Comprehensive Guide to the Unseen Beauty of America's National Seashores, Exploring More Than Just National Parks
From the sun-soaked shores of California to the tranquil sands of Florida, and the picturesque coastline of Massachusetts, the United States is home to ten stunning National Seashores. These federally appointed coastal areas of natural and recreational significance offer a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and historical significance, making them appealing destinations for visitors.
Located off the coast of southern Georgia, Cumberland Island is one such treasure. With its historical richness, boasting the ruins of Dungeness and the impressive Plum Orchard mansion, and a cultural significance, with the First African Baptist Church built by emancipated slaves of the Gullah Geechee culture, Cumberland Island is a must-visit. It is also home to one of the most important loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the southeast.
Heading north along the Atlantic Coast, we reach Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. This seashore is renowned for its pristine beaches, lighthouses, and historic sites. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, whale watching, and a glimpse into the region's maritime history. Notably, E.E. Cummings, Jackson Pollock, and Henry David Thoreau each lived and worked in weathered dune shacks in Cape Cod National Seashore.
Moving further south, Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina is famous for its scenic drives, historic lighthouses, and exceptional surfing and fishing opportunities. It's also a major nesting site for sea turtles.
As we journey down the Eastern Seaboard, we find Assateague Island National Seashore, spanning both Maryland and Virginia. Famous for its wild horses, pristine beaches, and outdoor recreational activities like kayaking and birdwatching, Assateague Island is a nature lover's paradise.
Moving westward, we encounter Canaveral National Seashore in Florida, offering a pristine undeveloped beach, nature trails, and is a key spot for sea turtle nesting. It's also known for its diverse wildlife and historic sites.
On the Gulf Coast, Gulf Islands National Seashore, stretching from Mississippi to Florida, combines historic forts, pristine beaches, and marine life. It's an ideal spot for snorkelling, kayaking, and birdwatching, with a rich military history.
Further west, Padre Island National Seashore in Texas is known for its undeveloped beaches, serving as a nesting ground for sea turtles and offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and fishing.
Moving to the Pacific Coast, Point Reyes National Seashore in California offers dramatic coastal scenery, diverse wildlife, including elk and seabirds, and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. It has scenic drives and historic lighthouses.
While not strictly a National Seashore, Olympic National Park's Coastal Section in Washington offers stunning coastline with tidepools, hiking trails, and diverse marine life. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Olympic National Park.
Cabrillo National Monument's Coastal Section in California provides scenic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, with tidepools and historic sites.
Entrance fees for Cape Cod National Seashore beaches range from $15-25. For those seeking a more immersive experience, Point Reyes National Seashore offers backcountry hike-in and boat-in camping, with site availability limited. Nearby state campgrounds like Nickerson State Park and Wellfleet Hollow Campground can be reserved on Reserve America for those visiting Cape Cod National Seashore.
National Seashores also focus on preserving a coastline's natural values while providing water-oriented recreation and education. Their rich, biodiverse environments are critical to protecting coastal communities and ecosystems from extreme weather.
For modern creatives, Cape Cod National Seashore offers artist residencies through nonprofits like thecompact.org. The Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham, MA serves as a starting point for exploring Cape Cod National Seashore.
These National Seashores offer endless opportunities for seaside adventures, from the longest hike in Cape Cod National Seashore, the Great Island to Jeremy Point and Tavern Loop, a 9.1-mile loop near Wellfleet, to the unique spectacle of Alamere Falls, a 40-foot-tall waterfall that flows directly into the ocean, located in Point Reyes National Seashore.
Whether you're seeking history, nature, adventure, or relaxation, America's National Seashores provide a wealth of experiences for visitors to enjoy.
- In Cape Cod National Seashore, visitors can enjoy hiking and biking trails, much like they would while biking or hiking in other National Seashores.
- During a travel to Canaveral National Seashore in Florida, birdwatching is a popular activity, being part of the rich biodiversity found in these National Seashores.
- If you're planning a camping trip, Point Reyes National Seashore in California offers backcountry hike-in and boat-in camping, similar to the camping opportunities available in other National Seashore areas.
