A North Coast day trip doesn’t have to be a casual stroll! This article offers 5 customized route recommendations, from classic coastal attractions to hidden gems. We’ve also added a review of several seaside cafes and seafood restaurants to ensure your trip is visually pleasing and gastronomically satisfying!
North Coast Attractions Route Map & Itinerary Recommendations
- Classic Route, Suitable for First-Time Visitors to the North Coast:
[Jinshan] Lion Head Mountain and Candlestick Twin Islets → Jinshan Old Street → Tiaoshi Coast → [Shimen] (Seaside Cafe/Restaurant) → Shimen Cave → Laomei Green Reef, Laomei Maze, Fugui Cape Lighthouse → [Sanzhi] Qianshui Bay, Zhilan Park Seaside Observation Deck - New Attractions/Hidden Gems Route, Suitable for Those Who Have Visited the North Coast Multiple Times:
[Sanzhi] Sanzhi Tianxinzi/Cowboy Ranch → [Shimen] Taiwan Coral Shell Temple (New Temple) → Songshan Terraces → (Seaside Cafe/Restaurant) → [Jinshan] Jinshan Clear Water Wetland → Jinshan Yixiantian & Mysterious Coast → Jinshan Old Street - Family-Friendly Route:
[Sanzhi] Qianshui Bay, (Seaside Cafe/Restaurant) → [Shimen] Fugui Cape Lighthouse, Laomei Maze → Shimen Cave → [Jinshan] Jinshan Old Street - Romantic Date Route:
[Jinshan] Jinshan Yixiantian & Mysterious Coast → Jinshan Old Street → Tiaoshi Coast → [Shimen] (Seaside Cafe/Restaurant) → Shimen Cave → Fugui Cape Lighthouse → Linshanbi Trail → [Sanzhi] Qianshui Bay, Zhilan Park Seaside Observation Deck, (Seaside Cafe/Restaurant) - Nature Hiking Route:
[Jinshan] Lion Head Mountain and Candlestick Twin Islets → Jinshan Old Street → [Shimen] Shimen Cave → Linshanbi Trail → [Sanzhi] Qianshui Bay, Zhilan Park Seaside Observation Deck, (Seaside Cafe/Restaurant)
The above routes can be reversed depending on your convenience. For multi-day trips, you can combine them with a day trip to Keelung Yehliu or even the Northeast Coast. To the west, you can pair them with a day trip to Tamsui or Taipei City!
If you really don’t want to bother with planning, the New Taipei City Tourism Bureau’s “Small Guest Takes You to New Taipei City” can also recommend itineraries by answering 5 questions.
North Coast Day Trip Transportation
The North Coast has convenient bus routes. If you have plenty of time, taking public transportation is no problem. If time is limited, it is recommended to drive or charter a car for more flexibility in arranging your itinerary and saving time waiting for buses and coordinating with schedules.
Bus
- From Taipei City: Take routes 953, 1068, 1717, 1815
- From Tamsui: Take routes 863, 862, “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle 716 Crown North Coast Line” (weekends only from November to April) from Tamsui MRT Station
- From Keelung: Take route 862 from Keelung Railway Station
Search for Taipei buses: Routes and real-time bus information
Driving
- National Highway 1: Wugu Interchange → Provincial Highway 64 → Wugu (towards Tamsui) → Guandu Bridge → Zhuwei → Hongshulin → Provincial Highway 2 → Sanzhi → Shimen → Jinshan → Wanli
- National Highway 3: Xizhi → Wanli direction → Jinfeng Interchange → Left turn onto Provincial Highway 2 → Wanli → Jinshan → Shimen → Sanzhi
- Taipei: Shilin → Zhuwei → Hongshulin → Provincial Highway 2 → Sanzhi → Shimen → Jinshan → Wanli
Chartered Car
The advantage of a chartered car is having a professional driver. You only need to relax and think about how to take photos at your destination, what local delicacies to eat, and what souvenirs to buy. After arriving, arrange a pick-up time with the driver and enjoy the attractions without worrying about parking spaces or fees. Onetaiwantrip is the premier choice for professional chartered car tours on the North Coast, offering a variety of vehicle options, including 5-seater, 7-seater, 9-seater, and other nanny vans, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip.
For cross-city or multi-day chartered car tours, please contact customer service!
North Coast Chartered Car Day Trip Prices
| Item | Vehicle Type | Online Booking Discount Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast Chartered Car Day Trip (8 hours) | 5-Seater Sedan | $4,000 | Includes car fare, fuel, driver, passenger insurance (overtime NT$400 per hour) |
| North Coast Chartered Car Day Trip (8 hours) | 5-Seater SUV | $4,200 | Includes car fare, fuel, driver, passenger insurance (overtime NT$400 per hour) |
| North Coast Chartered Car Day Trip (8 hours) | 9-Seater | $5,200 | Includes car fare, fuel, driver, passenger insurance (overtime NT$500 per hour) |
| North Coast Chartered Car Day Trip (8 hours) | Alphard Independent Seat 7-Seater | $9,000 | Includes car fare, fuel, driver, passenger insurance (overtime NT$900 per hour) |
| North Coast Chartered Car Day Trip (10 hours) | Large T-Star Nanny Van 9-Seater | $9,500 | Includes car fare, fuel, driver, passenger insurance (overtime NT$800 per hour) |
Recommended Must-Visit Attractions for a North Coast Day Trip
Qianshui Bay (Sanzhi District)
Qianshui Bay and Baisha Bay are both popular swimming destinations on the North Coast. Qianshui Bay is characterized by a mix of rocky and sandy shores, with a crescent-shaped white sandy beach suitable for swimming and unique “algal reefs” for exploring marine ecology. It has parking, paid shower facilities, and lifeguards, making it a safe and convenient place to enjoy the water.
The shore has an accessible coastal walkway suitable for families. The entire coastal highway is a prime location for seaside cafes. Even if you don’t want to swim, you can find a unique cafe to enjoy the sea view. You can also come here to watch the sunset and have a romantic date with the sea and the beautiful sunset!
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Qianshui Bay Seaside Park
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Other Beaches Suitable for Swimming:
- Baisha Bay: Dominated by white shell sand, with abundant water activities and suitable for sunset viewing.
- Zhongjiao Bay: An international surfing destination, suitable for beginners and advanced surfers.
Zhilan Park Seaside Observation Deck (Sanzhi District)
The Zhilan Observation Deck is a 43-meter-long seaside platform located next to Qianshui Bay, accessible along the coastal walkway.
The entire platform is designed with waves as its theme, with wave patterns on both sides of the railings and blue floor tiles, making it feel like walking on the sea. The end of the platform features a ring designed by a local Sanzhi artist as an art installation, attracting many couples to take photos and check in, and is also a popular spot for wedding photography companies.
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Zhilan Park Seaside Observation Deck
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Recommended Visiting Time: Sunset, can be arranged together with Qianshui Bay
Tiaoshi Coast (Jinshan District)
Tiaoshi Coast has a famous check-in spot – the most beautiful seaside bus stop on the North Coast. The bus stop, styled as a red-brick Hokkien house, combined with the stunning sea view, has made it a popular attraction on the North Coast. Before the Danjin Highway was built, residents could only pass by stepping on the large stones on the shore during low tide, hence the name “Tiaoshi” (jumping stones).
In addition to taking photos with the bus stop, most people also visit the cafe across the street, “Jinshan Tiaoshi No Name Cafe,” to take photos and enjoy afternoon tea with the sea view.
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Tiaoshi Coast
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Recommended Visiting Time: Any time, you can also come here to watch the cloud shadow changes in autumn and winter
Laomei Green Reef, Laomei Maze (Shimen District)
Laomei Green Reef was voted by CNN as one of Taiwan’s eight secret spots. Due to long-term erosion by sea waves, it has a special groove shape. From February to May each year, the stone troughs are covered with green algae, like a seasonal green carpet, making it very distinctive for taking pictures. To protect the ecology and avoid slipping, it is recommended to enjoy it on the beach and not step on the green reef.
The Laomei Maze is located in the Fugui Cape Park near the Green Reef. The maze itself is not large, but it is surrounded by greenery, mottled red brick walls, and winding paths, which still have the fun of a mysterious maze, especially suitable for bringing children to play. If you want to see the Green Reef or Fugui Cape, it is highly recommended to arrange 2-3 hours to collect these three attractions at once.
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Laomei Green Reef, Laomei Maze
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Recommended Visiting Time: Green stone troughs are only available from February to May; from May to August, you can admire the sea of Arabian jasmine flowers in the surrounding sand dunes
Shimen Cave (Shimen District)
Shimen Cave is a sea-eroded cave landscape about 10 meters high, which is a famous check-in landmark. There are complete walkways along the coast, with observation decks and pavilions for easy sightseeing. After passing through the sea-eroded cave, there is a “different world,” with a rich intertidal ecology to explore on the coastal side. There are two main areas: the arch bridge reef and the algal reef tidal pool, which contain many snails, shellfish, purple-red algae, hermit crabs, small fish, shrimp, and other rich ecological treasures waiting to be discovered, making it very suitable for bringing children!
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Shimen Cave
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Note: The beach is made of larger shell sand particles, so it is recommended to bring slippers if you are afraid of pain
Fugui Cape Lighthouse (Shimen District)
Fugui Cape Lighthouse is the northernmost lighthouse on the main island of Taiwan and one of the four extreme points of Taiwan. Unlike the common white lighthouses, Fugui Cape Lighthouse is black and white, which is especially cute.
In addition to being a must-visit spot for island hopping, there is also the “suspended sun beauty” that photography enthusiasts must have heard of – when the sun sets, it just stays behind the lighthouse, connecting “people, lighthouse, and sunset” in a line, usually between April and May.
If you happen to come to the North Coast during this period, you can first go to the nearby Laomei Green Reef and Maze, then come to Fugui Cape Park during sunset to watch the red sun, and then go to Fugui Fishing Port for dinner to end the day, satisfying both your eyes and your stomach!
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Fugui Cape Lighthouse
Opening Hours: April-October: 9:00-18:00; November-March: 9:00-17:00; Closed on Mondays
Recommended Visiting Time: Sunset
Linshanbi Trail (Shimen District)
The filming location for the movie “Secret,” where the male lead rides his bicycle to take the female lead home, was filmed on the Linshanbi Recreation Area bicycle trail, attracting many fans to come and pilgrimage.
The Linshanbi Trail has a gentle slope and is easy to walk, so it is not too hard for seniors and children. It starts from the west side of Baisha Bay and surrounds the entire Linshanbi. Along the way, there are beautiful scenery suitable for taking pictures, and finally you can overlook Linshanbi Fishing Port from a high place. If you like to hike, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery, you can plan 2-3 hours to walk slowly here, and you can also watch the sunset.
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Linshanbi Geological Landscape Ecological Trail or Linshanbi Trail
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Recommended Visiting Time: Sunset; you can arrange 2-3 hours to walk slowly, and you can play with Baisha Bay before and after
Lion Head Mountain Candlestick Twin Islets (Jinshan District)
“Candlestick Twin Islets” is a special rock in Jinshan Lion Head Mountain Park, known as one of the “Eight Views of Jinshan.” Lion Head Mountain Park is close to the sea, so there are many coastal plants to watch along the way (for example, you can enjoy Taiwan lilies in spring; golden spider lilies in September-October), and the ecological resources are rich. Because it has long been a military control zone, the natural ecology is well preserved.
The entire park is not large, the trail is generally flat and easy to walk, with a few stairs, suitable for family outings. You can overlook the Candlestick Twin Islets and enjoy the sea view from the Zhongzheng Pavilion at the end of the trail.
Image source: New Taipei City Government Tourism Bureau
[Attraction Information]
Google Maps Location: Lion Head Mountain Park
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Recommended Visiting Time: If you want to get closer to the sea, you can walk from the nearby Shuiwei Fishing Port to “Jinshan Yixiantian” and “Mysterious Coast”
North Coast Day Trip New Attractions/Hidden Gems Recommendations
- Sanzhi District | Cowboy Ranch: An American-style restaurant and leisure farm covering thousands of square meters, suitable for family travel and gatherings with family/friends.
- Sanzhi District | Sanzhi Tianxinzi: Known as the Mirror of the Sky in New Taipei City, it is suitable for taking pictures of the reflections of the paddy fields at sunrise or sunset.
- Shimen District | Taiwan Coral Shell Temple (New Temple): Decorated with a large number of shells, coral reefs, etc., it is spectacular for taking pictures.
- Shimen District | Jinshan Clear Water Wetland Lotus Field: Lotus flowers are in full bloom from June to September, and you can walk on the ridges to admire the flowers up close.
- Shimen District | Songshan Terraces: A century-old stone-built terrace located in the Shimen mountain area. It is most recommended to visit during the iris flower season in April and May, and the cosmos flower season in mid-to-late June.
- Jinshan District | Jinshan Yixiantian & Mysterious Coast: A secret spot next to Shuiwei Fishing Port. Be sure to check the tide time in advance, as it will be impossible to enter and exit during high tide.
More Northern Taiwan Day Trip Routes, Secret Attractions Recommendations:
Top 10 North Coast Seaside Cafes/Restaurants Recommendations
The North Coast has a unique coastline, and it is a must to have an afternoon tea date with the blue sea or eat delicious food with the gentle sea breeze! The following are 10 selected seaside cafes & restaurants suitable for watching the sea, which can be selected according to the itinerary:
| Store Name | Location | Price Range | Features & Recommended Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gongji Cafe | Sanzhi District, near Qianshui Bay | NT$200-400/person | The dishes are carefully plated and suitable for taking pictures. The main dishes and drinks are very generous. Netizens recommend fruit tea, but the reviews are mixed |
| We are at the Beach | Sanzhi District, near Qianshui Bay | NT$400-600/person | Industrial style design, reservations are recommended on holidays. Mainly desserts and drinks, netizens recommend chiffon cake |
| Bossa Nova Seaside Restaurant | Sanzhi District, near Qianshui Bay | NT$400-600/person | The interior decoration is careful and distinctive. The meal options are rich and diverse, mainly for eating a full meal |
| Provence Coast Cafe | Sanzhi District, near Qianshui Bay | NT$200-400/person | There is an outdoor 180-degree viewing platform with main dishes. Netizens recommend pasta and fruit tea |
| Seaside Kitchen | Sanzhi District, near Qianshui Bay | NT$200-400/person | The outdoor wooden platform space is comfortable with both Chinese and Western dishes. There are main dishes. Netizens recommend the Three Cup Chicken set meal, but the taste is sweet |
| Daydream Tea & Cafe | Shimen District | NT$200-400/person | The elementary school building was renovated and not really close to the sea, but you can still see the sea view. Mainly desserts and drinks, netizens recommend the limited lemon tart on holidays |
| Shi Lang Cafe | Shimen District | NT$200-400/person | You can see the sea view indoors and outdoors, suitable for resting and watching the scenery. The dishes are decent, with main dishes |
| Caoli No. 1 Store | Shimen District | NT$200-400/person | Popular small cafe on IG, parking is not very convenient. Mainly desserts and drinks, netizens recommend tiramisu |
| GRAY CAFE | Shimen District, next to Baisha Bay | NT$200-400/person | The cafe combines hairdressing, the style is clear and does not accept reservations. Mainly desserts and drinks, with simple light meals |
| Jinshan Tiaoshi No Name Cafe | Jinshan District, Tiaoshi Coast | NT$200-400/person | There are not many main dishes, mainly outdoor seats, which may be hot in summer and have more mosquitoes |
North Coast Seafood Restaurant Recommendations
The North Coast has many fishing ports, so how can you miss seafood here! Especially the famous “Wanli Crab” in autumn!
The following are some local stores that are loved by gourmets and have Google ratings of more than four stars:
- Shimen District | 168 Seafood: A seafood stir-fry restaurant near Shimen Fishing Port, recommended by locals, affordable and fresh. Netizens recommend curry bread and candied tomatoes
- Shimen District | Chun Jin Live Seafood (Autumn Crab): A popular seafood restaurant in Fugui Fishing Port, with high CP value and fast serving speed
- Jinshan District | Jinshan Big Bowl Crab/Food/Seafood/Restaurant: A popular store located in Jinshan Old Street, suitable for dining even with a small number of people. Seafood porridge and seafood rice noodles are full of ingredients and fresh!
- Jinshan District | Brothers Restaurant: A traditional restaurant loved by locals, the seafood is delicious and the portions are large, more suitable for dining with a large group
- Jinshan District | Hua Yi Si Kitchen: Combines Wanli Crab with pasta, and also has pizza, hot pot and other composite dishes, with a rich selection
- Wanli District | Qiao Yan Fishing House: Guihou Fishing Port is famous for Wanli Crab, but netizens recommend sashimi and clams
- Wanli District | A-Jie Wanli Crab: The first choice crab restaurant in Yehliu, the signature dish is curry crab roe bread
- Wanli District | Yehliu Wanghaiting Seafood Restaurant: Located next to Yehliu Scenic Area, a seafood restaurant loved by tour groups, but the reviews of the dishes are mixed
Whether you want to admire the beautiful sea view, taste fresh seafood, or find a unique cafe to enjoy the scenery and rest, the North Coast can meet your needs.
Still hesitating about how to arrange your itinerary? Book a chartered car service now and let a professional chartered car driver take you to easily tour the North Coast and avoid the fatigue of traveling!
Onetaiwantrip North Coast Chartered Car Tour
Professional Service Safe Driving
Use Onetaiwantrip to book a North Coast chartered car day trip or a cross-city multi-day chartered car itinerary, which is convenient and reliable.
Onetaiwantrip Chartered Car Tour is committed to cultivating chartered car tours in the northern region, with comfortable and luxurious car interiors, professional and high-quality drivers, and reasonable and cost-effective prices, which make us continue to lead the industry.
Cultivating Taiwan Free Travel for Many Years Insisting on the Best Travel Quality
- The driver has a qualified license and a certificate of good citizen, so guests can ride with peace of mind and comfort.
- The driver has a high degree of professionalism and in-depth understanding of the driving routes and tourism characteristics of various regions in the north and the North Coast.
- Drivers are regularly and strictly assessed, and those who have been complained by guests will not be dispatched to ensure service quality.
- Online customer service personnel keep track of the guest’s car usage at any time and handle any emergencies in real time.
- The vehicles arranged are all legally operating rental cars (R license or T license), not uninsured white license cars.
