Grand Isle
Storm-Battered Island
State: Louisiana
County: Jefferson Parish
Founded: 1780s
Abandoned: Declining
Peak Population: 1,500
Grand Isle is Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island. Hurricanes have repeatedly devastated it - most recently Ida (2021) and Katrina (2005). Pirate Jean Lafitte used it as a base. The population drops with each major storm.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring-Fall (check weather)
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: Half day
Quick Facts
- Jean Lafitte's base
- Only LA barrier island
- Hurricane-prone
Location
Address: Grand Isle, LA
Coordinates: 29.2333, -90