What are the Best Beaches in America?

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What’s the Definition of the Beach? And What are the Best Beaches in America?

Just say the word, beach, out loud. Most of us take a deep relaxing breath. Almost immediately, we feel calmer. Though each of us might have a different scene playing in our minds, everyone has some memory or dream of the beach.

A beach is an area of land composed of sand and other sediment located at the water’s edge. The best beaches in America are:

Assateague Island National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore
Cape Cod National Seashore
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Fire Island National Seashore
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore

A beach is a strip of enjoyment between the water and daily life. In America, there are thousands of beaches that fit that definition. The best beaches in America are those that are protected for future generations and are part of the national seashore.

Get ready for a tour of America’s national seashore. Continue reading for a refreshing step into the beach life and ideas of sands to explore.

What Is a Beach?

There are geographic terms associated with defining beaches. Beaches are a landform that are created by weathering and erosion. Wind, waves, and water work together producing sediment, which is deposited along the water’s edge. Materials that compose the beach are a mixture of shells, sand, pebbles, and other materials.

Beaches are a strip of land next to different waterways. They can be found on lakes, rivers, seas, and the ocean. The shape of the beach is caused by the waves. Beaches continually change because of tides, weather, and man-made events. In different seasons, beaches alter their shapes due to storm tides.

In addition to being a landform, beaches provide a way of life and attitude toward life. The combination of fresh air, energy from the waves, and the relaxation of walking barefoot in the sand join to affect a carefree lifestyle. A plethora of activities abounds at and on the beach.

What Is the National Seashore?

The National Park Service has ten different locations that have been designed as part of the national seashore. Selected to preserve incredible and diverse shorelines, these ten locations represent areas of the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf coast. The National Park Service works to balance protecting these locations with allowing access to them.

Cape Hatteras in North Carolina was the first location selected in 1953. In 1975, Canaveral in Florida was the last location to be designated as part of the national seashore. Each location offers incredible beaches, wildlife, fishing, and open space for all to enjoy.

Assateague Island National Seashore

37 miles of beautiful sandy beaches are shared by Maryland and Virginia. Located near many major cities, Assateague Island offers a respite from hectic city life. Not all its beaches are accessible by paved roads. Sun worshippers will be rewarded after a hike to some of its outer beaches.

A unique aspect of this location is the wild horses that wander about the island. They generously share their world with human visitors. Assateague Island’s vegetation makes it an integral part of connecting the migration path of many animals and birds.

Canaveral National Seashore

This latest addition to the grouping of America’s National Seashore, Canaveral contains 24 miles of beach and 58,000 acres of protected land. Beaches are easily accessible for sunbathing, swimming, and numerous water sports.

Distinctive aspects of this seashore include its proximity to Kennedy Space Center. Watching a rocket soar into space from this beach is an awe-inspiring experience. A historical aspect of this location is the remains of ancient Timucua burial mounds. This beach offers a glimpse into the past and projections into the future.

Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore combines the iconic images of New England. Cranberry bogs and lighthouses can be found in these 40 miles of fifteen different beaches. Many of the beaches look the same as when visited by Henry David Thoreau, and they still provide an escape to nature today.

Swimming, surfing, and sunbathing are enjoyed by thousands on these beaches. The incredible coastal bluffs, saltwater ponds, and marshes provide a mix of untamed and tamed waterways. This location provided the means for Guglielmo Marconi to send the first wireless transatlantic radio message.

Looking to get into more hobbies at the beach? Why not try beach yoga.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Located as part of the well-known family vacation area of the Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras protects over 30,000 acres. Dunes, lighthouses, surf fishing, and spectacular beaches welcome its many visitors. Plants and animal life flourish along this 70 stretch of the Atlantic.

Known for its dangerous currents and storms, the area is often referred to as the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Shipwrecks offer an exciting scuba experience for divers. Blackbeard the pirate, American Civil War battlegrounds, and German U-boats are just a few of the additional features for history buffs.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Also located in North Carolina, Cape Lookout provides beachgoers with 56 miles of fabulous beaches in the southern part of the Outer Banks. Included within this protected habitat are three undeveloped barrier islands. This locale provides areas of solitude for those who enjoy the quiet days on a beach since parts of the area are only accessible by boat.

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Only accessible by a boat or a ferry, Cumberland Island National Seashore offers an experience of beaches from long ago. Over 17 miles of pristine beaches is a perfect spot for surf fishing, kayaking, and sharing the island with wild horses. Sea and land animals flourish in the 36,000 acres of protected land. Historic villages wrap up this beach experience.

Fire Island National Seashore

Once you have arrived on Fire Island, it will be hard to imagine that Manhattan is only an hour away. Sunning, swimming, and experiencing nature draw thousands to these well-known beaches. Since there are only two bridges connecting the island to the mainland, Fire Island offers seclusion and solitude within many of its communities.

Lighthouses and the historic estate of Willim Floyd are other attractions to the island. Floyd was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. A tour of his estate is available after a morning in the sun.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Barrier islands of Mississippi and Florida, Gulf Islands is the largest of all the national seashores with over 137,000 protected acres. This grouping of islands offers beachgoers the quintessential white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Its location puts it in the path of hurricanes, so it is an area that is continually reformed.

For beach-lovers who also enjoy water sports, Gulf Islands is a perfect locale. Scuba diving, swimming, kayaking, and fishing are available for all to enjoy. Nature lovers can explore numerous trails and view a vast array of wildlife. Forts from the War of 1812 and the Civil War balance the option of activities.

Padre Island National Seashore

With the longest protected coastline in the world, Padre Island National Seashore has beaches, birds, turtles, and more. With the Gulf shore and lagoon side of the island, there are water activities for all. Windsurfing, kayaking, surf fishing, swimming, sunning, or a combination of all make this a preferred vacationing location for many.

For nature lovers, over 380 species of birds have been identified on the island. Different species of sea turtles are provided protected nesting areas as well. Shipwrecks from the days of the Spanish explorers offer scuba divers a glimpse into history.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Situated in California, Point Reyes National Seashore is north of San Francisco. Its location does not make it desirable for swimming because of powerful tides, but the cliffs and beaches are some of the most scenic. Whale watchers are treated to incredible scenes. This national seashore also encompasses ongoing agricultural uses.