Every time I see someone riding a horse on a beach in a movie, I remember how much I want to try it. There’s something so incredibly romantic about the horse’s mane blowing in the salty breeze, the sunset over the ocean waves — we all know the scene. These 12 guided horse beach ride tours make it easy to have that experience for a few hours or a few days. (Also read my article about best horseback riding vacations worldwide.)
The tour companies take riders of any level, from beginners to advanced. Prices per hour vary by quite a bit in some cases, but start at $40 per hour, per rider.
The 12 horse beach ride tours, from Maine to Hawaii, are:
Popham and Old Orchard Beaches in Maine
Lobster shacks, lighthouses, and beautiful sand is what you’ll see if you book a trail ride with Carousel Horse Farm in Maine. The rides are scheduled in conjunction with the ocean tides, so make sure to plan your day around that. Generally the beach is open to riders only from October 15 through March 31. The minimum cost is $350 for up to 4 people and horses. Plus, you will each need to obtain a permit for $20 per rider from the local authorities.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
During November and February you can ride Myrtle Beach — and even take your horse into the water, if you want to act out a scene from a movie. A beach ride that lasts about 1.5 hours costs $85.
Hatteras Island, North Carolina
You can ride the Outer Banks with Equine Adventures, with views of the Maritime Forest, the NC Coastal Reserve, and Cape Point. The two-hour ride is available year-round and costs either $100 or $120 per rider, depending on the season.
Cape San Blas, Florida
You can pay Two-Bit Stable to take you riding on this beach in the Florida panhandle for $50 per hour, per person in winter, or $60 from March 1 to August 31 (it costs $70 at sunset). Maximum group size is 6 people plus the guide. There’s a $500 fine if horses do anything but walk on the sand.
Bradenton, Florida
While in Bradenton, book a ride with The Real Beach Horses and you can even go swimming with your horse in Palma Sola Bay, where the waters are warm. The cost is $129 per person plus taxes and fees.
Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island is home to The Cloister, one of the most luxurious resorts in the nation, and beach horseback rides can easily be combined with kayaking trips. Call for pricing.
Surfside Beach, Texas
This beach near Galveston includes beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Beach Bum Horse Rides charges $60 per hour, per person, with a minimum ride of two hours.
Oceano Dunes Preserve, California
Picture miles and miles of sand dunes, wildlife, and birds. You can book your guide (and stay) at the Pacific Dunes Ranch. Beach trail rides are $50 per person for an hour, or $75 per person for 1.5 hours.
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
With a Five Brooks Stable guide you can ride through this coastal park over 120 miles of trails that include beaches, mountain tops, and grassy meadows. Guided rides start at $40 per person, per hour.
Bob Straub State Park, Oregon
This park is a paradise for horseback riders. It includes 484 acres of trails. Hook up with Green Acres Beach and Trail Rides in Pacific City. Different rides are geared towards different skill levels. A one-hour ride is $90 per person, or a two-hour ride is $180 per person. They also offer pony rides for kids.
Willamette Coast, Oregon
On this multi-day, luxury ride over 50 miles of trails with the Willamette Coast Ride from Foothills Farm, you can visit wine country, mountains, and the beach, and taste local vintages and food. The farm is about 1 hour from Portland. Packages include three or six nights, and you have to call for pricing.
West Coast Horse Rides has been around for many years and have well maintained and well behaved horses. Their prices have stayed reasonable and affordable. I have been going there for decades with Kids and Grandkids. The Guides are well trained and know all the local beach riding laws and safety precautions, and always take the time with every riding session, to inform all riders on every aspect of how to handle the horse, the reins, the dos and don’t and what is expected of the rider for the duration of the 1 hour ride. At appointed times by the guide, riders can spread out. But no going into the dangerous surf or galloping on the beach, as galloping is not safe since there are children and pets along the beach trail. They have been my favorite horse riding establishment, and I respect the owners and guides very much for all they do to make each ride a wonderful, safe and memorable experience for everyone. I highly recommend them to anyone. Located on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington state on Syd Snyder Drive, just off the Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach Washington. (101)
You read my mind when you said that there’s something so incredibly romantic about the horse’s mane blowing in the salty breeze. My family and I are planning our next summer vacations and would love to do horseback riding. Thanks for letting me know that tour companies take riders of any level, from beginners to advanced, this makes easier for me to convince my wife to book a tour.
Can a photographer take pics of you while on the ride
I would hire the photographer
Would there be an extra charge for this ?
Thanks
That sounds like fun! I don’t know the answer. I’d pick the place you want to ride and ask them. They may even provide this service — I could see people doing this a lot for weddings and other special events. If they don’t it’s a great business idea!