Porthmeor Beach
A stunning sandy beach in St. Ives, famous for its surfing waves, breathtaking views, and the iconic Porthmeor Beach Cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Porthmeor Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning sandy beach in St. Ives, famous for its surfing waves, breathtaking views, and the iconic Porthmeor Beach Cafe.
"It is a stunning spot, perfect for anyone who loves both beautiful scenery and beach activities."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is tough! Use town car parks and walk. :car:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Great spot for surfing lessons or just watching the pros. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Surfing & Waves
Porthmeor Beach
Catch a wave or watch skilled surfers ride the Atlantic swells. Great for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Porthmeor Beach Cafe
On the beach
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with breathtaking sea views. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak times.
+1
Seals and Marine Life
Coastal waters near Porthmeor
Keep an eye out for playful seals often spotted in the waters around St. Ives. A magical wildlife encounter!
Coastal Walks
Surrounding cliffs and paths
Explore the dramatic coastline with stunning views. Porthmeor is a gateway to prehistoric sites and scenic trails.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Parking & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is tough! Use town car parks and walk. :car:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Great spot for surfing lessons or just watching the pros.
☕ Cafe Reservations
Book Porthmeor Beach Cafe in advance, especially for pods!
🥾 Coastal Path Adventures
Explore stunning cliff walks with breathtaking views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking is tough! Use town car parks and walk. :car:
🌊 Surf's Up!
Great spot for surfing lessons or just watching the pros.
☕ Cafe Reservations
Book Porthmeor Beach Cafe in advance, especially for pods!
🥾 Coastal Path Adventures
Explore stunning cliff walks with breathtaking views.
🚂 Scenic Train Journey
Arrive via the beautiful St Ives Bay Line train. :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porthmeor Beach is a stunning, wide sandy beach praised for its beautiful views and excellent surfing conditions. Visitors appreciate the golden sand and the lively yet laid-back atmosphere. While parking can be challenging and toilets could be cleaner, the overall experience is highly positive, with the Porthmeor Beach Cafe being a standout amenity.
"Beautiful and wide beach
Now at this time of the year it's not busy as it's cold.
But people are still driving into the water.
Nice white sands and stunning views from the top where you actually need to park your car."
Florin Sandu
"Can beach for body boarding or surfing as a novice. Coast guard present so safe as a beach can be. Lots of space. Lots of amenities but parking is very challenging so use car parks on the edge of town such as the one off Park Avenue rather than the main car and coach park which is an even further trek."
Owen
"Great place. All aminities available. Parking available all over city. However there is only one proper restaurant on the beach. Saw a lot of surfers around the beach.
Can be cold. Toilets can be cleaned better."
Jaimin Gandhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way is by train on the St Ives Bay Line, which offers amazing views. From the station, it's a walk to the beach. Driving is an option, but parking is very challenging. Consider using car parks on the edge of town like the one off Park Avenue.
Yes, the train to St. Ives is a popular and scenic option. Local buses also serve the St. Ives area, connecting to Porthmeor Beach.
The best tip is to park in one of the town's main car parks and walk to the beach. This avoids the immediate stress of finding a spot right by the beach.
Yes, Porthmeor Beach is within walking distance of St. Ives town center, offering a pleasant stroll along the coast or through the charming streets.
Porthmeor Road leads directly to the beach and the Tate St Ives. Be aware that parking is extremely limited on this road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Porthmeor Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You only pay for parking if you drive.
Porthmeor Beach is accessible at all times. The Porthmeor Beach Cafe has its own operating hours, and booking is recommended.
It is highly recommended to book in advance for Porthmeor Beach Cafe, especially if you want to secure a spot in one of their popular pods or during peak season.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions for Porthmeor Beach itself. However, during busy periods, it can get crowded.
Information on Porthmeor Beach services, such as toilets and the cafe, can often be found on local tourism websites or by visiting the beach directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Porthmeor Beach is fantastic for surfing, bodyboarding, swimming, and sunbathing. It's also a great spot for beach walks and wildlife spotting, like seals.
Yes, it's a beautiful sandy beach suitable for families, though the waves can be strong, so supervision is key. The Porthmeor Beach Cafe offers a family-friendly dining experience.
Yes, public toilets are available at Porthmeor Beach. Some reviews suggest they could be cleaner.
There are surf schools and rental shops near Porthmeor Beach that offer equipment hire and lessons.
The sand at Porthmeor Beach is described as soft, clean, and golden, making it pleasant for relaxing and walking.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most prominent option is the Porthmeor Beach Cafe, located right on the beach, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning views.
Prices at Porthmeor Beach Cafe are generally considered to be in line with popular coastal dining spots, with some reviews noting it as a 'must-visit' with delicious food.
While the cafe is the main attraction on the beach, St. Ives town center offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs within walking distance.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy on Porthmeor Beach. Just be mindful of seagulls, especially if you have ice cream!
Porthmeor Beach Cafe serves a range of dishes from breakfast to dinner, often featuring fresh, local ingredients. They are known for their delicious meals and great service.
📸 📸 Photography
The views from the cliffs above the beach, the surfers in action, and the Porthmeor Beach Cafe with its pods offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The sunsets can be spectacular.
Early morning and late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, provide beautiful light for photography. Sunsets over the Atlantic are particularly stunning.
The Tate St Ives building itself is a modern architectural landmark adjacent to the beach. The rugged coastline and the iconic St. Ives harbour are also great subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines before flying a drone near Porthmeor Beach or any protected coastal areas.
Porthmeor Beach is ideal for landscape, seascape, action (surfing), and lifestyle photography, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of a Cornish seaside town.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing buckets and spades for sandcastle building and exploring the shoreline. The proximity to St. Ives town also means easy access to other family-friendly attractions and amenities. 🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
The beach's exposure to the Atlantic means it's often a hub of activity for those looking to catch a wave. Beyond surfing, bodyboarding is also popular. 🚶♀️ Coastal Walkers and Scenery Lovers
+1 These walks can lead to other picturesque spots or simply provide a refreshing dose of nature. The area is also known for its historical significance, with ancient sites nearby, adding an educational element to your exploration. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Porthmeor Beach
Even if you're not surfing, watching the surfers navigate the water is a captivating pastime. When considering surfing conditions, it's important to be aware of the tides and weather. The beach can be exposed, and conditions can change rapidly. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the main season, providing an added layer of safety for beachgoers and surfers alike.
The Iconic Porthmeor Beach Cafe
The cafe is particularly famous for its unique dining pods, which provide an intimate and memorable experience right by the sea. Due to its popularity, booking well in advance is essential, especially during peak tourist seasons. Beyond the food, the cafe's location makes it a prime spot for soaking in the atmosphere of Porthmeor. You can watch the surfers, enjoy the changing light on the water, and feel the invigorating sea breeze.
It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the Cornish seaside lifestyle. Many visitors highlight the great service and the quality of the meals, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting St. Ives. Exploring the Coastal Surroundings
+1This region is also rich in history, with prehistoric sites scattered throughout the peninsula, adding a layer of cultural depth to your visit.
Whether you're an avid hiker or simply enjoy a scenic stroll, the coastal paths around Porthmeor provide an unforgettable experience, showcasing the raw beauty of the Cornish coast. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the seals that are often spotted in the waters below.
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