From barrier islands that are only reachable by ferry to beach havens not far from New York City. Each of the awesome National Seashores will put your sense of adventure to the test.
There are only 10 National Seashores in the US, which makes them stand out from other coastal destinations. Nestled away from life’s demands, they’re a great place to retreat to.
Protected by the National Park Service, they are the homes of endangered wildlife species like leatherback turtles, as well as whales, and wild horses. Get up close with these amazing creatures on your National Seashore getaway!
10. Cape Lookout, North Carolina
Made up of a string of North Carolina barrier islands, this 56-mile-long National Seashore is just south of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina. Each of the little islands has its own appeal.
The North and South islands of Core Banks are great for history buffs and slow-paced travelers who want to explore the island’s historic villages. On the other hand, wildlife enthusiasts will love the free-roaming horses on Shackleford Island.
You can’t leave without taking a boat trip out to the 163-foot-tall, checked black-and-white Cape Lookout Lighthouse on Harkers Island either!
9. Fire Island, New York
This unique barrier island off the south shore of Long Island is known for its brochure-worthy white sand beaches, unique resorts, and car-free zones.
Rife with history, it’s a haven for LGBTQ+ people who flock to the island’s many gay-friendly resorts. Cherry Grove is even referred to as America’s gay and lesbian town!
Throughout the island, you’ll find tranquil trails along picturesque boardwalks that weave through the sand dunes and landscape. Some of the best are the famous Robert Moses Boardwalk route and the Fire Island Lighthouse Trail, which takes you to the island’s quaint lighthouse.
8. Gulf Islands, Florida & Mississippi
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is made up of seven stunning barrier islands as well as a stretch of protected coastland on the mainland which straddles the states of Florida and Mississippi.
It’s the largest of all 10 National Seashores, spread across 150 miles. If you’re a history buff who wants to discover all the coolest historical spots, you’ll love the coastal fortifications dotted through this National Seashore, like Fort Pickens.
Avid hikers can clamber over the sand dunes and explore the miles of white quartz sand beaches, and lazier travelers can sit and enjoy the sunset from the shore!
7. Point Reyes, California
Point Reyes is tucked away on a little peninsula that is almost entirely cut off from the mainland by the San Andreas Fault. This National Seashore was established in the 1960s when plans of development threatened to engulf the land.
Incredibly, it’s home to nearly half of North America’s bird species, so it’s a hotspot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts! Though they are as abundant as they once were, tule elk still roam Point Reyes’ prairies and meadows, grazing a lucky few visitors with rare appearances.
Did you know it’s also the only National Seashore on the West Coast? It’s a popular destination for whale watching and elephant seals too.
6. Canaveral, Florida
This stretch of protected coastline boasts white sand dunes, lagoons, and an impressive host of wildlife. More than 1,045 species of plants and 310 species of birds call Canaveral home.
From April to October, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles come to nest at the park too, and have done so since the mid-1980s.
But the wildlife and beaches aren’t the only reason people come to Canaveral. It’s also the primary launch location for space exploration. After a day of sun and sea, head to the Kennedy Space Center and learn all about the space shuttles that have taken off from this epic National Seashore.
5. Cumberland Island, Georgia
This remote National Seashore is found along Georgia’s Atlantic Coast and is only reachable by boat. It encompasses most of Cumberland Island and is decorated with beaches, freshwater lakes, marshland, and monstrous sand dunes.
It’s a great pick for anyone who likes to pack their itinerary with sightseeing trips. The island’s Ice House Museum and the National Historic Districts of Plum Orchard and Dungeness are just some of the cool attractions you can visit.
To reach the island, you’ll need to book a ferry from the mainland. It takes 45 minutes, but be sure to reserve a spot in advance as they sell out quickly!
4. Padre Island, Texas
Padre Island National Seashore is famously the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world – pretty cool right? Remote and rugged, the island is perfect for adventurous travelers who don’t mind giving up life’s comforts to be in the wild.
Backcountry campers will be swept away by the island’s untouched feel and feel right at home.
Because of the high winds that sweep through the island, it’s a popular spot for windsurfing too! One thing is for sure, you’ll need a sturdy four-wheel-drive to get onto the island.
3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
This impressive National Seashore was established by former President John F. Kennedy himself, who was a Cape Cod regular. Made up of more than 40,000 acres of the eastern Atlantic.
There are loads of cute towns you can visit in the National Seashore too, like the quaint towns of Provincetown and Chatham. If you visit Princetown in August, you’ll be there for the town’s extravagant carnival celebrations.
It’s a great spot for wildlife year-round too, as there’s a new special arrival in each season. From monarch butterflies to harbor seals, whales, and bald eagles!
2. Assateague Island, Maryland & Virginia
This little island turned National Seashore is just 37 miles long, but it packs a lot of adventure into a small area.
Because it’s just three hours drive away from Washington DC and Philadelphia it’s a popular coastal getaway for busy professionals looking for some peace and quiet.
But what really put Assateague Island on the map was the island’s majestic wild horses, that roam freely up and down the white sand beaches. Curiously, these little horses are pony-sized because of their salt-heavy diets. They’re not shy, but make sure you stay a safe distance away!
1. Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Cape Hatteras was the very first national Seashore established in the US. Dotted with picturesque lighthouses, mysterious shipwrecks, and breathtaking beaches this 70-mile-ong National Seashore is one of the most dramatic.
The area is spookily known as the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’, notorious for its strong currents and violent storms. It’s no wonder then that so many surfers flock here, ready to take on the challenge of some of the country’s most turbulent waters.
Don’t leave without visiting the famous black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! Stargazing in Cape Hatteras is also out of this world, and it’s not unusual to spot the Milky Way.
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