Grand Isle State Park

Fishing as the sun sets over Vermilion Bay.

Looking for treasures in the water at Grand Isle.

A boardwalk leads to a lookout tower and park facilities at Grand Isle State Park.

Grand Isle State Park, located at the tip of an eight-mile barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, boasts a mile of beachfront and is known as one of the world's best fishing spots.

More than 280 species of fish circulate in these waters. The park's 400-foot fishing pier was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Park officials are currently cleaning the remains and preparing to reconstruct the pier over the next two years. Call for updates about its reconstruction.

Surf fishermen take speckled trout, redfish and flounder, while anglers on the bridge connecting Grand Isle to the mainland cast for croakers, white trout, Spanish mackerel, sea perch and sheepshead. Crabbing is excellent.

Those who take to the water in boats pursue tarpon, red snapper, grouper, tuna, barracuda and pompano. A three-day Tarpon Rodeo in July attracts thousands of competitors.

Migrating birds stop at Grand Isle twice a year, and the numerous year-round species include gulls, terns and sanderlings.

Gulf waters are warm enough for swimming six months of the year. Many visitors enjoy beachcombing for shells, rocks and other treasures.

The campground accommodates up to 100 tents or RVs. There are no hook-ups, but a dump station is provided.

The park is located on the east end of Grand Isle, off LA 1 on Admiral Craik Drive. It is a two-hour drive south of New Orleans.