From airboat swamp tours to kayaking and more, bayous are an essential part of Louisiana life, and each one is home to an incredibly diverse ecosystem. On a bayou visit, you might see alligators, many types of birds, nutria (large rodents a similar to groundhogs), and the famous stands of cypress trees covered with low-hanging Spanish moss.

Is Lake Pontchartrain worth visiting?

Yes, Lake Pontchartrain is worth visiting. Many people like to go there to fish, have a picnic, go on a cruise, or just for a scenic drive. Driving over the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway alone is worth the trip as it’s 24 miles (38 kilometers) long and has good views, especially at sunset.

How long does it take to go over Lake Pontchartrain?

Traveling across Lake Pontchartrain on the 24-mile (38-kilometer) causeway takes a minimum of 25 minutes. It can take much longer in bad weather when the speed limit is reduced. It’s the longest continuous bridge over water in the world, and the land disappears from sight at a certain point in the journey.

Is there a ferry across Lake Pontchartrain?

No, there is currently no ferry service that crosses Lake Pontchartrain, although there have been in the past. The easiest way of getting from one side of the lake (which is an estuary) to the other is to drive the 24-mile (38-kilometer) causeway. While a ferry doesn’t operate, you can charter boats to take you on the lake.

Is it OK to swim in Lake Pontchartrain?

Yes, Lake Pontchartrain is often safe enough to swim in, but you should be careful when you do so. Although the lake (really an estuary) was too polluted to swim in for many decades, it has been significantly cleaned up. However, the water quality can still be too poor for swimming for a few days after heavy rain.

Does Lake Pontchartrain have alligators?

Yes, there are alligators in Lake Pontchartrain, but they’re not very commonly seen. Lake Pontchartrain was too polluted and salty for alligators to live in for a long time, but it has since become somewhat cleaner. Wildlife experts believe alligators don’t permanently live in Lake Pontchartrain but sometimes spillover from nearby wetlands.

Are there dolphins in Lake Pontchartrain?

Yes, dolphins can sometimes be found in Lake Pontchartrain, but they don’t live there permanently. Despite its name, Lake Pontchartrain is an estuary connected to the Gulf of Mexico, so dolphins and other marine animals can come and go. Although the waters are much cleaner than they used to be, they’re still not ideal for dolphins.

Ways to explore

Lake Pontchartrain makes an easy outing from New Orleans, whether you're after a boat cruise, swamp tour, fishing trip, or shoreline picnic. Many tours start with a shuttle pickup in the city, making transportation simple and providing live commentary along the way. A popular option is crossing the lake to Honey Island Swamp for a flat-bottom boat tour through protected wetlands, with chances to spot alligators, raccoons, black bears, and bald eagles. Some itineraries also include stops at historic plantations such as Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation for more in-depth insights into Louisiana's past.

Accessibility

Many areas around the lake have wheelchair-accessible paths, such as Fontainebleau State Park.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses

What to wear

Comfortable and sturdy footwear, layered clothing, hat

Not allowed

Littering, swimming in the lake

Amenities

Lakeside restaurants, walking trails, boat rides, bike paths

Address

Lake Pontchartrain stretches along the northern edge of New Orleans, and is easy to reach by car, rideshare, or public transportation from downtown. Tours that include transportation from the city are also a convenient option.

Driving

From downtown New Orleans, take the I-10 W to reach Lake Pontchartrain’s shorelines. Parking is available at various access points, such as the Lakefront Park area, and the drive typically takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Public transportation

Public transportation options include buses from downtown New Orleans heading toward the lakefront, but service is limited. Consider using a rideshare service, or joining a tour that picks you up.

Best times to visit

It’s best to come to Lake Pontchartrain in the afternoon so you can take a stroll, have a picnic, and enjoy relaxed lakeside activities.

Best days to visit

Weekdays offer fewer crowds, while weekends have a livelier feel with more families and locals at the lake.

Best months to visit

The early spring offers mild, sunny weather, while October and November are great for escaping the peak summer heat and humidity.

Special events

The Sugar Bowl Regatta (usually November–December) is a popular annual sailing competition, and there’s also the Festival of the Lake in October.