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These are the top coastal trails in the United States with the best beach views:
- Ocean Path Trail, Maine
- Great Island Trail, Massachusetts
- Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
- Miami Beach Bike and Boardwalk Trail, Florida
- Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail, Washington
Every avid hiker knows the benefits of hiking. Immersing oneself in nature combined with the physical activity of vigorous walking, hiking promotes the overall well-being of body and mind. Add stunning beach views, a salty sea breeze, and the lulling sound of ocean waves, and you’ve got yourself a magical combination. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or just want to take in the seaside scenery, taking a beachside hike will nourish the mind and strengthen the body.
Ready to hit the trails? Here are the top coastal trails in the U.S. that offer some of the most breathtaking beach views.
Ocean Path Trail, Maine
One of the many coastal trails in Acadia National Park, Ocean Path Trail takes nature lovers on a family-friendly, non-strenuous hike along the beautiful, jagged coast of Maine. Striking pink granite formations and peaks line this dramatic stretch of coastline, offering visitors many photo opportunities to capture memorable moments in time. Ocean Path starts at Sand Beach, runs along Park Loop Road, and finally ends at Otter Point. In addition to Sand Beach, other notable landmarks along this 2-mile (one-way) trail include Thunder Hole, Monument Cove, Boulder Beach, and Otter Cliff.
- Trail Length: Approx. 4.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fees: $20-$35
- Dog-Friendly: Yes (must be leashed)
Visitor resources:
- Acadia – National Park Service
- Joe’s Guide to Acadia National Park – Ocean Path
- AllTrails – Ocean Path Trail
Great Island Trail, Massachusetts
A hidden gem trail in Cape Cod National Seashore, Great Island Trail takes visitors on a unique hiking experience through a multi-terrain landscape with spectacular beach views. Be prepared to traverse through a pine forest, salt marshes, hard and loose sand surfaces, and mudflats. Also, bring sunscreen because most of the hike is through wide open spaces, offering very few shaded areas. The Great Island Trail path begins at the parking area near Griffin Island Road. From there, the trail winds through a pine forest and into a marshy area known as “The Gut.” Other points of interest along the path include Great Beach Hill, Great Island Tavern Site, and, if the tides are low, Jeremy Point and Overlook.
- Trail Length: Approx. 5.4 miles (to Jeremy Point approx. 9 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: Free
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, in most areas along the beach (must be leashed)
Visitor resources:
Kalalau Trail, Hawaii
For trail-seekers looking for an adventurous backpacking experience featuring lush valleys, waterfalls, and incredible ocean views, look no further than the famous Kalalau Trail in Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Because the Kalalau Trail is the only way to access the beautiful Nāpali Coast by land, it is a popular trail for locals and tourists, offering many access points along the way. The trailhead begins at Ke’e Beach, located in Hā’ena State Park, and passes through 5 valleys and traverses different terrains and elevations, including sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and streams, until finally reaching its endpoint at the secluded Kalalau Beach. Points of interest include Hanakāpīʻai Beach, Hanakāpīʻai Falls, Hanakoa Falls, Kalalau Valley, and Kalalau Beach.
- Trail Length: Approx. 22 miles
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Fees: $25+ (Camping permit)
- Dog-Friendly: No
Visitor resources:
- Department of Lake and Natural Resources|Division of State Parks – Kalalau Trail
- Backpackers Review – Kalalau Trail Backpacking
- AllTrails – Nā Pali Coast (Kalalau) Trail
Miami Beach Bike and Boardwalk Trail, Florida
If being out in the rugged wilderness is not your style, but you prefer the urban cityscape and gorgeous ocean views, you must check out the Miami Beach Bike and Boardwalk Trail. Perfect for those who prefer shopping to climbing cliffside, mountainous terrain, this scenic trail is lined with hotels, shops, and restaurants on one side and stunning beach views on the other. Its level, paved pathway is popular amongst joggers, bikers, and tourists alike. The trail begins at 87th Terrace and runs south to the end of Miami Beach.
- Trail Length: Approx. 16.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fees: $4+ (Parking)
- Dog-Friendly: Yes (must be leashed)
Visitor resources:
- Miami Beach – Parking Meter Rates
- Miami Beach Boardwalk
- AllTrails – Miami Beach Bike and Boardwalk Trail
Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall Trail, Washington
Experience the unforgettable beauty of the Pacific Northwest coast by hiking the Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall trail in Olympic National Park. On this trail, you’ll encounter various marine life, including starfish and anemones, massive driftwood, and sea stacks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot sea lions, otters, and whales out in the distance. Because the path is on the sandy beach, before you head out, check the tide conditions. Parts of the trail are not accessible at high tide. Points of interest include Rialto Beach, Ellen Creek, James and Little James Islands, Split Rock, and Hole-in-the-Wall.
- Trail Length: Approx. 3.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Fees: $15+
- Dog-Friendly: Yes, only from Rialto Beach to Ellen Creek (must be leashed)
Visitor resources:
From the Northeastern coast’s rugged beauty to Hawaii’s lush tropics to the majestic cliffs of the Pacific Northwest, these coastal trails take beach lovers on a remarkable journey through various landscapes with unmatched panoramic views. Check out Beach Homes Lifestyles for more beach travel destinations.