The U.S. claims a whopping 95,471 miles of shoreline. That means there are an extraordinary number of beaches, bays, coves, and sounds for travelers to discover, from Alaska and Hawaii to the West Coast, Great Lakes, and New England. While it’s no secret that coastal states like California and Florida are famous for their beaches, there are many other secluded stretches of sand that fly under the radar. Discover six of America’s coolest secret beaches.

Wildcat Beach – California

Visiting Wildcat Beach requires an 11-mile round-trip hike, but the reward is a stunning, sparsely populated coast backed by towering bluffs. Wildcat Beach is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin Country, just north of San Francisco. Multiple trails provide access to the beach through the Phillip Burton Wilderness, but no matter which one you choose, make sure to plan your trek at low tide — at high tide the beach is almost entirely covered with water. 

Once you reach the beach, the only safe access point is through Wildcat Camp (which is also the only place to spend the night). Be sure to walk to the south end of the beach to check out Alamere Falls, a waterfall that spills out of the cliffs and directly onto the sands. Adhering to the theme of unspoiled nature, there are no bathrooms, cafes, lifeguards, or other amenities at Wildcat Beach, so plan accordingly. 

Hole in the Wall Beach – Washington

Located in Olympic National Park, Hole in the Wall Beach is a small part of Washington’s breathtaking 3,000-mile coastline. The name is less of a reference to the beach’s size and more a literal nod to one of its standout physical features: a natural rock formation on the sand, with a large ocean-carved archway in its center that allows visitors to pass through and explore the other side of the beach. 

The “hole” is what put this beach on the map, but still, it’s hardly crowded. That’s because accessing the beach requires a 3.3-mile out-and-back hike from the parking lot of Rialto Beach. If you decide to make the trek,  you’ll notice plenty of other examples of how water, waves, and erosion have shaped this stunning stretch of shoreline. It’s best to visit at low tide to discover more of the beach; checking the tide charts and planning when you’ll start your trek is recommended.

Sandbridge Beach – Virginia

If you don’t fancy a hike or a hard-to-reach beach, then Sandbridge Beach in Virginia Beach is the beach for you. The small coastal community of Sandbridge, located 15 miles south of the ever-popular Oceanfront District of Virginia Beach, beckons those who want to leave the crowds behind in favor of more secluded sandy shores. A simple restaurant and bathrooms complete the scarce amenities on the beach, which may be a contributing factor to its lack of visitors. Since Sandbridge Beach is connected to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to the south, you could easily combine a visit with kayaking, hiking, biking, wildlife observation, and fishing.

Boneyard Beach – Florida

Don’t let the name deter you — Boneyard Beach is a beautiful stretch of rugged Atlantic shoreline located roughly 40 minutes northeast of Jacksonville. Part of Big Talbot Island State Park, this 3-mile-long beach is named after the copious amount of driftwood that protrudes like skeletons from the sand. 

The “bones” are a result of water movement and waves that create shifts in the sand beneath the island, toppling the trees closest to the water. The felled trees are washed and tumbled by the waves, before ultimately being washed back up onto the shore. The cycle continues as these pieces of driftwood serve as a protective barrier to the remaining trees and land, by subduing the force of wind and water that threaten to erode the coast. The wild and unique landscape of Boneyard Beach draws naturalists to its shore to photograph the unusual sight, but it’s sparsely populated with sunbathers.  

Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach – Michigan

Empire, Michigan, may be a tiny village of fewer than 400 people, but it’s home to the spectacular Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and several beautiful beaches. Perhaps the most striking of them is Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach, a serene shoreline that rises to 450 feet in a massive sand dune that towers over Lake Michigan. 

At the bottom of the dune, visitors can enjoy a sandy beach sandwiched between vibrant vegetation and lapping blue waves, and, from the top, panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forests. While this beach may no longer be the best-kept secret, if it’s solitude you’re after, consider visiting in the shoulder season, as the park is open year-round. The beach is reachable by several hiking trails, including Empire Bluff Trail, or Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. 

Lanikai Beach – Hawaii

With millions of visitors flocking to the island state every year, Hawaii is far from a secret beach destination. Despite tourists packing these small tropical islands to the brim, it’s still possible to find secluded beaches if you stray off the well-beaten path. Lanikai Beach is one of those rare finds. 

Tucked into an exclusive residential neighborhood on Oahu’s southeast shores, Lanikai is a welcome retreat from bustling (and world-famous) Waikiki Beach. The limited access to the sand and the noticeable absence of resorts and hotels built on the beach ensure Lanikai stays peaceful, clean, and relatively uncrowded. You won’t find bathrooms or restaurants here, but you can enjoy uninterrupted views of palms and lush jungle behind you, powdery white sand at your feet, and clear turquoise waters that stretch to the Mokulua Islands and far beyond. 

In 2023, a staggering 325.5 million recreational visits were recorded at the 400 national park sites spread throughout the United States and its territories. While some big hitters, such as Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Grand Canyon National Park, receive millions of tourists annually, other national parks welcome far fewer visitors. So, if you’re looking for magnificent landscapes and majestic wildlife with a little extra solitude, check out America’s 10 least-visited national parks.

10. Great Basin National Park – Nevada (143,265 Visitors)

The 77,000 acres that make up Nevada’s Great Basin National Park are marked by extreme contrasts. Visitors can wander through ancient caves and bristlecone pine forests or hike alongside alpine lakes or 13,063-foot-tall Wheeler Peak, the second-highest mountain in Nevada. 

Schedule a guided tour of Lehman Caves to see 300 shield formations and mesmerizing speleothem mineral deposits, or check out the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Trails, which range from easy walks to high-altitude climbs. This area of the park also has some of the best wildflower viewing. Since 2016, the park has been a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it prime for observing meteor showers and the Milky Way. If you visit for stargazing, be sure to visit the Astronomy Amphitheater, located near Lehman Caves. 

9. Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida (84,285 Visitors)

Reachable only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas National Park consists of seven keys, located about 70 miles west of Key West and surrounded by the wildlife-rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkelers and scuba divers can spot brightly colored sea creatures around the Windjammer shipwreck and Little Africa Patch. Besides the wildlife found underwater, some 200 bird species pass through the park during the spring migration.

Garden Key, the biggest island, houses historic Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere. It was built in 1846 as a deepwater anchorage and later converted into a military prison; it is now open year-round to visitors.

8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve – Alaska (78,305 Visitors)

Stretching over 13.2 million acres — from the Gulf of Alaska to 18,008-foot-tall Mount St. Elias — Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve is one of the world’s largest national parks. It also shelters seven of America’s 20 tallest peaks. Much of the park is backcountry, but that doesn’t limit your opportunities to get out into nature. Summertime is ideal for backpacking, day hiking, and boating on glacial rivers, while winters are great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You’ll be sharing the wilderness with varied wildlife such as bald eagles, brown bears, and caribou. A trip to the nearby Kennecot ghost town is also a must to see the remains of a once-thriving mining camp.

7. North Cascades National Park – Washington (40,351 Visitors)

In northern Washington state, North Cascades National Park boasts the highest concentration of glaciers in the lower 48 — there are over 300 glaciers within park boundaries. In addition, more than 400 miles of trails make this a paradise for day hiking and multi-day treks. While the park is accessible year-round, the busiest season is from April to October. Stehekin, located on Lake Chelan, is a great base for expeditions, including short walks through lush forests and a challenging hike up McGregor Mountain. Those who prefer to explore via pedal power will find scenic cycling routes on the North Cascades Highway and Stehekin Valley Road.

6. Katmai National Park and Preserve – Alaska (33,763 Visitors)

Set on a peninsula south of Anchorage, Katmai National Park and Preserve ranks among the premier bear-spotting destinations in the United States. Around 2,200 brown bears inhabit the park, with many gathering at Brooks Camp (the most popular viewing spot) in the summer to feast on salmon. On a good day, a dominant male brown bear will eat up to 30 fish. 

Brooks Camp is also the starting point for the park’s most popular adventures. They include hiking up Dumpling Mountain, kayaking the 80-mile Savonoski Loop, and backpacking in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, the latter of which provides intimate encounters with ash-covered volcano slopes and glaciers.

5. Isle Royale National Park – Michigan (28,965 Visitors)

Isle Royale National Park is made up of a cluster of islands located in Lake Superior, close to the Canadian border. Cars are banned from the islands, so the only way in is by boat or seaplane from lake towns in Michigan and Minnesota. It’s also the only national park to fully close in the winter, which helps to explain its low annual visitation numbers.

Once here, visitors can explore a serene island wilderness via 165 miles of marked trails and  30 campgrounds for overnight stays. Favorite spots for uninterrupted island views include Grace Creek Overlook and Minong Ridge Overlook. Don’t miss the Greenstone Ridge Trail, a 40-mile backpacking route linking backcountry lakes and campgrounds on the main island.

4. Kobuk Valley National Park – Alaska (17,616 Visitors)

Life in Kobuk Valley National Park, located just north of the Arctic Circle, is centered around the Kobuk River, an ancient corridor for caribou migration. Humans have been coming to a riverside site called Onion Portage for over 9,000 years to hunt the caribou. Despite a lack of facilities, the park offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits — including boating on the Kobuk River, climbing the Baird Mountains, and hiking across the towering Kobuk River Sand Dunes. In addition to the emblematic caribou, the park welcomes more than 100 bird species from all seven continents. 

3. Lake Clark National Park and Preserve – Alaska (16,728 Visitors)

Occupying 4 million acres, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve is a land of active volcanoes, mystical mountains, remote lakes, and meandering coastlines. The Dena’ina Athabascan peoples have called this area home for thousands of years. 

Delve into their history at the Quk’ Taz’un (“The Sun Is Rising”) learning camp and walk in their ancestral footsteps on the Telaquana Route — a five-to-seven-day trip from Telaquana Lake to Kijik Village on Lake Clark that requires good map-reading and wayfinding skills. The park also features three designated Wild Rivers and two National Natural Landmark volcanoes, both of which rise over 10,000 feet. 

2. National Park of American Samoa – American Samoa (12,135 Visitors)

The only U.S. national park located south of the equator, the National Park of American Samoa occupies three islands — Tutuila, Ta’ū, and Ofu — in the South Pacific. This national park is actually closer to New Zealand than to the mainland United States. For those who do venture all the way here, the island chain beckons with enchanting coastlines, pristine coral reefs, rainforests, and volcanoes. 

You can also gain fascinating insights into the traditions of Polynesia’s oldest culture. Outdoor activities here include snorkeling at postcard-perfect Ofu Beach and hiking through a cloud forest to the summit of Lata Mountain. The Homestay Program is an excellent way to experience the life of the island villagers.

1. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve – Alaska (11,045 Visitors)

The only way to reach Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is by bush plane or an arduous hike, so it’s no surprise that it’s the least-visited national park in the country. There are no roads, no trails, no designated campsites, and no cellphone service in this 8.4 million-acre wilderness north of the Arctic Circle, so meticulous planning is key.

The reward? Six designated Wild Rivers to float down, multiday hikes amid the dramatic Arrigetch Peaks, and unmeasurable tranquility on the shores of Walker Lake. Those not quite up for the trekking challenges can also glimpse this natural wonder from the comfort of a flightseeing tour.

Since Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, 62 other national parks have joined the fray, in addition to hundreds of other sites managed by the National Park Service. And this list of protected areas is ever-growing, with eight locations being elevated to national park status in the 21st century alone. Today, many groups around the country are lobbying to bring a national park to their communities. One such effort has made significant progress in recent years, and it currently has bipartisan support in Congress — which may help make this particular national park dream a reality in the near future. Should this happen, one Southern U.S. state would be getting its first national park.

The History of Ocmulgee Mounds

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is located about 2 miles east of Macon in the central part of Georgia. The region’s history dates back far before Macon was established — in fact, this prehistoric site has been continually inhabited by humans for upwards of 17,000 years. Ancient peoples arrived here sometime before the year 9000 BCE to hunt large mammals, and many hunter-gatherer groups inhabited the Macon Plateau over the ensuing millennia. This includes the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, a group that was forced to relocate to Oklahoma in the 1800s. Today, the Ocmulgee Mounds are considered the ancestral home of the Muscogee Nation, making it especially significant among their descendants.

Archaeologists have uncovered many artifacts dating back thousands of years, such as pottery, arrowheads, and farming tools. The site’s namesake mounds were built sometime around the year 900 CE. These larger-than-life piles of moved earth were created by a group known as the Mississippians, who inhabited the region from around the year 800 until about 1600. The mounds were used for a variety of purposes, including for funerary sites and as a home for the village chief. 

Today, there are seven of these giant mounds located on park grounds. The largest is the 55-foot-tall Great Temple Mound, which boasts a base of 300 by 270 feet. The Funeral Mound, another impressive site, stands 25 feet high and contains 8-foot-deep pits beneath that were used for ceremonial burials.

Why Ocmulgee Mounds?

While there are many beautiful natural landscapes across Georgia worthy of preservation, it’s the natural beauty, as well as the cultural significance of the Ocmulgee Mounds, that make this site stand out above the rest. The National Park Service’s mission statement is to preserve the nation’s “natural and cultural resources… for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.” And if Ocmulgee Mounds is elevated to become a national park, it immediately puts this historically significant site on the radar of many more Americans.

In the words of Tracie Revis, the director of advocacy for this initiative, it’s important to “help make the park accessible so that the public can learn about the land’s 17,000 years of continuous human habitation.” Revis adds, “It’s beneficial for our people in Oklahoma… to be able to come back and enjoy this land and know that it’s protected.” 

Seth Clark, another individual involved in this lobbying effort, says that “the process of creating this park has been a real source of healing and reconciliation between the tribal and non-tribal communities.” Other Georgians are excited about the economic benefits that a national park would bring to Macon, including an expected sixfold increase in visitor numbers. 

Ongoing Efforts for National Park Status

The preservation efforts at Ocmulgee Mounds date back to 1936, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt set aside 678 acres of land as a national monument. But it wasn’t until 2019 that Ocmulgee Mounds became a national historical park. This current status affords the mounds less protection and funding than if they were a national park. The good news is that a Special Resource Study was recently conducted to determine if the mounds were worthy of becoming a national park, which is the first step toward achieving that goal.

Another boon for the project is the bipartisan support from both politicians and members of the community. Local political figures, as well as representatives from the Muscogee Nation, have worked in tandem to promote the idea of a national park for Ocmulgee Mounds. 

On May 1, 2024, legislation was formally introduced by Georgia’s congressional delegation to transform the Ocmulgee Mounds into a national park and preserve. This effort is currently led by Representative Sanford Bishop, Representative Austin Scott, and Senator Jon Ossoff. 

Should the bill be adopted, it would nearly double the 2,800-acre footprint of the current park and allow the secretary of the interior to acquire more private land within the proposed boundaries. Assuming these efforts are finally successful, Ocmulgee Mounds would become not only the first official national park in Georgia, but also the first national park site co-managed by a removed Indigenous tribe.

There are plenty of wide open spaces to explore in America’s national and state parks, but a handful of locations have become so popular that guests can only experience them by entering lottery systems. From the depths of the Grand Canyon to the highest peaks of Yosemite and Zion, park officials are working to preserve ecosystems and promote guest safety while allowing visitors to enjoy these truly fantastic sights. Here are seven of the most sought-after national and state park lotteries in the United States.

Staying at Phantom Ranch at Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

A handful of breathtaking hotels and campsites line the rim of the Grand Canyon, but did you know you can stay overnight on the canyon floor? The only below-the-rim lodging in this national park is Phantom Ranch, located at the bottom of the canyon next to Bright Angel Creek. Built in 1922, the lodge and cabins are only reachable by a mule ride, 7.5-mile hike, or river rafting excursion deep into the canyon. Nearly 5 million people visited the Grand Canyon in 2023, and with accommodations for only 90 people, it’s obvious why Phantom Ranch needs a lottery system. The lottery runs 14 months in advance, but if you missed your preferred time, there are occasional last-minute openings on the park’s website.

Bear Watching at McNeil River State Game Sanctuary – Alaska

The 200-square-mile McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, located on the Alaska Peninsula, is home to the world’s largest concentration of brown bears. That’s thanks to the sanctuary’s namesake McNeil River, which boasts all five species of Pacific salmon. As the fish swim upstream against the current, they get held up and become dinner for dozens of hungry bears (sometimes upwards of 70). 

To see them in action, you’ll have to fly in via charter plane, because there is no road access to the sanctuary. This is one of the most challenging park lotteries to win: Only 10 visitors per day are allowed at the camp during the season, which runs from June through August. For those lucky few, guided tours are provided daily to see the bears from just 60 feet away.

Hiking Angels Landing at Zion National Park – Utah

One of Zion’s most popular hiking trails has become a little too popular. Boasting panoramic views of one of America’s most famous national parks, hiking to Angels Landing is a strenuous yet rewarding experience. The 5.4-mile round trip features a series of 21 switchbacks (called “Walter’s Wiggles”) to gain elevation. Just before reaching the lookout, there is a 500-foot steep scramble with chains for stabilization. This is where many hikers decide to turn around and head home, but braving the climb is one of the top experiences in Zion. To reduce congestion on this trail, the National Park Service issues permits in seasonal and day-before lotteries. 

Firefly Viewing at Great Smoky Mountains or Congaree National Parks – Tennessee and South Carolina

Each spring, fireflies put on quite a show at national parks in the South. These bioluminescent beetles synchronize their flash patterns during their reproductive season, creating a dazzling display that lights up the night sky. Two of the best places to witness this phenomenon in late May and early June are at the Elkmont Campground at Great Smoky Mountains National Park (in Gatlinburg, Tennessee) and the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at Congaree National Park (in Hopkins, South Carolina). Both parks welcome thousands of visitors annually for the event, and there are lottery systems in place for parking permits.

Snowmobiling at Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming

Looking to see Yellowstone’s wild side from a unique vantage point? During part of the year, experienced snowmobile riders can request a permit to ride without a guide in Yellowstone’s spectacular backcountry. Most park roads are limited to snowmobile use between December and March, making it a perfect time to explore while the crowds are at their lowest. While not all park attractions are open in the winter, some facilities, guided tours, and even hotels (Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel) remain running. If summertime at Yellowstone sounds more your speed, backcountry camping permits are also available, with a special lottery for early access during peak season.

Exploring the Wave at Coyote Buttes – Arizona and Utah

Travelers to the Arizona-Utah border must win a lottery to access Coyote Buttes, which is most famous for a rock formation known as the Wave. One of the most sought-after hiking experiences in the Southwest, the Wave is located within the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. Passes are limited in order to preserve this unique rock formation. 

For those who experience the 6.4-mile hike, there are epic views of swirling sandstone, otherworldly arches, and bighorn sheep — but this journey requires navigation experience. The trail is largely unmarked, but permit holders are given maps and GPS coordinates. Because of this, many visitors book a tour with a local company after receiving their permit. Be sure to plan far ahead — only 64 passes are granted daily.

Hiking Half Dome Cables at Yosemite National Park – California

Only 225 people a day are granted access through a daily lottery to climb the final 400 feet of Yosemite’s famous Half Dome rock formation. Those lucky visitors have the unique experience of summiting Half Dome without climbing equipment, thanks to hiker-friendly cable holds anchored into the quartz rockface, which leads to a summit view of the Yosemite Valley from thousands of feet up. But summiting isn’t the only tricky part of this journey. The hike is at least 14 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 4,800 feet, and it takes most hikers a minimum of 10 hours. The season for climbing up these hallowed cables runs from the end of May until mid-October.