The shoreline of Cahuita National Park in Costa Rica

© Greg Basco/Minden Picture

The lazy days of summer have arrived. Longer days mean warmer sand

Today we’re hitting the beach in Costa Rica’s Cahuita National Park because, well, just take a look at this place. If the sun gets too intense, we might take a stroll into the park’s lowland wet forest where, if we’re lucky, we’ll see sloths, toucans, and howler and capuchin monkeys; or maybe we’ll encounter armadillos, coatis, iguanas, and tamanduas (anteaters). After that, we’ll take a dip in the Caribbean waters offshore to marvel at coral reefs, sea turtles, and hundreds of species of fish.But of course, it is still summer here in North America, and we have plenty of local options for a day at the beach. Thousands of miles of ocean and lake shoreline are waiting to be explored, including coastlines in 85 US national parks (the National Park Service started protecting our seashores and lakeshores in 1930). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates the US shoreline at 95,471 miles, with the Great Lakes delivering the most contiguous shores at 4,530 miles (more than the West or East Coasts). Granted, not every shoreline is sandy, but with nearly 100,000 miles of beach to choose from, we’re confident you’ll locate a suitable spot to lounge in your chaise this summer.