You are yet to experience serenity and adventure if you have not visited the 10 best hikes to beaches in the U.S. There is something special about a trail that starts off in the forest or any other place, and opens to a beautiful view of the sandy beaches.
Learn more about coastal hikes here
Hiking is tiring, but if, at the end of the trail, you experience the cool breeze, it is worthwhile. The United States is home to hundreds of hike-to-beach trails, varying in difficulty and experience.
We have filtered for you 10 best hikes to beaches that you must visit in the United States, and they are as follows:
The 10 Best Hikes to Beaches in the U.S.
#1. Hike to Beach trail: Coastal Prairie Trail in Florida
When thinking about the 10 best hikes to beaches in the U.S., the Coastal Prairie Trail in Florida is the first to come to mind. This trail is an old historic road used mainly by fishermen and cotton pickers.
The 7.5 miles trail is only accessible on foot as vehicles and bicycles are not allowed. You cannot bring your pets along as they are not permitted on the trail.
The Coastal Prairie trail is moderately challenging and popular for hikers and joggers. You can come here any time as it is open all year round. While on the trail, you will get a beautiful view of open lowlands filled with succulent and other coastal plants.
Do not go hiking in shorts and short sleeve shirts because the overgrown bushes will keep pocking your skin. There are also bugs and mosquitoes, but the beautiful views compensate for the trouble.
#2. Hike to Beach trail: Secret Beach Trail in Oregon
The secret beach trail is a short and easy trail located in Oregon. It takes almost an hour to complete the stretch, though this can vary depending on your pace. You can bring your pets along, but they should remain leashed.
This trail is popular; therefore, you should expect to meet more people walking, jogging, bird watching, and biking.
The name secret beach came as a result of the inaccessibility of the beach, though this is not the case anymore with the establishment of the secret beach trail. Plan your trip during the low tide if you want to enjoy the beautiful view of the sandy beach.
There is sufficient parking at the trailhead, from where you hike down the steep descent. It would help if you got the right hiking shoes because the ground can get slippery, especially during the rainy season (Check this out).
#3. Hike to Beach trail: Kalalau Trail in Hawaii
If you love adventure and the beauty of nature, a visit to Hawaii must be top of your bucket list. The Kalalau trail is one of the places that will get your attention. You do not need a permit to access the trail, yet the experience is unmatched.
The 11-mile trail offers unforgettable adventure, especially on rainy days when the ground gets slippery and you need to move slowly and tactfully.
Before getting to the beach, you will traverse five valleys, which means you need sufficient energy.
You must obtain a permit if you intend to camp. There are designated camping zones that contain all the amenities including toilets, but you have to bring your own drinking water.
#4. Hike to Beach trail: Pine Beach Trail in Alabama
You have not experienced beauty if you have not been to the Pine Beach Trail in Alabama. This trail is an easy route that leads to the Gulf Shores. The trek takes approximately one hour, though this time can vary depending on your pace.
Most people who have visited this place agree that it qualifies to be ranked as one of the 10 best hikes to beaches in the U.S. you can visit for bird watching, short distance hikes or nature walk, and even to enjoy some quiet time.
It is one of the few trails that are accessible all year round. You should, however, note that pets are not allowed.
The management has ensured the trail is well-marked. The flat terrain makes it possible to view the shore back on the trail. The gulf coast ahead gives beautiful vibes. You can spend a whole day here basking and enjoying the healing breeze.
#5. Hike to Beach trail: California Coastal Trail
California Coast Trail is a fantastic hike to a public beach trail open to all bikers, equestrians, and wheelchair users.
This historic trail is open to non-motorized transport and can accommodate thousands of visitors. It is home to loads of historical memories representing the hardships that hikers in the past centuries went through.
There are different sites on the trail with different rules and regulations about pets. Therefore, you need to confirm with the specific site you intend to visit on whether you can bring your pet along. The same applies to fees charged. There are places you can access for free, while others you pay entrance fees.
The entire California Coastal trail is more than 1000 miles long. However, it is divided into smaller trails to accommodate visitors with different needs. Some trails are designated for riders, others for cyclists, and even horse riders have their own.
#6. Hike to Beach trail: Evans Landing Trail in Idaho
Evans landing trail is one of the 10 best hikes to beaches in the U.S. The trail stretches for 2 miles before opening to the beach on Lake Pend Oreille from the West side. You will enjoy a fantastic view of the Cabinet Mountains from the beach.
Like the rest of Idaho, the Evans landing trail is a habitat for many wild animals. Therefore, you need to follow instructions and take precautions as you hike here. You have a high chance of coming across a bear or a moose.
The first section is characterized by a mild ascend, followed by a rapid descent towards the shores of Lake Pend Oreille.
You can hike this trail any time of the day because the trees on the side provide shade for an extensive section. The breeze from the lake also cools down the air making the trek less tiring.
The beach area has picnic tables and fire pits where you can sit and enjoy family time. There is also a rope swing that you can only utilize when the water levels are raised.
#7. Hike to Beach trail: Hidden Lake Trail at the Glacier National Park in Montana
When talking about the best hikes to beaches in the U.S., we must mention the Hidden Lake Trail located in Glacier National Park. The 7.2 miles long trail cuts across forests and opens to beautiful meadows. The views are inviting for both day hikers and backcountry campers.
As long as you remain on the trail, you can bring along your pets, but they must remain leashed. You will need a permit if you intend to camp in the backcountry. There is no direct path leading to the designated camping zone; hence, you must be prepared for a rough hike.
The hidden lake overlook area is a popular destination for visitors, making the trail crowded. Parking space is also a challenge here, but you can circumvent this by arriving early in the morning. You can also use the public shuttle to save yourself the hustle of looking for parking.
Snowfields are common here, with some remaining to late in the summer. You will come across mountain goats, big-horn sheep, and on rare occasions, Grizzly bears.
#8. Hike to Beach trail: Lion’s Den Trail in Wisconsin
The Lion’s Den Trail is a short trail near Grafton in Wisconsin. The trail is so easy that you can hike with kids and dogs (dogs must be leashed). Visitors come here mainly for jogging, hiking, or a nature walk.
The Lion’s Den Trail opens up to Lake Michigan, where you will find picnic tables. You can sit here and enjoy a good family moment.
The first section of the trail is a wooden boardwalk, stretching for a distance of 0.3 miles. The trail is generally easy though some places are steeper making it inaccessible on wheelchairs and strollers.
During the rainy season, the trail gets slippery but will offer the best adventure as long you have the right shoes (Check this out).
#9. Hike to Beach trail: Maury Island Marine Park Trail in Washington
Maury Island Marine Park trail is located on the Peninsula of Vashon Island. It lies on the most significant undeveloped piece of land that opens up to the shoreline, one mile away. The views of the Cascade Mountains, East Passage, and Mount Rainier from the trail are magnificent.
The 3 miles gravel trail is well maintained but is not accessible by motor vehicles. You can only hike down to the shore or ride a bicycle. There is sufficient parking space at the entrance on SW 244th Street.
While on the trail and at the shore, you will encounter various fish and wild animals. There is no entrance fee. However, you need to download a copy of the map and save the directions to the park because the network is unreliable.
#10. Hike to Beach trail: Fort to Sea Trail in Oregon
Get to know more about the Fort to sea Trail in Oregon here
The Fort to Sea trail is a fantastic hike to the beach trail in the United States. This trail is a superb location for a day hike. Some parts of the trail can get muddy, slippery, and perhaps too steep, but you will enjoy the adventure.
The trail covers a distance of 6.5 miles one way, and you may need to check the weather forecast while planning your expedition.
Despite the few challenges we have highlighted and excess vegetation cover that can slow down your movement, Fort to Sea trail offers many luxuries, including bathrooms after some distance. Carry water to last you the entire path, as there are no natural water sources along this trail.
All relevant information is available at the entrance, including the entrance fee, maps, and details of any closures or hazards you may encounter.
Conclusion
As you plan your hiking bucket list, put these 10 best hikes to beach trails in the U.S as the top priority. Most of these are day hikes you can enjoy with your family and friends. If you intend to camp, find out whether you need a permit and plan in advance.
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