St Ives Beach Guide 

Flaunting an assortment of horseshoe bays, swathes of sugary sands, surf-lashed shores and secret coves, St Ives is truly a beach lover’s paradise. Whether you’re a surfer, adventurer, wild dipper, wildlife lover or sun lizard, feel the sand between your toes on our favourite beaches in and around St Ives to suit all types of shoreline seeker.

Porthmeor Beach, St Ives

Best for surfing

You can’t come to Cornwall and not try one of the county’s biggest water sports – surfing. Sandy-bottomed and safe for beginners, St Ives’ Porthmeor beach is one of Cornwall’s treasured surfing beaches and the ideal location to hit the waves. Take lessons from the experts at St Ives Surf Centre and you’ll be king of the peak in no time; or, if you know what you’re doing, simply hire a board and suit. If you’re not convinced about getting into a wetsuit and taking the plunge, hire a deckchair and watch the local pros from the sand. 

Porthgwidden Beach, St Ives

Best for family bucket-and-spade days

Hunkered in a sandy nook of the ‘The Island’ promontory, this sheltered sandy cove has everything you need for idyllic bucket-and-spade days with the family. The calm waters are great for paddling tots, the sand is the perfect consistency for building sandcastles, and you can hire a beach hut so you’ve got shelter come rain or shine. Great facilities include a beach-side car park and the Porthgwidden Café, where you can kick back on the terrace with delicious food and drink while the kids create their mighty beach fortress below. 

Carbis Bay, nr St Ives

Best for bathing in the Caribbean-esque (in looks, not temperature) water

A dreamy Caribbean-esque setting backed with palms, it’s enough to bask on Carbis Bay and soak up the seaside scenery. The glistening blue-flag waters might lure you in with a mask and snorkel, but cast off on a Hawaiian outrigger canoe, and you may spot all sorts of marine life from silver pipefish to seals through the underwater viewers – without even getting wet. 

Nanjizal, nr Land’s End

Best for a wild swim and walk

For a change of scene, head 17 miles down the coast to Nanjizal. Pack your swimmers and hike from just over a mile from Land’s End along the South West Coast Path to this rugged cove where you can dip in sparkling waters beneath a striking rock arch. Although less deserted since the renaissance of wild swimming and Insta-snaps, it’s still an adventure to get to, and one of our favourite wild swimming spots in Cornwall. Don’t forget your camera to snap the sea caves and coastal drama. 

Harbour Beach, St Ives

Best for messing around on boats

This tidal, sandy strip in the heart of town is made for tucking into pasties and Cornish ice cream with your toes in the sand – just watch out for seagulls swooping down to share your picnic. It’s also the starting point for boat trips to local landmarks such as Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse and Hell’s Mouth. So hop aboard and spot seals, dolphins and seabirds, catch your dinner on a mackerel- or wreck-fishing trip, or charter a private boat and plot your own course along the coast. 

Pedn Vounder, Treen

Best for skinny dipping

Tucked at the foot of towering cliffs, the white sands, lagoon and iridescent-blue seas of Pedn Vounder will take your breath away. As one of Cornwall’s best beaches, it’s well worth the 17-mile trip from St Ives despite its tricky access. Only accessible at low tide via a knee-wobbling cliff path or across the lagoon from Porthcurno, it deters the crowds despite its beauty. Once you’ve braved the descent, it’s up to you if you dare to bare all and skinny dip with the naturists, or simply bask on the sugary sands. Look up and you’ll witness the precariously balanced 80-tonne Logan Rock 30-metres above, which took 60 men and 13 winches to re-instate after it was dislodged by a group of British seamen in 1824. 

Porthminster Beach, St Ives

Best for posh food with a view

Right by the train station and an easy stroll from town, this perfect crescent of pearly sands boasts crystal-clear waters, where you can often spot seals popping up between bathers. It’s also home to the eminent Porthminster Café, which serves Michelin-starred food and cocktails in a sophisticated bang-on-the-beach setting. In a town that wears a heavy crown of award-winning eateries, this has long been on the radar of gastronomes from far and wide, so make sure you book ahead for a table. 

Porthkidney Sands, Lelant

Best for dog walking

While the two tidal coves of Bamaluz and Lambeth Walk allow dogs year-round in St Ives, it’s worth breaking out to Porthkidney Sands, where you can bound along the golden sands with your four-legged friend. Dubbed ‘Happy Dog Beach’ by locals, it’s easy to see why, when dogs often out-number humans and there are miles of shoreline for frolicking beside the waves. If you’re energetic you can walk the coast path from St Ives to get here or hop on the dog-friendly St Ives Railway. 

St Ives Bay, Hayle

Best for barefoot strolls along the shoreline

If you’re up for a longer walk, swing round to Hayle and pad along three miles of pillowy sands hemming the ocean from Hayle river mouth to Godrevy lighthouse. Backed by miles of dunes and divided into the four main beaches of Hayle Towans, Mexicos, Gwithian and Godrevy, the bay is a Mecca for surfers, kitesurfers, walkers and swimmers. Once you reach the lighthouse, take a twirl around the headland to spot the resident seal colony, and stop for cake at the Godrevy Café in the National Trust car park. 

Maximise Your Time in St Ives

As well as being a beach paradise, St Ives and the surrounding area is a wonderful place to visit with loads to keep you occupied. If you’re keen for a visit but short on time, check out our suggested itinerary for 48 Hours in St Ives and West Penwith.