\nOne of the best things to do in the area is a scenic horseback ride along the grassy dune-covered beach. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFor those of us who have been coming to Long Beach, Washington since infancy, one of my fondest memories as a child was horseback riding along the vast uninterrupted stretch of sand. A perfect combination of romanticism, adventure, and fun\u2014it\u2019s impossible to find a better way to enjoy the beach.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLong Beach is hailed as the \u2018World\u2019s Longest Beach.\u2019 And while that may or may not be technically true, at over 28 miles of coastline it is the longest stretch of sand in the contiguous United States at least. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nFamous for its seafood harvests and kite flying, very few people know that horseback riding is one of the most rewarding activities to spend an afternoon or evening on. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHere\u2019s a quick guide with everything you need to know to plan your ride from Seaview to the state park.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where to Book Your Horseback Riding Tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Where-to-Book-Your-Horseback-Riding-Tour.jpg\")
Photo Credit: micha<\/a>e<\/a>ljung<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\nBoth companies found on Sid Snyder Drive, located practically next door to one another, have superb reputations and glowing reviews on Tripadvisor. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Long Beach Horse Rides<\/a> and West Coast Horse Rides<\/a> offer guided tours up and down the beach. These are the best places to arrange your horse rentals and guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\nThe Long Beach Horse Rides are open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM and West Coast Horse Rides are open from 9 AM – 5 PM.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHours at both shops can vary depending on holidays and unpredictable Washington weather so be sure to check online or give them a call before you show up in person. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBoth companies are also seasonal. When the weather turns and the low season on Long Beach arrives, all the horseback riding companies close up shop because a ride on a cold rainy beach in the dead of winter is seldom appealing to tourists. The specific dates of closure depend on the weather of that specific year.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe best time to plan your visit is obviously summer, although late spring and early fall can also offer great weather windows and good riding conditions.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are My Tour Options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nTours and guided rides are pretty standardized because visitors are most fond of a ride along the water. The most popular is a one-hour ride up and down the beach. This usually costs $30 per horse. A hard deal to beat. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf you\u2019re hoping for a sunset ride along the sand, you can arrange ahead of time for the last ride of the day.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRiders who are more experienced in the saddle and hoping to do a longer tour can take a 2-hour morning jaunt for around $60 a horse. Parents with children under the age of 6 can ride double, but kids older than that are required to ride on their own.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf you have your own horse you can stable it at the red barn arena and plan your own rides on the Long Beach Peninsula.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do I Need to Make Reservations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nReservations are not necessary ahead of time, but they are preferred. Rides are offered hourly from 9-5 and groups can vary greatly in size. If you want to book a private tour or have any specific needs\/questions to address it\u2019s best to call the company you wish to work with directly.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you need Prior Horseback Riding Experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nHave no horseback riding experience? No problem! Both companies cater to people of all ages and experience levels. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThey have a deep knowledge of their horses and trails, pairing the perfect horse with each rider. All the equines are well-trained, and brief pre-ride lessons are given to those who have yet to learn the basics of riding.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHelmets are available and recommended for all riders. Especially those with very little or no riding experience. Both companies also offer pony rides in the corral for $5 a ride, perfect for quick photo ops and fun for small children not yet ready for their own long seaside ride.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect on Your Horseback Ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nTours leave from the corral every hour. Once everyone is paired with their horse, given safety instructions and riding basics, a guide takes everyone out single-file for the beach approach. You\u2019ll gallop past the boardwalk through a narrow trail of dune grass and coastal pines that leads out onto the fine sands of the Pacific Ocean.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOnce out on the beach, you may spread out along the sand but must still stay with the group. If you do venture away it\u2019s important to be aware of the clam beds along the tide line and potentially the ground nests of local birds. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe ride is quite scenic with a seemingly endless expanse of sand in front of you. You can let the gentle rocking of the horses lull you into a relaxed state.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nKeep in mind that the horses, although well-trained and very accustomed to these rides, are wild-ish animals. They can still get spooked by large waves and the water. Their behavior is not always predictable. Sometimes along the narrow trails, horses can nip at each other so it\u2019s best to always be alert and try to maintain control of your horse. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIf issues arise, your guide will step in and will always do their best to calm your horse or swap them out with a horse in a better mood if necessary.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before Your Ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.beachhousewa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/A-Few-Things-to-Keep-in-Mind-Before-Your-Ride.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Naruedol Rattanakornkul<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\nBefore you hop in the saddle, here are a few things you should keep in mind.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Weather Can Change Quickly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDepending on the time of year, remember that this area of the state can get a lot of rain, wind, and cold temperatures. So check the hourly forecasts and dress appropriately to prepare for shifts in weather. On sunny days keep in mind that there is no shade along the beach so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use the Restroom Before Mounting Your Horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nRocking back and forth for an hour in a saddle will most likely make you need to pee. And while horses can relieve themselves on the beach, you cannot!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always Follow Your Guide\u2019s Instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nMore experienced riders will likely need little help but it\u2019s important to stick with the group anyways. The guides are highly trained and know the individual horses well. Always follow any and all instructions given to you by the tour leader to avoid injury to yourself and others.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
End Your Ride on a High Note<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nAll that riding can sure work up an appetite. Be sure to grab a bite to eat, or a craft cocktail to ease those sore muscles at Pickled Fish located at the top of Adrift Hotel. Amazing food, local beers, and beautiful views of the beach are a great way to end the day after a long ride.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If Pickled Fish isn\u2019t calling your name, there are plenty more great restaurants in Long Beach to satiate your hunger! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nBoth companies found on Sid Snyder Drive, located practically next door to one another, have superb reputations and glowing reviews on Tripadvisor. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Long Beach Horse Rides<\/a> and West Coast Horse Rides<\/a> offer guided tours up and down the beach. These are the best places to arrange your horse rentals and guide. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe Long Beach Horse Rides are open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM and West Coast Horse Rides are open from 9 AM – 5 PM.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nHours at both shops can vary depending on holidays and unpredictable Washington weather so be sure to check online or give them a call before you show up in person. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nBoth companies are also seasonal. When the weather turns and the low season on Long Beach arrives, all the horseback riding companies close up shop because a ride on a cold rainy beach in the dead of winter is seldom appealing to tourists. The specific dates of closure depend on the weather of that specific year.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe best time to plan your visit is obviously summer, although late spring and early fall can also offer great weather windows and good riding conditions.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nTours and guided rides are pretty standardized because visitors are most fond of a ride along the water. The most popular is a one-hour ride up and down the beach. This usually costs $30 per horse. A hard deal to beat. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you\u2019re hoping for a sunset ride along the sand, you can arrange ahead of time for the last ride of the day.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nRiders who are more experienced in the saddle and hoping to do a longer tour can take a 2-hour morning jaunt for around $60 a horse. Parents with children under the age of 6 can ride double, but kids older than that are required to ride on their own.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf you have your own horse you can stable it at the red barn arena and plan your own rides on the Long Beach Peninsula.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nReservations are not necessary ahead of time, but they are preferred. Rides are offered hourly from 9-5 and groups can vary greatly in size. If you want to book a private tour or have any specific needs\/questions to address it\u2019s best to call the company you wish to work with directly.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nHave no horseback riding experience? No problem! Both companies cater to people of all ages and experience levels. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThey have a deep knowledge of their horses and trails, pairing the perfect horse with each rider. All the equines are well-trained, and brief pre-ride lessons are given to those who have yet to learn the basics of riding.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nHelmets are available and recommended for all riders. Especially those with very little or no riding experience. Both companies also offer pony rides in the corral for $5 a ride, perfect for quick photo ops and fun for small children not yet ready for their own long seaside ride.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nTours leave from the corral every hour. Once everyone is paired with their horse, given safety instructions and riding basics, a guide takes everyone out single-file for the beach approach. You\u2019ll gallop past the boardwalk through a narrow trail of dune grass and coastal pines that leads out onto the fine sands of the Pacific Ocean.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nOnce out on the beach, you may spread out along the sand but must still stay with the group. If you do venture away it\u2019s important to be aware of the clam beds along the tide line and potentially the ground nests of local birds. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nThe ride is quite scenic with a seemingly endless expanse of sand in front of you. You can let the gentle rocking of the horses lull you into a relaxed state.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nKeep in mind that the horses, although well-trained and very accustomed to these rides, are wild-ish animals. They can still get spooked by large waves and the water. Their behavior is not always predictable. Sometimes along the narrow trails, horses can nip at each other so it\u2019s best to always be alert and try to maintain control of your horse. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nIf issues arise, your guide will step in and will always do their best to calm your horse or swap them out with a horse in a better mood if necessary.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nBefore you hop in the saddle, here are a few things you should keep in mind.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nDepending on the time of year, remember that this area of the state can get a lot of rain, wind, and cold temperatures. So check the hourly forecasts and dress appropriately to prepare for shifts in weather. On sunny days keep in mind that there is no shade along the beach so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nRocking back and forth for an hour in a saddle will most likely make you need to pee. And while horses can relieve themselves on the beach, you cannot!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nMore experienced riders will likely need little help but it\u2019s important to stick with the group anyways. The guides are highly trained and know the individual horses well. Always follow any and all instructions given to you by the tour leader to avoid injury to yourself and others.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n \nAll that riding can sure work up an appetite. Be sure to grab a bite to eat, or a craft cocktail to ease those sore muscles at Pickled Fish located at the top of Adrift Hotel. Amazing food, local beers, and beautiful views of the beach are a great way to end the day after a long ride.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Pickled Fish isn\u2019t calling your name, there are plenty more great restaurants in Long Beach to satiate your hunger! <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are My Tour Options?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do I Need to Make Reservations?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you need Prior Horseback Riding Experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect on Your Horseback Ride<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before Your Ride<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Weather Can Change Quickly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use the Restroom Before Mounting Your Horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Always Follow Your Guide\u2019s Instructions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
End Your Ride on a High Note<\/h3>\n\n\n\n