The best beaches in Cape Town: An insider’s guide

BIKINI BEACH

This sheltered beach in Gordon's Bay is family-friendly and its seawater is somewhat warmer than elsewhere so is good for swimming. Bear in mind that because the beach is small, nearby parking is very limited and fills up quickly, so an early start is highly recommended.

CAMPS BAY

This popular beach is ideal for just about everybody. The younger set enjoys exercising and playing beach games here while families with young children particularly delight in the soft sand and warm sunshine. The beach is lined with bustling bars and cafés a few metres easy stroll away along Victoria Road.

CLIFTON

Clifton Beach comprises four coves of which the 4th beach cove is the most popular for splashing around in the small surf, sunbathing, and having a beach picnic. As far as beaches go, Clifton Beach is arguably the most well-known and scenic of Cape Town’s many beaches so can become somewhat crowded.

FISH HOEK

This beach is great for families who can take their dogs off their leashes (from the lighthouse to Clovelly) and allow them the freedom to gambol in the sea and race along the sands. 

It is also a great spot for kitesurfing and sea kayaking. Seating has been strategically placed along Jagger’s Walk which is ideal for the more mature person to sit down and take in the sea views, while the sunsets from these vantage points are exceptional.

 

LLANDUDNO

Another family-friendly beach that is popular with surfers. If choosing to make this beach a day-long outing it is best to pack a picnic lunch because the only facility beachgoers will find here is an ablution block. The picturesque scenery adds to its being a great sunbathing spot. 

MNANDI

There is a 5km of scenic beach to walk along. It is frequented mainly by locals from Mitchells Plain and surrounding areas who spend many hours fishing along its shores. This beach can be fairly windy at times (which is an understatement!) and the sea currents are unpredictable. 

MUIZENBERG

This is one of Cape Town’s popular swimming and surfing beaches and is well-suited to families. This beach has colourful bathing boxes, something rarely seen outside of the United Kingdom. Various facilities are to be found nearby.

SILWERSTROOMSTRAND

If you enjoy watching ski boats being launched and seeing the fishermen's catches being offloaded after a long day at sea, this is the beach for you. It's also a great spot for shore fishermen.  It's a popular spot for locals from the surrounding areas. There is safe swimming in the tidal pool and if you visit from August to September the flowering vegetation is a sight to behold.

STRANDFONTEIN

This beach is home to the biggest tidal pool in the Southern Hemisphere which makes it well worth visiting. It is very popular with locals mostly from surrounding areas. The beach hosts all sorts of events so it's best that you check what's on before going.

While they may not be Blue Flag beaches, the following great beaches well worth a visit are:

BAKOVEN

This gem of a beach is a favourite for those going to watch the sunset and escape the more crowded beaches. With the 12 Apostles as a backdrop and the sea spread out before you, well, what more could you ask for?

BIG BAY

Popular with families (who take their dogs walking here), surfers, kite-surfers and windsurfers Big Bay Beach boasts a tidal pool. The beach has truly spectacular views of Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain. If you choose not to picnic on the sands, Eden on the Bay has some good restaurants that have equally stunning views.

BOULDERS BEACH

This beach is somewhat unique on the African continent and perhaps the “funnest” beach in the area, because after paying a conservation access fee, you can swim with wild African penguins! It is a great protected beach for children to enjoy. Parking is limited, so arrive early!

HOUT BAY

The crescent-shaped beach at Hout Bay affords great views of the surrounding landscape. Hout Bay is a busy fishing port and nearby restaurants, therefore, serve up some great seafood, and it's one of life's little pleasures to eat freshly caught fish and delicious "slap" chips while sitting on the sea sand. 

The sea here is not for swimming but on the other hand, the beach is great for strolling along or talking to your dogs for a walk.

LONG BEACH (KOMMETJIE)

This beautiful strip of the beach lies at one end of Chapman's Peak Drive and it's popular with surfers, windsurfers, sunbathers, and dog walkers. Swimming isn’t recommended (unless you care to wear a wetsuit!) because the water can be icy cold.           

MILNERTON BEACH

The best and most iconic views of Table Mountain are from this beach. The sea is swim-able which makes it popular for families. As with so many other beaches, dog walking is a popular pastime. The area is also a centre for water sports enthusiasts. 

SMITSWINKEL BAY

This is a beautiful little gem of a beach in the Cape Point area. It isn't easily accessible but the short trek down to it is well worth the effort.

STRAND

A 3km stretch of beach sand fringes the warmer Cape waters which makes it a favourite swimming area for very young and older family members. It is great for sunbathers and is also favoured by water sports enthusiasts. It has an established seafront infrastructure, so food and refreshments are readily available. 

Experiences these beaches and so much more, book your Cape Town holiday today!