How long is Louisiana shoreline? Would you believe it’s top 5 in US?

When you think of long shorelines in the U.S., your mind most likely goes to Florida or California.

While Florida does have the second-most shoreline in the U.S., Louisiana is not far behind.

Louisiana may not be known for sandy, swimmable beaches, but it is among states with the most shoreline in the U.S.

Louisiana has the third longest shoreline in the U.S. according to WorldAtlas

Louisiana has the third most shoreline, with total shorelines in the state equating to 7,721 miles, according to WorldAtlas.

Louisiana’s amount of shoreline is no surprise, as the state borders the Gulf of Mexico and its coastline is home to a maze of wetlands, bayous, estuaries, barrier islands and tidal waterways.

All of these waterbodies add up under the NOAA’s definition of shoreline, with edges where land and tide-influenced water making up shoreline mileage, says WorldAtlas.

While Louisiana is not exactly known for its beaches, the state has approximately 397 miles of direct coastline, and the longest beach in the state, Holly Beach, spans 17 miles and can be found in Cameron Parish, according to A-Z Animals.

10 states with the longest shorelines according to WorldAtlas

1. Alaska: 33,904 miles
2. Florida: 8,436 miles
3. Louisiana: 7,721 miles
4. Maine: 3,478 miles
5. California: 3,427 miles
6. North Carolina: 3,375 miles
7. Texas: 3,359 miles
8. Virginia: 3,315 miles
9. Michigan: 3,224 miles
10. Maryland: 3,190 miles

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com