The best things to do in St Ives | Tourist Guide

If you’re looking for the best things to do in St Ives, you’ll quickly discover that this isn’t just another seaside destination. It’s a place where art, outdoor exploration, and exceptional food and drink come together against one of the most beautiful coastal backdrops in the UK.

Whether you’re planning a creative escape, searching for unusual things to do in St Ives, or would like to unwind on one of its stunning beaches – this guide will help you make the most of your time here – so be sure to save it for your next St Ives adventure!

It’s home to iconic galleries such as Tate St Ives, housed in a striking building overlooking the ocean that feels like a piece of artwork in itself. Step inside and you’ll be met with vast coastal views that quickly remind you why artists have been drawn to St Ives for generations.

Steeped in history, and just a short walk away, is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. Set within Hepworth’s former home and studio, Trewyn, she once described finding the space as “a sort of magic” – and it’s easy to see why. Sculptures sit harmoniously among subtropical plants, creating a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.

For something more intimate, wander down cobbled streets and narrow alleyways and you’ll, almost effortlessly, stumble across independent galleries and working studios dotted around the harbour and back roads. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and immerse yourself in the creativity that defines St Ives.

Porthmeor Beach

Right outside our windows, sitting between the studios and the Atlantic Ocean is the sandy strip of Porthmeor Beach. Popular with swimmers and surfers, this beach is fabulously convenient – a couple of minutes’ walk from town and right beneath Tate St Ives and the delicious Porthmeor Café. There is a seasonal dog ban in place so make sure you check before bringing a furry friend along.

Porthminster Beach

The golden curve of Porthminster Beach has a definite tropical feel, with white sands and translucent waters. It looks out over Godrevy Lighthouse and deck chairs are available to rent. Less popular with the surfers, this is an ideal swimming beach and there are refreshments available from the Porthminster Beach Café. A seasonal dog ban is in place so check before you go.

Porthgwidden Beach

Small but perfectly formed, this sheltered sun trap is a popular choice for families and sun worshippers alike. Located just below the Island carpark, Porthgwidden is a convenient picnic spot close to town and is served by the lovely Porthgwidden Café right on the beach. This is our top recommendation for a calm dip in the sea, with it being smaller and more sheltered.

At the heart of St Ives sits its working harbour, surrounded by cobbled streets lined with restaurants and bars – many boasting stunning views out across the water. Watch fishing boats come and go, maintaining a strong connection to the town’s heritage.

Keep an eye out for the local harbour seal, who often pops up to say hello, or take a stroll along Smeaton’s Pier and watch the waves crash against the lighthouse.

Once you’ve had your fill of food and drink, let yourself wander through the narrow lanes that lead to Fore Street – a lively stretch filled with independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs.

The path towards Zennor offers dramatic views of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and the vast Atlantic Ocean. It’s wild, beautiful, and peaceful once you leave the town behind. Continue far enough and the terrain becomes more challenging, with sections that require scrambling over rocks and crossing streams – definitely one for the more adventurous.

Keep an eye out for wildlife – seals and seabirds are often spotted along the way.

If you’re after something a little gentler, head in the opposite direction towards Carbis Bay. Here, the path is mostly paved, making for an easier walk while still offering incredible views across St Ives Bay. From this side, you’ll also see Godrevy Lighthouse – as well as a stunning perspective looking back towards St Ives Harbour.

Many of St Ives restaurants sit right on the water’s edge, offering stunning sea views to accompany beautifully crafted dishes. Add a glass of wine and the sound of the waves, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect evening – making this one of the most enjoyable things to do in St Ives.

For relaxed beachfront dining, Porthmeor Beach Café and Porthminster Beach Café are hard to beat. Both offer sweeping ocean views alongside standout menus, from small plates and tapas to fresh catch-of-the-day specials.

If you’re after something more intimate, head into town to St Eia for a thoughtfully curated space – perfect for a slower lunch or early evening drink, with an excellent wine list and seasonal menu.

For something a little more unusual, try The Fish Shed, tucked west of Porthmeor Beach. This laid-back spot is known for bold, inventive flavours, serving up sustainable seafood with a creative twist – best enjoyed with one of their expertly mixed cocktails.

There are many more restaurants in St Ives, we would recommend planning in advance and securing bookings in advance.

Tucked away behind the harbour, between Porthgwidden Beach and Bamaluz Beach, you’ll find the St Ives Museum – a fascinating and often eccentric collection dedicated to preserving the town’s history.

A real-life treasure trove, the museum is packed with everything from historic artworks to objects from a traditional Cornish kitchen and even a pilchard press, offering a glimpse into St Ives’ fishing heritage.

When to Visit

For fewer crowds and beautiful light, St Ives comes into its own during spring and early summer. This is when the town feels at its most relaxed – perfect for exploring, painting, and soaking up the scenery.

If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere and the warmest weather, peak summer is the ideal time to visit. The beaches are buzzing, the harbour is full of life, and long evenings by the sea make it easy to see why this is such a popular time of year – just be sure to book ahead.

For artists, walkers, and those seeking a slower pace, autumn and winter offer something special. The light becomes more dramatic, the coastline more rugged, and the town quieter. Autumn also brings the St Ives September Festival, a celebration of music and arts that adds an extra layer of creativity to the town.

How Long to Stay

To fully experience the best things to do in St Ives, we recommend staying for at least 3–5 days – giving you enough time to truly take in everything the town has to offer, rather than rushing from one spot to the next.

With a few days to explore, you can enjoy long stretches on the beaches, dip in and out of galleries and museums, and take part in a creative activity – whether that’s a painting course or a life drawing class.

If you have longer, even better. Extra time allows you to venture further, discover quieter corners of the town, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. You could even take daytrips out into West Cornwall, where there’s plenty to see and do. St Ives isn’t a place to tick off – it’s a place to experience at your own pace, again and again.