Tolcarne is one of the central town beaches, less crowded than Towan and Great Western, with a wide swathe of sand at low tide and reliable smaller-scale surf. A beach cafe and watersports centre at the back rent paddleboards and bodyboards.
It is reached from the cliff path by an easy zigzag staircase. Quieter than Fistral and gentler than Lusty Glaze, it suits families and intermediate surfers wanting space to themselves.