America's National Seashores system was established in the 1930s to preserve the nation’s Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, and make them accessible to the public. The National Lakeshores system, centred around the Great Lakes, began in the 1960s. There are now 10 National Seashores and three National Lakeshores – all of them blessed with stunning natural beauty and fascinating historic sites. We’ve attempted to rank them – from beautiful to extremely beautiful.

Click through this gallery to discover which gorgeous stretch of shoreline we placed at number one…