Horseback Riding Trails With Coastal Views

Ever wondered what it feels like to ride a horse with the ocean stretching endlessly beside you? The rhythmic sound of hooves on sandy paths, the sea breeze on your face, and the sun slowly dipping into the water—there's something timeless and grounding about it.

If you’re someone who craves a break from the usual sightseeing routine, coastal horseback riding could be just what you need. It’s slow, scenic, and immersive. Here are seven horseback riding trails along the coast that blend adventure with unbeatable scenery.

Pismo Beach, California

California isn’t short on beaches, but Pismo Beach stands out if you’re after a ride by the sea. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, this stretch of the Central Coast feels untouched by time.

Outfitters here offer guided rides straight onto the sand. You can trot along the shoreline with the Pacific Ocean on one side and coastal bluffs on the other. It’s one of the few places in California where horseback riding is still allowed directly on the beach.

What makes it special: The horses are trained to handle everything from crashing waves to curious seagulls. The best time to go? Sunset rides. The orange and purple hues on the water are worth the wait.

Long Bay Beach, Jamaica

If your idea of a ride involves warm waters and tropical views, Long Bay Beach in Jamaica should be on your list. This is the kind of place where horses don’t just walk by the ocean—they splash into it.

The experience begins inland, passing through coconut groves and small fishing communities, before reaching the sand. The highlight comes later when your horse wades right into the Caribbean Sea. The water is shallow and warm, and yes, the horses seem to love it just as much as the riders.

What makes it special: Riding in the ocean is surreal. It’s not a gallop or a race. It’s more of a gentle float, except you're sitting on a horse.

Noosa North Shore, Queensland, Australia

This part of Australia combines white beaches with lush bushland. What you get is a ride that transitions from tree-shaded trails to open coastlines in just minutes.

Noosa North Shore feels remote, despite being relatively close to Brisbane. You take a short ferry ride to reach the area, and then it's just you, the horse, and the sea breeze.

What makes it special: It’s not crowded. The horses are calm, and the pace is relaxed. You can spot kangaroos in the dunes and even dolphins offshore if you’re lucky.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

If you’ve seen photos of Haystack Rock, you’ve already had a glimpse of Cannon Beach. It’s iconic. This part of the Oregon Coast is known for moody skies, wind-swept sand, and dramatic sea stacks.

Riding here feels cinematic. The beach is vast, so you're never too close to anyone. Rides are usually timed with the tides, giving you a smooth stretch of packed sand to follow. It's peaceful, and the horses seem to enjoy it as much as the riders do.

What makes it special: The Pacific Northwest energy is strong here. Think mist, calm wind, and that unmistakable Scent of salt and pine.

Pakiri Beach, New Zealand

Just 90 minutes north of Auckland, Pakiri Beach offers a unique experience. It's a long, untouched stretch of coastline backed by rolling hills and native bush. The rides here aren't rushed. You'll start inland, follow trails over grassy ridges, and eventually reach the open beach.

The horses are well-trained for both beginners and experienced riders. Some tours even include overnight stays in local lodges, making it a whole weekend experience.

What makes it special: It feels wild. The waves crash hard, the beach is vast and empty, and the only sounds are hooves and water.

Huasco, Chile

You may not find this one on most travel lists, but that’s what makes it worth exploring. Huasco is located in northern Chile, where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific Ocean. The combination of dry landscape and deep blue sea creates a striking contrast.

The rides here pass through cactus fields, ancient trails, and, finally, remote beaches. It's not as green as other locations, but the raw, rugged beauty is something else.

What makes it special: It’s off-the-beaten-path and deeply quiet. There are no crowds, no vendors, just open space and coastline.

Maremma, Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is more than vineyards and hill towns. The southern coastal region, known as Maremma, is renowned for its horse culture. You'll find a strong riding culture here, especially among the butteri—Italian cowboys who've worked these lands for generations.

Rides here take you along pine forests, wetlands, and finally to the sea. Some trails even cross the ancient ruins of Etruscan settlements.

What makes it special: It’s a cultural experience as much as a scenic one. You get history, nature, and coast—all on horseback.

Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

Ever heard of an island filled with wild horses? Sable Island is one of the most remote and mysterious spots in the North Atlantic. It’s a narrow, crescent-shaped island about 300 km southeast of Nova Scotia—and home to around 500 untamed horses that roam freely.

You can't ride the wild horses, but licensed tour companies offer guided rides with trained horses along the island's dunes and grassy plains. The beaches stretch for miles, completely untouched, with no roads or buildings in sight. You ride through wind-sculpted landscapes where seals rest near the shore, and seabirds circle above.

What makes it special: It feels like another planet. Riding here isn’t about speed—it’s about silence, space, and being surrounded by nature in its rawest form.

A Ride You’ll Remember

There’s something about the rhythm of a horse that slows things down—in a good way. Whether it’s on a misty beach in Oregon or a sun-soaked trail in the Caribbean, coastal horseback riding connects you with the land, the sea, and the moment you’re in.

You don't need to be an experienced rider. You need to be open to the idea of seeing the coast differently—one hoof at a time.