National Parks Traveler

A Half-Dozen National Seashores To Visit This Winter

 By Erika Zambello

When you think of the beach, do you think of winter? You should! Winter means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and different wildlife species out and about for viewing. Follow us through six national seashore sites to visit during the cooler months to plan your next adventure!

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida

Watch for plovers, and watch where you walk when you do, at Gulf Islands National Seashore/NPS

From the barrier island beaches to the bay and sound-front shorelines, Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida presents phenomenal birding opportunities. Unlike the summer, when the entire region is packed with tourists, winter is relatively calm. Waterfowl and seabirds migrate down to these water bodies, and you can spot Redheads, Common Loons, Horned Grebes, Buffleheads, and Double-crested Cormorants. Look for Snowy and Piping Plovers on the sand, as well as other small shorebirds like Willets, Sanderlings, and Dunlin.

More of an angler? In November and April – the beginning and end of the cooler season in North Florida – seek out Pompano running along the beach. They are delicious! November is also a great time to go after Bull Redfish.

Just want to walk? Do it! The temperature is comfortable and there are miles and miles of beaches to explore.

For more information: Exploring The Parks: Fort Pickens At Gulf Islands National Seashore

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina

Located on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras balances spectacular views with low winter population levels.

The Ocracoke Light is just one of three lighthouses at Cape Hatteras National Seashore/Kurt Repanshek file

Do you love lighthouses? This is the seashore for you. Check out the beautiful Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, built in 1870. A photographer’s dream, the 200-foot lighthouse looks like a giant barbershop pole. If the pandemic subsides, climbing will once again be possible in the lighthouse. Keep exploring and visit Bodie Island Lighthouse Station, as well as the Ocracoke Light Station.

You can drive on the beaches here, but it’s much better to walk. Take advantage of the surf to look for shells and beautiful stones amidst the sand.

For more information: Exploring And Camping On Ocracoke Island At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Note: This is North Carolina, so it very likely will be cold and breezy. Dress accordingly!

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Point Reyes has spectacular wildlife viewing year-round, but winter brings special opportunities for whale watching. These giant mammals migrate in the cool waters just offshore of Point Reyes, and visitors can hope to spot their large silhouettes or spouts from their blowholes from the lighthouse and Chimney Rock areas of the park. Peak migration of Gray Whales is in mid-January (when they’re heading south) and mid-March (when they’re heading north).

Northern elephant seals also love Point Reyes in the winter. These behemoths --bulls weighing as much as 5,000 pounds, and cows "only" between 1,200 and 2,000 pounds--  come ashore along the seashore's beaches from the South Beach parking lot on south to breed and pup. The Chimney Rock area is a good spot to spy them from.

Note: Because of the Gray Whales, winter is a bustling time for Point Reyes. You may have to catch a shuttle from the parking area, so plan accordingly.

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia

Jump on the ferry for a day trip or an overnight excursion on this barrier island off the coast of Georgia. Winter here means cooler temperatures and a break from biting insects.

Trails that stretch from one end of the island to the other are perfect for biking beneath the live oak trees and amidst the waving palmettos. For the walking-inclined, an expansive beach stretches out in a seemingly endless arc of white sand. 

Perhaps most unique to this seashore are the ruins of Dungeness Mansion, which may be flanked by the wild horses that live on the island. Originally built by Thomas and Lucy Carnegie in 1884, the structure burned in the 1950s, leaving haunting remnants today.

For more information: Cumberland Island National Seashore: Georgia’s Coastal Jewel

Fire Island National Seashore, New York

Okay, we won’t lie to you on this one. If you’re going to visit Fire Island in the winter, prepare for both cold and snow. This is New York, after all!

But you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean without the crowds from nearby New York City that throng here during the summer months. Look for seals, white-tailed deer, and the white and black plumage of Snowy Owls – one of the few owl species commonly spotted during the day.

Is the Fire Island Lighthouse open during the winter? Yes! Though the first lighthouse in this area was built in 1826, the one still standing was rebuilt in 1857-1858. Its red roof and black-and-white lighthouse tower are stunning against the bright blue winter skies.

Sandhill cranes flock to Padre Island National Seashore in winter/DOE

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Hardcore birders know Padre Island is definitely worth a winter visit. From November into early spring, the landscape along the Gulf of Mexico is visited by sandhill cranes. They're hard to miss, standing upwards of 4 feet tall, a wingspan over 6 feet, long, skinny legs and neck, and a forehead bright red and the cheeks are white. Look for them in wetlands and wet grasslands. 

Once you get your fill of cranes, look for northern harriers, roseate spoonbills, sparrows and waterfowl that winter here. Prepare for your visit by downloading a copy of the seashore's winter birding list.

For more information: National Parks Traveler Checklist: Padre Island National Seashore

Note: Fewer public facilities are open in the winter, so make sure you’re prepared. Due to Covid-19, some open hours may change – stay up to date before making a visit by visiting your favorite seashore's website.