Ralph Custodio Looking for a coastal getaway? The National Park System has 88 ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes parks. They offer a particularly special array of natural and cultural resources. Coastal landscapes have shaped civilizations since the first peoples arrived in North America over 10,000 years ago. Humans have cherished oceans and coasts for:
Wind, waves, and tides shape coastal landscapes. These factors create dynamic ecosystems along coastlines. These ecosystems provide habitat for many animal and plant communities, creating an abundance of biodiversity and biomass. Protecting these rich coastal ecosystems helps build resilience to climate change. The ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes parks offer a wide range of opportunities to engage, recreate, and learn. So, whatever your interests may be, each region has something for you! The 33 parks on the Atlantic Coast span nine states ranging from urban areas to wilderness. Learn about the foundations of American history by visiting significant National Monuments. Discover the beauty of salt marshes, barrier islands, maritime forests, beaches, and more. The 10 parks in Alaska offer rugged and wild coastal landscapes. Find volcanoes, tidewater glaciers, and brown bears catching salmon. Listen to amazing stories of how humans have both sought solitude and built community in such an extreme climate. The six parks in the Caribbean span Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn about the earliest indigenous settlements in the central Caribbean and clashes with colonial European powers. Discover the rich biodiversity of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. The seven parks in the Great Lakes span five states. Experience our country’s largest lakes, picturesque dunes, and numerous islands. Learn about the history of the fur trade, the War of 1812, and maritime culture. The eight parks in the Gulf of America span four states. Learn about Spanish exploration in the 1500s and Cajun traditions. Explore beaches, islands, and swamps. And look out for the iconic American Alligator! The 15 parks on the Pacific Coast span three states ranging from urban areas to wilderness. Explore the splendid cliffside vistas, old-growth forests, and rich World War II history. Learn about the legacy of maritime culture on the Pacific Coast. The nine parks in the Pacific Islands span American Samoa, Guam, and Hawaii. Listen to stories of struggle and survival during Pacific campaigns of World War II. Appreciate the dances and artistry of indigenous peoples. And enjoy tropical beaches, volcanoes, coral reefs, and rich biodiversity. |
Last updated: December 11, 2025