Nature-based solutions have become an increasingly integrated tool in design for climate adaptation of coastal landscapes as these solutions offer a wide range of qualities such as recreation and biodiversity. Yet, as nature-based solutions become more common, there is a need for discussing the underlying perspectives on nature of these projects, and how these definitions affect the ecologies of the realized projects as well as the human experience of nature. Through case studies of seven international projects, this paper seeks to unravel different perspectives on nature of realized nature-based climate-adapted coastal landscapes with a focus on coastal dunal landscapes and sand engines. This analysis is grounded on a review of written documents, site visits and fieldwork. Based on this analysis, we suggest five potential ecological architectural practices related to establishing or restoring dunal landscapes as nature-based solutions, including choreographed flows, dynamic change and thoughtful use of coastal vegetation.