About Going Coastal
What is Going Coastal?
Going Coastal is a nonprofit publishing and educational organization dedicated to helping people discover, understand, and protect America’s urban coasts. We create books, maps, travel guides, historical research, educational resources, and digital tools that connect people with the places where land meets water.
Our belief is simple:
People protect what they know.
What makes Going Coastal different?
Most conservation organizations focus on protecting wildlife or restoring habitat.
Most travel publishers focus on where to vacation.
Going Coastal bridges both worlds.
We combine history, geography, ecology, literature, cartography, technology, and storytelling to help people understand their local waterfronts—not simply visit them.
Is Going Coastal a nonprofit?
Yes.
Going Coastal, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law and directly support our educational publishing, mapping, research, and community programs.
Our Work
What does Going Coastal do?
Our work includes:
- Publishing guidebooks and maritime history books
- Creating maps for paddlers, walkers, cyclists, and boaters
- Preserving historic waterfront knowledge
- Developing educational resources
- Supporting coastal stewardship
- Promoting safe public access to waterways
- Building digital resources through Coastal Commons
What is Coastal Commons?
Coastal Commons is our digital publishing platform where readers can discover articles, research, maps, ideas, and conversations about coastal communities, maritime history, travel, technology, conservation, and culture.
What kinds of books do you publish?
We publish books covering:
- Urban waterfront travel
- Maritime history
- Coastal ecology
- Walking and cycling guides
- Public-domain maritime classics
- Regional travel
- Literary works inspired by the sea
What cities do you cover?
Our work began in New York City but continues to expand.
Current and developing coverage includes:
- New York City
- Boston
- New England
- Atlantic Coast destinations
- Italy
- Historic waterfront communities
- Urban Waterfronts
Visiting the Coast
Are your guides only for boaters?
Not at all.
Most of our guides are designed for everyone, including:
- Walkers
- Cyclists
- Families
- History lovers
- Beachgoers
- Kayakers
- Sailors
- Nature enthusiasts
- Travelers
Can I use your maps on my phone?
Many of our resources are available digitally, and we continue to expand mobile-friendly maps and interactive guides.
Are your resources free?
Many articles, maps, educational materials, and blog posts are freely available.
Some books, specialty guides, and printed publications are sold to help support our nonprofit mission.
Membership & Community
How much does membership cost?
Membership is free.
Joining helps you stay informed about new guides, articles, events, volunteer opportunities, and member benefits.
How can I support Going Coastal?
There are many ways:
- Make a donation
- Become a member
- Purchase books & merchandise
- Share our articles
- Volunteer
- Submit guest articles
- Follow us on social media
Every contribution helps expand coastal education and public access.
Where can I shop for Going Coastal books and merchandise?
Going Coastal offers two ways to shop while supporting our nonprofit mission.
Our eBay Store features a changing selection of books, maps, educational materials, maritime history titles, vintage collectibles, and other unique items. Inventory is updated regularly, so each visit may uncover something new.
Our Going Coastal Merchandise Shop offers branded apparel, drinkware, tote bags, stickers, and other merchandise featuring Going Coastal artwork and logos. It’s a great way to show your support while helping spread awareness of our mission.
Every purchase—whether from our eBay Store or our online merchandise shop—helps fund educational publishing, historical research, digital mapping, community outreach, and coastal stewardship initiatives.
Whether you’re looking for a guidebook to plan your next adventure, a unique maritime gift, or Going Coastal apparel, your purchase directly supports our work to connect people with America’s coasts, waterways, and maritime heritage.
Can I volunteer?
Yes.
We’re always interested in volunteers with interests in:
- Writing
- Photography
- Mapping
- History
- Environmental education
- GIS
- Graphic design
- Research
- Community outreach
Can I write for Going Coastal?
Absolutely.
We welcome well-researched articles, travel stories, historical essays, photography, and other content that helps readers better understand coastal communities. Submission information is available through our Contact page.
Donations
Where does my donation go?
Your support helps fund:
- Educational publications
- Historical research
- Digital mapping
- Community outreach
- Website resources
- Coastal literacy programs
- New guidebooks
- Public education initiatives
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes.
Going Coastal is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Partnerships
Do you work with schools, museums, and nonprofits?
Yes.
We actively collaborate with educational institutions, community organizations, museums, libraries, government agencies, and environmental partners on projects that advance coastal literacy and public engagement.
Can businesses partner with Going Coastal?
Yes.
Businesses can support our mission through sponsorships, educational partnerships, employee volunteer programs, and collaborative projects aligned with conservation, history, travel, or outdoor recreation.
Contact
How can I get in touch?
Use our Contact page to ask questions, suggest projects, submit ideas, or inquire about partnerships, speaking engagements, publications, or volunteer opportunities.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t find the answer you were looking for, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help and may even add your question to this page so others can benefit from the answer.