Cape Town beaches offer something for everyone, from romantic picnics and sunbathing to taking selfies with penguins (from a distance, of course), and surfing. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or a fun photo opportunity, Cape Town’s beaches are sure to impress.
Here are some of our suggestions:
Llandudno
Location: Leeukoppie Road, Llandudno
Perfect For: Couples
Llandudno is a firm favourite with couples. Known as one of Cape Town’s most exclusive and secluded beaches, beachgoers can look forward to magical sunsets and stunning views. Surrounded by lush natural bush and milkwood forests, the beach offers a serene escape into nature. On either side, you’ll find Judas Peak and Klein Leeukoppie (affectionately known as “Little Lion’s Head”). The sea is flanked by dramatic granite boulders, with caves tucked away among the rocks. No dogs are allowed between 9am-6pm from November until March.
Clifton 4th
Location: Victoria Road, Clifton
Perfect For: Gen Z travellers and photoshoots
Protected from the blustering Southeaster, Clifton 4th Beach attracts a vibrant crowd of beautiful people throughout the holiday season. Models, fashionistas and visitors from across the globe flock to this slice of Cape Town paradise, drawn by its powdery white sand, shimmering waters, and postcard-perfect views. During the summer months, you’ll find yourself surrounded by sunbathers, frisbee players, and volleyball enthusiasts, all enjoying the beach’s lively atmosphere.
Lifeguards are on duty during the Blue Flag season (December until March). Try to arrive early as parking is limited.
Camps Bay Beach
Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Perfect For: Families
Lined with trendy restaurants, delectable ice cream parlours and bustling beach activities, the Camps Bay strip provides plenty of family-friendly fun. Relax on the grassy banks under palm trees for an afternoon picnic or dip into the frosty Atlantic Sea to cool down. Kiddies can bring along their beach bats, frisbee, or their favourite ball games for hours of beachside fun. Or venture to Camps Bay tidal pool, located at the far end of the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
Boulders Beach
Location: Kleintuin Road, Simon’s Town
Perfect For: Selfies with African Penguins
Located within the Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Beach takes its name from the ancient granite rocks that line the area, providing shelter for the endangered penguins. Spend the day with the world-renowned colony of African penguins (ensure you always maintain a safe distance), indulge in a picnic, and take a dip in the warm waters, all in one afternoon. There are many restaurants in and around the area if you want to enjoy sundowners after.
Muizenberg Beach
Location: Beach Road, Muizenberg
Perfect For: Surfing and swimming
Muizenberg Beach is one of Cape Town’s hottest surf spots, and it’s easy to see why. This lively beach is packed year-round with shortboard shredders, stylish longboarders, wave-riding Stand Up Paddleboarders, and energetic swimmers. At the far end of the beach, Surfers’ Corner is the perfect spot for novice and beginner surfers to catch their first waves, while nearby surf shops offer board rentals and lessons for those eager to learn. And with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, you can feel safe while enjoying the waves.
Lagoon Beach
Location: Lagoon Gate Drive, Milnerton
Perfect For: Sunsets
Located a stone’s throw away from the Milnerton lighthouse, Lagoon Beach is one of the best spots to experience a jaw-dropping Cape sunset. Take your picnic basket and settle down on the soft sandy shore or book a table at one of the restaurants lining the beachfront to see the red, pink, orange and purple hues painted across the sky. Water enthusiasts might want to grab their favourite craft and head out for an epic sunset session.
Bloubergstrand Beach
Location: Marine Drive, Cape Town
Perfect For: Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and stunning views of Table Mountain and Robben Island
Capture stunning views of Table Bay, Table Mountain and Robben Island from Blouberg Beach. This incredible stretch of coastline garners a well-deserved international reputation as one of the best windsurfing and kitesurfing areas in the world. The prevailing winds and powerful open ocean swell allow boarders to showcase unbelievable aerial acrobatics. A must-see spectacle while enjoying a picnic. The promenade is also popular for joggers, dog walkers, and anyone who wants to soak up the views during a walk.
Fish Hoek
Location: Beach Road, Fish Hoek
Perfect For: Swimming, surfing, paddle boating, sunsets
Fish Hoek Beach is an idyllic spot to watch breathtaking sunsets, take a refreshing swim, or indulge in thrilling water sports, from paddle boating to surfing. With lifeguards and shark spotters on duty, you can enjoy the water safely. The pet-friendly beach is perfect to enjoy with friends and family.
General Beach Safety Tips
- Always choose a lifeguarded beach. Swim between the designated red and yellow lifeguard flags.
- Supervise your kids, family and friends in the water, even in the lifeguarded flagged zone.
- Take time to read the information signage when entering a beach.
- Teach your kids to always go to the lifeguards if they get lost.
- If you find yourself in trouble, do not panic. Try to float on your back, raise your arms, and call for help. Never try to swim against a rip current.
- Never use inflatables such as small boats or mattresses at the beach.
- If you see someone in trouble, alert the lifeguards or call sea rescue.
- Never enter the water to rescue someone without calling emergency services first. Also, never enter the water without emergency flotation like the NSRI pink rescue buoy, found at most beaches.
- Be sure to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
