As the weather begins to heat up and the days get longer, it can only mean one thing: The glorious Cape Town summer season has officially arrived! With summer in full swing, thousands of locals, visitors & tourists are beyond eager to embrace every second of Cape Town’s warmer months which includes looking for the best places to cool down & chill out – Yep, we’re talking about the top beach bars in Cape Town!

There is nothing quite as glorious as summertime in the Mother City! Beautiful warm weather, chilled-out beach days, late sunsets and a cool Cape Town summer vibe. It’s pure summertime bliss! But what makes it even better is celebrating all the lovely laid-back summer days with a refreshing craft beer, cool cocktail or glass of Cape vino in hand at one of the best beach bars in Cape Town. Sounds like a summer dream, right?

So, pull up a chair and get ready to sip away on your drink of choice with some of the most spectacular views in the city as your backdrop – What more could you possibly ask for? We’ve rounded up our top 5 beach bars in Cape Town – All of which deserve a prime spot on your Cape Town beach bar bucket-list!

#1 Cabo Beach Club

“Where luxury & serenity are perfectly combined” – Cabo Beach Club

Of course we’re kicking off our top 5 beach bars in Cape Town list with one of the coolest beachy hotspots in town – The one and only Cabo Beach Club. Nestled right in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront, Cabo Beach Club has undoubtedly established itself as one of the hottest beach bars in Cape Town.

Celebrating the legacy of its namesake, Cabo Beach Club offers a unique and lavish lifestyle experience for anyone looking to escape the mundane. This beach club seamlessly blends its Ibiza-inspired party atmosphere with the sophistication that Cape Town is known for, creating a haven for those seeking an electrifying beachside experience.

During the day, Cabo Beach Club’s sunbeds are dotted across the white sands, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. As the sun begins to set, the beach club transforms into a lively party destination, with resident DJs and international artists setting the stage for unforgettable nights. Whether you’re lounging by the pool with a glass of champagne in hand or dancing under the stars to the latest beats, Cabo Beach Club ensures an experience that is nothing short of exhilarating. Undoubtedly making Cabo Beach Club one of the top beach bars in Cape Town!

• Location: 12 S Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact details: 021 137 5401 | [email protected] 
• Website: https://www.cabobeachclub.co.za/

#2 Life Grand Café

Are you looking for the perfect Cape Town beach bar to celebrate the Mother City summer season in true opulence and style? Look no further! Life Grand Café is not only one of the trendiest beach bars in the city. But certainly one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ too. Located in an old 1902 post office in the sought-after V&A Waterfront. Life Grand Café boasts a setting that is trendy and comfortable yet chic, stylish and sophisticated. It’s therefore no surprise that it has fast become one of the most sought-after inner-city spots to see and be seen.

The stunning setting, beautiful backdrop and spectacular waterfront views of this trendy Cape Town beach bar is just scratching the surface of what Life Grand Café has to offer. From finely crafted cocktails, inspired culinary creations, an exceptional selection of indulgent drinks, lavish laid-back vibe and vibrant atmosphere. The Life Grand Café is the perfect Cape Town hotspot for afternoon or evening drinks, paired with a spectacular view and sensational setting.

• Location: 2 Pierhead Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 205 1902

#3 Café Caprice

Located right in the heart and soul of the famous Camps Bay sunset strip, Café Caprice has made quite a name for itself as one of the hottest Cape Town beach bars and trendiest sunset spots in town. The iconic Café Caprice, situated directly across Camps Bay Beach along the famous Camps Bay sunset strip, has been making it onto lists such as these since it opened in 1999, and for good reason too! Café Caprice combines artisan cocktails, a café-style menu, relaxing lounges, and sidewalk seating that allow locals and tourists alike to experience the epitome of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan social scene. If you get bored of watching the glorious sunset (which is highly unlikely), dabble in a little celeb-spotting instead.

Besides their sought-after Camps Bay location, vibrant energy, and cool laid-back vibe, Café Caprice invites you to sit back, and savour every sip of their spectacular selection of artisan cocktails, craft beers, and wine, all while indulging in their incredible café-style menu and relaxing in their lavish lounges while admiring some of the most magnificent views of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Lions Head. What more could you possibly ask for?

With the white sand and turquoise water of Camps Bay Beach mere meters away, it will truly feel like you’ve escaped to your own little piece of beach paradise. As Café Caprice is undoubtedly one of the most popular beach bars in Cape Town, make sure you head there early to snag a coveted seat on the sidewalk. Then prepare yourself for one of the most sensational sunsets you have ever seen. It isn’t known as one of the best sunset spots in the city for nothing. Paired with a magnificent beach-front backdrop and a refreshing drink in hand, it’s pure bliss!

• Location: 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 438 8315 | [email protected]
• Website: https://cafecaprice.co.za/

#4 Grand Africa Café & Beach

If watching the magical Mother City sunset on a private beach with the Atlantic Ocean and renowned Robben Island in the background with a cool and refreshing drink in hand is your type of vibe then the Grand Africa Café & Beach is the perfect Cape Town beach bar for you! There is no denying the fact that the Grand Africa Café & Beach Bar is one of the most highly sought-after beachfront hotspots for locals and travelers from around the world. Known as the place where grand chic meets retro cool, this top Cape Town beach bar sure knowns how to attract quite the crowd.

St Tropez meets Cape Town cool at The Grand, a laid-back, chic seaside café. Nestled poignantly on the sea-front shoreline on a tiny beach in Granger Bay, next to the vibrant V&A Waterfront, flaunting jaw-dropping majestic views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island & surrounding mountain ranges, this glamorous Cape Town sundowner spot is where the jet set come out to play and where the sunset chasers set out to slay. Boasting a private beach and waterside wooden deck, guests relax with drink in hand and feet in the sand as they watch the last rays of the sun sparkle on the water. An extensive cocktail menu and wine list are on offer, as well as an array of delicious fare including fresh salads, seafood, and crispy wood-fired pizzas.

With iconic style and playful luxury, Grand captures the quintessential charm and colloquial effervescence of the bustling city vibe while offering a quaint and relaxing escape, ‘a world away’ in the heart of Cape Town’s social mile.

With a choice of five bars, ocean-view decks, nine private function venue areas, and on-beach dining, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to capture that unforgettable magic, that is simply Grand.

• Location: 4 Haul Road, V&A Waterfront, Granger Bay, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 425 0551 | [email protected]

#5 The Beach Bar

Tucked away along the shores of Hout Bay, The Beach Bar stands as an icon of Cape Town’s beach club culture. With panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and the white sandy beach, The Beach Bar offers a quintessential Cape Town experience. As the sun sets, this beach club transforms into a lively hub of socializing, with an eclectic mix of locals and tourists converging to enjoy signature cocktails and tapas-style bites.

The laid-back atmosphere at The Beach Bar is complemented by its creative cocktail menu. Sip on a “Cape Sunset,” a vibrant concoction of local gin, elderflower liqueur, and cranberry juice, as you watch the sun dip below the horizon. If you’re in the mood for something tropical, “Tropical Bliss” combines rum, coconut cream, and fresh pineapple juice to transport your taste buds to the heart of the tropics. As day turns to night, The Beach Bar often hosts live music events and DJs, adding an extra layer of excitement to your beachside soiree.

• Location: Scott Estate, Hout Bay, Cape Town
• Contact details: 021 180 2556
• Website: https://www.thebeachbarhoutbay.co.za/

#6 The Beach Tavern

With a name like The Beach Tavern, you better believe you’re about to experience one of the coolest Cape Town beach bars. The Beach Tavern is all about laid-back beach vibes and just having an all-round good time. Because at the end of the day, that’s what its really about right! Located in Woodbridge Island in Milnerton. The Beach Tavern is a modern pub and beach bar for people looking to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and chilled-out vibe. All while enjoying a few cold ones with friends and family in an amazing beachfront location.

Boasting an incredible drink selection of on-tap beers, craft bottled ales, ciders, craft lager, wise and stouts. It truly is the ultimate Cape Town beach bar for avid beer lovers. But if you’re not a die-hard beer lover at heart, don’t worry. The Beach Tavern definitely has something for everyone.Here’s a little insider tip, their pizzas are just as good as their drinks! So, make sure you head over there super hungry! Not to mention the fact that they’re only a stone’s throw away from the beach. Thereby not only making The Beach Tavern one of Cape Town’s top beach bars, but the ultimate beachfront hotspot too.

• Location: 1 Loxton Road, Woodbridge Island, Cape Town
• Contact: 021 551 9779 | [email protected]

#7 Sandy B Private Beach Club

For those seeking an exclusive beachside haven, Sandy B Private Beach Club stands as a testament to refined opulence. Located within The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, Sandy B offers a members-only atmosphere that ensures privacy and sophistication. This intimate beach club is a sanctuary where you can bask in the splendour of Cape Town’s natural beauty while enjoying unparalleled service.

The private cabanas at Sandy B provide a cocoon of comfort and style, each equipped with personal butlers catering to your every need. Indulge in the freshest seafood and gourmet dishes from the club’s restaurant, all while the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore serenades your senses. Sandy B’s attention to detail extends to its curated cocktail menu, with mixologists crafting drinks that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

• Location: 69A Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
• Contact details: 021 430 4013
• Website: https://www.sandybcampsbay.com/

#8 Cape to Cuba

Cape to Cuba, Kalk Bay – Where Havana Vibes Meet South African Soul!

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Cape to Cuba in Kalk Bay brings a taste of Cuba to the beaches of Cape Town. With lively decor, live music, and a mix of Cuban and local flavours on the menu, it’s a vibrant place for a beachside experience. The atmosphere is as colourful as the food, making it a top choice for a lively, Cuban-inspired time by the sea.

As you step inside you’re instantly transported into a vibrant, Cuban-inspired wonderland, a treasure chest overflowing with Cuban memorabilia, vintage posters, and eccentric trinkets. It’s like stepping into a time machine and landing right in the middle of a Havana carnival. The Afro-Cuban beats and sandy floors will have you shaking your hips before you can say “mojito”! Speaking of mojitos, this vibrant Cuban Oasis has been shaking up Mojitos since before it was cool, and WOW they have undoubtedly perfected the art – NO doubt about it! In fact, Cape to Cuba was the very first restaurant in South Africa to sell a Mojito. And boy, have they sold them – over 8 million & counting!

Cape to Cuba’s mixologists, masters of their craft, use only the freshest ingredients to whip up a cocktail that’s the perfect blend of sweet, sour, and minty freshness. So, whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a curious novice, their bar is a playground where you can explore and discover your new favourite tipple with a vast variety of bold, fresh, and down-right fantastic selection of cocktails on offer.

If you’re looking for some sassy Cuban swag in Cape Town, the search is officially over – Cape to Cuba is where its ALL at! This lively Kalk Bay restaurant & must-visit beach bar is not just a place to eat and drink, oh no, it’s also a mini bazaar of Cuban culture. From cigars that would make Castro green with envy to Panama hats that’ll have you channelling your inner Hemingway, they’ve got it all. And it doesn’t stop there – while you’re sipping on your mojito, why not sway to the rhythm of the Cuban music? At Cape to Cuba, they offer you a slice of Cuban culture that goes far beyond what’s on your plate.

So, fasten your seatbelts amigos & imagine yourself at Cape to Cuba, Kalk Bay – your feet wedged in the sand & a Mojito in hand, all while enjoying your mouth-watering Cuban fare – it doesn’t get any better than that! Its safe to say that Cape to Cuba certainly knows how to dish out a feast for the senses with their monthly live music & performances, paired with the perfect backdrop for indulging in their irresistible culinary delights, sipping on their legendary mojitos, and letting the rhythm take control. And remember, the party doesn’t stop when the music ends. Keep an eye on their social media for all the latest updates on their upcoming events. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the best Cuban fiesta in town, would you?

• Location: 165 Main Road, Kalk Bay, Cape Town
• Contact details: 021 788 1566 | [email protected]
• Website: https://www.capetocuba.com/

#9 The Leopard Bar at 12 Apostles

Spectacular sunsets, signature cocktails, unique experiences & some of the best views in Cape Town!

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The Leopard Bar at 12 Apostles in Camps Bay offers an elegant beachfront and stunning sundowner experience you definitely won’t soon forget. Pull up a chair on The Leopard Bar’s breathtaking open-air terrace and take in the best sunset views in Cape Town as you sip on one of their sensational signature cocktails, each of which are uniquely crafted & created by their talented mixologists. To take it to the next level, the Leopard Bar’s hand-crafted cocktails are legendary city-wide – making the Leopard Bar at the 12 Apostles one of the most highly sought-after sundowner & cocktail spots in all of Cape Town.

In addition to the Leopard Bar’s swoon-worthy sunset backdrop, it also boasts one of the most magnificent views of Cape Town, the glorious Atlantic Ocean, and beyond – it truly is unparalleled!

At the Leopard Bar you can enjoy an impressive selection of South African wines and craft beers, inventive cocktails and indulgent classics, and a wide collection of cognac, whisky, and port as you immerse yourself in the true opulence, breathtaking beauty, relaxation, serenity, and comfort this remarkable and renowned Cape Town bar & dining destination has to offer. Their creative bar & drinks menu, passionate & attentive service, and spectacular setting is further accompanied by a warm & welcoming atmosphere, and laid-back live music that sets the mood for each evening.

The Leopard Bar at the 12 Apostles Hotel between the picturesque Camps Bay & Hout Bay is the perfect place & sundowner spot to relax in style all while enjoying a touch of class & elegance by the sea with top-notch cocktails and a tranquil ambience.

• Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005
• Contact details: 021 437 9000
• Website: https://12apostleshotel.com/

#10 The Bungalow

Mediterranean cool meets Cape Town chic at the Atlantic Seaboard’s most sought-after beachfront restaurant & sundowner spot!

Regarded by many as the original Clifton icon, the Bungalow is not only one of the best beach bars in Cape Town, but one of the most spectacular & sought-after sundowner spots & breathtaking beachfront restaurants too – This undoubtedly makes The Bungalow the ULTIMATE triple threat!

Perfectly situated in the heart of Clifton between the Twelve Apostles, the Atlantic Ocean, and Lion’s Head – right on the edge of the Atlantic, on the rocks of Clifton – The Bungalow is the best place in Cape Town to experience golden hour with a sundowner in hand and live DJs spinning your favourite sunset soundtrack. Its pure sunset bliss! That’s not all! As the only restaurant located along the world-renowned Clifton reserve, it’s a standalone icon in every way.

This beautiful, upmarket beachfront restaurant is known to attract quite the crowd with its vibrant, laid-back, invigorating & everyone-is-welcome vibe, paired with its breathtaking location, set right alongside the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Combining timeless elevation with laidback luxury at its finest, this iconic beachfront Clifton restaurant allows diners to enjoy the most sensational Mediterranean-style cuisine along with a carefully selected and meticulously put together artisan menu of quality seafood and sushi dishes, as well as meat and poultry options that will entice all your senses and delight your palate.

Thirsty? The Bungalow has you covered! Boasting a vast selection of signature cocktails, all-time favourite cocktail classics, beer, wine, spirits, and everything in between, there is something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. Topped off with breathtaking views, and an ambiance of relaxation and carefree fun, The Bungalow is by far one of the top restaurants and beach bars in Cape Town.

• Location: The Glen Country Club, No. 3 Victoria Road, Clifton, Cape Town
• Contact details: 021 438 2018 | [email protected]
• Website:https://www.kovecollection.co.za/the-bungalow/