22 Best Beaches in Cape Town You Can’t Miss
What are the best beaches in Cape Town?
Cape Town – where you can hike one mountain at sunrise, sightsee penguins at the beach, swim in crystal clear water and end up watching one of the best sunsets at another mountain.
Born and raised in Cape Town, we’ve been so blessed to spend our best years exploring the long stretches of coastlines. Growing up in a family of 6, the budget was tight for outings, and having brothers bodyboarding, we naturally had these many beaches as our playground.
We’ve got you covered for finding the best beaches in Cape Town, whether it be calm beaches for swimming, surfing, family days, dog walking, sunsets or beach photography, there will most likely be more than 1 that will scream your name.
Why Cape Town Has Some of the Best Beaches in the World
With Cape Town being at the tip of Africa, we are fortunate to be surrounded by two oceans. The one being The Atlantic Seaboard (most will know Sea Point area), where there are stunning mountain ranges as the backdrop, with icy, blue waters – the type of icy that takes your breath away but you HAVE to dip into because of the warm summer weather. The other being The False Bay, which has warmer water, many tidal pools, with warmer water to enjoy. This is fun for families, as children can see the sea life and play safely in the calmer water conditions.
PS: Look out for our life guards and only swim between the flags. Our waters are very unpredictable, so rather be extra cautious when swimming in the ocean.
Below we will cluster the best beaches in Cape Town locations into 3 – the Atlantic Seaboard, Southern Peninsula and the West Coast, so you can plan your outings according to where you’re heading to for the day.
PS: Buy bucket and spade, beach games etc from The Crazy Store beforehand.
Side note: As much as we love the ocean, it is always very unpredictable, so be safe and look out for one another.
Atlantic Seaboard Beaches
1.) Saunders Rock – Rock pool
A popular rock pool known to most people and is one of the best beaches in Cape Town and social media worthy! This can get very busy, so make sure to get there early.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Kleinsky’s, Bootlegger, Mojo Market, Woolworths Food and Checkers Sea Point are all within walking distance.
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm, sheltered tidal pool with cold Atlantic water.
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: Yes
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
2.) Sunset Beach – tanning and dipping beach
Found below the promenade, a beach to tan and have a dip to cool down. Depending on the tide, this can create a rocky shore for children to play in.
🚻Bathrooms: Within walking distance
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – plenty of cafés, restaurants and supermarkets along the promenade, including Woolworths Food, Checkers, Kauai and Bootlegger.
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes – suitable for a quick dip
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Cold Atlantic water with generally calm conditions, although swells can vary.
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
3.) Queens Beach – tanning and dipping beach
Similar to Sunset Beach and another one of the best beaches in Cape Town, this spot is for all to enjoy a beautiful summer’s day.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – walking distance to Jarryds, Mojo Market, Bootlegger, Woolworths Food and Checkers
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes (cold)
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Cold Atlantic water, weather dependent
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
4.) Camps Bay Beach
With palm trees lining the main strip and Table Mountain / The 12 Apostles Mountain range as the backdrop, numerous restaurants from fancy to take aways, this is a location you must visit on your trip to Cape Town.
This is a top beach for both sunsets and photography.
PS: In peak summer, it gets really hot and there isn’t much shade. So make sure to pack your picnic basket, filled with ice water, snacks, sunblock, sunhats etc.
We’re always planning our meals ahead of time so we don’t get hangry, so if you’re like us, book a restaurant spot in advance. Some of our faves are: Tigers Milk, Col’Cacchio, Kauai, and PnP / Woolworths grocery stores for picnics.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Many restaurants, Woolworths Food & Pick n Pay
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal – swim between the flags
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes (cold)
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Moderate waves, cold, rip currents possible
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: Camps Bay Tidal Pool at the south end of the beach
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: Yes – take cash (quite pricey)
🍦Beach vendors: Yes – take cash (quite pricey)
5.) Clifton
There are 4 Clifton beaches, with each being separated by large boulders. Depending on the tide, you can walk through to each beach, else there are stair cases with many steps to climb up and down – this can be a workout for some, especially after a long day in the sun.
Each Clifton beach attracts different crowds.
- Clifton 1st: Popular with locals and volleyball players
- Clifton 2nd: Smaller and quieter
- Clifton 3rd: A favourite among younger locals
- Clifton 4th: Most popular and biggest
Clifton beaches have soft fluffy sand, turquoise, blue water and is a top beach for sunsets.
🚻Bathrooms: Clifton 4th only
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: No – Short walk to Camps Bay
🛟Lifeguards: Clifton 4th (seasonal)
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes (cold)
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Cold, usually calm
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
6.) Glen Beach
This one is a hidden gem. It is found between Camps Bay and Clifton and a great surf spot. There are rocks to sit on and enjoy the sunsets – some of these rocky spots are known for engagements and photoshoots, as the mountain range and sunset make it a pictureworthy spot.
A top beach for surfing and relaxing on the beach.
🚻Bathrooms: No
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Camps Bay nearby
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: No
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Strong surf
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
7.) Bakoven Beach
This beach is a TINY hidden beach in Cape Town, but so peaceful and makes you feel like you’re in some European destination. It is found amongst luxury homes and not many people will know it’s even there.
We prefer these smaller beaches, away from the crowds, where you can enjoy the sounds of the water crashing, enjoy your book, take a dip.
🚻Bathrooms: No
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Camps Bay nearby
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes – ocean dips
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm sheltered cove
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
8.) Oudekraal Beach
A short drive from Camps Bay, you will find the Oudekraal Nature Reserve. You pay entry to this beach as it is a reserve, and you can find braai spots, calm coves, snorkelling and crystal clear water. Beach and braai day – sounds like the perfect South African day.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: No – bring your own picnic
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm sheltered coves
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
9.) Llandudno Beach
This one is worth the further drive! Mountains, white sand, turquoise water, no shops, no hotels, just you and nature.
Llandudno is a large beach and is very popular for surfing, a top beach for sunsets and photography and one of the best beaches in Cape Town.
🚻Bathrooms: Seasonal
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: No – bring your own picnic
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Limited
🌊Water: Moderate to rough
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Occasionally
10.) Hout Bay Beach
This is a stunning scenic drive where you can enjoy a beach day, do a harbour tour, kayak tour and enjoy a meal at the many restaurant options.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Restaurants, cafés & supermarket
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Calm bay
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
Sea Point Pools are also an option to cool down in the summer months. The lines are extremely long & its very busy over the festive break in South Africa (mid December – end January)
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For those feeling adventurous and have more time to explore South Africa and Africa, get some inspiration from our blogs below.
Perhaps considering a 5 day trip to the Victoria Falls, or a trip up South Africa’s West Coast to Langebaan? I am sure you have heard of Churchhaven and Kraal Baai, two spectacular beaches inside the West Coast National Park. For those who are time restricted, you can base yourself in Langebaan and do day trips from there.
Southern Peninsula
The cold water on the Atlantic Seaboard too cold for you? Head to these beaches for a warmer ocean, tidal pools and fun waves to swim in. I’ve taken the train from Kenilworth to St James and loved the train trip! The new trains on that line are safer, cleaner and have staff monitoring. This can also be a great help with not having to find parking in the area. Of course, always be alert of your surroundings.
11.) Boulders Beach
Penguins at the beach, I mean, can’t think of anything cuter?? Boulders Beach is a reserve, where the endangered African Penguins live. Being an endangered species, it is so important to educate others about their safety and to not get too close to them. We are visiting their home after all. You pay to enter here and the lines get really long in peak season.
Boulders Beach is a great family beach in Cape Town with the large boulders creating calm water to swim in.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Bayella Café & stores in Simon’s Town
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Very calm
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
12.) Windmill Beach
Windmill Beach is located right next to Boulders and is a great spot for families to enjoy the calm, clear water. The large rocks protect the beach from rough waters and is a top beach for swimming.
🚻Bathrooms: No
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: No – in Simon’s Town
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm & sheltered
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
13.) Fish Hoek Beach
A fan favorite for families with children. This is renowned as one of the safest swimming beaches in Cape Town as the calmer water is much warmer than Camps Bay beaches.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Restaurants, cafés & Woolworths
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Warm, gentle waves
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
14.) Kalk Bay Harbour Beach
Fish and chips and a beach day, sounds ideal to us! Kalky’s Fish & Chips are known as the place to get your fish and chips in Cape Town. This is a small beach and perfect for a chill travel day.
🚻Bathrooms: No – only Harbour facilities
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Kalky’s & cafés
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm harbour
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
15.) Muizenberg Beach
We did a surf lesson here & can recommend it!
Everyone knows Muizenberg Beach for surfing. This long stretch of water allows for plenty of people to enjoy the beach. There are currently upgrades being done at the beachfront, so hopefully this is completed for you to enjoy during the summer months. The main section has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops for you to enjoy.
This is a top beach for surfing / surf lessons and family outings in and around Cape Town.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Restaurants, cafés & supermarkets
🛟Lifeguards: Yes
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Gentle beginner waves
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
16.) St James Beach
St James is a small picturesque, sheltered beach, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Depending on the tide, children can play in the rock pools, learn about the sea animals and build sandcastles. Make sure to arrive early as it can get busy here.
This is a top beach for family beach outings and photography.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Short walk to Kalk Bay cafés
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: Yes
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
17.) Dalebrook Tidal Pool
This spot is well-known for locals to have sunrise swims, drink their morning coffee while watching the sunrise. Being a rock pool, it is calmer and warmer to get your laps in.
🚻Bathrooms: No
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Kalk Bay cafés nearby
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm tidal pool
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: Yes
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
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West Coast Beaches
The beaches with Table Mountain views scream a Cape Town vacation and a must-frame picture.
18.) Sunset Beach, Milnerton
This beach is quite central and has a long stretch of beach for children to play on the white sandy beaches. The Ocean Square shopping centre is close by to get some picnic goodies.
This is a top beach for photography, beach walks, children’s play and picnics.
🚻Bathrooms: No
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Ocean Square Centre
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Moderate waves (weather dependent and can have strong currents)
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
19.) Bloubergstrand Beach
Blouberg is a long stretch of beach, with the most picturesque drive along the oceanfront.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find a spot for kite surfing, sunsets, swimming, long beach walks, rock pools etc.
There are many restaurants along the way to enjoy the views. Our fave is Jerry’s Burger Bar and Bootleggers Coffee.
Bloubergstrand is a top beach for sunsets, beach walks and photography.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Many restaurants & cafés
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Moderate waves
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: Small rock pools
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
20.) Big Bay Beach
Big Bay Beach is one of the best beaches in Cape Town, where life guards overlook the beach and a shopping centre to purchase goodies in the back. Perfect for families to enjoy the summer break and has a grass patch for those who don’t enjoy the sand. Even if you’re not there for the day, enjoy a dinner at the many restaurant options.
A top beach for surfing, family outings and photography.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Eden on the Bay
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Moderate waves
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
21.) Melkbosstrand
A further drive from Big Bay and close to our hearts. We often went here as kids as our family friends had a house opposite the beach.. We spent weekends at the beach and braais afterwards. This is a long strip of beach, so plenty of space for all the visitors to enjoy.
This is a top beach for families.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: Yes – Restaurants, cafés & supermarket
🛟Lifeguards: Seasonal
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: Yes
🌊Water: Generally calmer
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: Yes
22.) West Coast National Park
Bonus Day Beach Trip – The West Coast National Park is about a 1.5 – 2 hour drive from Cape Town and absolutely worth the day trip! We love visiting Kraalbaai, setting up for the day and laying on the lilo while tanning. The water is a stunning turquoise colour, is more sheltered as it is in the lagoon and being surrounded by nature, makes you feel as if you are on some Mediterranean Island vacay.
We recommend packing a large picnic and ice cold drinks, as there are no shops near the beach. An entrance fee is required when entering the National Park – reminder to take your IDs with.
🚻Bathrooms: Yes – Kraalbaai and main visitor facilities
🍽️Restaurant / Grocery shop nearby: No – bring your own picnic and drinks. There is a restaurant at the Geelbek Visitor Centre which is not directly near the beach. No grocery stores inside the park.
🛟Lifeguards: No
🏊🏿Swimming: Yes
🏄Surfing: No
🌊Water: Calm, shallow, crystal-clear lagoon with warmer water than the Atlantic Seaboard
🦀Rockpool / Tidal pool: No
🏖️Umbrellas & chairs to hire: No
🍦Beach vendors: No
If you cannot spend 14 days in Cape Town, here is our 7 Day Cape Town Itinerary
Local Tips Before Visiting the Best Beaches in Cape Town
When deciding which beach to visit in Cape Town, here are some local tips you need to know to make the best out of your days visiting:
The wind matters
As locals, we always look at the wind and its direction before deciding which beach we are going to visit. This can make or break your day!
If Camps Bay is windy – go to False Bay beaches. If False Bay is windy – go to the Atlantic seaboard. If you’re not sure, ask a local.
The water is cold
If icy water isn’t for you, then you may not enjoy swimming on the Atlantic Seaboard. Try out the rockpools in the False Bay.
Plan ahead
Pack your food and drink and leave home early. It is peak season in Cape Town in December and January, with most locals off work & the tourists visiting to escape their winters. Take cash if you want to purchase from the beach vendors.
PS: “Granadilla Lolly to make you jolly” is a must have. Trust us!
Be alert
Not to scare you, but a reality of visiting South Africa – be aware of your surroundings and don’t leave any belongings unattended when swimming. Rather avoid wearing flashy jewellery when out and about.
Save Our Best Beaches in Cape Town Map
A Perfect Beach Day For Us
We absolutely love the ocean and find ourselves often at the beach. We plan our outings on the time of year and busyness – we avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.
Our day would consist of:
- Slow morning at home
- Promenade walk
- Sit down and enjoy our decaf coffee from Woolworths
- Picnic lunch spot at the beach or in a park
- Afternoon at Melbosstrand or Queens Beach – reading, suntanning, swims, chill
- Enjoy the sunset at the beach / if we’re with friends, head for dinner and sundowners
Safety note: For sea or water rescue emergencies in Cape Town, dial the NSRI direct emergency number at 087 094 9774 or the national toll-free line at 112. For administrative, general, or non-emergency inquiries, you can contact the NSRI Head Office directly at +27 21 434 4011.
Cape Town has so much to offer both locals and tourists. Beaches for days, plenty of restaurants to enjoy, friendly people and gorgeous weather.
Whether you’re one for swimming, tanning, surfing, sightseeing, walking, picnicking,there is a beach for you that you will love!
As locals who have spent our whole lives exploring this coastline, we hope this guide helps you plan your best Cape Town experience at the best beaches in Cape Town.
PS: Some of this information may have changed ie – shopping vendors, bathrooms closed etc.
If you love this blog and feel that it helped you choose your fave beach, tag #offtwowandercapetown and follow us on Instagram – we’d genuinely love to follow along and see what you get up to!
FAQ
Which beach is best in Cape Town?
Clifton Fourth Beach is one of the most popular thanks to its white sand, calm atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. For sunsets, we love Llandudno and Camps Bay.
Can you swim at Cape Town beaches?
Yes. Just be aware that Atlantic beaches are much colder than False Bay beaches. Always swim where conditions are safe, be aware of rip currents and obey lifeguard flags.
Which Cape Town beach has the warmest water?
Fish Hoek, Muizenberg and Boulders Beach, located on the False Bay side, generally have warmer water than the Atlantic Seaboard.
What is the prettiest beach in Cape Town?
Locals often choose Llandudno, while visitors usually fall in love with Camps Bay or Clifton.
Which beaches are best for families?
Fish Hoek, Clifton Fourth Beach, Boulders Beach and Camps Bay are excellent choices for families.
Best day outing beach?
If you have time, take a 1h+ road trip up the West Coast to the West Coast National Park where you will find beautiful beaches to spend the day at.
off two wander
Lauren and Julia are twin sisters from Cape Town, South Africa, sharing their travel adventures & showcasing what South Africa and other countries have to offer. They are passionate about travel, wildlife, conservation, being surrounded by nature & holistic well-being. They are both currently working fully remotely - Lauren is a travel guru - her previous industry, before moving over to digital marketing. Julia is a qualified teacher and is currently working for a digital agency too! Lauren does the travel logistics and web development, where Julia does the travel blogging & finances (if it wasn’t for Julia, Lauren would be on holiday all the time). Their travel blog covers anything from travel tips, guides & to do’s, wine farm spots & them visiting their favourite coffee shops (they are both creatures of habit, so you’ll find them obsessing over the good coffee cafes).
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