Top Cape Town Beaches: Hout Bay, Camps Bay and Clifton Beach

The city of Cape Town, South Africa abounds in natural beauty. From mountain tops to vineyards to an incredible shoreline. While there are numerous Cape Town tourist attractions to see, the Cape Town beaches are not to be missed!

In fact, it would be easy to spend entire Cape Town holiday on the soft sand beaches. Taking daily beach walks in the morning, dipping into the turquoise waters in the afternoon and gazing at the sunset in the evening makes for an ideal Cape Town vacation!

 

3 Best Cape Town Beaches

During our visit, we were staying in Hout Bay. As we traveled from the airport to our apartment, we got our first glimpse at the stunning Cape Town beaches along the dramatic western coastline. We were absolutely mesmerized by the view of the South African shoreline.

High cliffs, extensive stretches of powder white sand and intense blue water are the common characteristics of the best beaches in Cape Town. These beaches near Cape Town CBD are a must-see when visiting the Mother City. Our list of beaches of Cape Town includes the top beaches!

 

#1 Clifton Beach

Located closest to Cape Town CBD, Clifton Beach, South Africa often ranks in worldwide Top 10 Beaches Lists. It naturally makes almost every list of Best Beaches in South Africa. It’s easy to see why – as the Clifton beaches are pristine!

Clifton Bay Cape Town is one of the most affluent neighborhoods with prestigious Cape Town homes overlooking the famed stretch of sand. Clifton Beach is comprised of 4 beaches – simply numbered 1 through 4.

The beaches are easily accessed from Victoria Road. The southernmost Clifton Beach, #4, was awarded the Blue Flag for its high standards and is the most popular.

 

#2 Camps Bay

Camps Bay Beach, just south of Clifton, is the second most-popular of the Cape Town, South Africa beaches. It faces directly west out to the Atlantic Ocean – which makes it a great sunset beach in Cape Town.

The famous Cape Town Table Mountain National Park, along with the famed Twelve Apostles – proudly stand in the background. The scene is truly picture-perfect. 

The Camps Bay Beach itself has fine, white sand and is wide, long and perfect for walking. The main street that runs parallel to the shore offers several beachfront Cape Town bars and restaurants with ocean-view seating. The Chinchilla Rooftop Cafe is a top-rated beach bar in Cape Town. 

Top Tip: Glen Beach marks the north end of Camps Bay. It is known to be a quieter area with big boulders, soft sand and it’s a great surfing spot. 

 

#3 Hout Bay

Hout Bay Beach is crescent-shaped and surrounded by mountains on three sides. The beach, which is popular with local families and residents, marks the beginning of the Chapman’s Peak Drive.

With the nearby marina and market, making a trip to the Hout Bay Beach can become a full-day outing. For tips of how to spend your time, read out list of Top Things To Do in Hout Bay.

Top Tip: Sandy Bay, located on the west coast of the Hout Bay neighborhood, is a secret beach that can be accessed by a short trek. Just be aware that it is frequented by nudist!

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More Beaches in Cape Town

We have highlighted our three favorite Cape Town beaches. However, the beaches on False Bay are worth making the effort to see! Fellow travelers may want to include the following False Bay beaches in their Cape Town Itinerary. 

 

Kalk Bay Beaches

There are several exceptional beaches around Kalk Bay worth visiting. Fish Hoek Beach is a pleasant beach that is ideal for swimming and whale spotting. 

St. James Beach is a prime place for tidal rock pools and is memorable for the colorful shacks that line the shore. Muizenberg Beach is a favored surfing spot and also features vividly painted beach huts. 

 

Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach is popular for the colony of penguins that resides on it. However, it’s also a fabulous place for swimming, strolling and simply enjoying the sea air. 

Nearby Windmill Beach and Fisherman’s Beach are surrounded by large granite boulders, creating sublime swimming holes. Plus, it’s a fantastic place for kayaking!

Pro Tip: Use our Guide to Visiting the Simon’s Town Penguins.

 

Dias Beach (Diaz Beach)

Located on the southern tip of Cape Point, Dias Beach is remote and sits between the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope. In order to get here, beachgoers must use the boardwalk pathway. 

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Cape Town Beaches Map

Use this Google Map for an interactive version from below that will help you to find your way to the Best Cape Town Beaches!

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Planning a Vacation to Cape Town 

Now that you know where to find the best beaches in Cape Town, we have a few tips that will help you plan your trip to South Africa!

 

Where To Stay in Cape Town 

During our visit to Cape Town, we wanted to be close to beaches, with an easy route to the city. We settled on Hout Bay and a great Airbnb apartment.

It was within easy walking distance to Hout Bay Beach. Furthermore, we could ride a city bus or the Hop On Hop Off to get to the CBD to see Cape Town Sights – as well as Cape Town Vineyards. 

Alternatively, travelers can rent a car – which will allow for more flexibility in area sightseeing. Including the ability to get to other top Cape Town attractions, like the Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Those who would rather stay in a hotel in Hout Bay should check price and availability at the seaside Chapman Peak Beach Hotel. 

 

Hotels near Camps Bay

If you are looking for more Cape Town waterfront hotels, there are many to choose from around Camps Bay. We recommend looking at The Bay Hotel. It is a popular choice for Cape Town beach getaways!

Before you reserve a room, read our Tips for Finding Top Hotels – then start your search for all Cape Town Beach Hotels on Booking.com. 

 

What You Will Need for a Trip to Cape Town

Those planning to visit beaches in Cape Town will want to make sure they pack the right things. We have a few tips on what to pack for South Africa – but you can find our complete packing list and hacks on our Travel Packing page. 

 

The Right Shoes 

You may think you will be fine going barefoot to the beaches in Cape Town, but we can assure you that you will need shoes. We recommend packing a comfortable sandals or flip flops. Find our top picks in our round-up of the Best Travel Shoes. 

 

Water Protection Case

Water and cell phones do not mix! Don’t let a water-ruined phone ruin your trip to Cape Town beaches. Pack a waterproof case in your day bag while at the beach.

 

Multi-Use Wrap

While some Cape Town hotels provide beach towels, not all do. Rather than taking up precious room in your luggage with a bulky beach towel, pack a multi-use wrap that functions fine as a beach towel.

 

Sun Protection

The sun in Cape Town is intense. Be sure to have enough sunscreen for your trip. We also recommend bringing a good pair of sunglasses and a wide-brimmed travel hat, as well as your other everyday travel items.

 

South Africa Travel Insurance

Trip Insurance may come in handy when flights are delayed or luggage is lost, or even if you get injured or sick abroad. Check the affordable plans at World Nomads. 

 

Start planning your trip to South Africa! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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