Alaska reportedly has the longest coastline in the US. It’s one of the most spectacular too. Visit Homer to take in this easy, 1.2-mile loop trail tracing the very edges of beautiful Beluga Slough. From Bishop’s Beach, you can get incredible views of both Beluga Lake and Kachemak Bay. Visit in spring and see migrating Sandhill cranes from California.
The dune grasses of the barrier island and national park known as Assateague Island, run into Maryland where two herds of wild ponies regularly graze. The longest and perhaps best hike is along the Service Road in Virginia. On this 7.5-mile hike, you’ll find the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, maritime forests, ponds, rugged dunes, salt marshes, and sugar-sand beaches as well.