Home / Lifestyle / Crossing the Longest Continuous Bridge Over Water: Exploring Lake Pontchartrain's Causeway
Crossing the Longest Continuous Bridge Over Water: Exploring Lake Pontchartrain's Causeway
15 Oct
Summary
- Lake Pontchartrain is the second-largest inland saltwater body in the U.S.
- The 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest continuous bridge over water
- Boating, fishing, and dining with sunset views are popular activities around the lake
As of October 15th, 2025, Lake Pontchartrain, located just north of New Orleans, has emerged as a hidden gem for visitors seeking a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. This expansive, 630-square-mile saltwater body is the second-largest inland saltwater lake in the United States, after Utah's Great Salt Lake.
One of the most iconic ways to experience Lake Pontchartrain is by driving across the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, which has been verified by Guinness World Records as the longest continuous bridge over water. The causeway connects the New Orleans suburb of Metairie to the lakeside retreat of Mandeville, known for its wonderful food, waterfront trails, and great shopping. While the crossing can be daunting for some drivers, the journey offers breathtaking views as the skyline and land gradually disappear, leaving travelers with the sensation of floating on the calm waters.
Beyond the causeway, Lake Pontchartrain offers a range of recreational activities. Boating is a way of life on the lake, with the New Orleans Yacht Club hosting weekly regattas from March through November. Visitors can also explore the water by booking a cruise, renting kayaks or paddleboards, or chartering a fishing boat. Anglers can cast a line from scenic piers, hoping to land species like speckled trout and redfish. When hunger strikes, there are plenty of restaurants serving fresh, regionally sourced seafood, with stunning sunset views to complement the dining experience.
