Grayton Beach State Park features consistently ranked among America’s most beautiful beaches with sugar-white sand and emerald green water. The park is unique for its rare coastal dune lakes, a natural phenomenon found in few places worldwide where freshwater lakes intermittently connect with the Gulf of Mexico. A 4.5-mile hiking trail winds through a coastal […]
Beaches for Hiking
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park preserves 6,000 feet of pristine shoreline and natural coastal scrub ecosystem in the otherwise heavily developed Destin area. The beach features brilliant white quartz sand and emerald-green waters characteristic of the Emerald Coast. A nature trail winds through ancient dunes, some over 30 feet tall, providing habitat for wildlife including migratory […]
Blackbeard Island Beach
Part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, this barrier island features diverse habitats including pristine beaches. Accessible only by boat, offering primitive camping, hiking trails, and excellent fishing opportunities. Important nesting area for loggerhead turtles.
Cumberland Island
Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, accessible only by ferry. Features 17 miles of undeveloped beaches, wild horses, maritime forests, and historic ruins including Dungeness mansion. Perfect for nature lovers seeking untouched coastal wilderness.
Frisco Beach
Remote beach area on Hatteras Island with less development and more natural surroundings. Features 4×4 beach driving areas, Frisco Native American Museum, and Frisco Campground. Known for good surfing conditions.
Westmoreland State Park Beach
Located on the Potomac River with a small sandy beach area below cliffs known for fossil hunting (especially prehistoric shark teeth). Features hiking trails, camping facilities, and scenic views. Entry fee required with cabin rentals available.
Kiptopeke State Park Beach
Eastern Shore park on Chesapeake Bay featuring a beach area, unique concrete ship breakwater, and excellent fishing opportunities. Offers camping, cabins, hiking trails, and boat ramp. Entry fee required with bird migration observatory.
Grandview Nature Preserve
Protected natural area featuring 2.5 miles of undeveloped Chesapeake Bay beachfront, salt marshes, and maritime forest. Limited facilities with focus on conservation and natural experience. Free access with 1-mile walk from parking area to beach.
False Cape State Park
Remote undeveloped beach between Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the North Carolina border. Accessible only by foot, bicycle, beach transport, or boat. Features primitive camping, 6 miles of beaches, and diverse habitats. Entry fee required.
First Landing State Park Beach
Virginia’s most visited state park where English colonists first landed in 1607. Features 1.5 miles of beachfront on Chesapeake Bay, 20 miles of hiking trails, and diverse coastal habitats. Entry fee required with campground and cabin rentals available.