Porthminster
The largest and calmest of St Ives' main beaches, a sheltered sandy bay just below the railway terminus with an award-winning seafood restaurant.
📍 View on the mapBeach & safety
Water quality: Excellent
Lifeguard: seasonal (RNLI, summer)
Hazards: check local signage before entering water,busy in peak season
Amenities: cafe/restaurant (award-winning seafood) · toilets (disabled access) · first aid point · lost child centre · shop · slipway · paid parking
Dogs
Official source: View the rule at source →
Family
Sheltered, calm and sandy with extensive facilities (~200 paid parking spaces, cafes, shops, first aid, lost child centre) - one of the most family-friendly beaches in St Ives.
Fishing
No adequate exact source was found for species, tactics or permitted shore-fishing space on the main family beach. Do not infer catches from St Ives Harbour, Porthgwidden, Carbis Bay or outer rocks.
Crabbing
unknown — No exact line-crabbing position was verified on this open family beach.
Access & parking
Short walk from St Ives town centre, just below the railway terminus; large paid car park. Sat-nav: TR26 2EB. Get directions →
Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/animal-welfare-and-enforcement/dogs-on-beaches/
https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-west-england/cornwall/porthminster-st-ives.htm
https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/beaches/porthminster-beach
https://visitstives.com/things_to_do/porthminster/
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.