The world is filled with many hiking trails that offer unique experiences — each is worth experiencing. Of course, there are planet Earth's thrilling mountain hikes, the most beautiful hiking trails known to humankind, and also the longest hikes in the world. Now, though, it’s time to talk about the next greatest thing: glorious coastal hikes. As the name implies, these types of trails are those positioned beside coastal areas from where there are breathtaking views of the ocean.

Engaging in this type of hike is not only exhilarating and scenic but also relaxing because many allow backpackers to just set up a camp right on a beach or cliff and watch the views for as long as their heart desires — such an experience is guaranteed to be memorable. While there are many gorgeous beachfront trails worth exploring, these are the best coastal hikes in the world. Why? Because they're the seaside hikes with the most beautiful views in the world.

UPDATE: 2023/05/19 00:13 EST BY REENA JAIN

16 Of The World's Best Coastal Hikes With The Most Beautiful Views

There is an abundance of incredible beach hikes in the world that provide breathtaking coastal scenery as well as a chance to connect with nature. Keeping this in mind, this list has been updated with two more of the best coastal hiking trails for hikers looking for exciting and memorable experiences.

16 Causeway Coastal Way, Northern Ireland

• The trail is renowned as the setting for the TV show "Game of Thrones."
• It features challenging rope bridges, castle ruins, and breathtaking isles, making it a must-visit for all thrill seekers.
• The oldest Bushmills distillery in Ireland is just off the trail, allowing hikers to sample and purchase local brews.

The Causeway Coastal Way is one of Northern Ireland's best coastal hikes, allowing hikers to see spectacular seascape and cliff scenery as well as some of the country's most iconic landmarks, such as Giants Causeway, Portrush, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and Dunluce Castle. The trail is about 32 miles long and runs right along the coast between the towns of Ballycastle and Portstewart. The hike has an easy gradient and can be completed in two to three days, giving hikers plenty of time for breaks and enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

15 Cinque Terre High Trail, Italy

• This trail takes hikers through the five seaside villages and surrounding landscape of Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It features the 7.5-mile Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), one of the most popular hiking trails in Italy, connecting Riomaggiore to Monterosso al Mare.
• The scenic views on this trail make every effort worthwhile, while chances to learn about the local way of life and sample some local cuisine add value to the trip.

This approx. 22-mile trail from Portovenere to Levanto is among the best coastal hikes in the world, featuring some of the most breathtakingly gorgeous coastal scenery that one can only imagine until they see it. This beach hike offers many variations and many short coastal trails connecting the area's renowned five villages: Monterosso, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, allowing hikers of all skill levels to enjoy stunning coastal views, culinary delights, and cultural experiences.

14 Ocean Path, United States

• This trail leads to the beach.
• Acadia National Park is known to be easy to maneuver.
• Visitors can find this park in Bar Harbor, Maine.

For those wanting to enjoy a stunning coastal hike, checking out Ocean Path in Acadia National Park is worth the exercise. This path runs for nearly 4.4 miles round trip. Additionally, the trail is 0.7 miles from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole, two popular spots in the national park. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best coastal hiking trails in the US for those who enjoy not only gorgeous views but also an easier trek compared to many of the top Acadia trails.

13 Provincetown Dunes, United States

• The Provincetown Dunes is a must-see for people in Maine.
• This trail covers 8,500 acres from Chatham to Provincetown.
• Located inside the Cape Cod National Seashore.

For those who love beach-side walks, exploring the Provincetown Dunes in Cape Cod, Maine, may be worth the trip. This oceanside walk allows guests to adventure through roughly one-third of the Cape Cod National Seashore. This is a must-see, covering 8,500 acres from Chatham to Provincetown.

Of course, navigating the dunes can make walking and hiking here a bit tedious, but many visitors will say it is worth it.

12 Crescent Beach Trail, United States

• Located in the Ecola State Park in Oregon, United States.
• Moderately difficult trails.

Another coastal trail to consider is the one in Crescent Beach. For those traveling or living in the US, this trail features a secluded beach with incredible views of Haystack Rock/other sea stacks to the south. Visitors can find this trail within Ecola State Park in Oregon, a highly-rated destination for nature enthusiasts. Many hikers recommend trying the 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Cannon Beach, Oregon, which is a moderately difficult route.

11 Bartlett Shoreline Trail, United States

• This trail is known to be a great spot for viewing glaciers.
• It runs for roughly 8.5 miles and takes 3.5 hours to complete.

One of the most beautiful trails on the list goes to the Bartlett Shoreline Trail in Alaska, United States. This hiking trail features an intertidal lagoon and a forest of spruce and hemlock. Visitors can view glaciers and wildlife and breathe fresh Alaska air while walking here.

Furthermore, this trail runs for roughly 8.5 miles, following an out-and-back hiking direction. Many hikers claim this trail takes an average of 3 h 24 min to complete. Alaska is known for its rugged terrain, so be cautious while exploring.

10 The Skye Trail, Scotland

• The Skye Trail is roughly 80 miles long.
• Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the United Kingdom from here.
• Finishing the entire Skye Trail will typically take between 5 and 7 days.

The Skye Trail is a hike on Scotland’s Isle of Skye that takes hikers through some of the finest views in the United Kingdom. The trail is about 80 miles long, rough, and steep in many parts. Hikers typically spend between 5 and 7 days hiking this trail, and while dealing with all the challenges the adventure comes with, they will have incredible views of coastal and mountain beauty along the way.

Furthermore, wildlife, birds, caves, lakes, and unique rock formations are all scenes hikers will be met with on this sensational Scottish hike. Hikers wishing to sample what the island has in store will find no lack of beautiful things to do and see on the Isle of Skye, making it a perfect UK destination for a complete vacation.

The Skye Trail, although beautiful, is daunting. This trail runs 80 miles, and hikers will have to navigate rough and steep terrain throughout their journey.

Related: According To Legend, Fairies Inhabit Scotland's Isle Of Skye, Especially In These Locations

9 Cliffs Of Moher Coastal Walk, Ireland

• This trail leads to one of the most sought-after attractions in Ireland.
• The Cliffs of Moher offer undisrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• There are two trailheads on this coastal walk: Doolin and Hags Head.

The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's most sought-after natural attraction, also has a beautiful coastal hike that offers remarkable cliffs and Atlantic Ocean views. This scenic coastal trail has two trailheads — Doolin and Hags Head — and the distance between them are about 9 miles. Adventurers can begin the hike from any one of these trailheads and enjoy spectacular scenery, no matter which they choose; they both offer awe-inspiring views of the coast.

This could be a fun day trip for families, groups, or solo travelers, as it can be a bit of a long journey between the two trailheads. Visitors want to bring plenty of water, snacks, and smartphones.

8 The England Coast Path, England

• When finished, the English Coast Path will be the longest coastal hike in the world.
• When ready, the path will cover 2,795 miles.
• Parts of this trail have already been opened to the public.

There are so many stunning views the English people want hikers to see, which is why many hikers in the UK recommend the England Coast Path — the longest coastal hike in the world that is currently under development. When ready, the path will cover a distance of 2,795 miles, which is the entire length of the coastline of England. Plus, upon completion, the route will even link with other trails in Great Britain, including the Wales Coast Path — so those who wish can continue the coastal hiking adventure in Wales.

While the trail is still being developed, many public sections have opened. Hikers have already come from all over the country and the world to hike these segments and see the beautiful scenery of England’s coast. The 53 km (33 miles) stretch of the England Coast Path has opened, leading from Shoreham-by-Sea to Eastbourne. Overall, this is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the UK and is only set to become even more popular.

Quick Tip: Before heading to the English Coast Path, check out its development progress on the UK government website. Also, be sure to check out the conditions of the trail's open sections, as high tides can temporarily close some segments.

7 Lost Coast Trail, United States

• The Lost Coast Trail is 25 miles long.
• This coastal trail is within the remote King Range National Conservation Area.
• Hikers may need to prepare themselves for steep climbs and rocky terrain.

The Lost Coast Trail is a 25-mile coastal hike following a beautiful California coastline. The trail features black sand beaches and stunning mountain formations, offering fantastic sea views and endless waves. One unique aspect about this trail that hikers will particularly love is that they can camp anywhere along the entire path length — provided it is not on private property.

While pointing out all the incredible features to enjoy on this trail, it is also essential to highlight hikers' challenges. Besides the difficulty in getting the permit to hike the trail, access to it is pretty tricky, as it is located within the remote King Range National Conservation Area.

Those who have been able to get the permit and drive for hours to the area will face the rugged trail with plenty of rocks, high tides, and between 2 and 3 days of hiking and backpacking. Despite the challenges, however, there are plenty of rewards to gain on this trail — which is why it is worth the effort.

Related: This State Offers The Best Hiking In The Country

6 East Coast Trail, Canada

• The East Coast Trail in Canada runs for 209 miles.
• This trail covers Cape Broyle, Newfoundland, and Labrador.
• Many past hikers claim this is an extreme trail, so it's not for beginners.

Regarding coastal trails, Canada has a lot of beautiful options to choose from — one of them is East Coast Trail in Newfoundland and Labrador. For starters, this trail stretches for a whopping 209 miles along the coast of Newfoundland and offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful beaches. It is also one of the most extreme places to hike globally, making it even more of a unique experience.

Besides the coastal views, hikers on this trail will also be taken through enchanting forested areas and interesting communities. Additionally, they'll also get to see plenty of unique rock formations. Some sections of the trail on cliff edges even offer superb sights of the sea — and during summer, lucky hikers might get to see whales, seabirds, and icebergs from these parts.

Know Before Going: Hikers looking to tackle this trail should be prepared to spend up to 9 days camping and walking along the rugged terrain and its steep hill sections. Nevertheless, the route passes through several communities and also has numerous campsites, so hikers are guaranteed to be able to access good accommodation, food, and other essentials along the way.

5 Abel Tasman Track, New Zealand

• This trail runs through the Abel Tasman Track National Park.
• Hikers can expect this coastal trail to take between 3 and 5 days to complete.
• During this hike, there will be golden sand beaches, forests, and plenty of spots to catch a break.

Hiking is a great way to see the extraordinary natural scenery of New Zealand. While there are plenty of trails to choose from, the Abel Tasman Track offers some of the most beautiful views in New Zealand. This trail stretches for 37 miles along the coast of Abel Tasman Track National Park and takes between 3 and 5 days to hike. Throughout the hike, one can expect views of exquisite golden sand beaches and dense forests.

Fortunately for hikers, this coastal trail is open year-round. However, some sections may not be accessible due to high tide — hence it is essential to check the tide condition on the trail website before proceeding. It's crucial to make sure the trail isn't underwater or at risk of becoming flooded before venturing out to avoid getting trapped.

Although the Abel Tasman Track is open to hikers year-round, there is a chance of high tide flooding sections of the path. Make sure to check the trail's website before venturing off.

Related: Hike From A Remote Lake To A Remote Fiord On One Of New Zealand's Most Challenging Trails

4 The Great Ocean Walk, Australia

• Great Ocean Road is one of the best spots to view the Australian coastline.
• This trail will usually take people between 5 and 8 days to complete.
• Several Great Ocean Road tours are available, which do not run the entire path distance.

One of the best places to witness the stunning natural vistas of Australia is the coastline along the Great Ocean Road. While this place is famous for scenic driving, hiking is the ideal way to savor this spot, which leads to the Great Ocean Walk — a trail stretching over 100 km along the Great Ocean Road coastline. This trail is, without doubt, one of the top ways to explore the coast, as it delivers uninterrupted panoramas of the ocean and the twelve apostles. Moreover, it exposes hikers to the interesting fauna and flora of this part of Australia.

Overall, the Great Ocean Walk takes between 5 and 8 days to complete. While walking the hike, people can access accommodations and restaurants along the Great Ocean Road. Several short Great Ocean Walk tours are available for those who do not want to take on the entire distance, each offering extraordinary experiences.

3 Kalalau Trail, United States

• The Kalalau Trail is one of the prettiest in the United States.
• Kalalau Trail has been ranked as one of the most dangerous in the US.
• This trail is not suited for beginners and should only be done by experienced hikers.

The Kalalau Trail in Hawaii has to be the most beautiful coastal hike in the United States. Stretching for 11 miles, this path passes through various thickly forested areas and pretty beaches along the long and rugged hiking trails of the Napali Coast, presenting views of lush greens and the shoreline's turquoise waters.

Besides the coastal and forest views, hikers on this trail will see waterfalls, streams, and unique rock formations. To enjoy all those experiences, however, hikers must remember that this is one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the US. Hence, it is not suitable for beginners with minimal hiking skills. It might also be worth taking on a trail of this magnitude with a partner or going in a group. This can keep people from getting lost or injured along the steep cliffs.

The Kalalau Trail in Hawaii is challenging, often being better suited for experienced hikers. Tourists will experience hills, rocky terrains, and cliffs throughout this journey. This is one of the most dangerous trails in the United States, so consider these things before starting.

Related: Why Kalalau Trail Is Considered Difficult Even For The Pros

2 West Coast Trail, Canada

• The West Coast Trail in Canada runs 47 miles.
• This hiking trail features white sand beaches and stunning forests.
• Many visitors to the area choose to camp during their days of hiking.

Canada boasts impressive numbers of awe-inspiring hiking trails worth checking out. But in this case, one should start with the West Coast Trail; it is undoubtedly the country's best coastal hike. Stretching for a length of 47 miles, this trail takes hikers through the coast of Vancouver, where there will be picturesque miles-long views of white sand beaches and luscious forests.

However, all that scenery can only be offered to those brave enough to climb the trail's tall ladders, walk miles with heavy backpacks, and camp for days under the open sky. The more one carries and brings with them: the harder these steep parts of the West Coast Trail will be. It's generally best to pack lightly when hiking, wherever the trail is, to preserve energy throughout the adventure.

The West Coast Trail includes tall ladders and rough terrain, so it's a good idea to pack lightly. Many past visitors have mentioned this being bothersome with larger bags and camping supplies: so pack lightly.

Related: The Best Hiking Trails In The UK: From Scotland And Snowdonia To The Yorkshire Dales and Cornwall

1 Wales Coast Path, UK

• The Wales Coast Path is among the best coastal hikes in the United Kingdom.
• Travelers can enjoy the beautiful beaches during their hike.
• Since this is an unbroken trail that runs for nearly 870 miles: people can finish it in around 12 weeks.

The Wales Coast path is arguably the best coastal hike in the UK. For approximately 870 miles, this trail goes through the entire Welsh Coast. There are beautiful beaches to be seen, rugged areas to walk on, mighty rock formations to witness, an abundance of birds to see, and unforgettable coastal scenery to soak up. This hike is like a dream come true for adventurers searching for the most stunning views in the UK and is a bucket-list item that hikers should try at least once in their lifetime.

In addition, what makes the Wales Coast Path even more interesting is that it is unbroken for the entire 870 miles. It keeps going until it ends, which can take up to 12 weeks for thru-hikers to complete in one go. Of course, that would be a long-term commitment to the trail, but it's certainly something to add to a bucket list.

The Wales Coast path is arguably the best coastal hike in the UK. It runs for 870 miles, all of which someone can choose to complete in 12 weeks.