Nothing beats an ocean view hike or the ones that end up on a beach for sunbathing or swimming in the summertime or shoulder season. If you are planning a beach vacation, it would be great to consider a hiking adventure. Here is a list of the best coast treks with stunning vistas around the U.S.
Kalalau Trail—Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii
One of the most famous coastal pathways in the world is the Kalalau Trail in Hawaii. An 11-mile journey from Ne’e Beach to Kalalau Beach takes athletic hikers through the lush, cliff-walled, waterfall-painted, and wave-lashed Na Pali Coast in northern Kauai. The chance to hike along a coastline steeped in Native Hawaiian history and culture is unique, and the Kalalau Trail provides just that.
Secret Beach Trail in Brookings, Oregon
The Oregon coast is known for its beautiful landscape, and the path to Secret Beach has all of the highlights, from fern-filled woodlands to waves slamming against sea stacks to a peaceful stretch of sand. This 2.6 km out-and-back dog-friendly trail is a moderately demanding path. The region is also famous for birdwatching, so you will undoubtedly encounter other tourists. This trail is most enjoyable between March and October.
Cabrillo National Monument Bayside Trail in San Diego, California
Cabrillo National Monument’s beachfront walk provides panoramic ocean vistas and is one of the must-see attractions in San Diego. The 2-mile track is ideal for an easy, family-friendly trek along Southern California’s Pacific coast. Visitors can access the route by walking towards the lighthouse from the visitor center. Despite being a short trip, this trail offers one of the most beautiful views in the area.
Big Wallace El Capitan Trail in Santa Barbara, California
Even though this California trail in Santa Barbara is a bit hard, the beautiful scenery and views are worth it. The Big Wallace Trail near Goleta, a small town north of the city, stands out as a great hiking place. This trail starts at El Capitan State Beach and moves further from the coast, up the mountains, and into El Capitan Canyon. Visitors can go on a hike going out and back or do the 12-mile round-trip loop.
Tuna Canyon in Malibu, California
Hikers in Malibu often recommend Tuna Canyon despite its distance from the ocean compared to other popular routes. This coastal route offers spectacular views of Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean from its elevated vantage point. The trail takes you past some grassland and a thin wood on the way back to the shore. The peculiar and endearing spiral of rocks in Tuna Canyon, which overlooks the Southern California coast, is the major attraction of this area. Tuna Canyon is a moderate trail since it has considerable elevation gain but is at most 5 miles long.
Cliff Pond Trail in Brewster, Massachusetts
The Cliff Pond Trail at Nickerson State Park near Brewster, Massachusetts, is perfect for those who want to combine a hike with a swim. There are several great places to cool down in the water on this gorgeous 3.2-mile circle trek around a 204-acre kettle pond. The Cliff Pond Trail is a 90-minute hike steep in spots but mostly level and uncomplicated. Once in the park, visitors can swim nearby Flax Pond, a lovely beach.
Kincaid Beach Trail in Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska attracts hikers, climbers, and campers because of its vast, undeveloped landscape and towering mountains. However, another natural beauty is near Anchorage: Kincaid Beach, the only main sandy beach in the region. From Kincaid Chalet, go down the trail to the water. It’s around two miles one way, but after you reach the sea, you may keep walking for another mile to enjoy the expansive beach views. The best time to visit is when the tide is low, and you should be aware that moose and bears may be there.
Cook’s Monument Trail in Kona, Hawaii
The Captain Cook Trail is located on the Kona coast and is one of the best hikes on the Big Island and the most historically significant in the state. This somewhat difficult hike starts at 1,300 feet and descends to the Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay. The Captain Cook Monument commemorates the location of Captain James Cook’s first European land encounter with the Hawaiian Islands. The monument site is part of Kealakekua Historical Park, and the bay is a Marine Life Conservation District.
North Cape Flats Trail in Cape Coral, Florida
This is a 1.9 km round-trip trail near Cape Coral, Florida. In general, it is considered an easy route, which takes an average of 20 minutes to cover. This route is excellent for hiking and walking, and it is unlikely that you will meet other people while walking. In North Cape Flats Trail, dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Panama City Beach, Florida
This is a must-visit called the “Crown Jewel of the Florida Panhandle,” a great place in the Panama City Beach area. This park has almost fifteen miles of hiking paths. Two highlights are the No Name Lake Trail, which accesses the smallest of the park’s multiple dune lakes, and the Morris Lake Nature Trail, which incorporates some of the area’s incredible natural variety, are two highlights.
Hike to Find the Most Stunning Ocean Vistas
This list has some of the best coastal hiking paths in the United States that provide spectacular ocean views. These trails range in difficulty from beginner to intermediate and include a variety of landforms such as dunes and volcanic forms. Before deciding on a route, check the park’s official website for information on current conditions, permits, and closures.
