10 Real Places to Ride Horses on the Beach

Last updated: August 1, 2026

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Finding a beach where you can legally ride a horse is harder than most people expect. I checked outfitters across the U.S. to see which beaches actually allow it. Below are 10 places where you can book a real ride, plus the pace, restrictions, and what to expect before you go.

1) Amelia Island, Florida

Amelia Island is a 13-mile barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida, with plenty going on year-round, which makes it a solid vacation base as well as a place to ride.

There are two solid options here, and they get you to the beach in different ways. Kelly Seahorse Ranch has state-park beach access at Amelia Island State Park — it’s a walk-only ride that doesn’t permit photos on horseback, and it takes you through a wooded trail that leads to the park beach. See Kelly Seahorse Ranch’s reviews here. A good fit if you want a calm, guided walk and a park-sanctioned ride.

Amelia Island Horseback Riding reaches the beach through private access rather than the state park. It’s known for custom trips and scenic rides, and it fits experienced riders best. The horses are well trained, easy to get moving, and experienced riders may be able to gallop. Rides are matched to ability. Over 1,500 people have reviewed them on Tripadvisor.

2) Corpus Christi, Texas

The Gulf Coast of southeast Texas has a couple of outfits offering beach rides. Not far from Houston is Beach Bum Horse Rides in Surfside, and further south in Corpus Christi is Horses on the Beach.

Horses on the Beach provides horse rentals for riding on Padre Island — the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, with vast beaches, nature trails, and protected sea turtle habitat. The horses live on the island, and the stable is only a six-minute ride to the beach.

I spoke to a guide there who explained a couple of things about beach riding I hadn’t considered. Wet sand can suck a shoe right off a horse’s hoof, which is why many beach horses go barefoot. Firm, wet sand near the waterline rides a lot like a packed trail. Loose, dry sand higher up the beach takes real effort out of a horse, so guides often time rides around the tide. And the number of beaches open to riding keeps shrinking, as coastal real estate gets tighter and demand for beach access grows.

When I called around to the outfitters on this list, walk-only was the single most common restriction I found.

• Walk only — kept slow to suit beginners and keep horses spaced out on a public beach
• No bareback riding
• Western tack
• No double riders
• Typically 6 years old minimum age
• 250 lb weight restriction
• No dress code
• Available year-round, closed Christmas Day
• Closed herd, private rides available

Best for: beginners and families who want a relaxed, well-supervised ride. See recent visitor reviews here.

3) Fort Pierce, Florida

Fort Pierce sits on Florida’s Atlantic coast, about an hour north of West Palm Beach, known for long, uncrowded beaches — one of Florida’s better-known beach riding destinations.

Beach Tours on Horseback runs rides down unspoiled beaches on Hutchinson Island near Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. It’s a walk-only ride, and the minimum rider age is 10. Best for riders who want an unhurried, scenic ride away from crowds.

4) Long Beach, Washington

Long Beach sits on the Long Beach peninsula in southwest Washington. The Pacific beach here has powder-gray sand that runs out to the horizon, and the area offers good food and a historic lighthouse alongside the riding.

West Coast Horse Rides takes you to the beach with an experienced crew to enjoy the Pacific — confirm current pricing when you call, since rates change. Riding is seasonal and weekend-focused, so call ahead to check availability. This one stands out because it’s walk-optional, and experienced riders can canter.

• Minimum age 6 years old
• Maximum weight 275 pounds
• Western tack
• No dress code
• Helmets provided, mandatory for riders 12 and under
• Can canter
• No bareback, no double riding
• Private rides available

5) Pacific City, Oregon

Pacific City is a small coastal fishing community about two hours southwest of Portland, with a unique landscape where two rivers merge next to the ocean shoreline.

Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides offers packages based on experience — a half-hour beach ride followed by dunes and Bob Straub State Park is the standard, but they also offer longer rides for more experienced riders who want to canter, and can arrange a special proposal outing if you’re so inclined. Good if you want beach and dune scenery in one ride.

6) Hatteras, North Carolina

Hatteras is a small community on the southern end of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, mostly known for fishing and tourism — but beach riding is available too.

If you want to bring your own horse, Driftwood Ranch is a self-care facility on Hatteras Island with trails through maritime forest leading to uncrowded beaches. If you don’t have a horse, Equine Adventures runs guided rides through forest and beach, tailored to rider experience. Best for owners who want to bring their own horse, or riders who want a forest-to-beach trail instead of a straight beach loop. Check their FAQ page before booking.

7) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach anchors South Carolina’s Grand Strand, 60 miles of beaches best known for its boardwalk and golf courses.

Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach has safely run trail and beach rides here for over 15 years. No prior riding experience is necessary — their horses and staff are well trained — and rides typically run 90 minutes, combining trail and beach. Kids can ride along with a guardian. Best for first-timers and families with kids.

8) St. Simons, Georgia

St. Simons is the largest barrier island of Georgia’s Golden Isles, known for salt marshes, birds, fishing, golf, and beautiful trail riding.

The Stables at Frederica offers rides on the beach, through the marshes, and in the woods, and will even board your horse while you’re visiting. Best for riders who want beach, marsh, and woods in one trip. See their trail ride details here.

9) Brunswick, Maine

Brunswick is an Atlantic coastal city in southern Maine, with old lighthouses dotting the shoreline and genuine lobster shacks nearby.

Sable Oak Equestrian Center offers adventure ride packages for all levels, including a beach ride down Popham Beach that runs a couple of hours. Because of regional ordinances, horses are only allowed on the beach from October through March, so call early to reserve a spot. They also run trail rides from spring through fall. Best for: off-season coastal trips, since the beach window here runs opposite most summer travel plans.

10) Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn isn’t the first place that comes to mind for beach riding, but Jamaica Bay Riding Academy has been taking guests to the beach since 1972.

They accommodate any rider level and operate inside the Gateway National Wildlife Preserve, which includes three miles of beach designated for horseback riding. This one stands out simply because it exists — most people assume beach riding isn’t an option anywhere near New York. Read rider experiences here.

Can You Bring Your Own Horse?

At a few of these locations — Hatteras is the clearest example — you can trailer in your own horse instead of booking a guided ride. If you’re considering it, a few things to sort out first:

• Coggins test: most states require a current negative Coggins test (for Equine Infectious Anemia) to transport a horse across state lines, and some beaches or parks require proof on-site
• Health certificate: a certificate of veterinary inspection is often required alongside the Coggins, especially for interstate travel
• Permits: some beaches and state parks require a separate permit for private horses, on top of any general beach access pass
• Manure cleanup: plan to carry bags and clean up after your horse — this is enforced at most locations that allow private horses
• Local rules: hours, seasonal closures, and control requirements vary by beach, so call the specific park or beach office directly rather than assuming statewide rules apply

Before You Book a Beach Ride

Beach riding is a thrill, but a little preparation goes a long way. A few things worth knowing before you show up:

• Reserve weeks ahead in summer. Popular outfitters book up fast during peak season.
• Choose the right horse. If you’re a beginner, ask the outfitter to match you with a gentle, easy-to-control horse rather than picking based on looks — our beginner riding guide covers this in more depth.
• Wear closed-toe boots with a heel. That keeps your feet from slipping through the stirrups — see our riding boots guide if you need a pair. Sunglasses are worth packing too.
• A helmet is worth wearing even if you’re experienced — some outfitters provide them, some don’t.
• Don’t expect to gallop unless it’s specifically offered. Most rides are walk-only by default.
• Expect the horse to be barefoot. That’s normal for beach work, not a sign of neglect.
• Tide affects the route. Firmer sand near the waterline is easier going, so some outfitters adjust timing around it.
• Watch the waves. The ocean is unpredictable — be ready to dismount and lead your horse to safety if things get unsettled. See our broader guide on riding safely for more.

Many coastal communities restrict horses from their sand entirely, but there are still plenty of exceptional beach riding spots across the country. Every facility has its own restrictions, so confirm the details before booking.

Questions to Ask Before You Book

• Are private horses allowed? Can you bring your own, and is overnight boarding available?
• What are the weight and age restrictions? Most cap riders around 250 pounds, and all have age minimums.
• Is the ride walk-only? Experienced riders who want to canter or run through the waves should avoid outfitters that restrict riders to a walk.
• Are there photo restrictions? Some outfitters don’t allow guests to take their own photos, since they sell professional photos of the ride instead.
• Is the beach open for riding during your visit? Beach access is seasonal at some outfitters, so confirm the coast is open before you schedule.
• Can you ride double? Most outfitters don’t allow two riders on one horse.
• Do they take custom requests? Most have standard packages but will adjust for groups or longer rides on request.
• Can you ride bareback? It’s common, but confirm it’s allowed if that matters to you.
• Do they ride Western or English style?
• What should you wear? Boots and long pants are often required. Some outfitters provide helmets and some don’t, so ask ahead if you want to wear one.

Here’s a YouTube video showing what beach horseback riding actually looks like.

FAQ: Horseback Riding on the Beach