Best Sunset Spots In Cape Town
Cape Town is home to some seriously spectacular sunset spots. There is no denying that the Mother City is pure sunset bliss, known for her stunning sherbet coloured sunsets that set the sky alight in a beautiful celebration of colours.
Going on the ultimate sunset chasing adventure has become one of the top things to do in Cape Town. But sometimes you need to wander a little off the beaten path to find the real sunset hidden gems -That’s when the real sunset adventure begins.
Here are our top secret sunset and overall best sunset spots in Cape Town, all of which deserve a prime spot on your sunset bucket-list.
#Look-out Cave on Chapman’s Peak Drive
**Secret Sunset Spot**
Named one of the most magnificent coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of Cape Town’s top attractions and sunset spots. Besides its beauty, and spectacular views, Chapman’s Peak is known for its amazing hidden gems scattered along the route. One of these hidden gems include one of the best secret sunset spots in Cape Town – The Look-out Cave.
Like all the Mother City’s best kept secrets, you may need to wander a little off the beaten path to find it. Make your way along Chapman’s Peak Drive until you reach the famous Chapman’s Peak Lookout Point – This is where the real adventure begins!
Positioned just below the pass, you’ll have to climb over the railing and carefully make your way down the mountainside to reach the Lookout Cave. Once you’ve reached this cool secret hideaway and stunning sunset spot, it’s time to sit back, relax and soak it all in. The sheltered sand-stone cave boasts the perfect view over Hout Bay and Atlantic Ocean. An extra bonus is that it has enough space to enjoy a picnic and a few sundowners paired with one hell of a view.
- Location: M6 | Chapmans Peak Drive, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
- Best time: Particularly beautiful at sunset
- Cost: Chapman’s Peak Drive is a toll road, and as such requires as toll tariff fee. Each category of vehicle pays a different tariff and the tariff is applicable in each direction.
- Toll Details: Click here to find out more about the Chapman’s Peak Standard Toll Tariffs
- Click here to find out more about Chapman’s Peak Day Passes | Click here to find out more about Chapman’s Peak Frequent User Benefits
#The Clifton Ridge Rocks
**Secret Sunset Spot**
The Clifton Ridge Rocks is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful secret sunset spots in Cape Town. While Cape Town locals may be reluctant to share this hidden sunset gem with the rest of the world, how can we possibly deny you the pleasure of watching the Mother City sun go down from this magical spot? Paired with a few sundowners, it’s pure beach sunset bliss!
At the end of The Ridge Road in Clifton, just before you think you’ve gone too far, you’ll stumble upon a small walkway that opens on a little rock ridge. This is the magic sunset spot! Once you’ve reached your secret sunset destination, find a spot, sit back, relax, and soak up all the magic that’s about to come your way. It promises to be one incredible sunset experience you won’t soon forget.
#Lions Head
Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, the roaring lion of the Mother City skyline is not only one of the city’s most beloved mountain gems and top hiking trails, but one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town too.
While you may need to put in some effort, and a bit of hard hiking graft to reach the Lions Head summit; It will ALL be worth it in the end. Boasting beautiful panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic ocean, Signal Hill, the glorious Mother City and beyond, it is bound to render you speechless.
The Lions Head sunset hike is extremely popular during full moon when hikers can see both the sunset over the ocean and watch the full moon rising – A truly unbeatable combination.
- Starting point: The Lion’s Head hiking trail starts at the car park on Signal Hill Road. Follow the trail which circles around the mountain to get to the top.
- End point: The end point of the hike is the Lion’s Head Summit. Once you reach the summit, make your way down the same way until you reach the initial starting point.
- Average time to the summit: It takes approximately 1,5 hours to reach the summit at a comfortable pace | The Lion’s Hike is a 3hour round trip.
- As the sun sets at +/- 8pm in the summer, start your Lions Head sunset hike around 6:30pm.
- As the sun sets at +/- 6pm – 7pm in autumn and winter, it is important to start your Lions Head sunset hike much earlier.
- The Lions Head hike is entirely free.
- Total elevation: 669 meters (2,195 feet).
- Average distance: The total length of the trail is +/- 5,5 km (3,4 miles) both ways.
- Fitness & Difficulty: Easy – Moderate.
Check out our ‘Hiking Lions Head Cape Town: Everything You Need To Know’ blog for absolutely everything regarding Lions Head, including information and guidance on the hiking routes and what you can expect, what you will need on your hiking adventure, tips, tricks, and so much more.
#Signal Hill, but with a twist!
**Secret Sunset Spot**
We know what you’re thinking, Signal Hill is anything but a secret sunset spot. And you’re right! In fact, Signal Hill is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s most popular sunset and sunrise spots. But, just before you jump ship, this top Cape Town sunset spot is not quite where you think it is.
By moving just a little bit away from the main area towards the Sea Point side, you’ll stumble upon one of the Mother City’s most beautiful sunset gems. Follow the gravel path towards Sea Point for about 4 minutes. You will then find a rooftop that is without a doubt the best secret spot for sunsets on Signal Hill.
#Llandudno Beach
Beachy sunset lovers, this one is for you! Llandudno Beach is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town, but most magnificent sunset spots in the Mother City. Boasting large granite boulders, crystal-clear ocean waters, a spectacular view, and stunning surroundings, Llandudno is pure beach and sunset bliss.
Whether you choose to watch the stunning Llandudno Beach sunset while sitting on a giant granite boulder or find the perfect spot on the sand, it promises to be every bit as magical as you can imagine.
**Why not take a picnic blanket, some refreshments, sundowners, and a picnic basket along on your Llandudno Beach sunset chasing adventure? It’s the perfect way to celebrate a Cape Town beach sunset in style!
**Extra Bonus: Llandudno is usually not too crowded, giving you the perfect opportunity to simply sit back, relax, and soak up every amazing sunset moment.
If you’re an avid surfer, you’re definitely in luck! Besides being one of the most beautiful hidden beach and sunset gems, it is one of the coolest surfing beaches in Cape Town. In fact, Llandudno has established itself as one of the top Cape Town surfing beaches and hotspots with both avid local and international surfers eager to take on its thunderous waves, swells, and scenic breaks. Check out our ‘Top 5 Coolest Surfing Beaches in Cape Town’ blog for everything you need to know about Cape Town’s best surfing spots.
#The ‘Sunset Rock’
**Secret Sunset Spot**
Proudly crowned the ‘Sunset Rock’ by locals, this top Cape Town secret sunset spot is worth every bit of extra effort it takes to get there. Once you’re on Ocean View Drive, follow the road through the neighbourhood of Fresnaye. Continue all the way to the end of the road until you reach what appears to be a dead-end. You will pass several stunning high-end houses on your way. It will almost feel like you’re not allowed to be there at all. Completely ignore this weary feeling and park your car in the dead-end space.
As this is one of Cape Town’s best secret sunset spots, there is no clear path laid out to get there. You will have to bundu-bash your way through bushes and over a few rocks in order to reach this magical sunset gem.
Before you know it, you will find yourself on a giant flat granite boulder that looks out over the beautiful Camps Bay and Clifton. This is Cape Town’s beloved local ‘Sunset Rock’. Find a spot anywhere on the boulder or scout out the area and find the perfect vantage point lower down. It’s completely up to you. Whichever site you choose, the unobstructed views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range, Clifton, Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Lions Head promises to spectacular in every way.
#Table Mountain
Are you ready to experience Mother Nature at her finest sunset hour? Add Table Mountain to your global sunset bucket list right away! What would a compilation of the best sunset spots in Cape Town be without the tall-standing giant of the Mother City skyline, Table Mountain?
As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain is one of the most recognisable landmarks and natural wonders in the world, drawing visitors, keen explorers, and avid adventures from every corner of the globe.
Whether you choose to hike to the top (a thrilling and unforgettable adventure in every way) or take the Aerial Cableway, the view from the Table Mountain summit is incomparable – There is nothing quite like it, or anything that even comes close for that matter.
You’ll be utterly mesmerised by sweeping 360degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, Signal Hill, the Mother City in all her glory, and the entire Cape Peninsula. Add one of Cape Town’s magical sherbet coloured sunsets to the equation and you may never want to come down – It really is that SPECTACULAR!
There is no denying that watching the sun set over Cape Town while 1,086 meters above sea level is not only breath-taking, but a bucket-list experience in every way.
Check out our ‘Table Mountain: The Ultimate Guide To Table Mountain’ blog for everything you need to know about this iconic flat-topped Mountain.
**Bonus tip for avid hikers: If you’re eager to hike Table Mountain, here are some of its top hiking routes and trails + plus everything you need to know to reach the summit: Kasteelpoort Hiking Trail; ; Platteklip Gorge; Nursery Ravine Hiking Trail; India Venster; Constantia Corner Hiking Trail; Skeleton Gorge; Maclear’s Beacon; Devil’s Peak.
#Diaz Beach
**Secret Sunset Spot**
Diaz Beach is not only one of the Mother City’s most beautiful hidden gems, but one of its top secret sunset spots too. Located in one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders, Cape Point, Diaz Beach remains largely untouched. This is mainly due to its secret location and the extra effort required to get there.
From the parking lot, you will embark on about a 20-minute hike. You will then reach a rather steep set of wooden stairs that will lead you to this picturesque beach escape.
Boasting a white sandy beach, turquoise water and towering cliff faces, the unspoiled shoreline of Diaz Beach is bound to render you speechless, with its unrivalled beauty only magnified at sunset. This is one Cape Town secret sunset spot that should undoubtedly be on everyone’s sunset bucket-list.
#Kloof Corner
Located in the beautiful Table Mountain National Park, boasting sweep-you-off-your-feet panoramic views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, the Mother City, and beyond, Kloof Corner is undoubtedly one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town. Not to mention a real fan-favourite among locals too!
While it may require a bit of extra effort to reach this stunning sunset spot – it will be beyond worth it – we promise!
Kloof Corner is an easy 25 – 40-minute hike (depending on your hiking pace) and requires no expert hiking skills or extreme levels of fitness. This means absolutely everyone can join in on the Kloof Corner sunset hiking adventure.
**Important Tip: Despite Kloof Corner being one of Cape Town’s easier and laid-back hiking trails, extreme care is needed to avoid the steep drops. It is also crucial that you do not confuse Kloof Corner with the Kloof Ridge hiking trail which is one of the most challenging hikes on Table Mountain.
To find out more about this cool Cape Town hiking trail and stunning sunset spot, check out our ‘Kloof Corner Hike’ blog.
#Bloubergstrand Beach
Beachy sunset lovers, the blissful and beautiful Bloubergstrand has been personally hand-picked just for you!
Cape Town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each boasting spectacular views, and sunset backdrops. But if you’re looking to experience the most magnificent beach sunset in the Mother City, there is nothing that compares to a Bloubergstrand sunset.
The lovely and laid-back Bloubergstrand is not only home to a stunning beach, a vibrant boardwalk, and a cool beachy vibe, it boasts one of the best views of Table Mountain in Cape Town. In fact, the view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand is deemed one of the most ‘Instagrammed’ spots in Cape Town. How incredible is that?
Whether you choose to take a stroll along the shore, visit one of the many cafés, and bars along the coast, or take it all in while seated on the sand, the beautiful scene of the sun setting over the iconic Cape Town peaks of Table Mountain and Lions Head with the waves crashing against the rocks in the foreground is beyond breathtaking.
There is no doubt that it will steal your sunset loving heart in seconds!
**Extra tip: Besides being one of the best beaches and sunset spots in Cape Town, Blouberg is regarded as one of the top surfing and kitesurfing destinations in the world.
