As a coastal city, Cape Town has a lot to live up to when it comes to its beaches, but let us tell you, it definitely doesn’t disappoint! With breathtaking views and crystal-clear waters, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of this city’s beaches.

Choosing which beaches to visit in Cape Town can be tough with so many stunning options, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of the absolute best beaches that should be on every beach lover’s bucket list.

The Best Beaches in Cape Town

1. Camps Bay Beach

Camps Bay Beach is located in the picturesque suburb of Camps Bay, just a 15-minute drive from Cape Town city centre. 

This beautiful beach boasts a long and wide stretch of white sand, lined with palm trees and surrounded by the breathtaking Twelve Apostles mountain range. 

The water is crystal clear and refreshing, with waves that are perfect for surfing, paddleboarding, and swimming. It’s also a popular spot for jogging, practising yoga, and playing beach volleyball with friends.

This luxurious beach is also a favourite hangout for celebrities and offers a range of high-end hotels and fantastic facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms. 

You’ll also find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars along the beachfront, as well as a fun-filled children’s playground.

2. Muizenberg Beach

Muizenberg Beach is located in the suburb of Muizenberg, about 30 minutes from the city centre of Cape Town. Unlike other Cape Town beaches, the water here is warmer and the waves are ideal for beginner surfers to catch some waves.

But that’s not all – Muizenberg Beach has much more to offer! You’ll find a variety of accommodations, restaurants, cafes, surf shops, and surf schools all along the beachfront. 

You can also see the seaside village and learn from locals through a walking tour. If you want a challenge while feeling the sea breeze, you can also hike the Muizenberg Peak Loop.

3. Clifton Beaches

Clifton Beaches are a series of four small beaches named First, Second, Third and Fourth beaches, situated in the suburb of Clifton, about 10 minutes from the city centre of Cape Town. 

Each beach is a picturesque cove surrounded by beautiful granite boulders, soft white sand, and clear turquoise water that you won’t be able to resist dipping your toes into.

As you walk along the beachfront, you’ll see a variety of luxury apartments and villas, providing the perfect spot for sunbathing and watching people go by.

All four beaches have their own distinct character and amenities. First Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a restaurant or bar, while Second Beach is ideal for playing beach games. 

If you prefer a quieter spot with fewer crowds, Third Beach is the perfect retreat, while Fourth Beach is the most popular and busiest of them all.

One tip for you: If you’re visiting on a windy day, make sure to check out the Second and Third beaches. They’re protected by the cove formation, so they’re the best beaches to visit when the wind is up.

4. Boulders Beach

Located in Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is a beautiful cove with soft white sand and stunning boulders that create a unique and picturesque landscape.

But the real stars of the show are the adorable African penguins that call this beach home. These cute creatures can often be seen waddling and swimming around the beach, making for an unforgettable sight.

As a part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area, Boulders Beach is dedicated to protecting the penguin colony and their habitat. Visitors can observe the penguins without disturbing them from a boardwalk and viewing platform.

Just remember to be respectful and mindful of their nesting areas while you’re enjoying the sand, sun, and sea.

But that’s not all, the beach also offers picnic tables, public restrooms, and a small snack bar for visitors’ convenience. And if you’re looking for more active pursuits, snorkelling is a popular activity thanks to the clear water and abundance of marine life.

5. Llandudno Beach

Llandudno Beach is a hidden gem tucked away in a beautiful crescent-shaped bay surrounded by large granite boulders and steep mountains. The soft golden sand and clear, refreshing water create a perfect oasis for relaxation and fun.

Since the beach is secluded, it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks. Remember to take your trash with you when you leave so we can all help keep this natural wonder clean and beautiful!

While swimming, sunbathing, and surfing are popular activities here, we want to remind visitors to be mindful of the strong currents and big waves. We also highly recommend a sunset picnic or a leisurely walk along the shore – the views are simply breathtaking.

Llandudno Beach is a popular spot for whale watching during the winter months, too.

6. Hout Bay Beach

Hout Bay Beach is a beautiful destination situated on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, perfect for those who enjoy scenic views and fun water activities. 

This wide and sandy bay is surrounded by the Chapman’s Peak mountain range and Sentinel Peak, providing breathtaking views of the landscape.

The water at Hout Bay Beach is clear and cool, making it a perfect spot for swimming and cooling off from the warm weather. Though, it’s worth noting that visitors should be wary that the water can be rough at times. 

Sunbathing and surfing are also popular activities that visitors can enjoy. In addition, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the bay and get a different perspective of the surrounding area.

On top of its recreational activities, Hout Bay Beach is also a popular spot for fishing. In fact, it’s one of the busiest fishing harbours in the Western Cape.

Visitors can enjoy fishing from the beach or from one of the nearby piers. The beach’s natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a great place to spend a relaxing day with loved ones.

Hout Bay Beach also has several restaurants and cafes to offer, providing a variety of dining options for visitors. The beach is a perfect place to enjoy some delicious food with a stunning view of the sea.

7. Strand Beach

Strand Beach, or as some locals call it,  Melkbaai Beach, stretches for five kilometres along False Bay and boasts soft white sand and calm waters that are perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing day soaking up the sun.

The beach is surrounded by a beautiful promenade that is ideal for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating jog, providing magnificent views of the ocean and its surroundings. 

And when you’re ready for a break, you’ll find plenty of amenities nearby, including public restrooms, showers, and food vendors selling delicious snacks, ice cream, and refreshing drinks.

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just looking to try something new, Strand Beach is the perfect spot for some fun in the waves. 

And if you’re travelling with children, they’ll love the water park and tidal pool, perfect for splashing around in a safe and controlled environment. 

For added peace of mind, there is also a designated swimming area with shark nets to ensure everyone’s safety.

8. Bloubergstrand Beach

Bloubergstrand Beach is a beautiful destination that boasts a long and wide stretch of white sand decorated with shards of shells washed up from the water of the cold water and crystal-clear waters.

Its location also provides stunning views of Table Mountain and Robben Island in the distance, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bloubergstrand Beach is a well-known kite surfing and windsurfing spot, thanks to the strong winds in the area. Kiters and locals also call this place Kite Beach. 

There’s even an annual Red Bull King Of The Air competition held at this beach.

Don’t worry if you’re not a pro, there are several kitesurfing schools nearby that can help you get started.

If water sports aren’t your thing, Bloubergstrand Beach offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing, making it a great place to relax and soak up the sun. 

FAQs on Cape Town’s Beaches