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Everything You Need to Know About Clifton Beach
As someone born and raised in Cape Town, I’ve always known Clifton as the most affluent area in the city. That being said, I also really liked spending time at the Clifton Beaches, which are the shimmering blue shores that make up the Cape Town Coastline.
I certainly have a lot of fond memories spending time with family and friends there, from lazing on the beach to trying out some incredible food and even going on some wonderful hikes!
Let me show you everything you need to know about Clifton and why the area is a must for any visitor to Cape Town!
Where is Clifton?
Clifton is located southwest of the Cape Town city centre. It’s accessible through the M62 Road, and it’s surrounded by Camps Bay to the south and V&A Waterfront towards the north.
What is the main street in Clifton?
Victoria Road is the main street in Clifton. It’s a residential area which is close to the beaches, mainly Clifton 3rd and 4th, and separates them from the Lion’s Head.
Because of its proximity to the beaches, Victoria Road also hosts some of the more popular and notable cafes, restaurants, and hotels in Clifton.
There’s also Nettleton Road, which is notable for being one of the most affluent areas in the country and also hosting its own share of restaurants and hotels.
How to Get to Clifton
By car/taxi: You can reach Clifton 4th by taking the M6 road from Cape Town directly to the suburb. Taxi services around Cape Town, such as those provided by CapeTownTaxi and SuperShuttles, can also take you directly to the beaches using the same route.
By bus: Buses around Cape Town, such as those from MyCiti, also have a direct route from Cape Town to Clifton, which costs around R250 to R300.
What to Do and See at Clifton
Relax and swim
Media from: kevintbj
Price: Free entry; rental for umbrellas, beach blankets, and loungers may vary
The Clifton Beaches are divided into four areas. The first beach is a dog-friendly family beach that’s relatively peaceful because of a lack of vendors.
The second beach is the longest one and usually has visitors playing sports or just relaxing.
The third one, meanwhile, is a little smaller and more private, but it’s quite popular with the LGBT+ community and is colloquially known as the “gay beach.”
Clifton 4th is the most popular one, and where most of the swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and beachgoers go. This is where the water is calmest, and it’s a blue flag beach, which means it’s consistently clean despite having the highest number of visitors.
I personally really love Clifton 2nd because of how it strikes a balance between liveliness and peacefulness, but Clifton 1st is unmatched when I just want to have a quiet beach day. Clifton 3rd is great for meeting new people.
The difference between the four beaches isn’t only in terms of their atmosphere, but also in their water levels and climate. In that regard, Clifton 4th’s calm waters make it the prime choice for swimming and water sports.
Whichever beach you go to, you’ll be met by beautiful, shimmering white sands.
Rental services are also available at nearby concessions for umbrellas, beach blankets, and loungers.
| Pro tip: The Clifton Beaches also have varying parking and accessibility, with Clifton 4th being the only beach with dedicated parking spaces. There aren’t a lot, though, so plan accordingly! |
Water Sports
Media from: kayak.clifton
Price:
- Kayaking: R450 for South Africans, R500 for tourists, R350 for kids, R750 for private tours
- Stand Up Paddleboarding: R250 for rentals, R450 for guided tours
The Clifton Beaches are some of South Africa’s hotspots for water sports. Clifton 4th in particular stands out as a great place to do surfing and kayaking, and I love fishing at Clifton 1st and 2nd.
While the beaches will have visitors who’ll be playing sports on the shore, like volleyball and badminton, companies also offer exclusive, unique water sports and activities.
I tried Kayak Clifton’s guided kayaking tour with my friend, and it was a great experience! I loved working together to move through the waters and getting to explore more of the Clifton coastline!
There are also stand-up paddleboarding lessons and tours courtesy of Clifton SUP, and it’s a really fun and interesting hybrid of surfing and kayaking. I highly recommend it!
| Pro tip: For lovers of marine life, there are also scuba diving lessons and expeditions held at each of the Clifton beaches, led by Two Oceans Aquarium Dive School. |
Where to Eat in Clifton
Bungalow Restaurant and Lounge
Media from: thebungalowclifton
Address: Glen Country Club, 3 Victoria Rd, Clifton
Phone: +27 21 438 2018
Pricing: $$
The Bungalow Restaurant and Lounge is the only dine-in restaurant inside the Clifton Beaches, offering a fine dining experience with seaside views. This restaurant specialises in Mediterranean seafood dishes and sushi but has a selection of meat dishes and desserts as well.
While it was a little pricey, I can’t deny how good and high-grade the food tasted. I got their grilled Norwegian salmon steak while my friend got the crispy skin sea bass, and both tasted perfectly salty and rich!
| Pro tip: Check out their selection of cocktails and drinks. I’m a big fan of the Strawberry Gin Smash myself! |
Where to Stay in Clifton
Clifton Ezulwini
Media from: ohhhmyguide
Address: 69 Victoria Rd
Phone: +27 83 706 3008
Price: $$$
The Clifton Ezulwini is a luxurious apartment complex that, with its floor-to-ceiling glass doors and viewing platforms, gives visitors a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean. It has tons of natural light that serves as a great way to experience the Clifton coast.
Clifton Ezulwini is divided into three properties: the penthouse, the villa, and the apartment. The apartment is the most private of the three, while the penthouse is the largest, and the villa is the closest to the beach.
While it was a little pricey, I especially enjoyed my stay at the villa because of the fully furnished kitchen, beautiful decor, and accommodating staff.
