🏖️Cape Town's Best Beaches

Clifton has four, soft sand beaches, however the best are 2 and 4. Being on the Atlantic side, the water is cold but water sports and swimming are still popular. If swimming is not for you, any number of the beach activities, sun-bathing, food and drink, people-watching, beach walks or available snacks is sure to hit the spot. Close to everything and with all manner of things to do, any one of the four beaches is sure to be a must-visit destination on most visitors' itineraries ● Parking: Limited, however there is a MyCiti bus stop ● Toilets: On 4th Beach ● Other notes: - Blue Flag Status - Long walks - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Picnics - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Views of the Twelve Apostles and Lion's Head ▶ Umbrellas and loungers can be rented

Surrounded by gorgeous towering mountains and a beach with a breathtaking sea view, it is easy to see why Camps Bay is one of the most popular locations in Cape Town. Take a stroll down the palm tree-lined, Miami-style promenade, have a coffee or cocktail at the cafés and bars, explore the rock pools or swim in the proper waves or safer tidal pool - there is plenty to do for everyone! ● Parking: Limited along the road. Paid parking at Promenade Mall. MyCiti bus stops available. ● Toilets: Available ● Other notes: - Blue Flag Status - Tidal Pool - Long walks - Sun-bathing - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Dogs partially allowed Extra Activities: ▶ Beach gym ▶ Gelato Mania (serves ice cream that also caters for diabetics and vegans)

Llandudno Beach, located on the Atlantic side - so beware of the chilly waters - is a picturesque and off-the-beaten-track stretch of white sand that offers stunning ocean views and beautiful sunsets all with a tranquil atmosphere. Surrounded by granite boulders and backed by steep cliffs, the beach is popular with surfers and sunbathers alike. There are no restaurants or shops on the beach itself, so come prepared - it’s an excellent place for a picnic. ● Parking: Small parking lot, however, there can be parking available on the residential streets - just be considerate. ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Blue Flag Status - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Dogs partially allowed - Picnics - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ A few hidden caves amid the Boulders that were once occupied by the Khoi-San

Away from Camps Bay are the boulder-strewn coves at Bakoven - the best of which is Beta. With little to no wave action, this beach is perfect for a quick dip in the cold Atlantic or if you’re braver, snorkeling. However, if warmer activities is more for you, the granite rocks are great for sun-bathing, family fun and picnics. The sunsets are a must with Lion’s head also offering up scenic photoshoot opportunities. ● Parking: Limited availability, however, there are two MyCiti bus stops at Bakoven and Barley Bay ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Rock Pools - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Snorkeling - Kayaking - Picnics - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Stand-up paddleboarding

Just south of Simon’s Town, this is one of the most famous beaches to visit in Cape Town because of it’s resident colony of endangered African penguins. Visitors can view these penguins up close from designated boardwalks and platforms, or can even swim alongside them in the calm, clear waters. The granite boulders both shelter the beach and create clear, shallow rock pools for the whole family to enjoy. The beach has basic amenities and a café, however has paid entrance and limited space so get there early! ● Opening Times: ▶ 7am - 7:30pm (December + January) ▶ 8am - 6:30pm (February + March) ▶ 8am - 5pm (April - November) ● Cost: SANParks rates ▶ South African Residents (SA ID required): - R44 per adult - R22 per child ▶ International Visitors: - R176 per adult - R88 per child ● Parking: Yes but can be busy ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Rock Pools - Swimming (Indian side - warmer) - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Penguin watching (please be respectful - they are still wild animals) ▶ Boulders Bites café ▶ Cape Point Nature Reserve

A large beach, calm waters and a wide range of available facilities, this is about as perfect to an all-round beach you can get. Popular with young and old alike, there are plenty of things to do in, on and around the beach. The area is home to a thriving coastal ecosystem ideal for snorkeling, diving and bird watching Take a long walk on the beach or a stroll along the beach promenade of Jagger’s Walk. with its shops and restaurants ● Parking: Open from 8am - 4:30pm there is lots available, however at a cost: - R10 - half day - R21 - full day ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Blue Flag Status - Rock Pools - Long walks - Swimming (Indian side - warmer) - Snorkeling - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Dogs allowed on the Clovelly side - Picnics - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Take advantage of the available seating along Jagger’s Walk to catch a beautiful sunset. ▶ Arrive early to catch the “golden-oldie” sunrise swimmers

Not too far from the City Centre and located inside Table Mountain National Park, Oudekraal is an idyllic and secluded beach. There are no shops nor restaurants, however, it is known as THE beach braai/barbeque spot so bring your own food and drinks. The unspoiled natural setting affords many snorkeling and diving opportunities should you wish to brave the cold to experience the abundance of marine life. ● Cost: SANParks rates ▶ South African Residents (SA ID required): - R38 per adult - R19 per child ▶ International Visitors: - R152 per adult - R76 per child ● Parking: Limited with areas available along Victoria Drive. MyCiti bus stop across from the beach entrance ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Snorkeling - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Picnics - Barbeque/Braai (35 spots with available seating and tables) Extra Activities: ▶ Advanced divers can explore a boulder cave site just offshore ▶ There is a kelp forest with an abundance of marine life ▶ Table Mountain National Park

A pristine beach of white sand that offers visitors picturesque views and unspoiled natural beauty. Well worth the entrance fee for a full day of fun. Take a trek (walk) through the reserve or hike along one of the nearby trails before having a picnic or braai (BBQ) on the beach. The beach is on the smaller side with calm, clear water excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Although sheltered, it is advisable to check the weather for potentially strong winds. Enjoy taking in the wildlife, however, be aware of baboons and please don’t feed them. ● Cost: Cape Point National Park rates (cashless) ▶ South African Residents (SA ID required): - R94 per adult - R47 per child ▶ International Visitors: - R376 per adult - R188 per child ● Parking: Yes ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Tidal Pool - Swimming (Indian side - warmer) - Snorkeling - Kite/Wind-surfing - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Picnics - Barbeque/Braai - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Table Mountain National Park / Cape of Good Hope / Cape Point Nature Reserve ▶ Occasionally visible wreck of the Tania ▶ Many Hiking trails are available around the Reserve

If Boulder’s is getting too crowded then Water’s Edge, hidden through a wooden gate at the end of a paved pathway[pictured] (running from Seaforth Beach parking lot and past the back of a restaurant) is something of a secret getaway. A near perfect beach offering fun for the whole family - stunning views, calm waters, white and fluffy sand, rock pools filled with marine life and lots of facilities nearby. With so much to offer and without the crowds, this hidden gem is well worth a visit ● Parking: Small lot on Seaforth Beach side can fill up quickly ● Toilets: Yes - at the parking lot ● Other notes: - Rock Pools - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Surfing - Kite/Wind-surfing - Snorkeling - Picnics - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Sometimes penguins can be spotted here too

Locally known as Muizies, with its colorful Victorian architecture, trendy cafes, and bustling street markets, the town is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Visitors can take a stroll down the historic Main Road, which is lined with art galleries, vintage shops, and local eateries, or explore the vibrant beachfront promenade, which offers stunning views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains. Famous for its rainbow-coloured beach huts, this beach has activities for young and old alike - anyone can find their “thing” here, what will be yours? ● Parking: plenty but the beach can get busy ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Blue Flag Status - Long walks - Swimming (Indian side - warmer) - Surfing - Kite/Wind-surfing - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Dogs partially allowed Extra Activities: ▶ Skateboarding on the boardwalk ▶ Muizenberg Water Slides ▶ Muizenberg Putt-Putt ▶ Surfing classes available with wetsuit and board hire ▶ Masque Theatre ▶ South African Naval Museum

Long Beach, located in the picturesque suburb of Noordhoek, is a stunning and unspoiled beach that stretches for over 8 km (5mi) along the Atlantic coast from Kommetjie to Noordhoek (each beautiful beaches in their own right). With its rolling sand dunes, rugged cliffs, and crashing waves, the beach offers breathtaking views and an unmatched sense of natural beauty. The beach is a favorite among surfers (despite the cold Atlantic) and hikers, who come to explore the nearby trails and take in the scenic vistas. With a decent spread of amenities this beach is a quiet place to get away from the hustle and bustle (due to this, please still keep alert and cautious). ● Parking: A small area is available, however, parking on residential streets is an option, please be considerate. ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Tidal Pool (Die Kom - it’s large) - Rock Pools - Long walks - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Surfing - Kite/Wind-surfing - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Dogs allowed - Picnics Extra Activities: ▶ Kakapo shipwreck The lighthouse

If you happen to be near Simon’s Town and looking for a “one-beach-fits-all” but with a tranquil vibe, then Glencarin is it. Surfers or bodyboarders head the head to the northern side to catch some great waves; there are sharks in these waters but there are lifeguards and sharkspotters on duty at all times. For a safer swimming option there is a tidal pool on the southern side and a variety of rock pools, which are ideal for exploring and observing marine life. Beachgoers can take a walk along the historic but newly renovated catwalk to take in the panoramic views of False Bay - sunset is a must! ● Parking: Plenty as a large area lining the beach is available ● Toilets: Yes ●Other notes: - Tidal Pool - Rock Pools - Long walks - Swimming (Indian side - warmer) - Surfing - Kite/Wind-surfing - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Dogs allowed - Picnics Extra Activities: ▶ Simon's Town Naval Museum ▶ Wetland around the Else River mouth ▶ Small reef bank on the northern end of the beach

Despite being on the popular Sea Point Promenade (5min from Pavilion Pools), this beach is a little off the beaten path. It’s secluded and sheltered from the wind so a more laidback approach to beach activities, sun-bathing, reading etc. are preferable here. For the kids, there is a gully and rock pools for safe swimming and adventuring. The beach is still close enough to everything, offers all the amenities that may be needed and it is highly recommended that you stay until late afternoon to catch the breathtaking sunsets either on the beach or at one of the many restaurants. ● Parking: A large parking lot with a MyCiti bus stop ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Rock Pools - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Picnics - Sun-bathing Extra Activities: ▶ Walks along the promenade

Need that perfect shot of Table Mountain? Blouberg has you covered. This massive beach also boasts the longest promenade in Cape Town with its variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are dozens of access points, however, the recommended easiest is down Pelegrini Street near a park that has wide steps with direct access. For families and kids, the area of Small Bay (Kleinbaai) has it all, jungle gyms, sand and grass as well as a braai (BBQ) area. Take a long walk along the beach to be enriched by the panoramic views and surrounding fauna and flora. ● Parking: Yes ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Long walks - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Surfing - Kite/Wind-surfing - Kayaking - Beach games (volleyball, frisbee, football etc.) - Picnics - Barbeque/Braai Extra Activities: ▶ Table Bay Nature Reserve

A little remote, this beach is a must if you want to get away from the crowds or if have your PADI license (or even if you don’t) make your way out here. The area is well catered for as far as amenities: braai and picnic area, changing rooms, caravan park, the Black Marlin restaurant (booking recommended), boat launching and a dive centre. Kayaking and diving in this rocky bay is a must for sea activities but if you’re more of a landlubber then perhaps the many trails that line the coast is more for you - just beware there are baboons in the area. A must visit beach if you feel like getting away from it all but not too far. ● Cost: SANParks rates ▶ South African Residents (SA ID required): - R38 per adult - R19 per child ▶ International Visitors: - R152 per adult - R76 per child ● Parking: Plenty space available ● Toilets: Yes ● Other notes: - Tidal Pool - Long walks - Swimming (Atlantic side - cold) - Snorkeling - Kayaking - Picnics - Barbeque/Braai Extra Activities: ▶ Dive centre offering scuba diving and snorkeling experiences ▶ Frank’s/Froggy Pond and Fisherman’s Beach are also some must-visit beaches nearby