Over the last ten years, considerable progress has been made in the field of coastal landscape ecology, an important branch of landscape ecology. The present study reviews the applications of landscape ecology to coastal land use and land cover changes with an emphasis on landscape pattern analysis and optimization; coastal wetland landscape fragmentation and its ecological effects; the role of island-oriented planning and design in landscape exploration and protection; marine applications of landscape pattern analysis and assessment; marine environmental processes; and coupling of spatial patterns. The focus is on the progress and challenges of these main issues. In addition to the objectives and requirements for the construction of ecological civilization in China, the advantages of landscape ecology in scale matching, pattern-process coupling, and landscape pattern quantitative assessment are addressed. According to landscape pattern and process theory, the selection and accompanying graphic design of reclamation sites must take into consideration the normal marine biological and hydrological processes. As far as ecological restoration of the coastal zone and landscape construction is concerned, we highlight the importance of restoring ecological processes in addition to restoring landscape patterns. Based on the theories of landscape heterogeneity, island biogeography, and minimum area requirements, the patches of high ecological value are outlined and managed as marine conservation areas. The introduction of new landscape types and pattern adjustment to island landscapes is proposed for further development. With regard to the management of source and sink landscape types in land-marine planning, upstream landscape pattern optimization for the control of downstream aquatic eutrophication is also discussed. The present study provides a framework for the application of landscape ecology in coastal zones and is expected to support ecological civilization.