America's 14 Amazing National Lakeshores and Seashores (PHOTOS)

Established in 1953,  Cape Hatteras was the first national seashore to be established in the United States in order to preserve the segments of unspoiled barrier islands along North Carolina's stretch of the Atlantic Coast. According to the National Park Service, these barrier islands are constantly being moved, shaped and molded by storms, ocean currents, sea level changes, wind and waves. The federally protected shoreline is also home to several threatened and endangered species, including the piping plover and the loggerhead sea turtle. 

(MORE: America's 59 National Parks)

Texas' Padre Island National Seashore is a summer nesting ground for the Kemp's ridley sea turtle. Most of the eggs found at Padre Island National Seashore are transported to the Padre Island National Seashore incubation facility, according to the National Park Service, and each year, visitors can attend 15-25 of the releases of hatchlings that emerge from eggs cared for at the facility. The releases are free and are held at the northen end of the National Seashore in the morning around 6:30 a.m. This protected shoreline is also a haven for 380 bird species.

Animal lovers should also be sure to visit Assateague Island National Seashore, famous for its wild horses. The horses are believed to be the descendants of domestic animals that turned wild, according to the National Park Service, and can be seen across the island and even lounging at the beach. 

Point Reyes Natioanl Seashore, California, also offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities. Nearly forty species of land mammals and at least a dozen species of marine mammals can be seen here. The National Seashore is home to one of the largest populations of tule elk, is a wonderful spot to view the migrations of the California gray whale, and provides a thriving breeding ground for the once nearly extinct elephant seal. Visitors can also commonly see gophers, turkey vultures, great blue herons, black-tailed deer and jackrabbits near the Bear Valley Visitor Center. 

If you are looking to escape the heat this summer, the seashores and lakeshores also offer numerous excellent swimming beaches. Cape Cod National Seashore is renown for Coast Guard beach, a favorite swimming spot of the American author and poet, Henry David Thoreau, who nicknamed it "The Great Beach." The Gulf Islands Natioanl Seashore also offers numerous swimming spots along its miles of shoreline and water access, including such prime beaches as Johnson Beach, Opal Beach and West Ship Island.  Another great place to swim in summer is at Cape Lookout National Seashore, where water temperatures can reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Be sure not to miss Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs. Located on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this is an excellent place to not only go swimming, but also to go camping, kayaking and boating. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy Apostle Island National Lakeshore, which is comprised of 21 islands that can be explored up close from the water in a boat, kayak or water taxi. In winter, visitors can even explore the sea caves when ice conditions are favorable. 

(MORE: Best Swimming Spot In Every State)

So whether you want to swim at the beach, camp overlooking the water or go wildlife watching, America's 14 national shorelines all make for excellent trips to add to your bucket list. Click on the slideshow above to see photos of these amazing destinations. 

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