Get to Know America’s National Seashores

If your idea of the perfect beach day includes windswept sand dunes, nature trails, tidepools, lighthouses, and maybe a wild horse or two, America’s national seashores are calling you! These federally protected stretches of U.S. coastline will give you a more enhanced experience than just sun and sand. Whether you’re into strolling along the beach, birding, paddling or learning about the area’s rich history, our national seashores will definitely give you a more immersive kind of coastal experience.

Spread across the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, there are a total of 10 national seashores that protect some of the country’s most scenic and ecologically important shorelines. From barrier reefs to historic battlefields to massive sand dunes, they are incredibly diverse. 

When we think of America’s national parks, it’s usually the big names that come to mind like Grand Canyon, Zion or Glacier National Park. But did you know that those famous parks are just a small slice of the bigger picture? In reality, national parks make up only about 15 percent of what the National Park Service (NPS) manages. The rest? Over 400 other protected sites spanning more than 85 million acres including national monuments, battlefields, historic sites, lakeshores, and more. Together, they tell the full story of America’s natural beauty and cultural history.

What Is a National Seashore?

National seashores account for hundreds of miles of protected shoreline across numerous states, balancing conservation with recreation. While they offer many of the same scenic and ecological benefits as national parks, the seashores often allow for a wider range of recreational activities. Some national seashores allow off-road driving on beaches or even fishing and hunting in certain areas, making them uniquely accessible while still preserving their natural and cultural value.

It’s not just the dunes, beaches and forests that are protected in these areas. There’s an entire world of submerged ecosystems that fall under the conservation and protection of some national seashores. These can include coral reefs, seagrass beds and oyster reefs which also serve as shelter, food and nurseries for other fish and shellfish species. 

National seashores aren’t your typical beach getaway and that’s their appeal. You won’t find high-rises or bustling boardwalks, but instead plenty of open space, often fewer crowds and a chance to really connect with nature. While the National Park Service is usually the main entity managing a national seashore, sometimes local or state groups like conservation organizations or local tribes will assist and partner for overall management. 

Explore Each of America's National Seashores

There are a total of 10 national seashores in nine states. While mostly found in the East and Southeast, there are also national seashores in California and Texas. Check out the list to find a location near you!

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia

Famous for its wild horses, barrier island ecosystems, and beach camping. Assateague Island is a great alternative to the Outer Banks!

Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts

Iconic New England shoreline with dunes, salt marshes, historic lighthouses, and cultural sites. Cape Cod National Seashore is one of our favorite hidden gems on the Cape.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

The first national seashore, known for remote beaches, surfing, and the tallest lighthouse in the U.S.

Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

Less developed and only accessible by boat; features wild horses and the famous black-and-white diamond lighthouse.

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Only reachable by ferry and known for wild horses, historic ruins, and backcountry trails. If you're keen on camping at a national seashore, Cumberland Island is simply breathtaking.

Canaveral National Seashore, Florida

A pristine stretch of Atlantic coastline near the Kennedy Space Center which also includes important archaeological sites and nesting sea turtles.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida and Mississippi

Features white sand beaches, historic forts, and clear Gulf waters spanning both mainland and offshore islands.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Rugged cliffs, tidepools, wildlife viewing, and historic ranches just north of San Francisco.

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

The longest undeveloped barrier island in the world! Popular for birding, beach driving and Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle nesting. Padre Island National Seashore is a true Texas treasure.

Fire Island National Seashore, New York

A barrier island off Long Island with maritime forests, historic sites, and car-free beach communities.

Make the Most of Your National Seashore Visit

Most National Seashores are open year-round, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead because some may require a ferry ride to visit or have limited services depending on the season. And some activities, like driving on the beach or camping, can require permits or advanced reservations.

Before you visit, be sure to download the free National Park Service app. It’s super convenient and helpful, especially in places where cell service is spotty (which is pretty common in remote parks). You can save offline maps, check out things to do, see where you are on the trail, and even learn some fun facts along the way. 

Another pro tip: Get an America the Beautiful Pass. This interagency pass allows you to pay one annual fee ($80) to enter as many public lands as you wish (as long as it's managed by a participating agency) with up to four people. You can purchase them through many retailers, but we recommend buying it along with a National Parks Passport where you can collect stamps for every NPS managed site.

Want to dive deeper into other cool NPS spots? You can find more right here on Only in Your State or over at nps.gov.