THE TOP 5 BEACHES IN CAPE TOWN
It’s time to get your Whim Hoff on and get those toes dipped into the Atlantic! Cape Town’s beaches will take your breath away (literally) with those larger than life granite boulders, crisp blue skies, misty ocean air, and that impressive roaring ocean. Yes, the water is so cold you might lose a foot, but after you learn a few Jedi mind tricks and take your first frozen plunge, you will become hooked just like the locals.
Beaches in Cape Town are unique, dazzling and picturesque. These beaches offer a completely different vibe from what you normally get in Europe or Mexico. In Europe, you can expect loud beach clubs, packed stretches of sunbeds, huge crowds, and competing music. The beach scene in Cape Town is quiet, exotic, clean, pristine, and all about the nature. No loud music, no restaurants, almost never “too crowded,” and impeccably beautiful.
Here are my top 5 beaches in Cape Town that will suit a variety of beach days from scenic, to remote to vibey (and of course the one ultimate tourist destination that you MUST visit). This list is in no particular order:
#1: Clifton 2nd, Atlantic Seaboard
This is the most “happening” beach in all of Cape Town! Buzzing with locals, expats, and cool internationals, it’s definitely the “sexiest” beach on the list. Clifton 2nd is super easy to access by car or Uber, especially if you are staying anywhere on the Atlantic Seaboard. This beach is almost always vibing with impossible to miss sunsets and the occasional fire dancing show. It’s a summer staple, a local hangout and a social scene. Clifton 2nd is just one of the four Clifton beaches that all sit in a line, side by side. Each of the Clifton Beaches (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th) offer a totally different vibe. Second beach is probably the most “famous.”
Vibe: social and buzzing
Scenery: Vast open ocean, large granite boulders, beautiful views of Lions Head and cliff side homes
Sand: white, pure, powdery, soft
Waters: Swim at your own risk, but marvel at the hues of blue that look just like the mediterranean. Wavey, roaring a bit dangerous but glorious.
Restaurants: None available. Pack a picnic.
Sunbeds+Umbrellas: Available for a fee
Some quick advice: Get ready to hike up and down a serious amount of steps. Since this beach sits at the bottom of a steep cliff, you must climb all the way down and up. Parking can be difficult. Better to take an Uber. Bring cash so you can buy a nice “lolly” to make you “jolly.” You’ll soon know what I mean. No…not drugs. It’s a god damn popsicle, for fuck sakes.
#2: Bakoven Beach, Bakoven
A tiny beach with a humongous view, Bakoven beach is a gem! You’ll need some good shoes as the beach is made up of tiny pebbles and sharp seashells, but that’s what gives it its charm. The waters are more calm here as the beach sits inside a tiny bay, creating a calm, natural swimming pool. This beach is very similar looking to the one seen in “My Octopus Teacher.” Now, let’s talk about the best part: The view of the 12 apostles just behind you! It’s a truly African scene that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.
Vibe: Chill, locals, calm, sun lizards
Scenery: The stunning 12 apostles, African orange sunsets, large granite boulders
Sand: rocky, pebbles, seashells, ouch!
Waters: Freezing AF! Flat, calm, great for quick dips.
Restaurants: None. Bring your own food and water.
Sunbeds+Umbrellas: None, bring your own.
Some quick advice: Rather than laying on the tiny pebble beach, find a nice spot on one of the granite rocks perched above where you can get a 360 view of the bay and the mountains behind you. Bring a wet suit so you can swim! Expect to see lots of seaweed which gives the waters that unique eco system.
#3: Llandudno Beach, Atlantic Seaboard
My favorite! This beach gives me chills! It’s actually one of the first beaches I explored on my first ever trip to Cape Town in 2018 and the beach that made me realize I am very, very far away. Llandudno exudes exotic, alien features that make you appreciate mother nature and her artistry. This is a surfers beach, indeed, but also enjoyed buy sun lizards like myself. It’s further away than some of the others but the drive to Llandudno is also epic and beautiful.
Vibe: Surfers, locals, tourists, expats
Scenery: Granite boulders dispersed an in interplanetary fashion, long stretches of sand, huge open ocean
Sand: soft, powdery, a little more brown than Clifton 2nd
Waters: Great for surfing (and drowning if you are me)
Restaurants: None. Bring your own food and water
Sunbeds+Umbrellas: Available for a fee.
Some quick advice: Check the winds before you go! This beach is most enjoyed on a flat, summer’s day and can quickly become your worst nightmare if the winds pick up. I recommend buying a wetsuit if you really want to swim, or just become a penguin. This beach is great for large picnic gatherings, paddle ball, volley ball or football too.
#4: Noordhoek Beach, Noordhoek
This is an impossibly beautiful beach with glowing white sands and cascading blue waters that rival the Caribbean. Take a scenic drive down Chapmans Peak to get here and get ready for a view you’ll never forget. This may not be the best beach to hang out at for long hours of the day since it’s rather remote and not that safe, but more of a picturesque experience and a must see from above. It’s the perfect beach for taking stunning photos and is along a very fun coastal drive that takes you into other charming towns.
Vibe: Remote, wild, scenic
Scenery: Long stretches of super bright, white sand, turquoise blue waters, charming houses lining the area, cliff side view points, winding roads
Sand: Soft, white, powdery
Waters: Wavey, stunning blue, maybe not so safe for swimming
Restaurants: Non on the beach but plenty in the area in towns nearby.
Sunbeds+Umbrellas: None. Super remote.
Some quick advice: I don’t necessarily recommend hanging out at this beach as there aren’t enough people around to make it safe. However, it is still a must see as a part of your Cape Town tour. It can be very windy in this area which doesn’t make for a pleasant beach day. It really is best enjoyed from above.
#5: Boulders Beach, Simons Town
I don’t care that this beach is a tourist trap, I love these penguins and I want to take one home! I met a South African couple in Greece who told me that Cape Town has a beach where penguins live, all year round. That’s pretty much the reason I booked my flight one week later. Boulder beach in Simons Town is considered a “Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area.” That is why it is always cleaned and looked after! The African Penguins that live here reside all year round and are very much a part of the South African heritage. This beach is the perfect day for families, animal lovers, nature lovers, and environmental enthusiasts. Sorry, but unfortunately, you cannot take a penguin home. I tried and almost got thrown in jail. You can, however, buy a stuffie.
Vibe: Buzzing, fun, active, energetic
Scenery: PENGUINS! Who cares about anything else?
Sand: Great for tanning and picnics
Waters: Flat, no waves! Calm and perfect for swimming, if you can hack the freezing cold temps and a bit of penguin poop.
Restaurants: There are plenty of delicious options nearby since this is a major tourist destination.
Sunbeds+Umbrellas: None.
Some quick advice: You must pay an entrance fee to see the penguins. Try to go on a weekday to avoid busy crowds. Do not try to feed the penguins or interact with them as there are animal officials on watch who really care for their wellbeing. Respect the nature and it’s surroundings!
