Seashores
National Seashores and Lakeshores protect coastal and shoreline environments with beaches, dunes, marshes, and water-based recreation.
10 parks and sites (NPS)
Featured parks for seashores
Upcoming events
Upcoming ranger programs and events at 10 parks in this designation (from the NPS Events API).
Pensacola Bay City Ferry Service to Fort Pickens
Join a park ranger on a National Park Service ferry ride trip from Pensacola to Gulf Islands National Seashore's Fort Pickens Area then to Pensacola Beach. Once you arrive at Fort Pickens if you choose to get off, you will have a either 2.5 hours or 5 hours to recreate and enjoy the historic fortifications, private beaches, bike paths, fishing pier and visitor center. Ferry departure times from Fort Pickens to Pensacola Beachthree times a day.
Ship Island Excursions Ferry Service to Ship Island
Join a National Park Service ranger on a one-hour Ship Island Excursions ferry ride to Ship Island where you can have access to ranger-led programs in Fort Massachusetts and a private swim beach. The swim beach is a quarter of a mile walk on a boardwalk from the fishing pier. There is very little shade on the island and no transportation. Food and umbrellas are for purchase at an additional cost on the swim beach. No pets are allowed on the ferry. Fishing is only permitted on the sound side beach.
Highland Light
The original Highland (Cape Cod) Light was constructed in 1797, making it the first lighthouse on Cape Cod. The current 1857 tower is the third on the site, and recently underwent a major rehabilitation. Tours and bookstore operated by seashore partner, Eastern National. The site is open 9 am-5 pm, staffing permitting. The last tour of the day takes place at 4:30 pm. Children must be at least 48" tall to climb the lighthouse due to the height of the stairs and ladders. No exceptions. Climbers who are 17 years old or younger must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. To keep hands free for handrails, no person may be lifted or carried. Food, drinks, and bulky personal items (e.g. backpacks, tripods) should be left in your vehicle in the parking area. Shoes are required. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Flip-flops are not allowed. Pets are not allowed in the Keeper’s Shop and Lighthouse Tower.
William Floyd Estate: Old Mastic House Exhibit Viewing
See the new Old Mastic House 2026 exhibit celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding. Visitors will see objects on display from all eras of the Estate's history, from the colonial period until the 20th century. The Old Mastic House will be open for exhibit viewing Wednesday-Sunday from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM. Visitors interested in seeing the Old Mastic House exhibit should check in with staff at the house’s front porch upon their arrival to arrange an entry time. Slots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. No visitors will be admitted to the exhibit past 4:30 PM.
Coastal Curiosities
Discover the web of life on the northern Gulf Coast with this drop-in activity! Join a guide during this hands-on activity to see, touch, and learn how plants, animals, and humans have continuously adapted to the coastal environment. Note: Talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances .
The Spanish Are Coming! (FL Program)
The northern Gulf Coast is rich with stories about the American Revolution! To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, join a guide for a 30 minute talk to learn about the forgotten people, places, and events that shaped the founding of the United States of America. Note: Talks are accessible to people with special needs. Programs are subject to change and/or cancelation due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances .
Life on a Barrier Island (Ocracoke)
Wars, hurricanes, winds, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island .
Adventure Through Davis Bayou: Ranger Led Hike
Join a park a park ranger on hike and interpretation of the local area. Topics include bayou, alligator, or medicinal plants. Meet at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center in Mississippi.
Seashells (and a Murder Mystery) on Ship Island
Join a ranger for a guided beach walk and presentation on Ship Island in Mississippi and learn about what marine life reside in your favorite seashells and help solve the murder mystery of how the empty shells you collect came to be unoccupied. This is a walk up style event on Ship Island swim beach.
All parks (10)
Assateague Island National Seashore
Want to live on the edge? Visit a place recreated each day by ocean wind and waves. Life on Assateague Island has adapted to an existence on the move. Explore sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays. Rest, relax, recreate and enjoy some time on the edge of the continent.
Canaveral National Seashore
Discover a dynamic barrier island shaped by dunes, coastal hammocks, and Mosquito Lagoon. Walk among ancient Timucua shell mounds and connect with thousands of years of human history. Immerse yourself in a protected sanctuary where diverse plants and wildlife thrive—making Canaveral National Seashore a place where nature, history, and discovery come together.
Cape Cod National Seashore
The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming beaches and walking and biking trails beckon today's visitors.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The sound of ocean waves, the starry night sky, or the calm of the salt marshes, you can experience it all. Shaped by the forces of water, wind, and storms these islands are ever changing. The plants, wildlife, and people who live here adapt continually. Whether you are enjoying the beach, kayaking the sound, or climbing the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse there is something for everyone to explore!
Cape Lookout National Seashore
A boat ride three miles off-shore brings you to the barrier islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Horse watching, shelling, fishing, birding, camping, lighthouse climbing, and touring historic villages--there’s something for everyone at Cape Lookout. Be sure to bring all the food, water, and supplies you need (and carry your trash out of the park) when visiting these remote beaches.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.
Fire Island National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the pressure of nearby big-city life, dynamic barrier island beaches offer solitude, camaraderie, and spiritual renewal.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today!
Padre Island National Seashore
Protecting sixty-six miles of wild coastline along the Gulf of America, the narrow barrier island is home to one of the last intact coastal prairie habitats in the United States. Along the hypersaline Laguna Madre, tidal mud flats teem with life. Native Americans, Spanish explorers and cattle ranchers have walked along its shores. Padre Island National Seashore is waiting to be rediscovered.
Point Reyes National Seashore
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 species of plants and animals to discover. Home to several cultures over thousands of years, the Seashore preserves a tapestry of stories and interactions of people. Point Reyes awaits your exploration.