The Best Beaches for Horseback Riding in the U.S.

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Riding along a sandy beach and watching the waves dance ashore is a bucket list item that many have. Horseback riding along a beach is very popular and highly sought-after vacation must. Why? There is something magical about a horse on the beach. Perhaps it’s because many people love horses and many people love the beach – so you combine the two for an experience you won’t soon forget. For many, riding on a beach is special – maybe because they don’t live near the beach or maybe because they don’t own a horse. Luckily, there are some fantastic places to make this dream come true!  Here are some of the best beaches for horseback riding in the U.S.- listed in no particular order.

Grayscale Photography of Couple Riding on Horse With Body of Water and Sky As Background

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The travel section of The Phoenix Filly blog is focused on horse holidays around the globe. Ride along a beach, discover Africa by horseback or stay at a French Chateau and explore the countryside. The possibilities for horse holidays are endless! We hope you enjoy a touch of whimsy today by reading travel opportunities that are available and that are all related to the beloved equine.

Willamette Coast Ride –

The coast of Oregon has some stunning scenery. Cliff-lined waters make for some beautiful scenery – combine that with horseback riding and you have yourself one special experience. This is a more advanced ride and to go on it, you must be able to canter. You can canter down some of the beaches stretches on this trip! This is a WEEK of breathtaking scenery, fantastic food, and beautiful Oregon outdoors. Traverse through the forest, on beaches, through creeks, and valleys. Sample some wine, stay in overnight accommodations along the way and experience a ride you’ll never forget along one of the best beaches for horseback riding!

Turtle Bay, Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands are legendary as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Combine that with a horseback ride and your trip is a dream come true.  The Turtle Bay Resort on the island of Oahu is located on the North Shore and offers horseback rides. Combine your horseback ride with the exciting events Oahu has to offer you have yourself a complete vacation package. This ride offers one of the best beach rides in the U.S. Experience a ride during sunset for breathtaking scenery and a magical moment that will last a lifetime.

People Riding Horses on BeachSurfside Beach, Texas

In Texas, you can bring your own horse to Surfside Beach and ride along the waves or you can check out Beach Bum Horse Rides. Summer hours include either morning or evening beach rides for the comfort of both horse and rider, and you can ride their horses with a guide for up to an hour. Hold hands with your significant other for a romantic ride as the waves wash upon the shore on one of the best beaches for horseback riding in the States.  Beautiful scenery, great horses and a good time can all be found at Surfside Beach.

Hatteras, North Carolina

Experienced or not, horseback riders can experience another noteworthy beach ride along the shores of Hatteras Island off the coast of North Carolina. Equine Adventures offers one of the best beaches to horseback ride on!  These beach rides last about two hours. There are a couple of times to choose from each day. This ride is a treat because the trail takes you through the forest and then on to the sandy beach shores. Guides can tailor the rides and speeds to more or less experienced riders so cantering along the beach is an option! Have your camera ready for one of the best beaches in the U.S. to horseback ride on!



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Oceano, California

Pacific Dunes Ranch and RV Resort is the ultimate stop/retreat for a beach horseback ride.  Not only do they offer rides on their horse, but they have excellent amenities and overnight boarding and a round pen if you want to bring your own horses and camp! Campsites have full hookups plus an arena and lots of beautiful beach riding to do! Guided beach rides last about an hour and riders will ride through sand dunes and along the beautiful west-coast beaches. This a great place for the entire family to hang out for a few days. Rent one of their horses or bring your own and ride along the waves on one of the best beaches for horseback riding in the U.S!

Something for Everyone 

Riding along the beach is an experience that is hard to beat. There is something about cantering along the waves that give a feeling of freedom and happiness unlike any other. These locations represent some of the best beaches for horseback riding, but there are many others. Many beaches are “horse-friendly” and you can bring your own horses to experience the ride. Many guide-led beach rides do have an age and weight limit, so keep that in mind. The horses used are well-trained and are safe to ride and are used to the trails and beaches. Any concerns should be brought up beforehand and will be addressed by knowledgeable staff.Silhouette of Person Riding Horse on Body of Water Under Yellow Sunset

If you would rather travel with your own horses and have a self-planned experience, there ARE horse-friendly beaches in the U.S. Some may require a small fee or permit but beaches such as Pismo Beach in California, Long Beach Peninsula in Washington, and Hutchinson Island, Florida, are just a few of the horse-friendly beaches to ride on.

Riding on the beach offers a perspective you may have never experienced before! This is an experience all equestrians (or anyone!) should have at least once. 

Feel the wind in your hair, hear the waves beside you, and listen to the sound of hoof-beats on this incredible experience. Share on X