I know we just came back from Spring Break 2011, but with the 80°F weather Tulane has been lucky enough to enjoy lately, my mind automatically turns to beach trips. Sure, it’s great to lay out on the LBC Quad and mutate some skin cell DNA while reading for class (since we’re all such focused multi-taskers)… but there are other options! Living in New Orleans means there are multiple beach destinations within hours of our lovely Tulane bubble; so pack a cooler, grab some friends and hit the road to a much-needed weekend of fun in the sun, Gulf Coast style.
First of all, you’re going to need a car. If you or one of your friends doesn’t have their own, check out Tulane’s partnership with Enterprise that lets students between the ages of 18-20 years rent cars by the day. It’ll run you about $40 per day, and they offer free pick-up and drop-off services.
As for destinations, I’ve found two popular options that promise sandy beaches, delicious restaurants and everything else that comes with a rip roarin’ good beach day. If you weren’t in Gulf Shores during last week’s Spring Break festivities, pick out an upcoming weekend and check it out. In three hours, you and your posse can be at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico soaking up those lovely UV rays.
Another option found right here in Louisiana is Grand Isle. Two hours will get you from the city of New Orleans to this seaside resort island, giving you ample time to play. Less time in transit means more time to explore the area, which includes Grand Isle State Park. Here, you can fish, picnic, and take tons of pictures to document your weekend getaway.
Hopefully you’ll be able to take advantage of one of these picturesque locations before the year is over—but that only gives you five weeks! Pick a date and put one of these beach road trips on the calendar, I promise you won’t regret it.
And please—help your skin cells out by showing them a little SPF 30+ love!