Cape Town is blessed with some of the world’s most stunning beaches. With golden sand, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, these beaches offer overseas tourists endless possibilities for relaxation, water sports, sightseeing, and more.
This complete guide covers the 15 best beaches in Cape Town that you absolutely must visit on your next trip. We’ll go over everything you need to know, from family-friendly beaches to hidden local gems.
Key Takeaways
- Cape Town has a diverse range of beaches to suit all travellers, from tourist hotspots like Camps Bay to quiet local favourites like Glen Beach.
- The Atlantic seaboard beaches like Clifton and Camps Bay boast incredible views and glamorous reputations.
- Beaches like Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, and St. James offer calmer waters and family-friendly vibes.
- Boulders Beach lets visitors get up close with protected African penguins.
- Many beaches offer the chance to see Cape fur seals and other marine life.
- Some beaches are ideal for watersports like surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
- Safety is important due to cold water and occasional shark sightings – heed warning signs.
Famous Atlantic Seaboard Beaches
Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard boasts world-renowned beaches characterized by sweeping stretches of pristine sand, dramatic boulders and cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets over the ocean. They draw huge crowds of locals and tourists alike. Although the water here is cold due to the Benguela ocean current, and conditions can be windy, these beaches are incredibly beautiful.
1. Camps Bay Beach
With impressive views of the Twelve Apostles peak and Lion’s Head, Camps Bay Beach is one of Cape Town’s most famous and upmarket areas. The wide, sandy beach is lined with trendy cafes and restaurants, perfect for sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset. With convenient central location and spectacular scenery, it’s very popular.
Pros: Stunning ocean views, lively atmosphere, plenty of amenities
Cons: Can get very crowded, especially on weekends
2. Clifton Beaches
Clifton boasts a string of four sheltered, family-friendly beaches (numbered First to Fourth) set against the backdrop of luxury apartments and the Twelve Apostles. These glittering white sand beaches are the playground of Cape Town’s wealthy elite. First and Second beaches attract big crowds, while Third and Fourth are more secluded.
Pros: Sheltered from wind, upmarket environment, great amenities
Cons: Limited parking, very busy
3. Llandudno Beach
Llandudno’s secluded beach is a hidden gem nestled between cliffs in an exclusive residential area. The curved white sands and sparkling blue waters feel like a secret hideaway. It’s great for sunset picnics and has tide pools for kids. As there are no shops or restaurants, bring your own supplies.
Pros: Quiet and unspoiled, kid-friendly tide pools
Cons: Access via steep stairs, limited amenities
Cape Town’s Calmer, Family-Friendly Beaches
If you’re looking for calmer seas and more family-oriented beaches, there are plenty of options along Cape Town’s False Bay coastline. With warmer water temperatures and gentle waves, these spots are great for swimming, learning watersports, and kids.
4. Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg’s popular surfing beach has warmer water and smaller waves, making it one of the safest swimming spots on the peninsula. The colorful Victorian bathing boxes and mountain views create a fun, laidback vibe. Kids will love digging in the soft sand and families can picnic all day.
Pros: Safe for swimming, surfing lessons available, family-friendly
Cons: Can get crowded, petty crime occasionally an issue
5. St. James Beach
This sheltered gem offers lovely surroundings with whitewashed Victorian bathing boxes contrasting bright turquoise waters. Nestled in quaint St. James village, it’s perfect for families and sunbathers. Extend your visit along adjoining beaches including quirky Muizenberg and surf spot Surfers Corner.
Pros: Calm and safe swimming, cute bathing boxes
Cons: Limited parking, can get crowded in summer
6. Fish Hoek Beach
A favorite for families, Fish Hoek is a quiet sandy beach set against the backdrop of the dramatic Simon’s Town mountains and shark-filled waters of False Bay. Enjoy sandcastle building, sunbathing, picnics, and swimming in the warmer waves. Make a day of it with the many cafes and restaurants nearby.
Pros: Calm swimming, kid-friendly amenities, great location
Cons: Shark sightings common, quite far from Cape Town
Beaches Known for Wildlife Spotting
Cape Town’s beaches offer front-row seats to an abundance of incredible marine life and coastal creatures. Some of the top spots to add to your itinerary for wildlife viewing include:
7. Boulders Beach
The wind-sheltered Boulders Beach allows visitors rare close encounters with wild African Penguins in their natural habitat. The beach forms part of Table Mountain National Park’s marine protected area. Limited numbers of visitors are allowed on the beach itself to minimize disturbance.
Read our comprehensive guide about how to visit the Boulders Beach penguins.
Pros: Swim alongside penguins!
Cons: Crowded, access requires entry fee
8. Sea Point Promenade
Join locals walking, jogging and rollerblading along the paved promenade from Sea Point public pool towards Milnerton beach. Keep an eye out for glimpses of Cape fur seals playing in the waves and barking from the rocks along the route.
Pros: Popular walking/jogging route, great for seal spotting
Cons: No direct beach access from promenade
9. Cape Point Nature Reserve
Wind your way along Cape Point’s spectacular cliff paths scanning for dolphins and whales offshore. Two lighthouses provide the perfect vantage points. Head down to less-visited Olifantsbos Beach in the reserve to potentially spot ostrich and baboons too.
Pros: Excellent land-based whale watching, remote beach
Cons: Park entry fee required, limited amenities
Top Surfing Beaches
Adrenaline junkies should hit up these popular spots to catch a wave, soak up the surf culture, and watch local shredders in action.
10. Surfers Corner, Muizenberg
Muizenberg’s excellent sand-bottomed beach break makes Surfers Corner an ideal spot for beginner and intermediate surfers to advance their skills in the water’s favoured corner location. Sign up for lessons and rent gear from one of the many surf shops.
Pros: Beginner-friendly waves, surf town vibes
Cons: Can get crowded with learners
11. Glen Beach
Slightly less crowded than other Cape surf spots, Glen Beach boasts one of the area’s most consistent beach breaks making it a favorite for experienced and gutsy surfers. Don’t let the stunning, pristine beach views distract from the powerful waves!
Pros: Consistent swell, less crowded than other spots
Cons: Strong currents, not suitable for inexperienced surfers
12. Big Bay Beach
Big Bay, set against the stunning backdrop of the Twelve Apostles, boasts prime waves and a festive atmosphere. International surf contests held here showcase the world-class right point break as well as fun lefts. All levels can find a suitable spot at Big Bay.
Pros: World-class right point break, contests held here
Cons: Very crowded when conditions are right
Best Hidden Gem Beaches
Looking to escape the crowds? Cape Town still holds plenty of spectacular lesser-known beaches like these hidden gems.
13. Buffels Bay Beach
Insider tip: if you’re based in bustling Camps Bay or Clifton, escape to stunning Buffels Bay just around the bay. Its sheltered white sands are quieter and more local. Enjoy beachcombing, surfing, or just soaking up the chilled atmosphere.
Pros: Quieter than Camps Bay and Clifton
Cons: Limited amenities
14. Rooi Els Beach
This spectacular family-friendly beach situated past Gordon’s Bay features giant red cliffs and boulders, rock pools, and sweeping white sands studded with shells. Enjoy picnicking, beachcombing, and searching for critters in the rock pools.
Pros: Quiet, off the tourist trail
Cons: Very limited amenities
15. Silvermine Beach
Within the nature reserve of the same name, Silvermine’s gorgeous beach and lagoon provide a peaceful escape from city life. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, walking, beachcombing, and birdwatching. Entry fees apply but amenities include showers and toilets.
Pros: Sheltered lagoon, nature reserve location
Cons: Small beach, amenities limited
Beach Safety Tips
With thrilling water sports, breathtaking seascapes, and abundant marine life comes the need for vigilance when enjoying Cape Town’s spectacular beaches. Follow these tips for staying safe:
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and between the flags – rip currents and large waves can be deadly.
- Always check shark warning signs – leave the water if sirens sound. Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk or night.
- Don’t underestimate the frigid ocean temperatures of the Atlantic – hypothermia is a risk!
- Never swim alone.
- Be alert to seasonal Blue Flag warnings for pollution risks.
- Avoid heavy drinking when swimming.
- Watch your belongings and avoid walking alone at night – petty theft does occur.
- Check weather and surf conditions before heading out each day.
- Wear sun protection – the African sun burns fast!
Conclusion
With breathtaking natural beauty, endless opportunities for relaxation or adventure, and something to offer every traveler, Cape Town’s spectacular beaches shouldn’t be missed. Spend a day wandering the white sands of Camps Bay, take in wildlife from the cliffs and coves of False Bay, or catch a wave at a surf mecca like Muizenberg. Just be sure to soak up those epic sunset views.
Have you visited any of these Cape Town beaches? Let us know which ones are your favorites or if you have any hidden gems to share! Check back for more African travel tips and itinerary inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Town Beaches
What is the best month to visit Cape Town beaches?
The warmest ocean temperatures occur between December and March, though the weather stays mild year-round. Peak tourist season runs November to February.
Which Cape Town beaches are the most family-friendly?
Muizenberg, St. James, Fish Hoek and Rooi Els are especially popular with families due to their sheltered waves, amenities, and relaxed vibes.
Where are the best beaches for seeing penguins?
Boulders Beach in Simons Town allows visitors to get up close with endangered African Penguins in their natural habitat via boardwalks and the beach itself.
Read our comprehensive guide about how to visit the Boulders Beach penguins.
What is the closest beach to downtown Cape Town?
Sea Point Beach is conveniently located right along the Sea Point Promenade within Cape Town’s central suburb of Sea Point, about a 15-minute drive from the city centre.
Are sharks a risk at Cape Town beaches?
Yes, great white sharks are native to the waters and can be sighted at times from the shore. Heed warning signs and siren alerts, and don’t swim near seals.
Can you surf at Cape Town beaches?
Cape Town boasts an excellent surf scene. Top spots include Muizenberg, Surfer’s Corner, Glen Beach and Big Bay. Lessons and rentals are available.
Do you need a car to visit Cape Town’s beaches?
Not necessarily, you can take Uber or the MyCiti bus to major beaches like Camps Bay and Clifton. But having a rental car makes accessing more remote beaches easier.
