There's a reason St Ives is one of Cornwall's most loved seaside destinations. With golden sands, turquoise water and no less than 3 Blue Flag Beaches guaranteeing no pollution, there is a beach to suit every mood. Whether you're looking for family-friendly swimming, surfing, hidden coves or spectacular sunsets, there's a perfect beach waiting for you.
If you're staying at Day Dawn, the best part is that many of these beaches are within walking distance, making it easy to explore a different one every day.
1. Porthmeor Beach – Best for Surfing and Sunsets
Just a five-minute walk from Day Dawn, Porthmeor Beach is one of our favourites.
With its Blue Flag status, wide stretch of golden sand and excellent surf, it's perfect for families, couples and anyone wanting to experience the classic St Ives beach. If you've always fancied trying surfing, St Ives Surf School offers lessons for all ages as well as equipment hire, paddleboarding, kayaking and coasteering.
Even if surfing isn't your thing, Porthmeor has two fantastic cafés where you can sit with a coffee or lunch while watching the waves roll in. As the sun begins to set, it becomes one of the most magical spots in St Ives.
Perfect for:
- Surfing
- Sunsets
- Rock pooling
- Families with older children
2. Porthminster Beach – Best for Families
If you're visiting with younger children, Porthminster Beach is hard to beat.
Its gently sloping sand and calm, sheltered water make it ideal for paddling, swimming and building sandcastles. During the summer there are often water sports and family activities, while the nearby cafés and kiosks make it easy to spend the whole day here.
The walk back to Day Dawn is short enough that little legs won't complain too much!
Perfect for:
- Young families
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
- Picnics
3. Porthgwidden Beach – Best Hidden Gem
Tucked between the harbour and the Island, Porthgwidden feels like a little secret.
It's smaller than the main beaches and wonderfully sheltered, making it ideal when you want somewhere a little quieter. Bring a book, enjoy an ice cream or simply watch the boats coming and going across the bay.
Perfect for:
- Relaxing
- Couples
- Sheltered swimming
- Quiet afternoons
4. Bamaluz Beach – Best for Dogs
If your four-legged friend has joined the holiday, Bamaluz Beach is a must.
Located just beyond the harbour, this small beach welcomes dogs all year round and is popular with locals. It's a lovely place for an early morning stroll before breakfast.
If you're planning a dog-friendly holiday, don't miss our Dog Lover's Guide to St Ives, packed with more walks, beaches and cafés that welcome dogs.
Perfect for:
- Dogs
- Morning walks
- Rock pools
5. Carbis Bay – Best for Crystal-Clear Water
Only a mile from St Ives, Carbis Bay often makes people think they've arrived somewhere in the Mediterranean.
The water is incredibly clear, the sand is soft and the bay is beautifully sheltered. You can walk there along the South West Coast Path or take the scenic train back if everyone is tired after a day on the beach.
Perfect for:
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
- Scenic walks
- Families
6. Gwithian Beach – Best for Long Walks
If you love wide open spaces, head to Gwithian.
Miles of golden sand stretch towards Godrevy Lighthouse, making it perfect for beach games, long walks and dog owners outside seasonal restrictions. The sunsets here are unforgettable.
It's one of those beaches where everyone can spread out and enjoy Cornwall at its wildest.
Perfect for:
- Long walks
- Dogs
- Surfing
- Sunsets
7. Godrevy Beach – Best for Wildlife
One of our favourite places to visit.
Park at the National Trust car park and follow the coastal path towards the lighthouse. Along the way you'll find rock pools, dramatic cliffs and some of the best seal-spotting in Cornwall. If you head to Mutton Cove, there's a good chance you'll see dozens of grey seals relaxing on the beach below.
Don't forget to stop at the café for coffee and homemade cake before heading back.
Perfect for:
- Seal spotting
- Photography
- Coastal walks
- Families
Our Favourite Beach Day
If we had to choose the perfect beach day, we'd start with breakfast at Day Dawn before wandering down to Porthmeor Beach. After a swim and a coffee overlooking the waves, we'd stroll through the harbour for an ice cream before finishing the afternoon with a walk to Porthminster or, if we're feeling energetic, all the way to Carbis Bay.
It's one of the many reasons we love living and holidaying in St Ives.
Stay at Day Dawn
Whether you're looking for surfing, family beach days, hidden coves or peaceful coastal walks, Day Dawn is perfectly located to enjoy some of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches without spending your holiday in the car.
After a day by the sea, head back to the house, light the fire pit, pour a glass of something chilled and watch the sun set over St Ives Bay from the comfort of Day Dawn.