The U.S. National Seashores offer some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in the country, blending pristine beaches, dramatic dunes, and rich biodiversity with opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Managed by the National Park Service, these protected areas—spanning from Cape Cod to Point Reyes—provide visitors with unique experiences like hiking, wildlife viewing, and water activities, all while preserving the natural beauty and cultural history of America’s coastlines. Whether you’re seeking a serene escape or an active outdoor getaway, the National Seashores are must-visit destinations for travelers exploring the United States.

1) Cape Cod National Seashore (Established 1961) – Massachusetts
This coastal treasure offers 40 miles of sandy Atlantic shores, perfect for kids to dig, splash, and play at spots like Coast Guard Beach. Visit Nauset Light or Three Sisters Lighthouses for quick history lessons, or join the Junior Ranger program to learn about seals and whales. The 1.5-mile Fort Hill Trail offers easy marsh views, and Provincetown’s family-friendly eateries and lodging make summer visits lively with ranger-led campfire talks.
Address: Salt Pond Visitor Center, 50 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA 02642
Website: nps.gov/caco

2) Gulf Islands National Seashore (Established 1971) – Florida, Mississippi
With pristine white-sand beaches across barrier islands, this seashore is a haven for kids to explore and wade in calm Gulf waters. Florida’s Fort Pickens intrigues with historic cannons, while Mississippi’s Davis Bayou offers the short 0.5-mile Nature’s Way Loop for young adventurers. The Junior Ranger program highlights sea turtles and pelicans. Campgrounds and nearby Pensacola’s family amenities make multi-day trips a breeze.
Address: Fort Pickens Visitor Center, 1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 (Florida); or Davis Bayou Visitor Center, 3500 Park Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 (Mississippi)
Website: nps.gov/guis

3) Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Established 1953) – North Carolina
America’s first national seashore spans 70 miles of Outer Banks beaches, ideal for kite-flying and sandcastle fun. Kids can climb the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse or join the Junior Ranger program to discover shipwrecks and sea turtles. The 1-mile Buxton Woods Trail offers shady walks and wildlife. Family-friendly lodging and dining in Nags Head make this a coastal favorite.
Address: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center, 46379 Lighthouse Road, Buxton, NC 27920
Website: nps.gov/caha

4) Assateague Island National Seashore (Established 1965) – Maryland, Virginia
Famous for wild ponies roaming its beaches, Assateague is a kid’s dream. The 0.25-mile Life of the Dunes Trail teaches coastal ecology, while ranger-led canoe trips explore marshes. The Junior Ranger program covers ponies and shorebirds, and calm bayside waters are great for young swimmers. Campgrounds and nearby Ocean City’s attractions balance nature with family fun.
Address: Assateague Island Visitor Center, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811
Website: nps.gov/asis

5) Point Reyes National Seashore (Established 1962) – California
Point Reyes is a Pacific playground with Drakes Beach for sand play and tidepooling. The 0.6-mile Earthquake Trail educates about the San Andreas Fault, and the Junior Ranger program explores tule elk and seals. A short walk to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse excites kids. Nearby campgrounds and Marin County’s family-friendly towns ensure a cozy stay.
Address: Bear Valley Visitor Center, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Website: nps.gov/pore

6) Padre Island National Seashore (Established 1962) – Texas
Stretching 70 miles along the Gulf, Padre Island is a kid’s paradise for shell-hunting and seasonal Kemp’s ridley sea turtle releases. The 0.4-mile Grasslands Nature Trail is an easy stroll through prairies, and the Junior Ranger program highlights birds like crested caracaras. Malaquite Beach’s gentle waves are perfect for swimming, with campgrounds and Corpus Christi’s attractions nearby.
Address: Malaquite Visitor Center, 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Website: nps.gov/pais

7) Cumberland Island National Seashore (Established 1972) – Georgia
Accessible by ferry, Cumberland Island feels like a kid’s adventure playground with 17 miles of untouched beaches. The 0.5-mile Dungeness Ruins Trail shares Carnegie history, and the Junior Ranger program covers armadillos and alligators. Kids can bike flat trails or splash in calm surf. Camping adds wilderness thrills, with St. Marys’ cozy lodging nearby.
Address: Cumberland Island Visitor Center, 113 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558
Website: nps.gov/cuis

8) Cape Lookout National Seashore (Established 1966) – North Carolina
Reached by ferry, Cape Lookout’s remote islands offer pristine beaches for shelling and kite-flying. The 0.5-mile Soundside Trail is kid-friendly, and the Junior Ranger program teaches about wild horses and dolphins. Older kids love climbing the black-and-white diamond-patterned lighthouse. Rustic cabins or camping suit adventurous families, with Harkers Island’s basic amenities nearby.
Address: Harkers Island Visitor Center, 131 Charles Street, Harkers Island, NC 28531
Website: nps.gov/calo

9) Fire Island National Seashore (Established 1964) – New York
A ferry ride from Long Island, Fire Island offers car-free beaches at Sailors Haven for carefree play. The 0.75-mile Sunken Forest Trail, a stroller-friendly boardwalk, winds through a rare maritime forest. The Junior Ranger program explores crabs and seals, and ranger-led talks at the Fire Island Lighthouse engage kids. Patchogue’s hotels and dining make day trips simple.
Address: Fire Island National Seashore Headquarters, 120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, NY 11772
Website: nps.gov/fiis

10) Canaveral National Seashore (Established 1975) – Florida
Canaveral’s 24 miles of beaches are perfect for sandcastles and dolphin-spotting. The 0.2-mile Turtle Mound Trail introduces Timucua history, and the Junior Ranger program covers manatees and sea turtles. Kayaking in Mosquito Lagoon is family-friendly, and Titusville’s affordable lodging is close by. A side trip to Kennedy Space Center thrills space-loving kids.
Address: Canaveral National Seashore Visitor Center, 212 S. Washington Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796
Website: nps.gov/cana

National Lakeshores
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Established 1970) – Wisconsin
This lakeshore features 21 islands with sea caves and lighthouses, perfect for family kayaking and camping adventures.
Address: Meyers Beach Visitor Center, 719 Main Street, Bayfield, WI 54814
Website: nps.gov/apis

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Established 1966) – Michigan
Known for vibrant cliffs and waterfalls, it offers kid-friendly boat tours and short trails for family exploration.
Address: Munising Falls Visitor Center, 1505 Sand Point Road, Munising, MI 49862
Website: nps.gov/piro

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Established 1970) – Michigan
Famous for dune climbs and beaches, it features easy trails and Junior Ranger activities for young adventurers.
Address: Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630
Website: nps.gov/slbe