
St. Ives boasts a variety of beaches, each with its own individual characteristics. All beaches have golden 'sand castle' sand and excellent facilities and Porthmeor and Porthminster have life-guard cover in the summer months and have been regularly awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Westcliff faces Porthmeor Beach which looks out directly on to the Atlantic Ocean. This lovely sandy beach is renowned for good surfing and body boarding conditions and is ideal for those who enjoy the waves, or those who enjoy just relaxing on the sand listening to the sound of the sea.
St. Ives picturesque harbour has a small but busy fishing fleet and visitors enjoy seeing the boats come home with a good catch of fresh fish, which then usually goes to supply the local restaurants.

Seals frequently visit the harbour hoping for a free meal, and sometimes dolphin can be seen in the bay. Boat trips, either self-drive or organised excursions for sight-seeing or fishing, are one of the many attractions, and twice weekly - wind conditions permitting - the St. Ives Sailing Club makes a pretty sight racing in the bay.
St. Ives boasts two putting greens, one by Porthminster Beach and the other is next to the Bowling Green on the western side of Porthmeor beach, right opposite Westcliff.
The St. Ives Theatre is the home of award winning "Kidz R Us", one of the most talented young theatre companies in the U.K. During the summer months a selection of shows are performed for the entertainment of the both the local community and visitors to our lovely resort.
The Minack Theatre must be the most spectacular theatre setting in the country - perhaps in the world. Carved out from the cliffs above Porthcurno Beach this outdoor theatre has spectacular views over Porthcurno Bay to Logan Rock and throughout the summer months various theatre companies visit to perform a wide selection of entertainment. Although approximately 18 miles from St. Ives it is well worth the visit and the local coach operators offer excursions for those who do not wish to drive themselves.

P.O.S.H.: Port-side Out - Starboard Home, will give the best views on the 30 minutes train ride from St. Ives to Penzance. The railway, listed as one of the loveliest train rides in the country, runs in parallel to St. Ives Bay and the Hayle Estuary then crosses over to the South Coast. Shop in Penzance, then relax on the way home taking in the views of Mounts Bay and St. Michael's Mount, then the spectacular panorama of lovely St. Ives Bay.

Westcliff is right opposite the start of the coastal footpath leading to Man's Head and Clodgy Point, where in the summer it is wonderful to watch the sun setting into the Atlantic Ocean. There are short circular walks, or for the energetic we suggest taking the open top bus to Zennor then walking the 6 miles back to St. Ives along the coastal path. A gentle walk to Carbis Bay or Lelant is also popular with a train ride back if preferred. For the adventurous an evening guided Ghost Walk is an entertaining way to end the day.