The best beaches in Cape Town

There are whopping 72 beaches in Cape Town with a coastline extending 307km along the West Coast, Cape Peninsula and False Bay. We are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where we want to spend a day relaxing on the beach, have a picnic, go for some fun and games or swim in a tidal pool.

Cape Town is also proud to be home to 10 international Blue Flag beaches, including Bikini Beach, Camps Bay, 4th Beach, Clifton, Fish Hoek, Llandudno, Melkbosstrand, Mnandi, Muizenberg, Silwerstroomstrand, and Strandfontein. Though it’s impossible to choose, here’s a selection of our 15 favourite Cape Town beaches, including insider’s tips on how to make the most of your beach day.

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two girls relaxing on a beach

BIKINI BEACH (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Students, school learners, families

Best for: Sheltered beach, swimming in the warmer water and friendly locals

Insider’s tip: The beach is small and parking is limited so go early

Location: Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay

STRAND

Regulars:

Families, oldies, sunbathers, water sport enthusiasts

Best for: Long walks (3km of beach) and swimming in the warmer water

Insider’s tip: Make sure to buy some food and ice cream from the café’s in Beach road

Location: Beach Road, Strand

MNANDI (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Mostly locals from surrounding areas

Best for: Walking (5km of beach), fishing and scenic views

Insider’s tip: Check the weather before you go, it can be quite windy and the currents unpredictable

Location: Weltevreden Road, Mitchells Plain

STRANDFONTEIN (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Mostly locals from surrounding areas

Best for: Swimming in the biggest tidal swimming pool in the Southern Hemisphere

Insider’s tip: The beach often hosts events, so check before you go if something is happening

Location: Strandfontein Road, Mitchells Plain

MUIZENBERG (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Surfers, families, teens and young adults

Best for: Swimming, surfing, beach sport (volleyball, soccer and touch rugby), taking pictures of the colourful bathing boxes

Insider’s tip: Be sure to play a round of putt-putt at the course close by

Location: Beach Road, Muizenberg

Surfer walking to the water along the beach.

FISH HOEK (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Beach walkers, families, dogs

Best for: Free running for dogs from lighthouse to Clovelly, kite-surfing, kayaking

Insider’s tip: There is seating available along Jagger’s Walk which is ideal for sunset viewing.

Location: Beach Road, Fish Hoek

BOULDERS BEACH

Regulars:

International tourists, locals

Best for: Penguin-watching, sun-bathing on the rocks, swimming, picnics

Insider’s tip: Limited parking is available, so arrive early. Entrance is approximately

Location: Off the M4 just past Simon’s Town

LONG BEACH, KOMMETJIE

Regulars:

Surfers, sunbathers, dogs

Best for: Dog-walking, surfing, wind-surfing, relaxing on the beach

Insider’s tip: The water here can be icy, so take your wet suit.

Location: Surfway Road, Kommetjie

HOUT BAY

Regulars:

Couples, singles, families, locals

Best for: Dog-walking, beach sport (volleyball, soccer, touch rugby), kayaking

Insider’s tip: Get some fish and chips takeaways at the harbour, and enjoy it on the beach

Location: Beach Road, Hout Bay

cape town beach llundudno

LLANDUDNO (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Couples, families, surfers

Best for: Picturesque scenery, picnics, sun-bathing and sundowners, surfing

Insider’s tip: Other than an ablution block, beachgoers will not find any other facilities here

Location: Victoria Road, Llandudno

CLIFTON (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Seriously good-looking 20-somethings, students, friends, families

Best for: Sunbathing and picnicking at one of the four coves of which the 4th beach is most popular

Insider’s tip: At night this is a fabulous spot to have your dinner on the beach

Location: Victoria Road, Clifton (between Camps Bay and Bantry Bay)

CAMPS BAY (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars: Young adults, families, students

Best for: Sun-bathing, showing off your latest bikini or exercising

Insider’s tip: Grab a drink or lunch at one of the bustling bars and café’s in Victoria Road

Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay

MILNERTON BEACH

Regulars:

Families, couples and water sport fanatics

Best for: Swimming, dog-walking, wind-surfing

Insider’s tip: Take your camera as you will be able to get some of the most epic shots of Table Mountain from here

Location: Marine Drive, Milnerton

Blaauwberg kite surfer with lions head

BIG BAY

Regulars:

Families, kite-and wind-surfers

Best for: Dog-walking, windsurfing, kitesurfing and normal surfing, swimming in the tidal pool, spectacular views of Table Mountain

Insider’s tips: Eden on the Bay has some great restaurants with beautiful views, so you don’t have to pack lunch

Location: Marine Drive, Big Bay

SILWERSTROOMSTRAND (BLUE FLAG BEACH)

Regulars:

Families from surrounding areas, young adults, teens

Best for: Braai, picnics, swimming in the tidal pool, boat launching, fishing, walking

Insider’s tip: Visit during August to September when the vegetation flowers beautifully in spring

Location: Off R27, West Coast Road

Hidden Gems

There are a few beaches that are true hidden gems in Cape Town; ones that locals try to keep to themselves. Here are a few that you should check out.

Smitswinkel Bay

Beyond the popular beaches of Muizenberg, Fish Hoek and even Boulders beach in Simon’s Town is a secluded little spot that takes a little hike to get to. Park on the road that winds around to Cape Point and hike down a path to get to this beautiful little beach. You might see a baboon along the way (don’t panic, just stand still and let them go on their way.)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLOhhSAJgVG/

Bakoven

A favourite for those going to watch the sunset and get away from the crowds at Camp’s Bay and Clifton. With the 12 Apostles in the background and the sea out in front of you, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more scenic beach.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_g-9CsxTu/

 

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