Did you know that Shell Beach in St. Bernard Parish is home to the historic Fort Proctor, a 19th-century fortress that now sits surrounded by water, creating one of Louisiana’s most hauntingly beautiful coastal landmarks? Located just 30 miles southeast of New Orleans, this hidden gem offers visitors a perfect blend of fishing paradise, historical exploration, and natural beauty that showcases Louisiana’s unique coastal character without the tourist crowds.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Shell Beach is located approximately 48 km (30 miles) southeast of New Orleans in St. Bernard Parish. The closest major airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is about 64 km (40 miles) from Shell Beach.

To reach Shell Beach from New Orleans, take Highway 46 (also known as St. Bernard Highway) east through Chalmette and continue following it as it becomes Florissant Highway. The drive takes approximately 50 minutes from downtown New Orleans, winding through historic communities and beautiful bayou landscapes.

If you’re coming from other parts of Louisiana, Shell Beach is about:

• 2 hours from Baton Rouge
• 1 hour from Slidell
• 3.5 hours from Lafayette

There is no public transportation to Shell Beach, so a personal vehicle is essential for visiting this destination.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Getting Around Locally

Shell Beach is a small fishing community with limited infrastructure. The area is primarily centered around the boat launch and fishing areas. Having your own vehicle is essential for exploring Shell Beach and the surrounding St. Bernard Parish.

The main points of interest in Shell Beach are within walking distance of each other, including the boat launch, fishing areas, and the Katrina Memorial. However, to explore nearby attractions like Fort Proctor (visible from shore but accessible only by boat), you’ll need to arrange a boat trip.

Local fishing charter services operate from Shell Beach and can provide transportation to Fort Proctor and other nearby water destinations. These can be arranged in advance or sometimes on-site, depending on availability.

For those bringing their own boats, Shell Beach has a public boat launch that provides access to Lake Borgne, the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO), and surrounding waterways.

Where to Stay

Shell Beach itself has no hotels or formal accommodations. Most visitors experience Shell Beach as a day trip from New Orleans or nearby communities. However, there are several options for those wishing to stay in the vicinity:

If you’re planning to fish early in the morning, staying in St. Bernard Parish is recommended to avoid the long pre-dawn drive from New Orleans.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Shell Beach itself has no restaurants, but the surrounding St. Bernard Parish offers excellent dining options featuring fresh seafood and Cajun/Creole cuisine. Most dining options are located in Chalmette and surrounding communities.

Local Specialties

The waters around Shell Beach are known for excellent fishing, and local restaurants showcase these fresh catches. Don’t miss trying:

• Speckled trout – a local favorite, often served grilled or “amandine” style
• Redfish – another prized catch, delicious blackened or on the half shell
• Blue crabs – when in season, look for soft-shell crabs or crab boils
• Crawfish – typically available from January through June

For the most authentic experience, visit local seafood markets in St. Bernard Parish where you can purchase fresh catches to prepare yourself. Many fishing charters also offer cleaning services so you can cook your day’s catch.

If you’re planning a full day at Shell Beach, pack a cooler with food and drinks, as there are no services available on-site.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Fort Proctor

The most iconic attraction near Shell Beach is Fort Proctor (also known as Fort Beauregard or Beauregard’s Castle). Built between 1856 and 1859, this historic brick fortress sits in Lake Borgne, visible from Shell Beach but now only accessible by boat due to coastal erosion.

The fort was designed to defend New Orleans but was never completed or garrisoned. Today, its partially crumbling walls create a hauntingly beautiful landmark that photographers and history buffs find irresistible. Several local fishing charters offer trips to the fort.

Katrina Memorial

Shell Beach is home to a moving memorial dedicated to the residents of St. Bernard Parish who lost their lives during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The memorial features a large cross in the water and a plaque listing the names of those who perished.

Fishing

Shell Beach is primarily known as a premier fishing destination. The area where Lake Borgne meets the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet creates ideal conditions for catching:

• Speckled trout
• Redfish
• Flounder
• Sheepshead
• Black drum

Both shore fishing and boat fishing are popular here. The Shell Beach boat launch provides easy access to surrounding waters for those with their own vessels.

For visitors without fishing equipment or boats, several charter services operate in the area, offering half-day and full-day fishing trips with all necessary gear provided.

Cultural Heritage & History

Shell Beach and the surrounding St. Bernard Parish have a rich cultural heritage shaped by diverse influences including French, Spanish, Canary Islander (Isleños), and Acadian (Cajun) traditions.

Isleños Heritage

St. Bernard Parish is home to descendants of Canary Islanders who settled in the area in the late 1700s. These “Isleños” maintained their unique dialect, traditions, and culture for generations. While Shell Beach itself doesn’t have specific Isleños sites, visitors interested in this heritage can visit the Los Isleños Museum Complex in nearby St. Bernard Village.

Fishing Community

Shell Beach has long been an important fishing community, with generations of families making their living from the surrounding waters. The fishing traditions here represent an important part of Louisiana’s coastal culture, with techniques and knowledge passed down through generations.

Hurricane Katrina Impact

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated St. Bernard Parish, including Shell Beach. The community has shown remarkable resilience in rebuilding, though the landscape and infrastructure were forever changed. The Katrina Memorial at Shell Beach stands as a testament to this defining event in the area’s history.

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Kayaking & Boating

The waterways around Shell Beach offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and boating. Paddling through the marsh grasses provides a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of the area and observe wildlife up close. Several outfitters in St. Bernard Parish offer kayak rentals and guided tours.

Wildlife Viewing

The marshes and waterways around Shell Beach are teeming with wildlife. Visitors commonly observe:

• Wading birds like herons, egrets, and ibis
• Ospreys and occasionally bald eagles
• Alligators in the fresher water areas
• Dolphins in the saltier waters of Lake Borgne

Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing experience, especially for bird watching. Early morning and late afternoon typically offer the most active wildlife periods.

Photography

Shell Beach offers exceptional photography opportunities, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The interplay of water, marsh, and sky creates dramatic landscapes, while Fort Proctor provides a compelling subject for both landscape and architectural photography.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Water Safety

The waters around Shell Beach require respect and preparation:

• Always check weather and marine forecasts before boating
• Be aware of tidal changes that can affect water depth and currents
• Wear appropriate life jackets when boating
• Have a working communication device (cell phone coverage can be spotty)
• Be mindful of underwater obstacles, particularly in areas affected by past hurricanes

Environmental Etiquette

Help preserve Shell Beach’s natural beauty:

• Pack out all trash
• Respect fishing regulations and size/catch limits
• Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially nesting birds
• Stay on established paths to avoid damaging marsh vegetation

There are limited facilities at Shell Beach, with no public restrooms. Plan accordingly and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Visitor Comments About Shell Beach

Additional Nearby Destinations

Chalmette Battlefield

Located about 30 minutes from Shell Beach, the Chalmette Battlefield is part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. This is the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, the final major battle of the War of 1812. The park includes a visitor center, the Chalmette Monument, and the Malus-Beauregard House.

St. Bernard State Park

Just 20 minutes from Shell Beach, this 145-hectare (358-acre) state park offers camping, picnicking, hiking trails, and a swimming pool (seasonal). It’s an excellent option for those wanting to extend their outdoor experience in St. Bernard Parish.

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Located about 45 minutes from Shell Beach, this is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States. The refuge offers excellent bird watching, fishing, and paddling opportunities in a more accessible setting.

New Orleans

Just 50 minutes away, the vibrant city of New Orleans offers world-class dining, music, and cultural attractions that provide a perfect contrast to the natural experience of Shell Beach.

Practical Travel Tips

Essential Packing List

When visiting Shell Beach, bring these essentials:

• Plenty of drinking water (at least 2 liters per person for a day trip)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lightweight long-sleeve options)
• Insect repellent (especially important during warmer months)
• First aid kit with basic supplies
• Food and snacks in secure containers
• Trash bags to pack out all waste
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing and seeing Fort Proctor
• Camera to capture the area’s beauty
• Fishing license if you plan to fish (available online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries)

Experience the Authentic Louisiana Coast

Shell Beach offers visitors a genuine slice of Louisiana’s coastal heritage that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds. Whether you’re casting a line for speckled trout at sunrise, photographing the haunting silhouette of Fort Proctor against a golden sunset, or simply soaking in the peaceful rhythm of marsh life, Shell Beach rewards those who venture beyond the well-traveled paths. This hidden corner of St. Bernard Parish captures the resilient spirit and natural beauty that make Louisiana’s coastline so special. Pack your sense of adventure and discover one of the Gulf Coast’s most authentic experiences.