Best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town: Where to Swim, Surf & Watch Sunsets
Best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town
Summers in Cape Town calls for all-day beach days, golden tans, cucumber ice water and a group of friends. Make these plans, because they will be core memories for life – take the photos too!
On the picture note, we’ve decided to print a few pictures each month for us to look back to. Our dad worked for Kodak back in his days & each of us have a zip lock bag of our childhood images which is so nostalgic to look back on and share stories with others.
Anyways, back to some of the best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town. These beaches are icy cold, but so worth the dip after a hot summers day – it will absolutely take your breath away – I dare you 😆
These Cape Town beaches are filled with soft, fluffy sand, crystal clear water and visitors from all around the world. The yachts and boats park in the bay and one can dream of spending a summer’s day on them…
If you’re staying in and around Cape Town, we highly recommend visiting these beaches – our guide is to help you choose which Atlantic Seaboard beaches are best for your ideal beach day.
For the international visitors travelling to Cape Town soon, pack in these travel essentials to have a more enjoyable journey.
We’ve got you covered on rock pools, surf spots, sunset viewpoints, swimming beaches and restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Why Visit the Best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town?
Most people will know of Sea Point, but the Atlantic Seaboard is not just that. The areas from Sea Point all the way until Hout Bay fall under this area, where the beaches have the back drops of the mountain ranges around Table Mountain.
These beaches have their own charm and are very different to the South Peninsula and West Coasts.
They are known for being the best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town because of their turquoise blue water, soft sandy beaches, mountain ranges as the backdrops, luxurious neighbourhoods, surf breaks, hidden coves and the most scenic coastal drives that make you want to record the whole drive!
The water here is ICY, but when it is so hot, it’s the only way to cool down. Don’t let yourself overthink it, else you won’t go in!
Atlantic Seaboard vs Southern Peninsula
If you’re only visiting Cape Town for a few days and have to choose which one you should visit out for the two – here’s a breakdown for you to decide:
Atlantic Seaboard
- Colder water
- Stunning sunsets
- Photography worthy mountain ranges
- Top surf beaches
- Beautiful blue water
Southern Peninsula
- Warmer water
- Great water temperature for swimming
- Plenty tidal pools and rock pools
- Smaller waves
- Suitable family-friendly swimming beaches
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The Best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town
We will share all about the best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches in Cape Town and the reason why we think you should include them when visiting South Africa.
Saunders Rock Beach
Are you jumping off the rocks or cooling down in the rock pool? This one is a must visit and a fave for us. Saunders Rock is an iconic tidal pool in Sea Point – a chilled vibe, lovely people, and a location with stunning views all around. Being in a little bay, it is sheltered from the waves and wind.
Our ideal summer days after work – going for a dip and chill, followed by an early dinner at one of the many restaurant options, all within walking distance.
PS: Go early because it gets really busy!
We’re always making sure we have food options nearby, so these are a few of our faves close by:
- Kleinsky’s bagels – we love the smoked salmon
- Mischu coffee
- Kauai – princess wraps
- Moro gelato – we always get the chocolate flavour
- Strolla Restaurant and Bar – sushi or chicken burgers
2. Sunset Beach – Sea Point
Sunset Beach in Sea Point is a quieter beach along the promenade, making it the perfect beach for a quick dip or long day chilling on the sand. There are plenty of food options where you can visit a cafe or rather a takeaway option to enjoy while having a beach picnic.
We love that this beach isn’t as popular as the others and can enjoy the peacefulness of a beach day.
3. Queens Beach
Another one of our faves as it is on the quieter side of these Atlantic Seaboard beaches. If you enjoy less crowds, then we recommend this one for you. A lovely beach for a post walk dip, reading on the beach, listening to the waves or watching the sun set across the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Camps Bay Beach
If you come to Cape Town, you have to tick this off your list. The palm trees, The Twelve Apostle Mountain range in the background, tourists all around, locals singing and dancing, and many restaurant options to choose from, it the vibe.
It gets very busy during peak season, so make sure to plan your day ahead.
If you’re wanting to eat out:
- Tiger’s Milk
- Cafe Caprice – their sushi is delish
- Gelato Mania
If you’re wanting a picnic:
- Col’Cacchio pizza picnic on the beach
- Woolworths Food Grocery Store
- Pick n Pay Grocery Store
A fun to do outing when you’ve spent too much time in the sun and need a break – The Pottery Camps Bay. Spend your day painting pottery while sipping on your delicious coffee. They have great pizzas too.
5. Clifton Beaches
These are also a must visit on your trip to Cape Town. The soft sand and turquoise beaches with the luxurious houses and mountain ranges in the back – stunning!
There are four Clifton beaches and each has their own crowd of visitors.
- 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
Another one of our favourite places to spend the day with friends and end off with a sunset picnic.
6. Glen Beach
The Glen Beach is a surfers beach tucked between Clifton and Camps Bay. It is relatively small, but a cute spot to watch the surfers, enjoy the sunsets on the large rocks and witness the engagements happening!
7. Bakoven Beach
Bakoven Beach is TINY, with a small area of sand, but has large boulders to suntan on too. The little bay is sheltered and makes a lovely suntanning and dipping spot. It is important to pack in your picnic snacks so that you can spend maximum time at the beach.
Take note: There are no grocery stores/ vendors nearby and you will need to drive to the nearest shop.
8. Oudekraal Beach
Beach, crystal-clear water and braai’s – the perfect beach day in South Africa. Oudekraal is located inside the Table Mountain National Park, hence the entrance fee. This is totally worth it, as there is a limit of guests allowed inside and its relatively well-maintained. It is a safer beach to swim in, as it is more protected from the wind – of course this is wind dependent. Don’t forget to pack in all your braai equipment, food and umbrella.
9. Llandudno Beach
This stunning beach is worth the drive. The soft sand stretches along the beach, with the backdrop of mountain ranges, no busy promenade, no hotels, no vendors etc. Just natural beauty at its finest.
A perfectt spot for families, surfers, photographers.
10. Hout Bay Beach
There is lots to do at Hout Bay Beach – swim, kayak, harbour tours, boat tours, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Wind dependent, this is a sheltered beach which makes it a fun day outing for the whole family.
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.
Best Atlantic Seaboard Beaches for:
Swimming
- Saunders Rock
- Oudekraal
- Clifton Fourth Beach
- Hout Bay
- Bakoven
Surfing
- Glen Beach
- Llandudno
Sunsets
- Camps Bay
- Clifton
- Llandudno
- Bakoven
- Queens Beach
Photography
- Camps Bay
- Llandudno
- Clifton
- Glen Beach
- Hout Bay
One-Day Atlantic Seaboard Itinerary
If you’re pressed for time and have one day for a Cape Town itinerary, this is what we would do:
- Wake up, breakfast, coffee and promenade walk in Sea Point. (It gets hot, so we recommend starting the day early)
- Morning dip at Saunder’s Rock
- Drive down to Clifton Beaches, take some pictures, walk along the beaches, buy a granadella lolly, get a tan, have a dip or two
- Have lunch in Camps Bay
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on Bakoven Beach
- Take a drive down to Llandudno to check out the scene, watch the surfers, watch the sun set
- Head to Hout Bay, Camps Bay, Sea Point, The V&A Waterfront (depending on what you’re vibe is like)
For those who have more time to spend visiting Cape Town, have a look at our 14 day Cape Town Itinerary.
Atlantic Seaboard Beach Tips from Locals
- Parking: Leave early to find a great parking spot. It gets really busy in peak season and you can rather spend that time on the beach. Don’t leave anything in the car. Pay for parking in parking lots if you feel unsafe.
- Picnic: Pack everything you will need for the full day – food, sunblock, umbrella etc. Vendors are pricy and shops will be busy. PS: Vendors usually only take cash.
- Wind: Look at the wind direction beforehand & decide which coast to head to.
- Lifeguards: Swim between the flags, keep an eye on your children and those around you, be kind to the lifeguards & support them if you can.
Find out more about us
Read more about our travel stories and the reason behind why we started our travel blog.
If you love South Africa so much and are looking for a 5 star hotel in Cape Town, make sure to read our staycation at this accommodation with the best ocean views.
It’s a no brainer as to why the Atlantic Seaboard beaches are packed with locals and tourists during our summers. If you’ve booked your trip or are planning to come to Cape Town soon, make sure to book everything in advance to avoid disappointment (some places are booked year on year).
Take a look at our blog which mentions all 22 of the best beaches in Cape Town.
If icy, blue waters aren’t for you, keep an eye out for our next blog, which will focus on the Southern Peninsula.
We hope you have the best summer break! We’d love to know which beach in Cape Town is your favourite, so tag us in your pictures! #offtwowandercapetown Follow us on Instagram (@offtwowander) if you want to see what we get up to this summer break.
Julia
x
FAQ
Which Atlantic Seaboard beach is best?
If it’s your first visit, we recommend Camps Bay. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, Llandudno and Bakoven are two of our personal favourites.
Which Atlantic beach has the calmest water?
Saunders Rock, Oudekraal and Clifton Fourth Beach generally offer calmer swimming conditions than many other Atlantic beaches.
Is the Atlantic Seaboard suitable for swimming?
Yes, many Atlantic Seaboard beaches are great for swimming, although the water is much colder than the Southern Peninsula. Saunders Rock, Clifton Fourth Beach, Bakoven and Oudekraal are among our favourite swimming spots. Always swim between the lifeguard flags and check the sea conditions before entering the water.
Which beach is best for surfing?
Glen Beach is popular with experienced surfers, while Llandudno is another favourite for catching waves.
What is the best time to visit Atlantic Seaboard beaches?
The best time to visit the Atlantic Seaboard beaches in Cape Town is between November and March, when Cape Town enjoys warm, sunny weather. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you’re planning to watch the sunset, arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a good spot, especially at Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno.
Which Atlantic beach is best for sunsets?
Llandudno, Camps Bay and Clifton consistently deliver some of the most spectacular sunsets in Cape Town.
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).
