Valentine’s Day in Cape Town 2024: Best Sunset Spots in Cape Town
Can you feel the love in the Cape Town Air?!
The unapologetic natural beauty of the magnificent Mother City is not only synonymous with romance and big romantic gestures, but with sunsets too – particularly Cape Town sunsets – because there truly is no sunset quite like a Cape Town sunset.
Known for her stunning sherbet-coloured sunsets that set the sky alight in a glorious celebration of colours, there is absolutely no denying that the Mother City is pure sunset bliss. What better time to admire and enjoy all of Cape Town’s sunset magic than on Valentine’s Day?
Why not add some sunset sparkle to your Cape Town Valentine’s day this year by watching the stunning Mother City sun go down from some of the best and most beautiful sunset spots in the entire city and beyond? It not only promises to be worth every single second, but sweep your Valentine, not to mention YOU, right off your feet! Plus, the Mother City is home to some seriously cool secret sunset spots – which means 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 some of the best sunset spots in Cape Town to celebrate Valentine’s day in Cape Town with your special someone by your side.
Happy sunset chasing Cape Town Valentines!
Have a look at our other Valentine’s Day in Cape Town blogs for some more GREAT & ROMANTIC Valentine’s Day ideas:
#Look-out Cave on Chapman’s Peak Drive
**Secret Sunset Spot**
We’re kicking off our list of best sunset spots to enjoy Valentine’s Day in Cape with one of the most enchanting secret sunset spots in the Mother City – The Chapmans Peak Look-out Cave.
Named one of the most magnificent coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of Cape Town’s most stunning and sought-after attractions. This captivating coastal road ribbons along the Atlantic coastline between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Besides showcasing some of the most sensational views over the Atlantic Ocean and beyond, Chapmans Peak is known for its exciting hidden gems and stunning secret spots scattered along the route – One of which being the Chapmans Peak secret look-out cave!
Chapman’s Peak Drive at Sunset
Like all of the Mother City’s best kept secrets, you may need to wander a little bit off the beaten path to find this sunset hidden gem.
Make your way along Chapman’s Peak Drive until you reach the famous Chapmans Peak Lookout Point – This is where the real Valentine’s Day sunset 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 discovered and safely made your way down to this cool secret cave hideaway and stunning secret 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 the Atlantic Ocean.
An extra bonus is that it has enough space for you to enjoy a romantic picnic and a few sneaky sundowners (so make sure you pack everything you need) paired with one hell of a view. What more could you possibly ask for this Valentine’s Day in Cape Town?
- Location: M6 | Chapmans Peak Drive, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
- Best time: 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
#Lions Head
Lions Head summit sunset anyone? Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, the roaring lion of the Mother City skyline is not only one of the Mother City’s most beloved mountain gems and top hiking trails, but one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Cape Town too – Talk about a triple threat!
Sunset view from Lions Head
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, the view alone is bound to render you speechless – Pair it with a sensational summit sunset and a romantic picnic and you’ve got yourself an unbelievable Cape Town Valentine’s Day date you and your Valentine won’t soon forget.
- Important Note: Depending on what time you start your Valentines Lions Head sunset hiking adventure, chances are you will most likely need to make your way down the mountain in the dark. While the Mother City will provide some natural light, it is absolutely VITAL that you are fully prepared – and that means taking a torch, headlamp, or some source of portable light along to ensure you navigate your way down Lions Head safely.
- 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, it is important to time your hike just right | During summer we recommend starting your Lions Head sunset hike between 6pm and 6:30 pm (depending on your hiking pace and overall fitness level).
- On the opposite end of the spectrum, the sun sets at +/- 6pm – 7pm in autumn and winter. This means it’s essential to start your Lions Head sunset hike much earlier.
**Check out our ‘Hiking Lions Head Cape Town: Everything You Need To Know’ blog for everything there is to know regarding hiking Lions Head, including information, guidelines, and insights pertaining to the hiking routes as well as what you can expect, the things you will need, tips, tricks, and so much more.
#The Secret ‘Sunset Rock’
**The ULTIMATE Cape Town Secret Sunset Spot**
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Watching the sunset from one of the Mother City’s most magnificent secret sunset spots and glorious sunset hidden gems – ‘The Secret Sunset Rock’ – is without a doubt one of the most romantic things to do in Cape Town on Valentine’s Day.
Proudly crowned the ‘Sunset Rock’ by locals, this beautiful Cape Town secret sunset spot is worth every bit of extra effort it takes to get there.
So, how exactly do you get to this magical spot? 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 along the way. In fact, 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 the ‘Sunset Rock’ is by far one of Cape Town’s best kept local sunset secrets, there is no clear path laid out to get there. You will have to bundu-bash your way through several bushes and climb over a few rocks in order to reach this glorious sunset gem. Before you know it, you will find yourself on a giant flat granite boulder – Yay, you made it!
Find a spot anywhere on the giant flat granite boulder or any of the big boulders and rocks scattered about. Alternatively, feel free to scout out the area until you find the perfect spot and vantage point lower down. It’s completely up to you. Whichever spot you choose, the unobstructed views of the striking Twelve Apostles mountain range, Clifton beach, Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, and beyond promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
**To top it off, the secret ‘Sunset Rock’ is also one of the best sundowner and picnic spots in the entire city. So, why not add an extra special touch to your Cape Town Valentine’s Day sunset date and pack the ultimate sundowner and snacks picnic basket?!
#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, cool rock pools, a spectacular view, and stunning surroundings, Llandudno is pure beach and sunset bliss.
Whether you choose to watch the stunning sunset from one of Llandudno Beach’s giant boulders or find the perfect secluded spot on the sand, it promises to be every bit as magical and unforgettable as you can imagine.
**Why not take a picnic blanket, some refreshments, sundowners, and a picnic basket filled with all of each other’s favourite treats along on your special Llandudno Beach sunset date? It’s the picture-perfect way to celebrate your Valentine’s Day in Cape Town. Not to mention super romantic too!
**Extra Bonus: Llandudno Beach is usually not too crowded, giving you the wonderful opportunity to simply sit back, relax, and soak up every amazing sunset moment with your valentine or significant other by your side.
#The Clifton Ridge Rocks
**Secret Sunset Spot**
The Clifton Ridge Rocks is another one of the Mother City’s most beautiful secret sunset spots. 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 glorious sunset from this magical secret spot? Paired with a few sundowners, a breathtaking view, and a hefty dose of romance (of course), it’s a fabulous way to spend Valentine’s Day in Cape Town, that’s for sure!
How exactly do you get to the Clifton Ridge Rocks? 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 onto a little rock ridge – This is the mysterious sunset location!
Once you’ve reached your secret sunset destination, find a lovely spot, and simply enjoy and soak up all the magic that’s about to come your way. It promises to be a beyond incredible Valentine’s Day sunset experience both of you won’t forget!
#Table Mountain Summit
Are you ready to experience Mother Nature at her finest sunset hour this Valentine’s Day in Cape Town?
What would a compilation of the best sunset spots to marvel at and enjoy this Valentine’s Day 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 remarkable and iconic landmarks and natural wonders in the world, attracting visitors, keen explorers, and avid adventures from all corners of the globe – And it certainly isn’t hard to understand why!
Stunning view from the Table Mountain Summit
Now it can be you and your significant other, partner, or special someone’s romantic sunset Valentine’s Day date destination – How unbelievable is that?!
Hiking Table Mountain
You and your valentine can choose to either hike up to the Table Mountain summit (this is without a doubt a thrilling adventure and bucket-list worthy experience all in one – if both you and your partner are avid hiker’s or looking to do something active and romantic this Valentine’s Day in Cape Town – this is perfect for you two), or opt to go on an exciting Aerial Cableway ride to the top.
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Regardless of the option you choose – you and your partner will be thoroughly and utterly spoiled when you reach the summit as unbelievable panoramic views of the sensational Mother City skyline and everything she has to offer surround you. There is absolutely no view quite like the view you’ll get to experience, admire, and enjoy from the top of one of the grandest and greatest natural wonders in both Cape Town and the world – the one and only Table Mountain.
In fact, there is only one thing that can possibly top it – A TABLE MOUNTAIN SUMMIT SUNSET VIEW OF COURSE!
While you’re up there, why not pair your sweep-you-off-your-feet Table Mountain sunset backdrop and magnificent view over the vast Atlantic, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Camps Bay, Clifton, glorious Mother City and beyond, with a lovely picnic and celebratory bottle of bubbly on one of the many benches, giant rocks, or beautiful spots scattered along the Table Mountain summit?
What an unforgettable way to spend Valentine’s Day in Cape Town with your special someone!
**Note: Check out our ‘Table Mountain: The Ultimate Guide To Table Mountain’ blog for everything you need to know about this iconic flat-topped Mountain.
**Extra Note: If you’re taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain, book your Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ticket right now from WebTickets.
**Extra Extra Note / 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.
#Bloubergstrand Beach
Beachy sunset lovers, the blissful and beautiful Bloubergstrand has been personally hand-picked just for you!
You can absolutely never go wrong with a lovely and laid-back sunset beach date when celebrating Valentine’s Day in Cape Town. There is no denying the fact that the Mother City is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each offering something unique and exciting, paired with spectacular views, and sunset backdrops.
HOWEVER, if you’re looking to experience the most magical and magnificent beach sunset in the Mother City, there is nothing that compares to a Bloubergstrand sunset – It is pure beach sunset bliss and is bound to capture your sunset-loving heart at very first sight!
The bold, bliss-filled, and beautiful Bloubergstrand is not only home to a stunning beach, a vibrant boardwalk, and a cool and captivating beachy vibe, it also boasts one of the best and most magnificent views of Table Mountain in the entire city of Cape Town. In fact, the view of the tall-standing Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand beach has been deemed one of the most ‘Instagrammed’ spots in Cape Town, Africa, and the world. Not to mention one of the city’s most sought-after beach attractions, with people travelling from far and wide to witness to full force and magic of a glorious Bloubergstrand Table Mountain sunset.
Bloubergstrand Beach
Whether you choose to go on a romantic sunset stroll along the Bloubergstrand shore, enjoy the sunset view from one of its ocean-front cafés, bars, hangout spots, or restaurants, or take it all in while enjoying a wonderful romance-filled sunset date on the beautiful white sand beach, the stunning scene of the sun setting over the iconic Table Mountain, its rising peaks, Lions Head, Signal Hill, and the vast Atlantic, all while listening to the ocean waves crashing against the rocks in the foreground, is beyond breathtaking.
**Extra tip: Besides being one of the best beaches and sunset spots in Cape Town, Bloubergstrand is regarded as one of the top surfing, kitesurfing, and kite boarding destinations in the world. So, if you and your partner are avid surfers or kitesurfers, you may as well turn your Bloubergstrand Valentine’s Day sunset beach date into a whole day beach experience.
#Signal Hill & Signal Hill with a twist!
**Secret Sunset Spot**
Signal Hill
We know what you’re thinking, Signal Hill is anything but a secret sunset spot, and you are absolutely right! In fact, the infamous Signal Hill is not only one of the Mother City’s most sought-after sunrise and sunset spots, but one of her most popular attractions, boasting down-right spectacular views from its 350m high summit, especially at sunset.
This undoubtedly makes Signal Hill one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town as well as a great place to enjoy a few sundowners and a romantic picnic, both on Valentine’s Day in Cape Town and right throughout the year.
Now for Signal Hill…with a twist! While on Signal Hill, this amazing secret sunset spot is not quite where you think it is. By moving just a little bit away from the main Signal Hill area, towards the Sea Point side, you’ll stumble upon one of the Mother City’s most heavenly sunset gems. Follow the gravel path towards Sea Point for about 4 minutes, after which you will find a rooftop – Congratulations, you made it to your ‘Signal Hill with a twist’ secret sunset destination!
#Kloof Corner
**Incredible Hiking & Sunset Valentine’s Day Combo**
Located in the natural unapologetic beauty of the acclaimed Table Mountain National Park, boasting sweep-you-off-your-feet panoramic views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, Clifton beach, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mother City, and beyond, Kloof Corner is without a doubt another one Cape Town’s vast, wonderful, and beyond sensational sunset spots. Not to mention a real fan-favourite among locals too!
In addition to Kloof Corner’s iconic sunset status, it is also one of Cape Town’s best sunrise, sunset, and any-time-of-the-day hiking trails. This makes Kloof Corner, and going on a Kloof Corner sunset hike, the perfect, and equally exciting, Cape Town Valentine’s Day date idea – Especially if you’re looking to spice things up and add a bit of thrill, excitement, and action to your Valentine’s Day this year.
Plus, there is no need to worry about your fitness level or hiking experience when going on a lovely and super enjoyable Kloof Corner sunset hike – we don’t want you to be completely and utterly exhausted, drained, and drenched in sweat on your Valentine’s Day date after all – well, unless that’s your thing of course – then we highly recommend going on one of Table Mountain’s thrilling and daring hikes!
Kloof Corner on the other hand is one of the Table Mountain Chain’s easier hiking routes, as well as one of the most popular and beautiful trails too. While it certainly includes a few steep sections, making you work for it just a tiny bit, overall it is a simple and short hike with a wide and stable path.
Its this & so much more that makes Kloof Corner a great choice for a pleasant Valentine’s Day sunset hiking adventure!
**BONUS: Kloof Corner has also become one of the most popular spots for sundowners amongst Cape Town locals and travellers alike. Paired with a striking sunset view, its pure magic and guaranteed to knock your hiking socks right off!
Kloof Corner Hiking Details:
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Low – moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Tafelberg Road | Kloof Corner parking area
- Average time to the top: About 20 – 40 minutes each way (depending on your fitness level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 1.5 km
- Best time to hike: Sunset
- Child-friendly: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes. However, Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks. This requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R305 per year).
- **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.
**Check out our ‘Kloof Corner’ blog to find out everything you need to know about this incredible Cape Town hiking trail.
**BONUS: If you and your partner are eager and avid hikers as well as head-over-heels sunset lovers – Check out our ‘Best Sunset Hikes in Cape Town’ blog for everything you need to know.
#Diaz Beach
**Secret Sunset Spot**
Located in one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders, Cape Point, Diaz Beach is not only one of the Mother City’s most exquisite and extraordinary hidden beach gems and striking secret sunset spots, but it has remained largely untouched by the masses – mainly due to its secret location and the extra effort required to get there. This is only one of the MANY things that makes Diaz Beach so alluring, not to mention the ideal sunset beach escape and secret romantic hide-away to celebrate and enjoy Valentine’s Day in Cape Town.
Sounds pretty tempting, doesn’t it?
How exactly do you get to Diaz Beach? 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 oasis.
Boasting a white sandy beach, turquoise ocean water, towering peaks, plunging cliffs, and exceptional views all-around, 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.
