Cape Town Beaches

On Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard, wide sandy stretches, dramatic views and blazing sunsets make up for the bracing sea temperatures that these beaches of Cape Town are known for. While the water might be chilly, Clifton’s four beaches are among Cape Town’s most popular, attracting a trendier set that like to sunbathe, play volleyball and hang out with friends.

Nearby Camps Bay beach is a Cape Town weekend favourite, edged by trendy eateries and characterised by large crowds. A little further on you’ll find Llandudno, a surfers’ paradise rimmed by some of the city’s most expensive real estate, and Sandy Bay, where not even a swimming costume is required.

The warmer Indian Ocean waters of the False Bay seaboard are better suited to swimming. Best known among these beaches is Muizenberg, where multi-coloured Victorian-style beach boxes hark back to a more genteel time.

There are some good Cape Town beaches in nearby Simon's Town, one of the oldest Cape settlements with a strong naval tradition, reflected in the number of naval museums and monuments in the town.

When the wind is up at the beaches in Cape Town, people head to Boulders Beach, which is sheltered by large, rounded rocks and is home to a protected colony of endangered African penguins.

Other popular Cape Town beaches are Noordhoek Beach, which is good for long walks and popular with surfers and kite fliers; Kommetjie Beach, another popular surfers' hangout; and Bloubergstrand, which offers the famous view of Table Mountain across the bay. 

Cape Town is served by an international airport. The beaches themselves are all easily accessible by road and most are served by a variety of bus and tour companies. Best time to visit is Winters are cold and wet, but Cape Town summers have perfect beach weather with extra-long days. Highlights include a trip up Table Mountain, a tour to Robben Island, and a few hours (or days) in the nearby Cape Winelands.

Access to most beaches is free. Some beaches, like Boulders that's in a national park, charge a nominal entrance fee. Cape Town has arguably the highest concentration of restaurants in the country, many of which are found on or close to the beachfront. Try fresh fish or a Cape Malay meal for an authentic taste of the city.