5 National Seashores You Should Visit

Whether you’re craving a couple’s getaway or a family adventure, there are so many places in this beautiful country to go and see that it can be hard to choose sometimes. The planning stage can often be the worst part, but don’t let the stress keep you from hitting the road. We’re here to help! One of the things that I have never regretted doing is going to visit some of our country’s national seashores.

These protected areas are so stunning that you’ll have a hard time leaving once your visit is over, at least that is always the case in my experience. Imagine the sea breeze in your hair, the smell of saltwater in the air, the sand between your toes, and the rush of waves as they roll over the shore – it’s practically heaven on Earth, so why not visit whenever the opportunity presents itself. I know I do.

While most of these areas don’t allow you to visit with your RV, unfortunately, you can leave your RV at one of the many parks nearby and still take advantage of the gorgeous views without your RV. I highly recommend doing so. After all, soaking in the shores is best done on foot. You will not regret it. Here are the national seashores I recommend that are sure to take your breath away.

Cape Lookout National Seashore – North Carolina

Image by Mark Pearson from Unsplash

The Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the Cape Lookout National Seashore often get overlooked by people heading to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore that’s located a little to the northeast. However, that’s their loss because this place is amazing!

The lighthouse is designed with a distinctive black and white pattern that scales the height of its sides, and you can easily get tickets to go inside and walk up the impressive structure. The seashore features several beautiful areas where you can watch the wildlife, sink your toes in the sand, and relax completely. If you want, you can also check out Porstmouth Village, which is a ghost town on a nearby island.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby:

Whispering Pines RV Park Goose Creek Resort Beaufort Waterway RV Park

Gulf Islands National Seashore – Florida and Mississippi

Image: Shutterstock

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in both Florida and Mississippi and is the largest national seashore out there. So large, in fact, that it encompasses several barrier islands. You can see beautiful and historic forts from the 1800s, amazing wildlife, and so much more during your visit.

It’s a place you can hang out on the beach, kayak the waters, take a ferry to a super remote island, or get a history lesson from knowledgeable guides. You can spend a long time exploring down here, so plan your trip ahead of time and be sure to take your time, too.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby:

Pensacola Beach RV Resort Pensacola North RV Resort Gulf Islands National Seashore/Davis Bayou Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore – California

Image by Jordan McQueen from Unsplash

Point Reyes National Seashore in California is another place you simply have to see to believe its beauty. It’s a popular Northern California tourist destination, but don’t let that keep you from visiting. The place is worth the trip and the photos are too, even if there are other people around.

The seashore is located approximately 30 miles from San Francisco, so you can also spend time in one of the most impressive cities in all of California. There are a few RV resorts near San Francisco, so you should be able to find a good spot to check out Point Reyes National Seashore, its lighthouse, and explore the programs offered around the area.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby:

Olema Campground Novato RV Park San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA

Cape Cod National Seashore – Massachusetts

Image: Shutterstock

The name Cape Cod brings up ideas of lighthouses, boating, swimming, and so much more. The Cape Cod National Seashore is home to so many wonderful Atlantic surprises. The seashore features a 40-mile long beach, and many areas of this seashore are famous for various reasons, including Coast Guard Beach. Coast Guard Beach is a swimming area favored by locals and was once a place Henry David Thoreau spent a lot of time.

The lighthouses are also great places to visit. There are dunes as well, plus 11 different nature trails, and over 1,000 shipwrecks you can view here. It’s a place that has a rich American history, and you should make a point to take in all that you can during your visit.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby:

Maurice’s Campground Atlantic Oaks Shady Knoll Campground

Assateague Island National Seashore – Maryland and Virginia

Image by JeninVA from Getty

Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia is one of those places on most people’s bucket lists. Why? It’s one of the best places to see wild horses. This 37-mile-long barrier island stretches all the way from Ocean City, Maryland to the northern portion of Virginia.

Horses aren’t the only thing you can see here though. You can spend plenty of time riding a bicycle or boating. The wildlife is wonderful to watch in their natural surroundings, and the beaches are beautiful and extremely peaceful. There’s a rich and long history to learn about while you’re here, too. It’s one of those places that reminds you how diverse and amazing the United States really is.

Good Sam Campgrounds Nearby:

Frontier Town RV Resort & Campground Castaways RV Resort & Campground Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Chincoteague Island

Regardless of where you end up, there are plenty of views to soak in. If you’re having trouble choosing just one location to visit, why not plan a road trip to see them all? Long walks on the beach never cease to bring people together and that goes for RV enthusiasts as well. Grab the hand of your favorite person and kick off your shoes, those memories (and footprints in the sand) aren’t going to make themselves.

What national seashores have you been to? What would you add to this list? Leave a comment below.