READ THIS NEXT: 8 State Parks That Are Even Better Than National Parks, Experts Say. Even though it’s one of the most remotely located and the second-least visited park in the entire system, it should come as no surprise that the National Park of American Samoa is home to spectacular stretches of coral sand beaches. Besides the stunning waterfronts spread across three islands, the park offers plenty of hiking that can provide even better views, as well as opportunities to learn about local Samoan culture. But if you’re planning on getting wet, you might want to pack some extra snorkel gear. According to the National Park Service (NPS), roughly 4,000 acres of the park are located underwater, where coral reefs are home to more than 900 species of fish. Florida is known worldwide for its warm climate and famous beaches. Not surprisingly, one of the state’s three national parks offers pristine patches of sand just a short ferry or plane ride away.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb “Dry Tortugas National Park is made up of seven islands sitting in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, 70 miles off the coast of Key West,” Erin Moreland, travel blogger at Super Simple Salty Life, tells Best Life. “With powder white sand, shady palm trees, and miles of ocean as far as you can see, the Dry Tortugas offers some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in the U.S. Whether you prefer snorkeling through the coral reefs, sunbathing on the soft sand, or swimming in the warm crystal clear waters, this national park should be on your beach travel list!” READ THIS NEXT: The 8 Best U.S. National Parks for People Over 65, Experts Say. Not all famous beaches in the national parks system are in tropical or subtropical climates. In fact, even the Midwest can lay claim to some of the most coveted coastline anywhere in the U.S. “Whether you’re going to hike the picturesque sand dunes, bird watch, or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the beaches of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect park for a quick getaway,” Brooke Bergen, a travel blogger and founder of Brooke in Boots, previously told Best Life. “It’s also located between Michigan City and Gary, Indiana, making it less than an hour’s drive from Chicago.” No visit to Maui would be complete without taking in the island’s stunning natural beauty, and many outdoor enthusiasts head to Haleakalā National Park to do just that. Even though the park is known for its stunning volcanic craters and challenging hikes, many of its trails can also lead past the craggy coast and some of the site’s hidden beaches. But while the stunning black sand is truly a sight to behold and good for strolling, you may want to hold off on diving into the waves: The NPS warns that “swimming is not recommended … due to a number of safety concerns.” For more travel advice delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. When it comes to white sandy beaches, few people need to be reminded the U.S. Virgin Islands are home to some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful coastlines in the world. However, many may not realize that two-thirds of the island of St. John is designated as a national park, making its white sand locales feel worlds away from the overdeveloped and heavily touristed beaches found elsewhere in the Caribbean. Whether you’re spotting sea turtles in Maho Bay, snorkeling among the reefs in Trunk Bay, or relaxing in the sand on Cinnamon Bay, the park provides a unique experience for visitors looking to learn more about the tropical and maritime ecosystem—or simply to kick back.
