Ocean view hikes are truly breathtaking. They let you combine the magnificent landscapes with physical activity. However, which ones are the best? In the US, we recommend the Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii, the Lost Coast Trail in California (beware, it’s extremely hard!), and the Ocean Path in Maine. When it comes to Europe, you should absolutely go on a hike on the Corfu Trail in Greece and the South West Coast Path (it’s over 600 miles long!) in the UK. Why these particular coastal hiking trails? Find it out below!

Best Hikes with Ocean View in the US

Let’s start with what the US has to offer. Here, you’ll find three great ocean-view hikes, namely: Kalalau, the Lost Coast, and Ocean Path trails.

Ocean Path, Maine

Ocean Path is a short, enjoyable coastal hiking trail perfect for families. It’s only 4.2 miles long and relatively easy to complete. Thus, if you want to go on a chill family vacation and enjoy some nature, this will be the perfect destination.

Ocean Path, Maine
  • Difficulty: Easy.
  • Length: 4.2 miles.
  • Accommodation: No need.
  • Pets: Allowed, on a leash.
  • Legal aspects: You need an NPS pass to enter the park.

Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii

If you’ve completed all the activities on your spring bucket list and you’re seeking some summer thrills, the Kalalau Trail in Kauai will be perfect for you. It’s a 22-mile-long dirt hiking trail that takes you on a journey around sea cliffs, secluded beaches, and cascading waterfalls. This trail is perfect all year round, making it an ideal destination for your summer holidays.

Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
  • Difficulty: Hard.
  • Length: 22 miles out and back.
  • Accommodation: 2 authorized camping areas.
  • Pets: Prohibited.
  • Legal aspects: A permit is required to hike and camp past Hanakapi’ai.

Lost Coast Trail, California

If you’re looking for a hardcore coastal trail in the US, this one will be the perfect choice. It’s quite long and physically exhausting, but it pays off. Due to its being left out from urban development when Highway 1 was constructed, this trail is a true nature reserve for flora and fauna, letting you enjoy the beauty of nature.

Why is it so hardcore? Walking through sand can really take a toll on you, and the slippery rocks don’t make it better. What is more, you need to bring a tide chart and know how to use it since some parts of the trail are impassable at high tide.

Lost Coast Trail, California
  • Difficulty: Extremely Hard.
  • Length: 25 miles one way.
  • Accommodation: Camping is available wherever a stream meets the ocean.
  • Pets: Allowed, but not recommended.
  • Legal aspects: A permit is required, but you can get it for free.

Best Coastal Hiking Trails in Europe

What about Europe? This continent is also filled with breathtaking ocean-view trails, so we’ve chosen the two best ones!

Corfu Trail, Greece

This beautiful, over 110-mile-long trail in Greece is one of the most popular coastal trails in the whole country. It avoids any steep or tiring passages, keeping the intensity low, which makes it perfect for families and those who have just started their hiking hobby. On this trail, you will see a diversity of landscapes (including breathtaking cliffs), and architecture since it passes through several villages. It might take you up to 15 days to complete it, though, so you might want to plan your whole vacation around it.

Corfu Trail, Greece
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
  • Length: Approximately 115 miles.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation options include middle-class hotels, taverna/pension rooms, and some studios with kitchen facilities. Camping is also an option, though more limited compared to structured accommodations.
  • Pets: Allowed on the trail, but check with specific accommodations.
  • Legal aspects: No permits are required.

South West Coast Path, UK

If you’re planning a longer summer vacation, and you want it to be all about the best hikes with ocean views, you should absolutely choose the South West Coast Path in the UK. This trail is over 600 miles long, and even the official website suggests creating a… 52-day itinerary. Not everybody has that amount of time, but completing even a small chunk of it will be extremely satisfying especially since it’s filled with characteristic English cliffs, old monuments, and even romantic trails.

South West Coast Path, UK
  • Difficulty: Hard.
  • Length: Approximately 630 miles.
  • Accommodation: Options include hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, campsites, and holiday parks along the route.
  • Pets: Allowed, but be mindful of local wildlife and livestock.
  • Legal aspects: No permits are required.

The Takeaway

The above are just some of the best ocean-view hiking trails in the US and Europe. If you want to find more of them, be sure to check out our social mapping app, YouMap. There, you will find maps created by other hiking enthusiasts, and there are tons of other great spots and destinations to explore!

🗺️Download YouMap for iOS🗺️