MAINE
Cobscook Bay State Park in Edmunds Township (207-726-4412). If you're looking for a seaside adventure, pack your clam rake and head to this 888-acre stretch of undeveloped Maine coastline. The bay takes its name from the Native American word for boiling tide, and the tidal currents here ebb and flow wildly, creating rolling waters, tidal pools and prolific clam flats. It's one of the few places in the state where you can clam without a permit. 
Kids will be spellbound by the playful seals in the bay and the knobby-kneed moose that roam the woods. Pitch a tent at an oceanside campground, but remember to bundle up for the Maine summer nights.
WASHINGTON
Fort Canby State Park in Ilwaco (360-642-3078). This park's bluffs offer the best view of the Graveyard of the Pacific, a churning area where the Columbia River meets the ocean. At this notorious shipwreck site, visitors can explore the North Head and Cape D lighthouses, among the oldest on the West Coast. Cool off on Long Beach Peninsula, where you can collect driftwood, play in the chilly surf or camp overnight.
MASSACHUSETTS
Nickerson State Park in East Brewster (508-896-3491). At this 1,900-acre park on Cape Cod's elbow, you'll find saltwater tidal flats, coastal dunes and kettle ponds, formed by glaciers. Hikers and bikers are likely to catch a glimpse of the Cape's resident turtles, salamanders and great blue herons. Campfire events and a kids' program also make this a favorite place for families to return to each year.
NORTH CAROLINA
Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head (252-441-7132). Amble up the East Coast's tallest sand dune for a view that won't quit (a great perch for watching the hang gliders show off). If the thought of having sand in your shoes is troubling, there's a 360 foot boardwalk for those who wish to stay out of the sand. A nightly talk reveals more about how the dunes were formed, as do the day hikes for kids. The 450-acre park has no overnight facilities, but campers can head to nearby private and national park campsites.
CONNECTICUT
Hammonasset State Park in Madison (203-245-2785). Set on Long Island Sound, Connecticut's largest public beach park features a relaxing 2-mile stretch of sand and swimming. Climb out on the rock jetties to fish, stroll down the dune boardwalk or take a spin on the bike path. Not to be missed: Campground Bingo Nights, where the admission price is a returnable can.
RHODE ISLAND
East Beach State Park in Charlestown (401-789-8585). Catch a snootful of salt air at this 3.5-mile beach park, perfect for building sand castles or just kicking back and watching windsurfers' antics. Be sure to get there early; the 100-car parking lot ($3 to $14 parking fee) fills up fast in the summer.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in June 1996. Updated April 2004.
