In the course of researching our ‘Find Your Adventure’ series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, we’ve hit our share of island paradises. Not the least of which is the Gulf Islands National Seashore you’ll find featured in this month’s issue of MotorHome magazine.
Which frankly got us to thinking about all the other national seashores we haven’t had the chance to tell you about. So if it’s sun, sand and solitude you’re seeking, here are three great National Park Service properties to add to your next itinerary:
Assateague Island National Seashore
Roughly 37 miles long and a mile wide, this compact barrier island that stretches along the Maryland and Virginia coasts is known for its vast expanses of white sand beach. The star attraction here, though, are the two bands of wild horses (or “ponies” in local-speak) that call the island home.
Considered the longest stretch of undeveloped oceanfront along Florida’s east coast, this 25-mile-long barrier island is remarkable for its unspoiled beaches, dunes, marshes and lagoon where you can beachcomb, hike and paddle to your heart’s content. A chance to see the real Florida before the condos and T-shirt shops moved in.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Visiting the state of Georgia’s largest barrier island is a rare treat, considering the National Park Service restricts ferry access to 300 people a day. In addition to the expected beaches, dunes, marshes and freshwater lakes, the island is also known for a number of historic structures that were once home to the wealthy Carnegie family and the father of Robert E. Lee.
