Javascript is not enabled.

Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.

Skip to content

Free webinar May 9: How to spot and stop a scam. Sign up now.

Content starts here
CLOSE ×
Search
Popular Searches

Games

Car rental

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

Travel

Suggested Links
Help Show me my account info Change my Address How do I contact AARP? Where is my membership card? How do I get a digital card?
Red Membership Card

AARP MEMBERSHIP — $12 FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR AUTOMATIC RENEWAL

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

120x30-AARP-logo-red
Join
Renew
Enroll
Rejoin

AARP en Español

Join
Renew
Enroll
Rejoin
Leaving AARP.org Website

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Continue Cancel

Hop Aboard a Ferry to These Uncrowded National Seashores

Spot wildlife en route and experience tours of historic homes or forts

fire island
There’s a chance to spot wildlife as you travel by ferry to national seashores such as Fire Island.
Getty Images
By

Amy Brecount White,

 
AARP
Published March 22, 2024

You know about our national parks, but have you heard about the country’s 10 national seashores? A part of the National Park Service system, these areas preserve coastal areas — on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts — that have vital natural significance. In addition, they offer fun recreational options such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing and beachcombing. Many include ever-shifting barrier islands that help to protect the mainland from storms by absorbing the impact of waves, wind and storm surges. Most are sparsely inhabited and provide unspoiled habitat for species of the sea, land and air, including endangered birds and sea turtles.

To reach these six coastal gems, take a ferry to unwind and enjoy the waterfront view. “You have a chance to see wildlife the minute you leave the ferry departure point,” says Nate Toering, the chief of interpretation and education at Cape Lookout National Seashore. You might see birds such as osprey and terns, or spot dolphins.

Image Alt Attribute

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

Once on these seashores, you can stroll the often-uncrowded beaches and tour many historic lighthouses that helped to protect passing ships from danger. Several islands offer historic homes or forts to explore, and most allow camping, whether in campgrounds or backcountry. The park service’s park-specific apps may offer guided audio tours. Note: The ferries and tours mentioned have service contracts with the park service.

a ferry is taking people to an island
Three ferry services carry people to Fire Island National Seashore. Here, an eastward view from the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse tower.
Fire Island/National Park Service

Fire Island National Seashore, New York

Located about 50 miles east of New York City, Fire Island National Seashore encompasses a 26-mile section of this barrier island that’s also home to many small communities. A 30- to 45-minute ride on three different ferry services ($20-$34 round trip) will take you to separate parts of the island, depending on what you want to see. Park admission is free.

“Three hundred and thirty bird species can be found on Fire Island throughout the year,” including piping plovers, American oystercatchers and sanderlings, says Nick Clemons, chief of interpretation, education and volunteers. He also recommends visiting the Sunken Forest, a rare maritime forest with 300-year-old holly trees growing behind established dunes. Visitors can climb 182 steps at the historic 1858 lighthouse for views of the city skyline on a clear day. The park service recommends that ferry passengers take water taxis ($10-$30 per person) to visit different island areas.

a lighthouse
Ocracoke Island’s lighthouse is still operational as a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Ocracoke/National Park Service

Ocracoke Island, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

You can reach Ocracoke Island, most of which is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, on ferries run by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The Hatteras car ferry is free, takes 60 to 75 minutes, and is first come, first served. The Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferries ($30 per vehicle round trip, $6 per biker) take more than two hours and require reservations. In the summer, the Ocracoke Express passenger-only ferry ($15 per person round trip, $2 per biker) runs daily from Hatteras to historic Ocracoke village, which traces its roots to the early 1700s. From there take a free, 30-minute tram to tour this charming town of locally owned businesses or rent a bike or golf cart to explore.

In town, peek inside Ocracoke’s still operational 200-year-old lighthouse, which was vital to ships navigating this constantly shifting coastline known as the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” Beyond town, permits are required for off-road vehicles in the seashore; and surf fishing for red drum or spotted seatrout is popular along the beaches. Park entrance is free, and you can visit the Ocracoke ponies that are penned and cared for by the park service.

view of a beach along the ocean
Shelling for Scotch bonnets and whelk varieties is recommended at Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Getty Images

Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina

Located in the “crystal coast” of North Carolina, the barrier islands of this seashore and most others “almost move and breathe as living things over time,” says Toering with Cape Lookout. Take the 20- to 45-minute passenger ferry ($24-$55 per person) from Harkers Island or Beaufort for horse watching, beachcombing, fishing and camping. It’s free to access the seashore.

Travel

Holland America Line

Up to $200 onboard credit on select cruises

View Details
See All
See more Travel offers >

When you land at Shackleford Island, “there may literally be a welcoming party of horses either at the drop-off point or perhaps further down the beach,” says Toering, referring to the seashore’s “biggest draw.” He also recommends shelling for Scotch bonnets and whelk varieties, particularly after a storm. Designated as an international dark sky park, this seashore offers excellent stargazing and ranger-led nighttime programs. Although the 1859 Cape Lookout lighthouse is under renovation and not climbable, visitors can check out the original lightkeeper’s quarters and admire the tower in its undeveloped setting.

There are no concessions on the islands, only water from March to November, so bring your own drinks and food and carry out trash.

a forest
Maritime forests are evident on Cumberland Island National Seashore. Here, a tidal creek on the island.
Cumberland Park/National Park Service

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Take the 45-minute ferry ($40 round trip for adults, $38 round trip for those 62 and older; $20 per bike, fat tires recommended, reservations needed) to this historic and wildlife-rich island reachable only by boat. Purchase the entrance pass ($15 per person) at the ferry office and check out the museum there first. Guided tours showcase island highlights, including the 22,000-square-foot Plum Orchard mansion, once a Carnegie-family property; the historic First African Baptist Church in the African American settlement area; and the marshes and maritime forest.

The 2.5-mile round-trip hiking or biking excursion from the Sea Camp drop-off to the post-fire ruins of the 1884 Dungeness mansion is popular. Or explore the 17 miles of undeveloped beach to shell and watch for wildlife. There are no concessions on the island, only water and limited restrooms. Some tours match certain ferry arrival times. Rangers offer guided tours of some sites.

Fort Pickens Road is seen from atop Battery Langdon
Access the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore from Pensacola, Florida. Fort Pickens Road is seen from atop Battery Langdon.
Gulf Island/National Park Service

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Mississippi and Florida

Straddling Florida and Mississippi, these Gulf of Mexico barrier islands offer 160 miles of coast and miles of hiking and biking trails. From Pensacola, Florida, take the 45-minute Pensacola Bay City Ferry ($30 per pass for adults, $24 for seniors, bikes free) to the Fort Pickens area. Park service rangers offer interpretive tours at this 1834 fort, mainly on weekends. Visitors can explore 13 historic structures and a 7-mile multiuse trail, swim, fish from the fee-free pier or buy food there. The ferry also takes passengers to Pensacola Beach.

From Gulfport, Mississippi, take the one-hour ferry to Ship Island ($44 round trip, $42 for adults 65-plus) to enjoy undeveloped, wide beaches or explore Fort Massachusetts, a Civil War fort that offers living history demonstrations. The beach has lifeguards and food and drink options, along with umbrellas and chairs to rent.

Ranger Stephenie Wade recommends climbing both forts for beautiful views of the islands you don’t expect. Both destinations offer developed campgrounds, and keep your eyes out for plentiful wildlife, including dolphins, turtles, seabirds and alligators. Several seashore areas require a $15-per-person entrance fee.

a beach with waves crashing onshore
Padre Island is one of the few U.S. nesting sites for Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.
Padre Island/National Park Service

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Though you can drive to this 66-mile-long barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico, you can also take the free, 10-minute Port Aransas car ferry to Mustang Island and then drive to Padre Island to get into a maritime mood. Once you arrive at this “hidden treasure,” says Kelly Taylor, a ranger and public information officer, you can “really step back and you’re off the grid.” Unlike many others, this seashore allows camping on the beach, and the site has a rich cultural heritage as a former ranching site and a stop on Corpus Christi’s World War II American Heritage City Trail, as a former bombing practice ground for pilots. The seashore is one of the few U.S. nesting sites for endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. After gathering the eggs to care for them, as is the park’s tradition, the rangers publicly release hundreds of baby turtles four to seven times during the summer. Monitor social media for release updates.

“This is a birders’ paradise during the spring and fall,” Taylor says. Bird lovers might spot crested caracaras, pelicans and painted buntings. Don’t miss Laguna Madre, a rare hypersaline lagoon that draws birds and where fish, shrimp and crabs thrive. During the spring and fall, visitors might see migrating monarch butterflies and dragonflies, particularly in the coastal prairie habitat. The park gets hot in the summer, so rangers recommend the shoulder seasons. Admission is $10 for a one-day vehicle pass.

Amy Brecount White is a contributing writer who covers travel, gardening and human-interest stories. Her work has also appeared in National Geographic Traveler, TeaTime Magazine and The Washington Post.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Join AARP to Continue

Already a Member?

AARP Travel Center

Or Call: 1-800-675-4318

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid departing date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid departing date

Age of children:

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Flight 2

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 3

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 4

Enter a valid departing date

Flight 5

Enter a valid departing date

+ Add Another Flight

Enter a valid checking in date

Enter a valid checking out date

Occupants of Room 1:

Occupants of Room 2:

Occupants of Room 3:

Occupants of Room 4:

Occupants of Room 5:

Occupants of Room 6:

Occupants of Room 7:

Occupants of Room 8:

Enter a valid departing date

Enter a valid returning date

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 1:

There are children in room 1 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age for room 1

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 2:

There are children in room 2 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 2

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 3:

There are children in room 3 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 3

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 4:

There are children in room 4 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 4

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Occupants of Room 5:

There are children in room 5 without an adult

You didn't specify child's age in room 5

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Age of children:

You didn't specify child's age

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

You have more than 6 people total

Please select a trip duration less than 28 days

There must be at least 1 traveler (age 12+) for each infant in a lap

Enter a valid start date

Enter a valid drop off date

Select a valid to location

Select a month

Enter a valid from date

Enter a valid to date

AARP Value & Member Benefits

  • large cruise ship in cold weather with snow cap mountains in the background
    MEMBERS ONLY
    Cruises

    Hurtigruten Expeditions

    5% off cruise fares and a €100 per person onboard credit

    Learn More
    See more Cruises offers >
  • Couple tent mountainside eating
    Travel

    AARP Vacation Ideas

    Ideas for every type of trip – from cruises to road trips

    Learn More
    See more Travel offers >
  • man driving and woman in passenger seat of convertible car smiling on cloudy day
    MEMBERS ONLY
    Travel

    AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Car Rentals

    Up to 30% off select car rentals

    Learn More
    See more Travel offers >
  • couple on couch looking at tablet
    Health & Wellness

    AARP® Staying Sharp®

    Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

    Learn More
    See more Health & Wellness offers >