The Best of Ouens Bay: Discover Jersey’s Surf and Sunset Paradise
About St Ouen’s Bay
Stretching for 5 miles along Jersey’s rugged west coast, St Ouen’s Bay is famous as an incredible family beach spot and the island’s ultimate surfing destination. With miles of glistening golden sands and turquoise Atlantic surf, the scenery here is breathtaking. The perfect place to relax on the beach, enjoy a peaceful stroll, ride the waves or indulge in a coastal meal, St Ouen’s Bay is the Jersey beachfront that offers it all. A stunning location to admire the sunset, there are many bars and restaurants to soak up the golden hour scenery from. June welcomes Sunset Concerts on the headland above St Ouen’s Bay to celebrate the summer solstice while Watersplash is an incredible place for relaxed nightlife with regular events. If you are in search of the Jersey beach spot that has everything to offer, look no further than St Ouen’s Bay.
St Ouen’s Bay Historic Sites
Kempt Tower
A historic landmark of St Ouen’s Bay, Kempt Tower is a Martello tower that dates back to 1834. With St Ouen’s Bay one of the most exposed stretches of the coastline, it was vulnerable to invasion and was built as one of the island’s many coastal defences. Overlooking the seafront of St Ouen’s Bay from its position in Jersey National Park, the tower, now operated by Jersey Heritage, offers overnight self-catering accommodation for parties of up to 12, offering the opportunity for an overnight stay in an iconic Jersey landmark.
Barge Aground
Another landmark on Jersey’s west coast, this iconic art deco barge, built in the 1930s, sits proudly on the seafront of St Ouen’s Bay. A charming piece of architecture that enhances the beachfront scenery, Barge Aground also offers self-catering accommodation, dog-friendly and sleeps up to six.
The Channel Islands Military Museum
Housed in a German bunker tucked into the coastline, The Channel Islands Military Museum was once part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall of Defence during World War II when Nazi forces occupied Jersey. Telling the story of the occupation, the museum is home to artefacts and exhibitions that showcase what life was like for both the occupying military and the civilians. The museum is open daily from April to October and is a great introduction to the island’s war history.
The Ossuary, The Little Menhir and The Great Menhir
Just a few of the island’s many Neolithic sites, this ensemble sitting on the cliffs about St Ouen’s Bay dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. These ritual stones define a site that once had an important place in Jersey culture while the excavated bones highlight that it may have been a symbolic and ceremonial burial site.
La Sergente Tomb
On the clifftop to the south of the bay, La Sergente Tomb is the only corbelled passage grave known to exist on the Channel Islands. A small burial chamber located close to the coast, the Neolithic grave is possibly the earliest dolmen on the island.
St Ouen’s Bay Other Points of Interest and Things To Do
Located directly opposite St Ouen’s Bay and overlooking St Ouen’s Pond, the Wetland Centre operated by the National Trust for Jersey offers an excellent opportunity to watch and admire the flora and fauna of the island. Hosting a range of activities including Bug Safaris, Woodland Wonders and Rockpool Rambles, it provides an educational experience for all ages.
Jersey Pearl is more than just a shop, it is experience. With the opportunity to explore historical royal replicas and select your own pearl to be made into jewellery, visitors enjoy an immersive process where your pearl is graded and you discover what makes it unique.
St Ouen’s Bay Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
Stretching 5 miles along the island’s west coast, St Ouen’s Bay is one of the best coastal spots on the island for shopping, dining and nightlife. Renowned as the surf capital of the island, St Ouen’s Bay has a laid-back vibe with Watersplash Beach Bar and Diner the ultimate hotspot. By day, you can stop by this iconic beach bar to enjoy a drink or bite to eat with breathtaking views, whilst evenings welcome live DJs, open mic nights and surf-focused events. Games rooms and pool tables are also available, with sunset BBQs also held.
While Watersplash is the best place for low-key nightlife, there are many other cafes, bars and restaurants along this stretch of coastline that offer late-night dining, drinks and occasional live entertainment. There are also multiple shopping opportunities at St Ouen’s Bay, including surf shops and Jersey Pearl.
St Ouen’s Bay Sport and Events
Surfing
As the island’s premier surfing destination, it is the biggest sport on offer at St Ouen’s Bay. Home to a thriving surf community, schools and shops, there is endless opportunity to ride the waves. With Jersey boasting the third largest tidal range in the world, surfers from across the world flock to the island to surf with St Ouen’s Bay the leading spot. Whether you are an experienced surfer, wanting to learn and simply want to experience the laid-back surf environment, look no further than St Ouen’s Bay.
Les Mielles Golf Course
Nestled in the conservation area of St Ouen, the 18-hole Les Mielles Golf Course is one of the leading courses on the island. A beautiful golf course that offers a stimulating challenge, the course is a family-friendly venue open to everyone, and even boasts mini golf and crazy golf courses.
Sunset Concerts
Every summer, Mont Grantez headland plays host to a series of evening concerts with the spectacular backdrop of St Ouen’s Bay. Bring along a picnic to enjoy as you admire the sun descending to the sounds of brilliant live music. Usually held over the June weekend that aligns closest to the summer solstice, the concerts are a great way to enjoy the lighter evenings and Jersey summer vibes.
Visiting St Ouen’s Bay
Throughout the year, St Ouen’s Bay is consistently one of the island’s most popular beaches. The long 5-mile stretch of sand offers endless walking opportunities and plenty of space while its reputation as the island’s leading surf spot invites surfers from across the globe. A location for the island’s BeachAbility service, it is also a favoured accessible beach on the island. Plus, with its west-facing location, the beach witnesses phenomenal sunsets year round. During the summer period between May to September, lifeguards are stationed on the beach daily between the hours of 10am to 6pm. They also patrol during the Easter and October half term holidays. As one of the few lifeguarded beaches on the island, it is a firm favourite with families.
While St Ouen’s Bay is undoubtedly one of the busiest beaches on the island, it is always worth visiting, even in the peak summer period. Its length means it never seems crowded, and the multiple car parks, plus ample roadside parking along the bay, mean it is typically easy to find a spot, even on the busiest days.
St Ouen’s Bay Facilities
Parking
There are multiple car parks along the length of the bay, plus roadside parking. Accessible parking and drop-off points are also available.
Public Transport
LibertyBus Routes 22 and X22 operate from Liberation Station to L’Etacq, calling at multiple stops along St Ouen’s Bay. Timetables can be downloaded online from libertybus.je or alternatively, you can pick them up from Liberation Station or the Jersey Tourist Information Centre.
Toilets
Public toilets are available along the length of the bay, many of which are found in the public car parks or close by. There are also other toilet blocks available.
Changing and showers
There are multiple public shower stations to rinse off along the beachfront, with further facilities available at Le Braye. Here you will find toilets, showers and changing spaces.
Accessibility
Along the 5-mile stretch of St Ouen’s Bay, there are multiple car parks, all of which feature disabled parking. There are also numerous accessible toilets along with step-free access at certain points along the bay. St Ouen’s Bay also operates the island’s BeachAbility service. Available from Le Braye, the service offers balloon-tyred wheelchairs, making the beach accessible to all. Hire is free of charge, but it is recommended to book in a
Best of St Ouen’s Baydvance.
Lifeguards
RNLI Lifeguards are stationed at St Ouen’s Bay throughout the summer months. A popular location for surfing, the tidal conditions here can be unpredictable, and a lifeguard presence is available daily from May to September between the hours of 10:30 am and 6 pm. It is important to pay attention to flag markers at this beach, and if there are no flags, there are no lifeguards present. They also typically patrol Le Braye during the Easter and October half-term holidays.
Food and Drink
There are multiple dining locations along St Ouen’s Bay with a variety of options to choose from, including kiosks, cafes and table service restaurants.
Shops
St Ouen’s Bay is home to a wide variety of shops, including local convenience stores, boutiques, gift shops selling souvenirs and beach essentials, plus Little Joe’s surf shop.
