St Ives is undeniably one of Cornwall’s most loved seaside towns, famous for its glassy turquoise waters, maze of cobbled streets, and world-class creative heritage. Whether you are seeking a peaceful coastal escape or a family adventure, this guide shares our favourite local recommendations to help you make the absolute most of your stay. Read on to discover the very best things to do in St Ives, straight from the people who know it best.
Discover the Heart of St Ives at the Harbour
The working harbour is the true soul of the town and a natural starting point when mapping out your things to do in St Ives. Watching the colorful wooden fishing boats bob on the water while the tide creeps across Harbour Beach is an essential Cornish experience.
The bustling waterfront is framed by fantastic independent shops and local cafés, creating an energetic, classic maritime atmosphere that shifts beautifully with the rising and falling tides.
⭐ Local’s Tip: To experience the harbour at its most magical, head down early in the morning with a coffee from Yallah – they occasionally run an early morning swim club, but if that’s not your thing, the fantastic coffee alone will wake you up. Take your pick of a bench right on the water before the hustle of the day begins. Just keep a sharp eye on your morning pastry, as the local seagulls are notoriously brave!
Spend Time on St Ives’ Beautiful Beaches
When it comes to spectacular coastlines, spending a day on the sand tops the list of the best things to do in St Ives. We boast a handful of distinct, world-class beaches, each offering something completely different:
- Porthmeor Beach: A dramatic, north-facing sweep of sand that serves as a haven for surfers and bodyboarders. Porthmeor West is a great locals’ spot, featuring a small waterfall and sand pool for the littlies alongside a licensed café for the grown-ups!
- Porthminster Beach: Sheltered, calm, and framed by lush hillsides, making it absolutely perfect for families, safe swimming, and building sandcastles. They sometimes have a little merry-go-round on the beach, and at low tide, you can walk down the rocks from the Pendolver Hotel, which is pretty special.
- Harbour Beach: Tucked right in the center of town, offering a soft, safe spot to relax, the Harbour is an often-overlooked beach option. It offers more shelter on breezy days and some beautifully private, alcoved suntraps near the arches – all while staying close to the action.
⭐ Local’s Tip: To escape the crowds, pack a picnic and take an evening walk to the rugged headland at Clodgy Point for a private, breathtaking sunset.
Wander the Downalong
Stepping into the Downalong – the historic fishermen’s quarter nestled between the harbour and Porthmeor Beach – feels like stepping back in time. This charming maze of cobbled streets is lined with traditional stone fishermen’s cottages, quirky street names (like Fish Street and Virgin Street), and hidden corners.
Exploring these narrow lanes is widely considered one of the best things to do in St Ives for history lovers and shoppers alike. Today, these historic buildings house an incredible mix of independent galleries, craft workshops, and boutique shops.
⭐ Local’s Tip: Look out for 5 Fish Street, known locally as the oldest house in town. If you wander up past the historic Sloop Inn, look out for the unique ceramic plaque on its wall. It was handcrafted right here at the famous Leach Pottery back in 1951.
Where to Eat & Drink in St Ives
From morning flat whites to freshly caught seafood, diving into the culinary scene is one of the most delicious things to do in St Ives. You can grab flaky artisan pastries from independent bakeries, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a beachfront café, or book a table at a premium restaurant overlooking the Atlantic. Dining with a spectacular coastal view is par for the course here.
⭐ Local’s Tip: For an unforgettable meal, look out for Ardor on Fore Street. Run by chef Dorian Janmaat, it mixes fresh Cornish seafood with brilliant Iberian flavors cooked over charcoal. It is easily one of the town’s hardest tables to land, so be sure to book well in advance!
Get Out on the Water
To fully appreciate this stunning stretch of West Cornwall, you need to see it from the sea. The clear, clean waters offer endless opportunities for adventure, making watersports some of the best things to do in St Ives during the warmer months, whether you fancy hiring a paddleboard, taking a surf lesson, or opting for something a bit more relaxing.
Regular boat trips and dedicated seal safaris depart straight from Smeaton’s Pier, taking you out toward Seal Island or across the bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Keep your eyes peeled, as it is incredibly common to spot playful grey seals, pods of dolphins, and a wide variety of coastal seabirds.
⭐ Local’s Tip: Catching the golden hour on a paddleboard on a calm summer evening is pure magic. The water turns completely glassy, and the view of the beach from the sea is unforgettable.
Discover St Ives’ Art & Culture
St Ives has been a magnetic haven for artists since the early 20th century, drawn by the extraordinary quality of the coastal light. If you are putting together a list of cultural things to do in St Ives, you can explore this rich legacy at Tate St Ives, which stands proudly above Porthmeor Beach, and the nearby Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, where the artist’s monumental bronze works are nestled beautifully among subtropical plants.
Beyond the big names, the town is packed with thriving independent galleries and creative spaces.
⭐ Local’s Tip: To discover the true, authentic heartbeat of the local art scene, look out for the tiny, independent workspaces tucked away in the old fishermen’s lofts of the Downalong. The Penwith Gallery on Back Road West is a brilliant, slightly lesser-known space that is well worth seeking out to see incredible contemporary West Cornwall art.
Experience St Ives Throughout the Year
There is never a bad time to search for things to do in St Ives, as the town’s calendar is packed with vibrant community spirit across all four seasons.
- Spring: Welcomed in with the lively music and traditional dancing of St Ives May Day.
- May: The golden sands of Porthminster Beach host the famous St Ives Food and Drink Festival, featuring top chef demos and live music right on the beach.
- September: The iconic two-week St Ives September Festival brings the town to life with street entertainment, open artist studios, poetry, and world-class music.
- Winter: The town feels wonderfully atmospheric, culminating in legendary Christmas celebrations and massive, fancy-dress New Year’s Eve street parties around the harbour.
⭐ Local’s Tip: If you want to experience the very best things to do in St Ives with a slightly quieter backdrop, September is arguably the most perfect month to visit. The sea is at its warmest for swimming, the summer crowds have thinned, and the entire town buzzes with a relaxed, bohemian festival atmosphere.
Explore Beyond St Ives
While it is easy to spend your entire holiday in the center of town finding endless things to do in St Ives, the surrounding coastline holds some of West Cornwall’s finest hidden treasures. Just a short hop away, you will find the expansive, white sands of Carbis Bay, ideal for a luxury spa day or watersports.
Further along the coast sits Lelant, a peaceful village perched on the beautiful Hayle Estuary, which features a stunning protected nature reserve teeming with coastal birdlife. If you prefer rolling hills, ancient stone hedges, and wild moorland, heading into Rural St Ives offers a wonderful sense of space and tranquility.
⭐ Local’s Tip: Do not miss Porthkidney Sands in Lelant. It is a massive, spectacular sweep of wild, uncrowded beach that is completely dog-friendly all year round. You can catch the iconic, scenic single-track train ride from St Ives directly to Lelant to enjoy it!
Find the Perfect Place to Stay in St Ives
Finding the right base is key to unlocking the perfect coastal holiday and enjoying all the best things to do in St Ives.
Whether you want to step out of your front door straight onto the cobbles of St Ives Town or prefer the historic maritime charm of the Downalong, choosing the right pocket of town sets the tone for your whole trip.
At The Cottage Boutique, we specialise in matching visitors with their dream coastal properties. We offer a handpicked portfolio ranging from luxury holiday cottages with panoramic sea views to cosy cottages perfect for 2 for a romantic weekend away.
We also know that a proper Cornish holiday means bringing the whole family, which is why we offer an excellent selection of dog friendly cottages and spacious properties tailored for large groups.
⭐ Local’s Tip: If it is your very first stay, try to book a cottage in the Downalong area. Being able to stroll to the harbour for a morning coffee, head to Porthmeor for a surf, and then wander to a local restaurant in the evening without ever needing to look at your car keys, is the absolute definition of the St Ives lifestyle!
