Holly Beach, Louisiana is the ideal destination for a relaxing seaside getaway. It’s a picturesque spot where families can effortlessly walk along the sand, take in views of the Gulf of Mexico, and look for seashells. Book your stay at a Holly Beach vacation rental today. The properties are generally built on high stilts that give fantastic views of the surrounding land and water. Here are the most popular cities and towns surrounding Holly Beach.
1. Cameron, Louisiana
Many people consider Holly Beach part of Cameron, but there’s more to the town than surf and sand. The Cameron ferry takes you quickly across the river, saving you what would be a long drive around. It’s remarkably inexpensive, and sometimes the crew waives the fee. Other places to see are the Peveto Woods Birds & Butterfly Sanctuary and Mae’s Beach on Johnson Bayou. You can fish in Sabine Lake, and enjoy the seafood at Anchors Up Grill.
2. Westlake, Louisiana
Found just north of Lake Charles, Westlake is the home of the The National Golf Club of Louisiana. This is an 18-hole championship level course. If you’re peckish after golf, head to the Roundtop Burger House or El Tapatio Dos. If you want some baked goods to take back to your rental, visit Mel’s Cakery and pick up a box of their amazing cupcakes.
3. Port Arthur, Texas
Holly Beach is quite close to the Texas border, so a vacation rental in Port Arthur, the birthplace of Janis Joplin, is not out of the way. Go and visit her exhibit at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. Take an excursion to Sea Rim State Park and the Sabine Pass Battleground State Historical Park, which was the site of an important Civil War battle. Bring the kids to the Bert Karrer Lions Park and usher the hubby to the Capri Club for some potent potables and nightlife. For inner peace, drop by the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple. Patronize some of Port Arthur’s many restaurants, including the Rodair Roadhouse with its scrumptious catfish and the Saltgrass Steakhouse.
4. Nederland, Texas
This small city gets its name because it was settled by Dutch immigrants. It has a museum that features a Dutch windmill, and the museum is found in a park dedicated to Tex Ritter. Right next door, you’ll find a house built in the style of one of the early Cajun settlers. Go shopping on Boston Avenue, and make sure to attend at least one of the festivals or parades thrown in the city. This would include the Homecoming and Christmas Parades, the Fourth of July celebration in Doornbos Park, and the Nederland Heritage Festival.
5. Beaumont, Texas
Beaumont doesn’t lack for museums, and among the ones to visit is The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum. This place depicts life in the area as it was during the discovery of oil. Kids will especially love the Fire Museum of Texas, with its enormous speckled fire hydrant out front. It has interactive exhibits that trace the history of fighting fires in Texas as well as old tub pumpers and fire trucks. Best of all, the kids can learn how to get out of a house safely in case of fire and have fun doing so. After this, it’s time for chow at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen or Floyd’s Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse. Don’t miss the oysters on the half-shell.
6. Orange, Texas
This town on the Sabine River is the home of the gorgeous Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center. See it in spring while the masses of flowers are at their best, and the hummingbirds abound. The Stark family was prominent in the city, and you can visit their house, a rambling Victorian structure with intricate woodwork. Later, visit the Stark Museum of Art. If you need to get out in nature, hike the Blue Elbow Swamp. Later on, indulge your yen for Cajun and Creole cuisine at The Hut.
7. Hackberry, Louisiana
Like Holly Beach itself, lots of the vacation rentals in Hackberry are on the water and raised on stilts. Many are near the Lake Breeze Canal and called camps, even though they’re not camps. They’re bungalows made to be quickly rebuilt. While you’re in town, charter a fishing boat in the canals, Black Lake, or Calcasieu Lake. You can even charter a boat and head west to the Gulf. Hackberry is right next to and contains part of the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Take a trip to the observation tower for sightseeing.
8. Vinton, Louisiana
Vinton is home to the Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino, so bet on the horses if you’re inclined. For more tranquil pursuits, visit Niblett’s Bluff Park and have a picnic right by the Sabine River. For a great seafood meal, head to Comeau’s Vinton or order the crawfish platter at Cajun Cowboys.
9. Lake Charles, Louisiana
When you’re in Lake Charles, you may want to split your time between the casinos, including the Golden Nugget and L’Auberge du Lac and the peaceful parks. They include Millennium Park, Prien Lake Park, and Bord du Lac Parc. Hike, ride your mountain bike or have a picnic at Sam Houston Jones State Park. You and the kids simply have to go to the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. You won’t believe the sheer intricacy of the costumes. Military buffs can tour the USS Orleck, which has been turned into a museum. Another cool museum is the Children’s Museum with its fun, hands-on exhibits. Vacation rentals are those raised camps or ordinary cottages and houses well inland. You might even get a rental in a house in Lake Charles’ historic district.
10. Sulphur, Louisiana
If you and your crew really love sports and the great outdoors, Sulphur is the place for you. Hike on the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, or exert yourself at the Spar Aquatic Center. On the other hand, float in the water in your tube and don’t exert yourself at all. Duffers can play some rounds at the Frasch Park Golf Course, and you can charter a fishing boat and catch some impressively sized trout.
11. Grand Chenier, Louisiana
Found along the coast about 32 miles east of Holly Beach, Grand Chenier is close to the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. This is where you can fish and hunt for crabs and shrimp as well as watch the many species of birds.