South Africa Beaches

South Africa, located at the southernmost point of the African continent, boasts some of the finest beaches globally. From the urban beaches of Cape Town and Durban to the untamed expanses of the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, and the breathtaking shores extending through the Northern Cape towards Namibia. South Africa has beaches that cater to both couples seeking private honeymoon resorts and families in search of adventurous experiences.

Best Beaches in Cape Town

Cape Town boasts some of the finest beaches in the nation, if not globally. Certain locations, like Bloubergstrand, boast the stunning background of Table Mountain, while others feature unique wildlife populations, exemplified by the penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. Some are renowned for surfing, while others are celebrated for their breathtaking sunsets. Regardless of your beach preferences, Cape Town has a suitable option.

The majority of Cape Town’s beaches are situated along the Atlantic Seaboard, resulting in significantly chilly water. Interestingly, the Western Cape coastline, home to Cape Town, is divided by two distinct oceans. The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west, while the Indian Ocean is situated to the east. The meeting location is Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of the continent, and it is highly recommended for a day excursion from Cape Town.

One of my preferred aspects of Cape Town is that tourists can access stunning beaches within few minutes from the city centre.

1. Clifton

Clifton is among the most central beaches in Cape Town. The beach is divided into four sections: Clifton 1st, Clifton 2nd, Clifton 3rd, and Clifton 4th. This exquisite collection of beaches features pristine white sand, the impressive background of Lion’s Head, and a vibrant assembly of sun-kissed inhabitants.

However, use caution; despite the water’s aesthetic appeal, it is frigid!

Clifton 4th is the premier beach for families, as the waves are the most tranquil.

This region is among the priciest locations to reside in the nation, and the residences situated behind the beach are rather remarkable. Parking can be challenging on weekends or holidays; thus, I advise arriving early. However, on typical weekdays, there should be sufficient availability of places. Alternatively, park at Camps Bay and traverse the clifftop to Clifton if you are not encumbered by excessive belongings.

The distance from Cape Town city centre is 7 km, which takes 10 to 15 minutes by cab, or a leisurely stroll of 6.5 km from the V&A to Green Point and along Sea Point, approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Best hotels in Clifton:

• Clifton YOLO Spaces – The Beach House
• Clifton 75
• 21 Nettleton
• Cape View Clifton
• Ellerman House

2. Camps Bay

This beach is wonderful. Camps Bay, flanked by the magnificent 12 Apostles mountain range and Lions Head at one end, is undoubtedly among the finest beaches in South Africa for scenic vistas. The Camps Bay area is one of the most desirable locations to visit in Cape Town. Camps Bay is undeniably appealing, whether one is savouring sundowner cocktails at a beach bar, relishing a gourmet lunch or engaging in an early morning run.

It is important to mention that this beach can be somewhat windy, and acquiring a sun lounger or umbrella may be somewhat inconvenient. My preferred times to visit Camps Bay are at sunrise, when it is less crowded, or at sunset.

Best hotels in Camps Bay:

• POD Camps Bay
• The Bay Hotel
• Atlanticview Cape Town Hotel
• The Marly
• Azamare Guesthouse

4. Llandudno

This exquisite beach is among South Africa’s most affluent residential areas, featuring numerous expansive luxury mansions situated on the hillside. Days at Llandudno can be effortlessly devoted to the extensive sandy beach, offering ample space for volleyball, rugby, and frisbee activities. The beach is also pet-friendly, and numerous locals may be seen with their dogs.

Llandudno is recognised as one of the premier surfing locations in Cape Town, and it also offers spectacular sunsets over the horizon.

Parking is somewhat more challenging in this area due to the absence of a substantial parking lot and the steepness of the roadways. Consequently, vehicles must locate parking along the confined residential thoroughfares.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 28 km (about a 35-minute trip)

Best hotels near Llandudno:

• 26 Sunset Villa
• Villa Mirage
• Copacabana

5. Bloubergstrand

This was the inaugural beach I explored in South Africa, and it astounded me. This extensive expanse of fine white sand is complemented by the enchanting vista of Table Mountain, set against vibrant turquoise waters.

The beach appears pristine and devoid of tourists; nonetheless, adjacent to the primary area are several condominium complexes, family-oriented hotels, a shopping mall, and various small shops and cafes. It is a renowned location for kitesurfing, which is consistently thrilling to observe.

Ample parking is available just behind the beach.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 18km (approx a 25 minute drive)

Best places to stay in Bloubergstrand:

• Gull on the Beach
• Blaauwberg Beach Hotel
• SALT Boutique Guesthouse

6. Boulder’s Beach

Boulder’s Beach is the location in Cape Town where one may observe penguins. Boulder’s Beach, situated along the picturesque Cape Peninsula road, is an essential destination for a day trip from Cape Town. The beaches are not only picturesque and peaceful, but one can also approach the penguins closely. The water here is somewhat warmer than at other beaches in Cape Town due to its sheltered location and the presence of huge boulders. An admission fee is required to access Boulder’s Beach, as it is a designated SANPark, but it is certainly worthwhile.

Make sure to check out my detailed guide to visiting Boulder’s Beach here.

Parking is really easy, with designated car parks at the entrance.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 46km (approx a 50 minute drive)

Hotels near Boulder’s Beach:

• Tintswalo at Boulders
• Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse
• Residence William French

7. Muizenberg

This is one of South Africa’s most emblematic beaches and a mandatory destination in Cape Town. The vibrant beach houses that adorn the shoreline in Muizenberg are featured on numerous Instagram feeds. These are complimentary changing rooms available for usage.

Muizenberg is renowned for its exceptional surfing and stunning vistas of False Bay, which encompasses the charming towns of Simon’s Town and Kalk Bay. Favoured by surfers, particularly on weekends, it is also a preferred destination for local families seeking to enjoy extended periods in the saline atmosphere.

Like most of the beaches away from Cape Town’s CBD, parking is plentiful in a designated car park.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 26km (approx a 25 minute drive)

There aren’t many places to stay directly by Muizenberg beach, but one suggestion is nearby at St James Guesthouse.

8. Hout Bay

Hout Bay, a picturesque and vibrant coastal community, is favoured by both inhabitants and tourists.

Hout Bay features a bustling marina, numerous art galleries, restaurants, bars, and an expansive, pristine white sand beach. The surfing conditions here are exceptional, although one will frequently observe numerous locals walking their dogs as well.

From Hout Bay, one can go on a boat excursion to Duiker Island, which hosts a colony of Cape Fur seals. If you are feeling particularly daring, you may also snorkel with the seals here. Reserve your seal snorkelling experience here.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 20 km (about a 25-minute trip)

Places to stay near Hout Bay:

• Villa Afrique
• Hout Bay Manor

9. Strand

This broad, extensive beach rarely appears in the rankings of the finest beaches in South Africa. Strand Beach, situated near Cape Town, adjacent to False Bay and the Somerset Mall, was particularly appealing to me. The water was undoubtedly the warmest of the beaches I visited in the Western Cape.

The beach is bustling, featuring an extensive coastal promenade just next. Despite the distant Hottentots Holland mountain range, it is not as picturesque as other beaches, such as Bloubergstrand. Strand is an excellent beach for a day’s enjoyment, featuring ample opportunities for people-watching and tranquil, shallow seas for cooling off.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 47 km (about a 40-minute trip)

Hotels in Strand:

• Strand Beach Lodge
• La Belle Vue

10. Kommetjie

This magnificent wide bay is an exquisite beach and merits a drive for a day excursion. Despite being a small community, Kommetjie is renowned for its exceptional surfing and relaxed ambiance. Numerous exquisite, spacious residences exist here, favoured by many urban professionals for commuting purposes.

Kommetjie beach features a tranquil 5km expanse of fine, white sand throughout the year. This beach, popular among surfers and families who frequently gather near the safeguarded tidal pool, is undoubtedly worth a visit.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 41 km (about a 40-minute trip)

Accommodation options in this vicinity are limited; nonetheless, The Last Word Long Beach is among the premier hotels on Kommetjie Beach.

Best Beaches in the Western Cape

1. Paternoster
Paternoster, a stunning beach, was among the initial coastal destinations I explored in South Africa, thus I was indulged from the outset. Paternoster, with its pristine white sand and shimmering blue waters, constitutes an ideal day excursion from Cape Town.

Visitors to Paternoster can enjoy extended days basking in the sun, followed by a visit to the renowned Die Strandloper outdoor seafood restaurant. This is an unparalleled rustic eating experience that requires prior reservation. The journey to Paternoster can be exhilarating, with potential glimpses of giraffes, ostriches, and other wildlife in the farms and game reserves adjacent to the highway.

Distance from Cape Town city centre: 160km (approx a 1hr45 minute drive)

There are some seriously amazing places to stay in Paternoster, here are some of the best:

• Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
• Abalone House & Pool Villas
• Paternoster Manor
• The Oystercatchers Haven

2. Kraalbaai, West Coast National Park

This beach is situated in the West Coast National Park and is, in fact, a picturesque lagoon. A little entry charge is required to access the park; however, once admitted, visitors can partake in the beach, hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and kayaking. The absence of waves, as it is not the sea, renders this an optimal location for relaxation and rejuvenation; additionally, the water temperature surpasses that of the Atlantic Ocean.

The best place to stay near Kraalbaai is in Langebaan – here are some great accommodation suggestions for the area:

• Kraalbaai Luxury House Boats
• The Farmhouse Hotel
• Windtown Lagoon Hotel