Top 15 Cape Town Beaches for Sun-Kissed Adventures
Cape Town, South Africa’s coastal gem, is a city where natural beauty meets cultural richness. Known for Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the vibrant V&A Waterfront, it’s also a dream destination for beach lovers seeking sunshine and ocean views.
Are There Beaches in Cape Town?
Yes! Cape Town boasts an exceptional coastline shaped by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the warmer waters of False Bay to the east. With dramatic backdrops, golden sands, and turquoise waters, it’s a city where the beaches are as iconic as the mountain. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures around 27°C, and sea temperatures ranging from 14°C on the Atlantic side to 20°C on False Bay.
Cape Town is home to over 30 beaches, many of which are Blue Flag certified for cleanliness and safety. The majority are free to access, offer facilities like lifeguards, showers, and restrooms, and provide safe conditions for swimming, surfing, or just lounging. From trendy spots to family favorites and hidden coves, Cape Town beaches cover every vibe.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 15 beaches near Cape Town, including those closest to the city and some scenic gems just a short drive away. At the end, Qeepl’s experts will reveal the top 3 picks based on accessibility, safety, and overall experience.
And don’t worry about dragging your luggage around—Qeepl offers convenient luggage storage in Cape Town so you can travel light and hit the sand stress-free.
1. Clifton 4th Beach
Clifton 4th Beach is the closest beach to Cape Town that offers a well-rounded, upscale experience. Nestled in an exclusive residential area just minutes from the city center, this beach is known for its powdery white sand and sheltered bay that protects against the Cape’s strong winds.
It’s a hotspot for sunbathers and socialites, with calm waters ideal for cooling dips. There are no restaurants directly on the beach, but many options lie just up the hill. Lifeguards are on duty in peak seasons, and the scenery—granite boulders, turquoise water, and luxury homes—is unbeatable.
2. Camps Bay Beach
Camps Bay Beach sits just south of Clifton and is backed by the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountain range. Its broad, sandy stretch is a magnet for both locals and tourists. The vibe is energetic, and the palm-lined promenade offers some of the best beachfront restaurants and cocktail bars in town.
The water is chilly but refreshing, and the beach is equipped with lifeguards, restrooms, and sunbeds. It’s ideal for groups, families, and anyone looking for a beach day with both nature and nightlife within walking distance.
3. Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach, on the False Bay coast about 25 km from the city, is famous for its colorful Victorian beach huts and its long, gentle waves—perfect for beginner surfers. It’s one of the warmest swimming beaches in the area thanks to its bay location.
Families love it for its friendly surf schools, safe swimming zones, and relaxed boardwalk filled with cafés and shops. It’s a local favorite and one of the most photographed beaches near Cape Town.
4. Boulders Beach
Located in Simon’s Town, about 40 km from the city center, Boulders Beach is unlike any other—it’s home to a thriving colony of endangered African penguins. The sheltered beach has soft sand and calm waters, ideal for children.
There’s a small entrance fee as it’s part of Table Mountain National Park, and viewing platforms allow visitors to watch the penguins respectfully. It’s a unique family-friendly beach that blends wildlife with seaside serenity.
5. Llandudno Beach
Llandudno Beach, about 20 minutes from the city, is tucked between massive boulders and rugged cliffs, offering one of the most scenic Cape Town beach experiences. There are no shops, cafés, or lifeguards, so it’s all about the sand, sea, and silence.
The waves are popular with surfers, but swimmers should be cautious due to strong currents. Bring your own snacks and relax in one of the most picturesque natural settings along the coast.
6. Bloubergstrand Beach
About 15 km north of the city, Bloubergstrand offers uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and is a favorite among kite surfers and photographers. The winds here are strong, but the wide beach provides plenty of space for walking, picnicking, or watching the sunset.
There are plenty of restaurants and cafés nearby, and it’s generally safe for families, with lifeguards during busy periods. It’s a great place to get those postcard-perfect shots of Cape Town.
7. Noordhoek Beach
Noordhoek Beach is a five-kilometer stretch of sand on the southern Atlantic coast, about 35 minutes from the city. Its raw, natural beauty makes it a popular spot for long walks, horseback riding, and dog walking.
It’s not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, but it’s perfect for solitude and scenic views. There’s a small parking area and a few cafés in the nearby village. Nature lovers will feel at home here.
8. Fish Hoek Beach
Fish Hoek Beach lies on the False Bay coast and is one of the best swimming beaches near the city. Its warm waters, lifeguards, and low waves make it ideal for kids and families.
There’s a great beachfront play area, a lovely promenade, and multiple places to eat nearby. If you’re looking for a safe and calm beach in Cape Town, this is a reliable go-to.
9. Glencairn Beach
Just south of Fish Hoek, Glencairn Beach is a quieter option with tidal pools, natural beauty, and fewer crowds. It’s ideal for snorkeling, paddling, and picnicking, with views across the bay.
There’s a train station close by, a few local eateries, and it tends to attract families and older visitors seeking peaceful downtime by the sea.
10. Strand Beach
Strand Beach is about 50 km from Cape Town, but its long sandy shoreline and warm False Bay waters make it worth the trip. It’s especially popular with locals and families who spend full days here.
The beachfront is well-developed with cafés, playgrounds, and lifeguards, making it an easy and relaxed place to spend time. The sea is calm and clean, perfect for kids and casual swimmers.
11. Beta Beach
Beta Beach in Bakoven is a small, hidden gem just around the corner from Camps Bay. With large boulders creating calm coves, it’s perfect for a more private beach day.
It’s quieter than nearby Clifton or Camps Bay and attracts couples or solo visitors seeking a break from the buzz. There are no services, so bring your own picnic and enjoy the seclusion.
12. Dalebrook Tidal Pool
Located in Kalk Bay, Dalebrook isn’t a traditional beach but one of the best tidal pools in the area. With clean, safe water and easy access, it’s a top choice for a morning dip.
There’s a great café across the street and a lovely boardwalk leading to Kalk Bay’s harbor—making this a cozy and charming place to cool off on a sunny day.
13. Bakoven Beach
Bakoven Beach, tucked between Beta Beach and Camps Bay, is a compact and rocky cove with beautiful sunset views. It’s popular with photographers and those looking for a more intimate, scenic setting.
This beach is less for swimming and more for relaxing, picnicking, and watching the ocean. There’s little infrastructure, which adds to its charm and tranquility.
14. Maclear Beach
Found within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Maclear Beach is remote and wild. There are no amenities, and it takes a short hike to reach, but those who make the effort are rewarded with dramatic landscapes and solitude.
Swimming isn’t recommended due to strong currents, but it’s a great place for exploration, photography, and being surrounded by untouched nature.
15. Scarborough Beach
About 50 minutes from Cape Town, Scarborough Beach is a laid-back haven on the Atlantic side. It’s a designated conservation village, so nature takes center stage here.
The surf is good, and the beach is wide and quiet—perfect for long walks and catching waves. There are a couple of small cafés, and the whole area radiates peaceful, rustic charm.
Best Beaches in Cape Town
Qeepl’s experts selected their top 3 Cape Town beaches based on accessibility, safety, scenery, and activities available year-round. These picks offer the best overall experience for different types of travelers.
- Clifton 4th Beach is the best for those seeking a classic and stylish beach day. Sheltered from the wind, with calm waters and iconic white sands, it’s ideal for sunbathing and socializing in one of Cape Town’s most prestigious spots.
- Camps Bay Beach earns the top spot for its stunning setting, accessibility, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s close to the city center, family-friendly, and packed with options—from beach games to elegant dining just steps away.
- Muizenberg Beach makes the list thanks to its surf-friendly waves, colorful beach huts, and welcoming vibe. It’s the best place to learn surfing or simply enjoy a fun, casual day out by the warmer waters of False Bay.