Cowell Beach
Cowell Beach: Santa Cruz's gentle surf haven, perfect for beginners, sea glass hunters, and scenic coastal strolls.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Cowell Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cowell Beach: Santa Cruz's gentle surf haven, perfect for beginners, sea glass hunters, and scenic coastal strolls.
"A relaxing coastal spot with soft sands and a great view of the Santa Cruz Wharf."
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough on weekends. Arrive early or try street parking. 🚗
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cowell's is ideal for learning to surf with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 464 reviews
Type
Beach
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gentle Waves for Surfing
Main surf break
Perfect for beginners, Cowell Beach offers mellow waves ideal for learning to surf.
Scenic Coastal Promenade
Oceanfront walkway
Enjoy spectacular ocean views and a relaxing stroll along the paved promenade.
Sea Glass Hunting
Along the shoreline
A favorite spot for families to search for colorful sea glass treasures.
Sand Art Spectacles
Main beach area
Witness incredible, large-scale sand sculptures created by renowned artists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Cowell Beach
Surf's Up for Beginners
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough on weekends. Arrive early or try street parking. 🚗
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cowell's is ideal for learning to surf with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:
🌊 Kelp Can Be Present
Be aware that kelp can sometimes wash ashore, especially in summer. :sea_wave:
🚶♀️ Beach Walks
Enjoy peaceful walks along the shore, especially during off-season. 🚶
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough on weekends. Arrive early or try street parking. 🚗
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cowell's is ideal for learning to surf with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:
🌊 Kelp Can Be Present
Be aware that kelp can sometimes wash ashore, especially in summer. :sea_wave:
🚶♀️ Beach Walks
Enjoy peaceful walks along the shore, especially during off-season. 🚶
💎 Sea Glass Treasures
Bring a bag for collecting beautiful sea glass along the shoreline.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cowell Beach is a beloved spot for its beginner-friendly surf, scenic beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its accessibility and calmer vibe compared to the main Boardwalk area. While parking can be a challenge and kelp is sometimes present, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a relaxing coastal escape.
"One of my Fav beaches in SC that I grew up going to. Volleyball court, lifeguard,and handicap ramp, store and dining nearby. Next to The Dream Inn, w/access to pool. Jr Lifeguards go here so beware during summer but there's still room. Sometimes has a lot of kelp. View of Cowells surfing. The main reason to go here is accessibility w/out going to main w/all the tourists, just some."
Mysti D
"Was here in Janurary off season. Beautiful beach to walk. There is a wharf and the town has some restaurants open. There are public bathroom by the volleyball and were clean and decent."
Katy Stevens
"Great promenade along the ocean side with spectacular views."
Serhii Mozghovyi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cowell Beach is located in Santa Cruz, California, adjacent to the Santa Cruz Wharf. You can access it via Highway 1. Parking is available nearby, though it can be challenging on busy days.
Yes, there are parking lots near the beach, including some with free parking. However, they fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during summer. Consider arriving early or exploring street parking options.
Yes, Cowell Beach is located just west of the main Santa Cruz Boardwalk area. It's a pleasant walk along the promenade, offering great views.
Cowell Beach features a handicap ramp, making it accessible for visitors with mobility challenges.
The drive along Highway 1 to Santa Cruz is scenic. Be aware that some highways in the Bay Area can be busy, especially at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cowell Beach itself is free to access. There are fees associated with parking in some of the nearby lots.
Cowell Beach is open to the public year-round. Lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Cowell Beach. It's a public beach.
During summer, Jr. Lifeguards use the beach, so be aware there might be less space. Otherwise, it's generally open for public enjoyment.
Yes, Cowell Beach is beautiful to visit during the off-season for peaceful walks and fewer crowds.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Cowell Beach is perfect for beginner surfing, swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing for sea glass, and enjoying scenic walks. +1
Absolutely! Cowell Beach is known for its gentle, consistent waves, making it a top spot for beginner surfers and surf lessons.
Water quality is generally good, though kelp can sometimes be present. It's recommended to check local advisories if you have concerns.
Lifeguards are typically present at Cowell Beach during the peak summer season to ensure visitor safety.
You might spot surfers, sea lions (especially from the nearby wharf), and various shorebirds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available near Cowell Beach, including restaurants on the Santa Cruz Wharf and in the nearby town.
Picnics are welcome at Cowell Beach. Remember to clean up after yourself and dispose of trash properly.
While there isn't a dedicated surf shop directly on the sand, there are surf rental and lesson providers nearby, and amenities like a store are close by.
The Santa Cruz Wharf offers various seafood restaurants. The Dream Inn also has dining options and access to its pool.
Yes, public restrooms and a quick shower facility are available near the beach entrance.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning coastal views, surfers catching waves, sea glass treasures, and impressive sand art installations.
Cowell Beach can be a great location for drone photography, especially to capture the scale of sand art or coastal landscapes. Always check local drone regulations.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant beach scene.
Yes, the sand art is a popular subject for photos. Be respectful of the art and other visitors.
Consider the Santa Cruz Wharf for unique perspectives of the beach and surfers, or explore the nearby Purisima Trail for dramatic coastal shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit