U.S. national marine sanctuaries are federally designated marine protected areas that are often located in highly productive waters, which makes these sanctuaries important to a diverse, economically vital human user community and for biodiversity conservation. As a result, appropriate sanctuary management must balance conflicting goals. Fortunately, sanctuaries have been early adapters in marine planning. Marine planning is a transparent, ecosystem-based, science-driven decision making process developed with a high level of stakeholder and public involvement. As established marine planning practitioners, national marine sanctuaries can provide valuable case studies and insights.