Top 10 beaches in Cape Town
Sun, sand, sea and surf! In the Mother City, life truly is a beach. We’re loving every sun-kissed, sandy-toed, salty-haired and beached-out moment of it. With the summer season in full swing, there is no time quite like beach time in Cape Town. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it’s no surprise that people travel from far and wide to experience Cape Town’s beach magic first-hand. Whether you’re looking for a stunning secluded beach escape, long stretch of white sand or something a little more cool and quirky. The Mother City has the perfect beach for every beach lover at heart. Here are our top 10 beaches in Cape Town which all deserve a prime spot on your beach bucket-list.
#1 Camps Bay
Of course we had to start our top 10 beaches in Cape Town list with one of the most spectacular beach stunners of them all, Camps Bay. Boasting a beautiful long stretch of white sand, clear turquoise water, palm trees and a vibrant energy that’s hard to resist, Camps Bay is pure beach perfection. Perfectly complimented by a picturesque backdrop of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Lions Head and the glorious Atlantic Ocean, it’s no surprise that the captivating Camps Bay has made its debut on countless Instagram feeds, travel bucket-lists, postcards and travel magazines. With everyone looking to experience just a second of that glorious Camps Bay beach magic.
Camps Bay has even claimed a top spot on the global beach charts. The new ranking from Flight Network, a leading online travel agency, gave the highly sought-after Camps Bay the title of 32nd most beautiful beach in the world on their World’s 100 Beach list. Undoubtedly making it a must-visit beach hotspot that deserves to be one everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list.
Camps Bay is also known as one of the most sought-after sunset spots in the city. With the Camps Bay beachfront and Camps Bay tidal pool being among the most beautiful sunset watching spots in Cape Town. Not to mention the famous Camps Bay sunset strip, which has been crowned the ultimate sundowner hotspot in town. Lined with a vibrant mix of colourful pavement cafés, trendy bars and cool beach-front cocktails spots, the Camps Bay sunset strip is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or evening drink.
- Where to find it: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
#2 Clifton Beach
Referred to as the ‘French Riviera of South Africa’, there is no denying that Clifton Beach is pure beach bliss. Ranked 2nd on NatGeo’s best beach list, Clifton Beach is at the heart of Cape Town’s vibrant beach scene. Clifton Beach has undoubtedly established itself as one of the most sought-after beaches in the Mother City.
The captivating Clifton Beach is divided into 4 main beaches namely Clifton 1st, Clifton 2nd, Clifton 3rd and Clifton 4th Beach, with each one separated by large granite boulders. With so much beach beauty to choose from, visitors to Clifton Beach are truly spoiled for choice. However, each one of Clifton’s 4 beaches attract a slightly different crowd. Clifton 1st beach is particularly popular among surfers as well as locals from nearby luxury apartments. Clifton 2nd and 3rd is the chosen beach hotspot for just about everyone, attracting a trendy crowd of 20- somethings looking to have a good time, enjoy the cool Clifton beach vibes, soak up the sun and catch a good tan. Undoubtedly making Clifton 3rd Beach the most vibrant and lively of them all!
As Clifton 4th Beach is one of Cape Town’s top blue flag beaches, offering excellent facilities and lifeguards, it’s perfect for families looking to have fun and enjoy an amazing beach day soaking up all the Mother City sunshine. Clifton 3rd and 4th Beach has also become the top hangout spot for stars and celebrities. So, don’t be surprised if you see a few of the rich and famous strolling about. Clifton Beach is also regarded as one of the city’s best sunrise and sunset spots. There truly is nothing like watching the sunset from one of Clifton’s giant granite boulders.
- Where to find it: Victoria Road, Cape Town
#3 Boulders Beach
Located along the vibrant False Bay coastline, just past Simonstown, the cool, quirky and charismatic Boulders Beach has captured the hearts of beach lovers around the globe. Crowned the 62nd most beautiful beach in the world by Flight Network on their World’s 100 Beach list, Boulders Beach has established itself as one of the most sought-after beach destinations for anyone travelling to Cape Town. Boasting large granite boulders, a stunning swimming bay, rockpools and a spectacular backdrop. It will almost feel like you’ve escaped to your own little piece of beach paradise.
What makes a visit to Boulders Beach extra special is it’s cute and charismatic colony of African Penguins that have claimed the beloved Boulders Beach as their own. It is home to an amazing African Penguin Viewing Site as well as Boulders Beach itself where you can actually spend the day on the beach with these cool Cape Town ocean locals. It’s no surprise that a visit to this beautiful beach gem has become one of the top things to do in Cape Town for locals and travellers alike. Not to mention that it is also one of the only places in the world where you can actually get up close and personal with the charismatic African Penguins. Making it a bucket-list worthy experience in every way.
By paying a small conservation entrance fee you not only gain access to the popular African Penguin Viewing Site where you can see these tuxedo cuties in their natural habitat, but to the beautiful Boulders Beach too.
Conservation entrance fee to Boulders Beach:
- South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R40 p/adult per day | R20 p/child per day
- SADC Nationals (with passport): R80 p/adult per day | R40 p/child per day
- Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): R160 p/adult per day | R80 p/child per day
- Where to find it: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
#4 Muizenberg Beach
Surf’s up, salty-hair and sun-kissed beach vibes is Muizenberg Beach to a T! Located along the beautiful False Bay coastline, Muizenberg Beach has fast become one of the Mother City’s most popular beaches. Undoubtedly making it one of the top beaches to visit in Cape Town. Known as one of the best blue-flag swimming beaches in the city, Muizenberg is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled beach day with the whole family. Besides it’s cool laid-back beach vibe, Muizenberg Beach is also home to the famous Muizenberg Beach Huts, also known as the colourful Muizenberg Bathing Boxes. Which have become one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ spots in Cape Town.
Besides its sought-after beach status and colourful beach huts, Muizenberg is loved for its laid-back surf’s up approach to life. It’s no surprise that the cool Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner is widely known as one of the top surfing spots in town. It is also one of the best beaches in Cape Town for those who want to learn how to surf. Which is an epic experience absolutely everyone should add to their Cape Town bucket-list. Plus, the whole family can join in on the surfing fun, even if you haven’t surfed a single wave in your life! Besides being the ultimate surf spot for surfing first timers, Muizenberg Beach is also one of the most sought-after surfing hotspots for avid local and international surfers. This top Cape Town beach definitely has something for everyone to enjoy.
- Where to find it: Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town
#5 Beta Beach, Bakoven
Beta Beach at Bakoven is by far one of Cape Town’s best kept beach secrets, and certainly one of the most beautiful too. Beta Beach is a smaller more intimate beach hidden between Camps Bay and Llandudno. Boasting large granite boulders and a more secluded and serine setting, Beta Beach is the perfect beach escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Beta Beach is perfectly sheltered from the wind, making it the ideal beach hideaway when the southeaster wind picks up.
Besides its stunning sheltered beach surroundings, beautiful rock pools and kelp forests, Beta Beach boasts one of the most glorious views of the magnificent Twelve Apostles Mountain Range and the Atlantic Ocean. This means you can enjoy a blissful day of beach relaxation paired with one of the most magnificent views in the city. What could be better than that? Beta Beach is most definitely one of the best beaches in Cape Town for sitting back and soaking up all the glorious Cape Town sun.
That’s not all this top Cape Town beach has to offer! Since there are no waves, the water is perfect for snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and shallow dips in the ocean water. Adding some extra fun and excitement to your magical beach day in Cape Town.
Beta Beach and its large granite boulders is also known as one of the best secret sunset spots in the city. If you happen to be at Beta Beach at Bakoven at sunset, prepare yourself for quite a spectacular show.
- Where to find it: 7 Beira Road, Bakoven, Cape Town
#6 Llandudno Beach
The magical Llandudno Beach is another one of the Mother City’s beautiful local hidden beach gems. Undoubtedly making it one of the top beaches in Cape Town for head-over-heels beach lovers from around the world. Located approximately 20km south of the city of Cape Town, on your way to the coastal town of Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive, you’ll find the magical beach escape of Llandudno Beach. Although it might be a little bit off the beaten track, it has fast become a favourite among local beach lovers.
Boasting large granite boulders, turquoise ocean waters, stunning serine surroundings and a soft sandy cove, Llandudno is true beach bliss! Besides enjoying a blissful beach day filled with beauty and relaxation in a more tranquil and secluded beach setting, Llandudno Beach and its giant granite boulders has been crowned one of the most spectacular secret sunset spots in the city. Watching the Mother City sun go down from this magical beach spot is one experience you won’t soon forget. Plus, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a romantic picnic or some sundowners with friends.
Llandudno is also one of the top surfing beaches in Cape Town for avid surfers from around the world.
- Where to find it: Victoria Road, Llandudno, Cape Town
#7 Bloubergstrand: Big Bay & Little Bay
Boasting one of the most magnificent views of the majestic Table Mountain in the entire city, Bloubergstrand is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town. Located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre along the Cape West coast, the beloved Bloubergstrand is a scenic treasure trove perfect for a fun-filled beach day with the whole family. Besides stunning views of Table Mountain, the glorious ocean and Robben Island, Bloubergstrand is home to a beautiful long white sandy beach, a vibrant boardwalk and a lively beachfront lined with cool bars, restaurants, laid-back hangouts and sundowner spots.
Bloubergstrand is also one of the coolest surfing spots in the city. However, being the renowned windy wavemaker of the Cape west coast, means Bloubergstrand is not only a top Cape Town surfing hotspot, but the ultimate global kitesurfing destination too. Establishing itself as one of best kitesurfing beaches in the world, Bloubergstrand is known to attract quite the local and international kitesurfing and surfing crowd. Sitting on the Bloubergstrand beachfront and seeing the sky light up with a vibrant array of colours as avid kitesurfers take to the water to show off all their cool skills, is quite a spectacular sight.
Besides the main Bloubergstrand beachfront, Big Bay and Little Bay are another two of Bloubergstrand’s top beaches. Big Bay boasts a laid-back swimming beach, making it the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled beach day. Big Bay is also a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. Not to mention its lush lawns and vibrant strip of beachfront restaurants, bars and sundowner spots. Little Bay, the smaller counterpart of the surfers’ Big Bay, is a more secluded beach escape. It’s quitter beach setting and lovely rockpools scattered about makes it the perfect place to enjoy a fun beach day with the whole family.
- Where to find it: Marine Drive, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- Big Bay: Eden on the Bay, Otto du Plessis Drive, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- Little Bay: Stadler Rd, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
#8 Oudekraal Beach
Another one of Cape Town’s top beaches is an all-time local favourite, Oudekraal Beach. Located between two of the Mother City’s most beautiful beach stunners, Camps Bay and Llandudno, Oudekraal Beach has not only established itself as one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches for locals and travellers alike, but also a great place to enjoy a traditional South African braai. Basting great braai facilities as well as a range of stunning picnic spots, it’s a great place to enjoy a fun day out with the family. All while admiring the beautiful views it has to offer.
Besides stunning views and braai facilities, Oudekraal Beach is one of Cape Town’s more sheltered beaches. Boasting large granite boulders and rockpools scattered about, it’s the perfect beach spot for families as kids can have tons of beach fun while you sit back and relax.
Oudekraal Beach is one of Cape Town’s paying beaches. However, it will be well worth every cent spent.
- Cost R32 (adults); R16 (children under 12 years)
- R64 (adults, SADC Nationals)
- R32 (children, SADC Nationals)
- R128 (adults, international visitors)
- R64 (children, international visitors)
- Where to find it: Oudekraal, Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay
#9 Long Beach, Kommetjie
The stunning seaside town of Kommetjie has established itself as one of the Mother City’s most sought-after destinations. With the beautiful Long Beach having a lot to do with it. Boasting a long stretch of white sand, crystal clear turquoise water and unapologetic scenic beauty, Long Beach is one of Cape Town’s best beaches. Besides it’s incredible natural beauty and laid-back beach vibe, Long Beach is by far one of Cape Town’s top surfing hotspots. It has been known to attract quite the cool surfing crowd, with avid surfers travelling from all around the world to experience Long Beach’s epic waves first-hand. Long Beach also provides the perfect waves for longboarders, kneeboarders, bodyboarders and stand up paddleboarders. Giving everyone the opportunity to join in on the Long Beach ocean fun.
Besides being one of the top surfing spots in the city, Long Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a fun-filled family beach day. Whether you’d like to go sunbathing, sandcastle building, surfing or enjoy a stunning sunset stroll along the beachfront, Long Beach is the perfect beach to do it all!
- Where to find it: Surfway Road, Kommetjie, Cape Town
#10 Glen Beach
Nestled between large granite boulders, Glen beach is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beach escapes. This sheltered stretch of sand is split off from Camps Bay’s northern end by big boulders. Although Glen Beach is situated between two of Cape Town’s most popular beaches, Camps Bay and Clifton Beach, it is far less crowded. Offering beach lovers a scenic escape for a blissful day of soaking up all the glorious Mother City sunshine. Glen Beach is surrounded by large boulders, which means its well sheltered from the wild Mother City winds. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy a whole day of fun in the sun without being blown away. Paired with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range, Glen Beach is pure beach bliss!
This Cape Town beach gem is also one of the Mother City’s top surfing spots. Famous for its beach-break surfing opportunities, Glen Beach has become quite the hotspot for both local and international surfers.
- Where to find it: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
