Ever get tired of just laying on the beach, soaking up the sun? While the answer to that question is a resounding “no” for many people, adventurous beach-goers can hop onto a horse and have an experience like no other on certain shores across the U.S. We’ve rounded up some of the most gallop-worthy sands below.
Popham Beach (Phippsburg, Maine)
Photo via Carousel Horse Farm
Maine may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of seaside horseback riding, but it has some beautiful stretches of sand that allow it, including Popham Beach. From October 1st through March 31 of each year, visitors can go for rides three hours before or after low tide — no permit necessary.
Palma Sola Bay (Bradenton, FL)
Photo via BeachHorses.com
For riders looking for a real challenge, HorseSurfing is a pretty self-explanatory adventure. Whether or not you’ve attempted to balance on an actual surfboard, this somewhat strange activity lets you (safely) test your skills on one of the gentle creatures. It’s an unforgettable time that the whole family will love.
Oceano Dunes Preserve (Oceano, CA)
Photo via Pacific Dunes Ranch & RV Resort
Riding on the beach is a classic California pastime, and this is one of the best spots to do it. An hour-long beach and dunes ride will take a group of four through a variety of scenery, including Arroyo Grande Creek, with an expert guide leading the way and providing instruction.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Hatteras Island, NC)
Photo via Hatteras Island Horseback Riding on Facebook.
The Outer Banks is a perfectly picturesque place to vacation. Add a sunrise or sunset jaunt on horseback, and you’ve got it all. Hatteras Island Horseback Riding offers packages especially for families and those with little to no riding experience that allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area in a completely unique way.
Turtle Bay Beach (Oahu, HI)
In terms of “living the dream,” it doesn’t get much better than trotting on a tropical beach in Hawaii. At the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu, guests can choose from a variety of rides, including sunset rides, private rides, trail rides, and even a pony experience for little ones.
