Day trips from Taipei for nature and coastal scenery

Here are some of the best day trips from Taipei for nature lovers and those seeking coastal scenery:

Yangmingshan National Park

Just north of Taipei, Yangmingshan is a volcanic mountain range with hiking trails, flower fields, hot springs, and fumaroles. The Seven Star Mountain hike offers incredible city and mountain views. Popular spots include flower clock, Zhuzihu calla lilies, and Qingtiangang Grassland with water buffalo grazing .

Yehliu Geopark

A stunning coastal park famous for its unusual rock formations, including the iconic “Queen’s Head” shaped by erosion. Yehliu also offers beautiful ocean views and access to seafood markets nearby. It’s about a 1-hour bus ride from Taipei .

Fulong Beach

A 3km golden sandy beach about an hour from Taipei by train. It’s popular for swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, and a sand sculpture festival from May to October. Nearby, you can hike the Caoling Historic Trail or cycle through the Old Caoling Tunnel .

Bitoujiao Trail

An easier coastal hike with panoramic ocean views on the northeastern coast of Taiwan. Located about 48km east of Taipei, the trail passes lush mountains, rocky shores, and peaceful fishing harbors. It pairs well with visits to Jiufen or Pingxi nearby .

Taroko National Park (Longer Day Trip)

About 150km from Taipei, Taroko Gorge features dramatic marble cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic hiking. Though a long trip for a day, it’s one of Taiwan’s most famous natural highlights, reachable by train and bus or via organized tours .

Wulai Hot Springs and Waterfalls

Located south of Taipei, Wulai is an indigenous cultural town with hot springs, hiking trails, and waterfalls. A less crowded alternative to urban hot springs, it offers forest bathing and aboriginal cuisine .

These day trips offer a mix of mountain hikes, coastal beauty, hot springs, and unique geological sites all within reach of Taipei, perfect for nature and coastal enthusiasts