Cowell's Beach(Cowell Beach)

Near Cowell's Beach, there are several excellent dining options. Riva Fish House offers a casual seafood experience with bay views, serving hearty portions of prawns and oysters. Makai Island Kitchen & Groggery is a lively seafood bistro with a rotating bar, offering a marine-inspired dining experience. For classic seafood dishes, Stagnaro Bros. is a great choice, located right on the wharf. Ideal Bar & Grill provides a sporty atmosphere with American entrees and cocktails. Lastly, Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge offers coastal cuisine with stunning ocean views.

For accommodations near Cowell's Beach, the Dream Inn is a modern beachfront hotel with an outdoor pool and a restaurant. The Sea & Sand Inn offers relaxed quarters with ocean views and free breakfast. Another option is the Beach Street Inn and Suites, which provides colorful rooms with ocean views and an outdoor pool. For a more budget-friendly stay, the Ocean Pacific Lodge offers a simple yet comfortable experience with free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.

Cowell's Beach offers a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. There are public restrooms and outdoor showers available year-round, as well as picnic areas for family gatherings. The beach is equipped with lifeguard services during peak seasons, ensuring safety for beachgoers. Additionally, there are bike paths and rental options for activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The beach is also accessible for people with disabilities, featuring ramps and specialized equipment like 'surf chairs' to facilitate beach access.

Cowell's Beach is a hotspot for various water activities. Surfing is particularly popular, with the beach offering beginner-friendly waves. Visitors can also enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking, taking advantage of the rental services available. For those interested in more leisurely activities, sunbathing and building sandcastles are always popular options. The beach also hosts volleyball courts, making it a great spot for team sports. Wildlife watching is another attraction, with frequent sightings of sea lions and sea otters.

Cowell's Beach offers excellent accessibility options for visitors with disabilities. A permanent ramp extends from the parking lot towards the ocean, and a temporary ramp is installed seasonally to facilitate beach access. Specialized 'surf chairs' are available at lifeguard towers, allowing individuals with mobility impairments to enjoy the beach. The beach also features accessible restrooms and pathways, ensuring that everyone can participate in the beach activities.

Parking at Cowell's Beach is convenient, with options available on nearby streets and at the beach itself. However, some areas require permit parking between May 15 and September 30, so visitors should be mindful of these restrictions. The beach offers a large parking lot, and parking is paid by the hour. Street parking meters are also available, providing additional options for visitors.

Cowell's Beach is named after the Cowell family, who were early settlers in the area involved in logging and shipping. The beach is also known for its surfing legacy, being part of the city that claims to be California's original surf town. Additionally, Cowell's Beach is a great spot for wildlife watching, especially during the gray whale migration season when these majestic creatures can be spotted from the wharf.

Cowell's Beach is surrounded by several attractions that make it a vibrant destination. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a famous amusement park, is just a short walk away, offering thrilling rides and classic arcade games. The Santa Cruz Wharf is another nearby attraction, providing stunning views of the bay and opportunities to spot marine life. Visitors can also take a scenic walk along West Cliff Drive or explore the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn about the area's rich surfing history.