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. :car:
🏄♀️ Beginner Surf Spot
Cowell's is ideal for learning to surf with its gentle waves. Lessons available! :surfer:
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. :car:
🏄♀️ 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. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be tough on weekends. Arrive early or try street parking. :car:
🏄♀️ 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. :walking:
💎 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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There's also a volleyball court and a lifeguard on duty during summer for added peace of mind. With a handicap ramp for easy access and nearby amenities like restrooms and showers, it's a practical choice for families. Plus, it's generally less crowded than the main Boardwalk area, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for a family beach day.
🏄♀️ Beginner Surfers
Compared to other spots like Pacifica, Cowell's offers a more relaxed and forgiving environment for those new to the sport. It's a place where you can build confidence and enjoy the thrill of catching your first wave without feeling overwhelmed.
🚶♀️ Leisurely Strollers & Beachcombers
During the off-season, the beach is particularly serene, offering a peaceful escape for quiet contemplation or a gentle stroll. It's a great spot to simply unwind, enjoy the scenery, and connect with the natural beauty of the California coast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Surfing at Cowell Beach
While the paddle out to the lineup can feel a bit long for some, the reward is a forgiving wave that allows ample time to practice paddling and standing up. The vibe here is generally supportive and beginner-friendly, with experienced surfers often sharing the lineup. It's a stark contrast to the more intense surf spots, making it a stress-free introduction to the sport.
For those looking to progress, Cowell Beach offers a solid foundation. Mastering the basics here can build confidence for tackling slightly more challenging breaks in the future. It's a place where many Santa Cruz locals learned to surf, and it continues to be a beloved spot for its accessibility and consistent conditions.
The Art of Sand
These ephemeral artworks highlight the beauty of natural materials and collaborative creativity. The scale and detail of these sand sculptures are truly awe-inspiring, drawing visitors and photographers alike. Capturing these creations, often documented with drone footage, showcases the temporary magic that can be made on the beach.
Beyond large-scale projects, the beach is also a popular spot for individuals and families to engage in their own creative sand endeavors, from simple sandcastles to more elaborate designs. The soft sand and expansive shoreline provide ample space for artistic expression, making Cowell Beach a place where art and nature beautifully intertwine.
+1Coastal Exploration and Sea Glass
For treasure hunters, Cowell Beach is a prime location for collecting sea glass. The gentle waves and shoreline often deposit smooth, frosted pieces of glass, creating a delightful activity for all ages. It's a calm and soothing pursuit that connects visitors with the natural elements of the coast.
Walking along the promenade or exploring the shoreline provides a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the California coast. Whether you're looking for an active adventure or a peaceful retreat, Cowell Beach offers a diverse range of experiences for every visitor.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit