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.
Rent a car to to get around Cape Town with ease!
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
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
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
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/
Planning a trip to Cape Town? Book flights, browse accommodation, and rent a car now to get the best rates. The Cape Town City Pass gives you access to over 70 of the top Cape Town attractions, tours, and things to see and do, including the popular hop on hop off City Sightseeing bus.
For inspiration and insider tips, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Tag #lovecapetown to share your pics with us, or subscribe to our newsletter to get the best Cape Town has to offer sent direct to your mailbox.
