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National Parks With the Absolute Best Beaches

Maybe your mind goes to epic hikes in Yosemite, paddling the coast of Acadia or camping out under the stars in Zion--but chances are you didn't think of relaxing on a beach.
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The Active Times

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When you think of national park getaways, what comes to mind?

Click Here to see the Complete List of National Parks with the Best Beaches

Maybe your mind goes to epic hikes in Yosemite, paddling the coast of Acadia or camping out under the stars in Zion--but chances are you didn't think of relaxing on a beach.

Yosemite National Park—California
Breathtaking waterfalls, giant sequoias and the notoriously beautiful Yosemite Valley are just a few of the picturesque draws in Yosemite National Park and although the park doesn’t extend to the Pacific Ocean, there are beaches you can visit too. When the summer temperatures spike, float on the Merced River and visit the two main beaches, Cathedral (pictured) and Sentinel, which offer sandy shores and unbelievable views.Photo Credit: ShutterstockClick Here to See The National Parks with the Best Beaches
Acadia National Park—Maine
This incredibly popular national park is best known for its dramatic rocky coastline, but there is, in fact, a stretch of sand in Acadia that gives way to the Atlantic Ocean. The aptly-named cove is called Sand Beach (pictured here) and it’s a popular spot in the summer despite chilly water temperatures. There are other spots to access water in the park, like Echo Lake Beach, which happens to offer warmer waters, but one of the best way to see the coastline is from the water—consider kayaking Acadia for some of the best views.Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Virgin Islands National Park—U.S. Virgin Islands
Travelers looking for the tropical beach vibe will be blown away by the pristine beauty of Virgin Islands National Park. Set directly east of Puerto Rico, the park covers roughly 60 percent of the island of Saint John and almost all of Hassel Island. It’s world-renowned for its protected land, beaches and waters—the SCUBA diving and hiking is hard to beat. Visit the iconic Trunk Bay beach (pictured) and Honeymoon Beach to experience paradise first-hand.Photo Credit: ShutterstockClick Here to See The National Parks with the Best Beaches
Olympic National Park—Washington
From snow-capped mountain peaks to sea stacks on the Pacific coast, the vast expanse of protected land known as Olympic National Park has a lot to offer visitors. One such treasure can be found along the 73 miles of coastline, in the form of beaches. With both easily accessible and far flung options, you can find the exact experience you’re looking for. Drive to Rialto Beach for an easy trip or explore some of the more remote options to the north. A three mile hike will take you to Shi Shi Beach (pictured) where you’ll find sea stacks and some of the most beautiful tide pools in the world.Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Haleakala National Park—Maui, Hawaii
Volcanoes are the main attraction at most of Hawaii’s national parks, but travelers can find an interesting “beach” in Haleakala. The park known as the “House of the Sun,” stretches along Maui’s coastline and features a beach of basalt stones and waterfalls. Oheo Gulch (pictured) draws travelers from all over, so be sure to visit early to avoid the crowClick Here to See The National Parks with the Best BeachesPhoto Credit: Shutterstock

Most people don't realize that many of our favorite national parks are home to pristine beaches. In fact, the 10 included on this list are just a small sampling of public lands with incredible waterfront property. We decided not to include the many picturesque national seashores and lakeshores in this list--and there are many throughout the country--we instead stuck to the national parks, which offer some unlikely gems and some classic beauties.

Whether it be oceanfront, lakefront or riverside, these parks offer up some of the best beaches in the country. From Acadia in Maine to Virgin Islands National Park in the Caribbean, these are the wild and breathtaking beaches located within our national parks.

Click Here to see the Original Story on The Active Times

- Diana Gerstacker, The Active Times

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