Cowell's Beach Tours

Cowell's Beach
Photo by Mark Ghazal Troll
Photo by Erica E


The kids will sleep soundly after having fun in the sun at Cowells Beach. Hunt for fish and other marine life, dip a toe in the water or maybe even fly a kite!

You'll soon see why this Westside Santa Cruz stretch of coastline is visited by many travelers. If you're looking for other things to see here, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, University of California, Santa Cruz, and Natural Bridges State Park are in this area too. They won't take very long to get to from Cowell's Beach.

Plan a trip to see Cowell's Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Shashi Hotel Mountain View Palo Alto
Aqua Breeze Inn
@ Marbella Lane - 3BR Designer Near Valley Fair

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Cowell's Beach

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

3 out of 5
550 2nd St, Santa Cruz, CA
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz
Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

4 out of 5
175 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA
Dream Inn Santa Cruz
Marea Sol Hotel

Marea Sol Hotel

2 out of 5
301 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA
Marea Sol Hotel
Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

2 out of 5
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA
Ocean Pacific Lodge
Surf City Inn and Suites

Surf City Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
619 Riverside Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Surf City Inn and Suites
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
611 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites

2 out of 5
125 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Beach Street Inn and Suites
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

2.5 out of 5
325 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA
Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz
Beachview Inn

Beachview Inn

2 out of 5
50 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA
Beachview Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Cowell's Beach

Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz is a haven for beach enthusiasts, offering exciting activities like surfing, walking, and sports. It’s renowned as a prime surf spot, perfect for both experienced surfers and beginners looking for surf lessons. Visitors can rent surfboards to catch some waves while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. With its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming community, Cowell's Beach is an ideal destination for a fun-filled day at the shore.

Shopping

For shopping near Cowell's Beach, visit Swift Street Courtyard, just 1 mile away, offering a mix of entertainment and local vibes. Ocean Street, 2 miles away, features family-friendly shops. If you're up for a drive, explore Capitola Mercantile, 4 miles away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the lush greens at Pasatiempo Golf Course, perfect for a round of golf amidst stunning scenery. For adventure, Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Trips offers a unique way to connect with nature. Indulge in relaxation at Luminescence Healing Haven, where rejuvenating body treatments await you.

Adventure

Experience exhilarating fun at the Zip Line treeTopWalk, located 7 miles from Cowell's Beach, where outdoor vibes immerse you in nature. For scenic hiking, head to Ox Trailhead, only 5 miles away, offering adventure and beautiful landscapes. For more thrill, visit Cupertino Sports Center, 25 miles away, packed with exciting activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Cowell's Beach offers exciting options like Boardwalk Bowl, an arcadeAdventureZone with thrilling vibes just 0.3 miles away. For a blend of adventure and entertainment, visit the Sky Glider, located 0.4 miles away. Don’t miss the cultural flair at the Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 25 miles away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Cowell's Beach

Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz offers a vibrant mix of outdoor experiences and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sandy shores, explore the nearby Cowell Ranch State Beach, and take advantage of the area's access to California's stunning coastline. With options for beach activities and local amusement parks, Cowell's Beach is perfect for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting.

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A classic seaside amusement park, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers thrilling rides, games, and delicious boardwalk treats. With its vibrant atmosphere, it’s perfect for family fun and adventure, making memories against a backdrop of stunning ocean views.
  • Capitola Beach: Just a short drive away, Capitola Beach is a charming spot known for its picturesque shoreline and colorful beachfront cottages. It’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying seaside cafés, embodying the quintessential California beach vibe.
  • Mystery Spot: Explore the intriguing Mystery Spot, a gravitational anomaly where the laws of physics seem to bend. This quirky exhibit offers guided tours that blend culture and entertainment, leaving visitors puzzled and amazed by the illusions and mysteries it presents.

Best time to go to Cowell's Beach

The best time to visit Cowell's Beach is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. September is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.7°F (12.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October61.5°F (16.4°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Cowell's Beach

To save money during your visit to Cowell's Beach, consider traveling from November to January for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that includes your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and help you earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities like beach lounging and hiking in the nearby parks to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Cowell's Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Cowell's Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Cowell's Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices based on hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Cowell's Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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