Real, curated ideas for Looe beaches, family days out, dog-friendly spots and places to eat — filtered by who's actually with you.
Looe is a genuine working fishing port split either side of the river Looe, with proper sandy beaches, a real boat-trip culture, and some of the best seafood restaurants on this coast. It's smaller and less polished than the bigger north-coast names, which keeps it feeling like a real Cornish town rather than a tourist set piece — the harbour is still a working one, and the fish on your plate was landed a few hours earlier.
Listings last checked: July 2026
A genuinely sheltered, sandy beach right by the town, good for swimming, kayaking and crabbing — check tide times given how much the beach changes shape.
A genuinely lovely rocky beach with excellent rock pools and a coastal path popular with dog walkers — a well-stocked kiosk sits right by the sand.
A genuinely quiet, secluded beach reached via a section of coast path — worth the short walk in for the peace, particularly for dogs off the lead.
A genuinely quieter dog-friendly beach with paddleboard and kayak hire on site, reached down a narrow, scenic lane — worth the careful drive.
A genuinely well-stocked seaside gift shop with a proper Cornwall flag on sale and none of the tat found elsewhere — good quality souvenirs.
A genuinely well-loved fudge and gift shop with a proper tea room upstairs — the Miss Marples tea room is a favourite for cosy scones and cake.
A genuinely charming small museum with real local history and staff happy to chat — a proper find for £3 entry, with children going free.
A genuinely excellent RIB wildlife trip around Looe Island, with regular seal and dolphin sightings and a knowledgeable, friendly skipper.
A genuinely charming, detailed model of neighbouring Polperro village — a short, sweet stop for £4 entry, best combined with a wander round the real village.
A genuinely well-run seafront cafe with what reviewers call some of the best scones they have had, good coffee and fair prices — dog-friendly, with harbour views.
A genuinely small, in-demand restaurant with an outstanding surf and turf and proper homemade gravy — booking ahead is essential given the tiny size.
A genuinely excellent small tapas restaurant with generous portions and a well-priced menu — book ahead given how popular it's become locally.
A genuinely first-class intimate seafood restaurant with an open kitchen — the buttermilk monkfish and crab rosti get specific praise.
A genuinely lovely Greek restaurant right by the water with olives, halloumi and a well-loved kleftico — a proper change of pace from seafood-heavy menus.
A genuine hidden gem tucked into the cobbled streets, with six real ales and a genuinely welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere.
A genuinely humble, friendly kiosk with the best crab sandwiches reviewers say they've had, plus dog treats and stunning views over to Looe Island.
Widely regarded as the best ice cream in Looe, with genuinely excellent customer service and consistent quality visit after visit.
A genuinely spotless little café with a cosy upstairs coffee lounge, excellent sandwiches and a delicious vegan raspberry ripple ice cream.
Genuinely some of the best coffee in Cornwall by wide consensus, tucked into the Old Harbour Office — dog-friendly, with a pupchino for well-behaved four-legged customers.
A genuinely good little café with seats right on the harbour wall — a favourite spot for crabbing with the kids while you have a coffee.
A genuinely atmospheric 16th-century restaurant full of history, with a well-loved Sunday lunch and a proper kids' treasure-map menu.
A genuinely outstanding seafood restaurant right on the harbour, dog-friendly, with a charcuterie starter substantial enough to be its own meal.
A genuinely lovely fully plant-based café hidden in a courtyard, with a soul bowl and loaded flatbreads that get consistent praise from vegans and non-vegans alike.
A genuinely friendly little coffee shop with dog biscuits as standard and a proper vegan hot chocolate — a good quick stop away from the busiest quay.
A genuinely excellent seafood restaurant with consistently fresh oysters and sardines — worth booking ahead given how popular it's become locally.
A genuinely authentic taste of Italy in Looe, with homemade focaccia and pastries flown in from Italy — the sandwiches get specific, repeated praise.
A genuinely spacious, dog-friendly pub opposite the train station, with a well-loved roast and slightly calmer atmosphere than the busiest harbour pubs.
A genuinely lovely breakfast café overlooking the water with a strong gluten-free range — worth the walk out towards Hannafore for the view alone.
A genuinely well-loved fish and chip restaurant with a proper surf-and-turf option and puddings worth saving room for — a short drive from the harbour.