Top 6 US Coastal Hikes

Not all shoreline escapes require bathing suits and flip flops. Coastal hikes feature the best of both worlds; the tough terrain of the mountain with the beautiful sites of the sunny shoreline. If you’re ready to escape the summer, take a hike on one of these many coastal US hikes.

Andrew Molera Loop, Big Sur, California
California’s coastline impresses every eye who admires the local scenery. This 8.8 mile hike trailhead is located in the Andrew Molera State Park. Catch a glimpse of a coastal bluff and small redwoods as trekkers gain 1,100 feet of elevation throughout the well maintained path. It’s by far one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in California.

Ocean Trail, Bar Harbor, Maine
This level path meanders along Frenchman Bay with giant trees towering over the shoreline cliffs. Hikers watch climbers traverse up the walls at Otter Cliffs. Bring a camera, as photo opportunities are abundant and beautiful.

Oregon Coast Trail, Oregon
The Oregon shoreline is the best in the Northwest, and this 382-mile trail provides the best, and most secluded sites, in the Northwest. About 39% of the trail is situated on the shoreline, with the remainder consisting of roads, paved pathways and dirt roads. Hikers see the best of desert-like and fertile-lush terrain on the shoreline.

The Nepali Coast, Kauai
The Nepali Coast is by far one of the most spectacular coastal hikes in the states. This overnight trip goes 11-miles each way, but is well worth a day hike one day. The tropical trail overlooks the Pacific, hundreds of feet above the shoreline.

Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Here, hikers have plenty of opportunities to trek one of the 150-miles of scenic trails. From January through April, hikers may be able to view the gray whales migration from the shoreline. Chimney Rock Trail, two-miles in length, overlooks Drakes Bay and features abundant wildflowers during March through May.

Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida
Less than one mile long, this accessible trail is one of the most popular Everglades hiking trail. Hikers have the opportunity to view wildlife and the circle of life while traversing through the calm water environment.