What is the water and sand quality of the Cowell Beach?

The Cowell Beach is covered with soft and fine golden sand. It's very clean, the surface is pure and unmixed. The water is impeccably turquoise. The entrance to the water is also very convenient, covered with excellent fine sand.

What are the key activities at Cowell Beach?

For the main activity - sunbathing, there are no sun loungers on the Cowell Beach, so you need to take personal items with you and there is no natural shade, so be careful on a hot day.The Cowell Beach is also suitable for the following water activities:<ul><li>Sup surfing (Sup touring) </li><li>Surfing</li></ul>Activities available on the ground:<ul><li>Beach volleyball</li></ul>

Is the Cowell Beach good for swimming?

The entrance to the water is very smooth, the bottom is comfortable. The area has the high prevalence of sharks so all swimmers should be very careful. In the season the beach is attended by lifeguard.Cowell Beach does not have a wave-protected swimming area, but there are usually no strong waves during the season.There are few boats in the bay. So the overall recommendation of the Cowell Beach for swimming is positive.

Is the Cowell Beach good for families?

Family travelers should consider the following features of the beach. On the beach, there are minimal sufficient amenities such as sun loungers or beach bar. It's covered with pure soft sand and the entrance to the water is very smooth.

Is the Cowell Beach secluded and good for relaxing?

There are several buildings near the beach. During the high season, the beach can get very crowded, making it an unsuitable place for those looking for a relaxing holiday.The following features add extra points:<ul><li>Mountains/hills in the vicinity</li></ul>

Is there any food or beverages in the area of Cowell Beach?

The bar is located right on the Cowell Beach.There are 4 restaurants nearby.Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge is the closest place located 200 meters from the beach.

What is the closest accommodation to the Cowell Beach?

There are 109 places to stay in the Cowell Beach area.Some of the best hotels in the area of Cowell Beach include:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=9080468&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">The Aqua Pacific Hotel</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=7885471&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=8171971&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz</a></li></ul>The most popular other types of accommodations nearby:<ul><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=2426464&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Villa Vista</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=2257337&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Boardwalk Dream</a></li><li><a href="/booking?object=hotel&object_id=4847971&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2" target="_blank">Surfside Spanish-Style Home - Epic Views & Hot Tub home</a></li></ul>

How far is the Cowell Beach from parking?

The Cowell Beach has a parking spot. It is not very large, so in high season it can be busy. The approximate distance from parking is less than 100 metres.

What is the best time of the year to visit Cowell Beach?

The month with the highest temperature in Cowell Beach is September. Its average value reaches 26°C. The warmest sea is in September, the average value is 16°C. The coldest month is December with air temperature 14°C and water 13°C. <a href="#weather-section">See more details in weather section.</a>

Is the beach good for sunbathing?

Cowell Beach (California) is not fully equipped for sunbathing. However, if you are not picky and are willing to spread out on a towel, you can sunbathe here as well. The natural shade will allow you to hide from the scorching sun in the peak of its activity. Well, the photos of our visitors will be the best proof of that, all the available photos of the beach are above.Cowell Beach (California) is a place for true nature lovers, but if you like sunbathing on the beach, then this location is not the best option. There are no sunbeds and umbrellas, and even there is no natural shade to hide you from the scorching sun. From positives, the presence of sand, on which you can sit comfortably. But do not forget sunscreen for this place, such a recommendation is relevant. Photos of the beach you can see above. All photos are taken by our visitors personally.

Photo of Cowell Beach with bright fine sand surface

Photo of Cowell Beach with turquoise water surface

Photo of Cowell Beach with spacious shore

Photo of Cowell Beach with very clean level of cleanliness

Photo of Cowell Beach and the settlement

Cowell Beach

Q: Are there any attractions nearby Cowell Beach?

There are 4 attractions near Cowell Beach that are popular with travelers. The nearest are Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center located in 0.3 km. <a href="#attractions-section">See the attractions section for details.</a>

Santa Cruz, United States

8.2

#21 out of 385 in California 4

Free entrance Amenities beach Easy access Bright fine sand Fine sand bottom Good for Sup surfing Good for Surfing

Click on any feature to view all similar beaches in area

Located within the settlement

Santa Cruz • 1.5 km

Map of beach

Dog Park West Cliff Dog Park

990m

Playground LEO’s Haven Accessible Playground

4.4km

Park Depot Park

560m

Park Surfing Statue

620m

Park Lighthouse Field State Beach

840m

Park Neary Lagoon Park

870m

Park Ocean View Park

1.3km

Park Seabright Beach

1.6km

Park Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

1.8km

Park Frederick Street Park

2.4km

Park Sergeant Derby Park

2.4km

Restaurant Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

8.6 - Excellent 190m

Restaurant Ideal Bar & Grill

8 - Very good 270m

Seafood Restaurant Riva Fish House

8.4 - Very good 490m

Restaurant Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

8.6 - Excellent 630m

Seafood Restaurant Stagnaro Bros.

8.6 - Excellent 710m

Coffee Shop Firefly Coffee House

9 - Excellent 790m

Breakfast Restaurant Zachary's Restaurant

9.2 - Excellent 1km

American Restaurant Hula's Island Grill

8.8 - Excellent 1.1km

Restaurant Betty Noodles

8.6 - Excellent 1.1km

Grocery Store Trader Joe's

1.5km

Ice Cream Shop The Penny Ice Creamery | Downtown Santa Cruz

9.2 - Excellent 1.5km

Grocery Store Shopper's Corner

1.9km

Bakery The Buttery

8.8 - Excellent 1.9km

Bakery Companion Bakeshop

9.2 - Excellent 2km

Grocery Store Whole Foods Market

2.2km

Ice Cream Shop Marianne's Ice Cream

9.6 - Exceptional 2.3km

Grocery Store Staff of Life

2.6km

Grocery Store Safeway

2.8km

Tourist Attraction Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

9 - Excellent 280m

Tourist Attraction Santa Cruz Wharf

9.2 - Excellent 800m

Museum Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

990m

Tourist Attraction Lighthouse Point

1000m

Tourist Attraction Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

9.4 - Excellent 1.4km

Tourist Attraction Downtown Association

8.2 - Very good 1.6km

Tourist Attraction Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

8 - Very good 1.7km

Place Of Worship Mission Santa Cruz 1791

1.9km

Tourist Attraction Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

9.2 - Excellent 2km

Amusement Park Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

9.2 - Excellent 850m

Night Club The Catalyst

8.4 - Very good 1.1km

Historical Landmark Steamer Lane

960m

Historical Landmark Walton Lighthouse

2km

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About

Cowell Beach is located on the Pacific ocean and it is in the 21th place out of 385 beaches in the California region 185.8 km away from its center, the city of Sacramento. It is one of the beaches of Santa Cruz settlement, just 1.5 km from its center. The beach is located in an urban area, surrounded by the cliffs.

Weather

history

+24 ^o C +14 ^o C

Air temperature

7.8 M/S

Wind

+15 ^o C

Water temperature

1.7 M

Wave height

Located within the settlement

Santa Cruz • 1.5 km

Map of beach

Dog Park West Cliff Dog Park

990m

Playground LEO’s Haven Accessible Playground

4.4km

Park Depot Park

560m

Park Surfing Statue

620m

Park Lighthouse Field State Beach

840m

Park Neary Lagoon Park

870m

Park Ocean View Park

1.3km

Park Seabright Beach

1.6km

Park Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park

1.8km

Park Frederick Street Park

2.4km

Park Sergeant Derby Park

2.4km

Restaurant Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge

8.6 - Excellent 190m

Restaurant Ideal Bar & Grill

8 - Very good 270m

Seafood Restaurant Riva Fish House

8.4 - Very good 490m

Restaurant Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery

8.6 - Excellent 630m

Seafood Restaurant Stagnaro Bros.

8.6 - Excellent 710m

Coffee Shop Firefly Coffee House

9 - Excellent 790m

Breakfast Restaurant Zachary's Restaurant

9.2 - Excellent 1km

American Restaurant Hula's Island Grill

8.8 - Excellent 1.1km

Restaurant Betty Noodles

8.6 - Excellent 1.1km

Grocery Store Trader Joe's

1.5km

Ice Cream Shop The Penny Ice Creamery | Downtown Santa Cruz

9.2 - Excellent 1.5km

Grocery Store Shopper's Corner

1.9km

Bakery The Buttery

8.8 - Excellent 1.9km

Bakery Companion Bakeshop

9.2 - Excellent 2km

Grocery Store Whole Foods Market

2.2km

Ice Cream Shop Marianne's Ice Cream

9.6 - Exceptional 2.3km

Grocery Store Staff of Life

2.6km

Grocery Store Safeway

2.8km

Tourist Attraction Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

9 - Excellent 280m

Tourist Attraction Santa Cruz Wharf

9.2 - Excellent 800m

Museum Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

990m

Tourist Attraction Lighthouse Point

1000m

Tourist Attraction Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

9.4 - Excellent 1.4km

Tourist Attraction Downtown Association

8.2 - Very good 1.6km

Tourist Attraction Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks

8 - Very good 1.7km

Place Of Worship Mission Santa Cruz 1791

1.9km

Tourist Attraction Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard

9.2 - Excellent 2km

Amusement Park Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

9.2 - Excellent 850m

Night Club The Catalyst

8.4 - Very good 1.1km

Historical Landmark Steamer Lane

960m

Historical Landmark Walton Lighthouse

2km

View all on map

Booking.com

Stays nearby

12 accomodations nearby

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

450m from the beach

8.8 Excellent

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

Hotel

Located at nearest locality

Santa Cruz • 1.2km from center

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570m from the beach

8.8 Excellent

Santa Cruz Hostel

Hostel

Located at nearest locality

Santa Cruz • 1.1km from center

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4.3km from the beach

Villa Vista

Entire House

Located at nearest locality

Santa Cruz • 5.1km from center

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View all nearest stays

Booking.com

Area

Average rating of nearest beaches is 7.5 (Very good)

View map

Nearest Beaches

710m 9 min walk

Connected beach

Santa Cruz Beach

8.4 Very good

1.1km 15 min walk

Its Beach

6.9 Good

1.6km 21 min walk

Seabright Beach

7.6 Very good

1.7km 22 min walk

Mitchell's Cove Beach

7 Good

2.4km

Twin Lakes Beach

7.8 Very good

3.1km

Natural Bridges Beach

7.2 Good

3.2km

Sunny Cove Beach

7.9 Very good

3.6km

Corcoran Beach

7.2 Good

Localities

Nearest

Santa Cruz • 1.5km

Main locality of province

Sacramento • 185.8km

Transport

Airport

WVI • 21.1km

Bus Station

Santa Cruz Metro Center • 1.1km

Train Station

Roaring Camp, Big Trees and Pacific Railroad Station • 9.4km

All nearest beaches

You can set the search radius & filter nearest beaches by features

Travelers reviews

Average Reviews rating

8.2 Very good

Travelers reviews

Contribute

Share your experience with other travelers

Average Reviews rating

8.2 Very good

Rogers, Michael

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

2 Very poor

The beach has two sides, one of which is not very pleasant due to the abundance of dead crabs, seaweed, and numerous bugs that could potentially spread. It is advisable to steer clear of this side of the beach boardwalk. However, the other side is quite enjoyable, with a lively atmosphere, plenty of people, and exciting activities such as fun rides and entertainment.

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Nate Rivers

Beach Practitioner • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

The beach is an excellent spot for novice surfers to hone their skills. The waves are gentle and non-threatening, making it an ideal place to learn. My children had a blast learning to surf here with a friend, and it was an unforgettable experience. We even had the opportunity to surf alongside otters and sea lions, which was an incredible sight to behold.

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Rafael Martinez

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

This beach is perfect for those new to surfing! My husband has been teaching our daughters how to surf here and it's a great spot for beginners. The beach is protected and warmer than other spots, and there are refreshments available right next to the boardwalk. Restrooms are conveniently located at the front of the pier. Personally, I love to paint and relax on the beach, and then scale up my paintings back in my studio in San Jose. The atmosphere is lovely, with surfers catching waves, sea lions barking, and sailboats passing by. There are also plenty of people swimming and people watching. On weekends, parking can be a challenge, but it's cheaper to park on the pier than in the nearby lots, some of which charge up to $30. Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot!

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Lena Smith

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

This beach is a fantastic spot for both surfing and swimming, especially for beginners. The waves are small and manageable, making it an ideal location for novice surfers. Additionally, the beach is absolutely stunning and perfect for families with children. However, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed on or off leash, which is a bit of a disappointment. Unfortunately, this rule was put in place due to the actions of some irresponsible dog owners in the past.

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Jax Arden

Novice Beachgoer • 1 year ago

10 Exceptional

I have fond memories of Cowell's Beach, where I first learned to surf. The waves were slow and perfectly shaped, making it an ideal spot for beginners like me. It was also great to share the water with other surfers, both experienced and newbies. Interestingly, this is the very beach where Jack O'Neill conceived the idea for the wetsuit back in 1952. Cowell's Beach will always hold a special place in my heart.