Mexico Towans Beach, near St Ives

Lifeguarded Beach

Dog-friendly Beach

Family-friendly Beach

Beach with Cafe

Parking

Toilet Facilities

Along the north coast, in sweeping St Ives Bay, you will find Mexico Towans beach. Towan is from the Cornish Tewyn meaning sand dunes, providing a clue to what you will find here in all their marram-grass backed magnificence, but where does Mexico come in?

Lots of Cornish tin miners, when their industry collapsed, moved to Mexico but in 1995, Wheal Mexico mine was found further west, so we can only assume the name has some connection.

Mexico Towan Beach is part of Hayle’s three-mile stretch of blonde sand which starts at the Hayle Estuary and continues up to Godrevy lighthouse. You will see a good picture of it from this wonderful video.

As you can see, it is ace for surfing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters but also offers a fabulous stretch for a mighty fine off-lead dog walk at any time of year. When the tide is out, this beach is huge, and the views to Godrevy lighthouse beautiful, perhaps with an evening spectacular sunset as the backdrop. Keep an eye on the tide though, and the access points to the beach which are steep in places.

Disadvantages? Avoid swimming or taking your dog for a paddle at the estuary end as the currents there can be strong. There is also quite a steep sandy incline to and from the car park which your dog won’t mind, but which it pays to be aware of for anyone with mobility problems.

It is very quiet out of season, but this beach is dog-friendly all year round, with parking, RNLI lifeguards, and a dog-friendly café also available. Definitely worth a visit for you and your foot-footed friend.