12 Best Beaches in Cape Town 

Last Updated on July 31, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson

Cape Town is home to more beautiful beaches than you can shake a stick at. In the five years I’ve lived here, I’ve spent a LOT of time enjoying them to the fullest.

From the famous beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to hidden spots like Bali and Beta beaches, there’s a stretch of sand for everyone in Cape Town. And several of them are Blue Flag beaches, which mean that they’re very clean and meet strict environmental standards. 

There really is nothing better than grabbing your sun cream and heading down to the beach on a hot day in Cape Town. That’s why I’ve compiled this guide to what I think are the best beaches in the city and all of the need-to-know details about each one.

Beach	Best for	Facilities
Clifton	A classic beach day	Toilets
Saunders	Cold dips and sunset picnics	None
Bali Beach	A quiet swim	None
Camps Bay	Beauty and restaurants	Toilets, rinse taps, restaurants
Beta Beach	Views of Lion’s Head	None
Oudekraal	Braais, picnics, sheltered swims	Braais, portable toilets nearby
Glen Beach	Fewer crowds while staying central	Camps Bay facilities nearby
Muizenberg	Surfing and warmer water	Surf rentals, toilets, lockers
Boulders	Penguins	Visitor centre, boardwalks, restaurant, gift shop, toilets
Bloubergstrand	Views of Table Mountain	Toilets, play areas, restaurants
Llandudno	Quiet sandy beach with calmer water	Toilets
Hout Bay	Swimming, fish and chips	Toilets

Map of Cape Town’s Best Beaches

Here’s a handy map of the beaches to help you get your bearings. The Atlantic Seaboard options are marked in blue, the False Bay ones are green, and the northern suburbs are purple.

The Best Beaches in Cape Town

1. Clifton

In my opinion, the Clifton Beaches are the best in Cape Town. 

There are four Clifton beaches, all of which are absolutely beautiful, with white sand, clear water, and views of mountains and luxury homes behind you. The first three all have a lot of steps down to the sand, while Clifton 4th doesn’t require as much of a trek to access.

Here’s a basic summary of the four beaches:

• Clifton 1st is dog friendly and shares weekend-only toilets with Clifton 2nd
• Clifton 2nd is my favourite because it has a nice view of Lion’s Head behind it
• Clifton 3rd is known as “the gay beach” because it’s where a lot of LGBTQ+ beachgoers flock to
• Clifton 4th is the busiest and most popular beach. It has its own parking lot, toilets, and fewer steps. It’s also a Blue Flag Beach!

I usually take an Uber to the Clifton Beaches because parking here can get really busy during the peak summer months.

2. Saunders Rocks Beach

I’m putting Saunders Rock Beach at number two because it’s my go to beach for a quick dip or a sunset picnic. It’s a small beach with a man made tidal pool on the corner between Sea Point and Bantry Bay, and there’s always a great vibe here in the late afternoon.

The water in the rock pool is usually freezing cold and you’ll often find lots of (crazy) people here practising their Wim Hof breathing in the cold water. It tends to be pretty calm though, and it’s a very refreshing place for a dip when you’re hungover or just not quite feeling yourself.

There are no hawkers here, which is nice, but there’s no-one around renting out umbrellas, either, so you’ll need to bring your own if you want some shade. There aren’t any toilets or showers, but let’s be honest, everyone just pees in the rock pool.

You can climb up on the rocks to watch the sunset, or there’s a decent stretch of sand to chill on, too – but the sea tends to be very full of seaweed, so I usually stick to the pool. There’s also a ton of parking nearby so you should be able to find a spot without too much trouble.

3. Llandudno Beach

It took me FAR too long to finally make it to Llandudno Beach. It’s a little bit out of town (around 10-15 minutes from Camps Bay) but I promise, it’s well worth the drive. The beach here is gorgeous and there are fewer crowds, since it’s further removed from the city centre.

This is a great family beach and there are lifeguards here to keep everyone safe. It’s also a Blue Flag beach!

There’s not much here in terms of facilities, so bring a picnic and plenty of water! However, we were able to rent umbrellas and there were sun beds available.

With Lladudno, I like to make a day of it. It’s best to grab a cooler box and try to get here somewhat early to secure parking, as that can be tricky. We came at around midday and had a bit of a walk to get to the beach, but it was still totally worth it.

4. Bali Beach

Bali Beach is a 5-minute drive north of Camps Bay, and it’s a bit of a local secret. You should be able to find a parking spot along this stretch of Victoria Road, since you’re out of the overcrowded part of Camps Bay, and you should see a sign along the fence for Bali Beach. Head down the steps, swish through some long grass, and voila, you’ve just discovered one of Cape Town’s hidden gems.

I really like Bali Beach because the rocks create a protective cove, so the water is calm and great for swimming. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Clifton beaches, but the water there can get super choppy at times, which I don’t really enjoy. The sand here is mostly made up of small stones and shells, and the beach area is really small, so it’s probably one of the quietest beaches in Cape Town! 

5. Camps Bay Beach

Camps Bay Beach is the most popular beach in Cape Town. It’s a gorgeous stretch of white sand, and it’s conveniently across the road from all of the cafes, restaurants, and clubs along the Camps Bay strip. 

It’s an undeniably beautiful beach, with first-class views of the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head. The only thing is that it gets pretty crowded.

Since I usually hit the beach on the weekends, I don’t tend to go to Camps Bay Beach very often. Busloads of tourists are dropped off every Saturday and Sunday, and the place just gets insanely busy. During the festive season, you can barely see the sand for all of the umbrellas!

You also get approached by hawkers a lot more here than on other beaches in Cape Town, which I find annoying. But during the week, it’s a lot more chilled out.

And with all of that being said, this is a beautiful, Blue Flag beach and I find that the water here tends to be a bit calmer and easier to get into than it is at Clifton. There are also plenty of taps to rinse off with when you leave, which is convenient.

The parking along the Camps Bay strip is almost always full during summer, but there are some nearby residential roads where you can park, or there’s paid parking in The Promenade shopping centre.

6. Beta Beach

Beta Beach is beautiful, with direct views of Lion’s Head across the water. However, you do need to check the tide times before you go. The beach disappears completely during high tide and sometimes, I’ve had to get up on the rocks because there wasn’t enough sand left!

With that being said, Beta Beach is a nice place to get away from the busier beaches.  The rocks around here also mean that it’s a good swimming beach, although there is often quite a lot of seaweed in the water.

Parking can be tricky here. If you drive, it’s best to park near the playground or a side street and walk from there. Or, you can just take an Uber, although it sometimes takes a little bit longer to get one here since Beta Beach is in Bakohven, which is a quieter neighbourhood south of Camps Bay. 

7. Oudekraal

Oudekraal Beach is a secluded beach in a nature reserve, nestled between Llandudno and Bakoven. The beach area itself is small, but the water is great to swim in (albeit full of seaweed). 

There’s also a grassy picnic area to relax in, and a braai area where you can cook up a storm with friends. I mean, does it really get more South African than braaing on a beach?

Oudekraal is part of Table Mountain National Park, so you’ll have to pay an entry fee. Currently, the rates are:

• R44 for South African residents
• R100 for SADC residents
• R200 for international tourists

It’s easy to park here, and it’s such a nice place to set up shop for the day and have a full beach adventure, replete with a good old braai. It doesn’t really get better than that, does it?

8. Glen Beach

Glen Beach is right next to Camps Bay beach, but it’s way less busy. In fact, it’s kind of a hidden gem since most tourists don’t come here! Plus, unlike the Cliftons, there aren’t millions of steps. 

Glen Beach is known as a surfing beach, but I like it because it has beautiful views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Plus, you don’t have to fight for a spot on the sand, but you’re still super close to all of the amenities in Camps Bay. In fact, Glen Beach is just a 5-minute walk from the Camps Bay strip. 

The only thing is that Glen Beach isn’t the best for swimming because the waves tend to be pretty high. There are lifeguards around though, who will actually ban swimming if it gets too dangerous. 

9. Muizenberg

Muizenberg Beach is another of Cape Town’s Blue Flag beaches. It’s located along the False Bay coast, about 28 kilometers (17.4 miles) from the city centre,

The best thing about this beach is that the water is warm! Well, warm-er, anyway.

This is because you’re swimming in the Indian Ocean at Muizenberg, rather than the chilly Atlantic. This is also a famous surfing beach, so if that’s up your street then you can rent equipment from somewhere like Lifestyle Surf Shop and hit the waves. Or if you haven’t surfed before, you can book private lessons!

10. Boulders Beach 

Boulders Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Cape Town. This isn’t a beach to lounge on, but you can’t miss the chance to visit because it’s home to a colony of adorable African penguins! 

Visiting the penguins at Boulders is an absolutely iconic Cape Town activity. The beach itself is really pretty and it’s covered in boardwalks so that you can watch the penguins waddling around without disturbing them.

Boulders Beach is 42 kilometres (13 miles) south of Central Cape Town, and it takes about 45 minutes to drive here if you miss the traffic. It’s easy to drive yourself if you’re renting a car, but if not you can book this top-rated half-day tour, which also includes a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak – another Cape Town must do!

There’s an entry fee for Boulders Beach. You’ll need to pay this on the day whether you drive yourself or take a tour. The prices are:

• R55 for South African citizens and residents
• R110 for SADC citizens
• R245 for international visitors

I’ve visited Boulders Beach a few times now, so I’ve got a full guide here to help your plan your visit!

11. Bloubergstrand Beach 

Bloubergstrand Beach, or Blouberg Beach for short, is a beautiful white-sand beach in the suburb of Bloubergstrand. 

Bloubergstrand is about 20 minutes north of Cape Town city centre, and its eponymous beach faces Table Mountain so you get amazing views. I definitely recommend staying here to catch the sunset!

You can’t rent deck chairs or umbrellas here, so you’ll need to bring your own beach gear. There’s a public car park 450 metres from the beach or you can try to find a side street. 

There’s an outdoor gym on Blouberg and it can get windy here, so it’s popular for kitesurfing. You also often see people flying kites here!

And if you get hungry (or thirsty) there are some nice restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a meal and a drink with a view. I like Bossa Woodbridge Island, although the service can be slow. 

12. Hout Bay

Hout Bay Beach is a wide, white-sand beach with calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming! Plus, you’ve got a beautiful view of Chapman’s Peak. Really, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful beach than this one. 

Hout Bay is a little out of town. It’s around 19 kilometres (11.8 miles) from the city centre. It takes about half an hour to get there from Sea Point, or 20 minutes from Camps Bay. It’s a pretty drive, though! 

One of my favourite things about Hout Bay is that it’s home to some great fish and chips. (What?! I’m a Brit, after all.) Fish on the Rocks serves the most delicious hake and chips, and they wrap it in newspaper, old school style! You also get beautiful views here as you enjoy your meal.

Tips for visiting the beaches in Cape Town 

Take sunscreen

The sun is strong in Cape Town. Sometimes you don’t feel it as much due to the wind, which can lead to a nasty sunburn. Pack your factor 50! 

Leave early – especially on weekends

During the peak of summer, the beaches get super busy in Cape Town. You definitely need to get there before 10 am if you want to get parking in Clifton or Camps Bay. 

It’s easier during the week, unless we’re talking about the festive season. From 15 December to 15 January, the beaches are rammed! The traffic going towards the beach can also be really bad during the festive season, so be wary of this. Leave early, and be patient!

Be careful with alcohol 

Public consumption of alcohol is illegal in South Africa, and the police often come round to inspect people’s cooler boxes. At best, they’ll confiscate the booze and at worst, they’ll fine you.

FAQs About Cape Town’s Beaches

Which beach in Cape Town has the warmest water?

I’d say Muizenberg has the warmest water. It sits on the northern shore of the False Bay Coast, which means it gets some of the warmth of the Indian Ocean. However, it doesn’t actually sit on the Indian Ocean, as hundreds of people pointed out to me on TikTok when I claimed that it did… It’s a common mistake! *Technically* it’s not the Indian Ocean until you reach Cape Agulhas.

Which Cape Town beach is best for swimming?

In my opinion, Clifton 4th Beach is the best for swimming. At least, it’s the place where I tend to get into the water most often. It’s the most shelterd of the four Clifton beaches so the waves aren’t as large. You do still need to take care, though, and always listen to the life guards!

What is the best beach for families?

I’d say Clifton, Llandudno, Camps Bay, and Bloubergstrand are probably the best beaches for families. They’re wide, sandy beaches with decent facilities, and they have lifeguards.

Which Cape Town beaches have penguins?

Boulders Beach is Cape Town’s famous penguin beach! I’ve got a full guide to visiting here.

Are Cape Town’s beaches free?

Most beaches in Cape Town are free to visit. The exceptions are Oudekraal Beach and Boulders Beach, which both have admission fees. These are set by SANParks, as the beaches are conservation areas.

Can you drink alcohol on Cape Town beaches?

No, public consumption of alcohol is banned in South Africa. That means you can’t drink on beaches, in parks, on the street… Basically, any public space that’s not a bar or restaurant. At the more popular beaches, like Clifton and Camps Bay, there are regular patrols. I’ve been caught with wine before and had it confiscated, and in some cases you may also receive a fine.

When is Cape Town beach season?

Of course, exact conditions change from year to year, but I tend to hit the beach a lot between October and March. That’s not to say you won’t have good beach days outside of those months, but that’s the general window.

Do Cape Town beaches have lifeguards?

Yes, most of the popular beaches, like Camps Bay and Clifton 4th, do have lifeguards. However, some of the smaller beaches, such as Beta and Bali Beach, don’t.

Is it safe to swim at Cape Town beaches?

Yes, mostly. However, the water can be pretty choppy so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not a confident swimmer. And to be honest, the water is so cold at most of the beaches that you can’t stay in for that long anyway!

For more on what to get up to in Cape Town, check out these guides:

• Stellenbosch Travel Guide: How to Visit South Africa’s Wine Capital
• 1 Day Road Trip in Cape Town: Ultimate Cape Peninsula Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Cape Town – A Local’s Guide!
• The Perfect 3-Day Cape Town Itinerary
• Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide: Everything First-Timers Need to Know!