The city of Cape Town, South Africa abounds in natural beauty. From mountain tops to vineyards to an incredible shoreline. While there are numerous tourist attractions to see, Cape Town beaches are not to be missed!
In fact, it would be easy to spend entire Cape Town Vacation on the soft sand. Taking beach walks in the morning, dipping into turquoise waters in the afternoon and gazing at the sunset in the evening makes for an ideal day!
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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 coastline. We were absolutely mesmerized.
High cliffs, extensive stretches of powder white sand and intense blue water are the common characteristics of the best beaches in Cape Town.
#1 Clifton Beach
Located closest to Cape Town CBD, Clifton often ranks high on worldwide ‘Top Beaches Lists’. Actually, Clifton Beach is comprised of 4 beaches – simply numbered 1 through 4.
Clifton Bay is also one of the most affluent neighborhoods with prestigious homes overlooking the famed stretch of sand.
They are all easily accessed from Victoria Road. The southernmost, #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 Cape Town beach. It faces directly west out to the Atlantic Ocean – which makes it a great sunset beach in Cape Town.
The famous Table Mountain National Park, along with the famed Twelve Apostles – proudly stand in the background. The scene is truly picture-perfect.
The 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 bars and restaurants with ocean-view seating.
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 book-ended by mountains. It also marks the beginning of the storied Chapman’s Peak Drive.
With the nearby marina and market, making a trip here 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!
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!
Kalk Bay Beaches
There are several exceptional beaches around Kalk Bay worth visiting. Fish Hoek Beach is a pleasant spot 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 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 is remote and sits between the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope. In order to get here, you must use the boardwalk pathway.
Cape Town Beaches Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of the one below to find your way to the Best Cape Town Beaches!
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 the Mother City!
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.
Furthermore, we could ride a city bus or the Hop On Hop Off to get to see Cape Town Sights – as well as Cape Town Vineyards.
Alternatively, those who rent a car can get to other top Cape Town attractions, like Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Those who would rather stay in a hotel in Hout Bay should check out the seaside Chapman Peak Beach Hotel.
If you are looking for other waterfront properties, have a look 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
We have a few final tips on what to pack for South Africa – and also have a peek at our complete packing list and top hacks.
The Right 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
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.
Travel Insurance
This 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 and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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