Horseback Riding on the Beach in Florida: 8 Best Places to Book
There’s something magical about riding a horse along the shoreline — the sound of waves, salt air in your face, and hooves splashing through the surf. Florida is one of the few states where you can actually do this, but beach horseback riding is heavily regulated here. You can’t just show up with a horse (or rent one anywhere) and trot down the sand.
The good news? Several outfitters have permits to offer guided beach rides, and most welcome beginners with no experience. Here are the best places to go horseback riding on the beach in Florida, organized by region so you can find one near your vacation spot.
Florida Panhandle (Forgotten Coast)
Two-Bit Stable – Cape San Blas
Located on Florida’s stunning Forgotten Coast, Two-Bit Stable offers laid-back beach rides perfect for beginners. The pace is relaxed due to local ordinances, making it ideal if you’ve never been on a horse before.
What to know:
- Sunrise and sunset rides available
- Minimum age: 7 years old
- No experience needed
- Located near Port St. Joe
Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding – Cape San Blas
Also on Cape San Blas, Broke-A-Toe is a family-friendly option with flexible age requirements. If your little one is over 2, they likely have a ride option that works.
What to know:
- One of the most kid-friendly options in Florida
- Moonlit rides and couples packages available (seasonal)
- No experience required
- TripAdvisor rates it #1 thing to do in the area
Northeast Florida (Amelia Island)
Amelia Island Horseback Riding – Fernandina Beach
The premier beach riding experience on Amelia Island, this outfitter has been operating for over 35 years. Rides depart from Peters Point Beachfront Park and take you along pristine, uncrowded shoreline.
What to know:
- Sunrise, daytime, and sunset rides available
- Private rides and proposal packages offered
- Beginner-friendly
- Book through Viator for easy cancellation
Book Here: Amelia Island Beach Rides
Kelly Seahorse Ranch – Amelia Island State Park
Located within Amelia Island State Park, Kelly Seahorse Ranch offers a scenic ride through one of Florida’s most beautiful natural areas.
What to know:
- Minimum age: 13 years old
- No phones or cameras allowed on the ride (they take photos for you)
- Rides go through the state park and along the beach
Northeast Atlantic Coast
Equestrian Adventures of Florida – Flagler Beach / Palm Coast
Based in Ormond Beach, this outfitter runs beach rides at Flagler Beach — right between Daytona and St. Augustine. A great add-on if you’re already visiting either city.
What to know:
- Beach rides at low tide
- Trail rides through state parks also available
- No experience needed
- Great for nature lovers (untouched Florida scenery)
Treasure Coast (Fort Pierce)
Tours on Horseback – Hutchinson Island
Fort Pierce is one of the only places in Florida that officially permits beach horseback riding, and Tours on Horseback is the go-to outfitter. Rides take place on the beautiful shores of Hutchinson Island.
What to know:
- Minimum age: 10 years old
- Multiple tour types (beach, nature preserves, wetlands)
- No experience required
- They’ll take photos during your ride
Gulf Coast (Bradenton / Tampa Bay Area)
C Ponies – Palma Sola Bay (near Anna Maria Island)
This is the one everyone talks about — because you can actually swim with the horses. C Ponies uses rescued horses and takes riders into the calm waters of Palma Sola Bay for an unforgettable experience.
What to know:
- Horses swim with you in the water (yes, really)
- All horses are rescues — feel good about supporting their mission
- Sunset rides available
- Near Anna Maria Island and Bradenton
- One of the most unique horseback experiences in Florida
Florida Beach Horses – Bradenton
Another Bradenton-area option that lets you ride horses into the water. Florida Beach Horses offers multiple ride types, including their signature “Sand & Surf” experience where you can trot, canter, and swim with your horse (for experienced riders).
What to know:
- Water rides with optional bareback swimming
- Sunset rides when tide conditions align
- Minimum age: 3 for some rides, 10 for others
- Many horses are rescues
- Prices around $155-$160 per person for sunset rides
South Florida (Miami)
Palomino Ranch & Tours – Virginia Key Beach Park
The only guided beach horseback ride option in the Miami area. Located at historic Virginia Key Beach Park, this tour combines trail riding through the park with a ride along the shoreline.
What to know:
- 1-hour tour includes trails and beach
- Learn about the park’s history during your ride
- Suitable for beginners
- Great option if you’re visiting Miami and want something different
Book Here: Miami Horseback Riding at Virginia Key
Exploring Miami? Check out our other things to do in Miami.
Tips Before You Book
Book ahead. Beach rides depend on tides, weather, and permit schedules. Most outfitters have limited availability, especially for sunset rides.
Check age and weight limits. Each outfitter has different requirements. Some allow kids as young as 2 (with a parent), others require riders to be 13+.
Wear closed-toe shoes. Sandals and flip-flops aren’t allowed. Boots or sneakers work fine.
Bring a helmet for kids. Florida law requires riders under 16 to wear a helmet. Most outfitters provide them, but check when booking.
Skip the phone (sometimes). Some ranches don’t allow phones or cameras during the ride for safety reasons. They’ll usually take photos for you.
Expect to pay $75–$175 per person. Prices vary by ride length and type. Sunset and swimming rides typically cost more.
What to Wear Horseback Riding on the Beach
Shoes: Closed-toe only — boots or sneakers work great. No sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs. Your feet need to stay secure in the stirrups.
Pants: Long pants are best. Jeans, leggings, or lightweight hiking pants all work. Shorts can cause chafing against the saddle, especially on longer rides.
Top: Whatever’s comfortable, but skip anything flowy that could spook the horse or get caught. A fitted t-shirt or tank works fine.
Hat: A baseball cap is fine for sun protection, but know it might fly off during the ride. Some outfitters provide helmets — Florida law requires them for riders under 16.
Sunscreen: You’re on a beach with no shade. Apply before you arrive since you won’t be able to reapply during the ride.
What to skip: Dangling jewelry, scarves, open bags, and anything you’d be devastated to lose in the ocean. Many outfitters don’t allow phones or cameras during the ride anyway.
Bonus tip: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting sandy, salty, or slightly horse-scented. It’s part of the experience!
Can You Bring Your Own Horse?
Yes, but only in a few specific locations with a permit:
- Canaveral National Seashore – Permit required
- St. Augustine / St. Johns County beaches – 30 miles of horse-friendly coastline, permit required
- Frederick Douglass Beach (Fort Pierce) – Annual or weekly permits available through St. Lucie County
For most visitors, booking with an outfitter is the easier (and more fun) option.
Ready to Ride?
Horseback riding on the beach is one of those bucket-list Florida experiences that actually lives up to the hype. Whether you’re watching the sunrise on Amelia Island, swimming with horses in Bradenton, or trotting through the surf on the Forgotten Coast — it’s an adventure you won’t forget.
Want to surprise someone with this experience? Check out our travel gift ideas for creative ways to gift an adventure.
Planning a Florida trip? Browse our other things to do in Florida.
Book early, pack your closed-toe shoes, and get ready for some sand in your boots.Share
