Don’t miss out on visiting these top 10 beaches when you visit Cape Town!
The beaches of Cape Town each have their own distinct personality. Whether you’re interested in sunbathing with African Penguins, exploring the marine life in rock tidal pools, or enjoying the pristine white sandy shores lined with palm trees, the beaches of Cape Town offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Blouberg Beach
Blouberg Beach is one Cape Town’s prettiest beaches. It attracts kite surfers and wind surfers from all over the world. The striking backdrop of Table Mountain and unspoiled turquois waters make for a picturesque setting for those wishing to test their luck at harnessing the epic winds of the cape.
Dave and I were lucky enough to visit during the Red Bull Kite Surfing Competition. During the competition, one surfer broke the world record for highest tow-up kite jump, soaring 277 meters (909 ft) in the air before landing safely back in the water.
Where to Eat in Blouberg Beach, Cape Town
During your visit to Blouberg, make sure to stop in and have lunch or dinner at Jerry’s Burger Bar. It’s the best food in Blouberg!
Blouberg Nightlife
If you are looking to dance the night away, check out the Boardhouse. There is music most nights and the crowd is definitely lively.
Camps Bay
Its white sand beaches, palm tree lined shops, and mountain backdrop make Camps Bay a must visit location in Cape Town. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, you’ll also be impressed by the vibrant night life and tons of shopping and restaurants.
Where to Eat
While you’re in Camps Bay, grab lunch at one of the many outdoor restaurants that line the beach. If you’re looking for a place to grab drinks before dinner, I recommend ordering a pitcher of sangria at Chinchilla. With its gorgeous views and delicious cocktails, it’s one of our favorite open-air rooftop bars in Cape Town.
Boulder Beach
Boulder Beach is one of the most unique beaches that I’ve ever encountered. Have you ever wanted to sunbathe with penguins? Located on the east coast of the Cape Peninsula, Boulder Beach is most famous for its protected colony of African penguins. During your visit, you can actually sunbathe right next to the penguins. Just be careful not to try to pet them. The penguins at Boulder are wild and will bite if provoked. It’s also a great place to swim thanks to the giant granite boulders that protect its waters from the wind and large waves. You might just be lucky enough to have a penguin swim right up next to you!
Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach has gained a reputation as one of the best places in the world to learn how to surf due to the small waves that break on the shore. On the day that we visited, there were a ton of surfers riding the waves.
In addition to watching the surfers, take some time to walk around town to see all of the cool street art as well as the iconic multi-color changing huts that make for a great photo opp!
Where to Eat in Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg has a great variety of bars and restaurants. Make sure to stop at the Striped Horse to have lunch. They have fantastic grilled calamari and the tacos are delicious!
Hout Bay
The breathtaking views of Table Mountain make Hout Bay a can’t miss stop on your beach tour of Cape Town. The water in the bay is calm and great for swimming. The Mariner’s Wharf also offers a lot of great dining and shopping options.
Where to Eat
Make sure to stop in and have a bite to eat or a drink at Dunes Beach Restaurant and Bar. If you have children, they’ll love the outdoor beach themed playground.
Kalk Bay
Kalk Bay was named one of the 12 Coolest Cities Around the World by Forbes Magazine in July 2018. It’s full of small cafes, vintage shops, tidal pools, and art.
Have Drinks at Brass Bell Bikini Bar
Brass Bell Bikini Bar offers great drink specials and the best tidal pool in Kalk Bay. Although there are other free tidal pools in Kalk Bay, the tidal pool at Brass Bell is much nicer. While you’re having lunch at the Brass Bell, you can sip a cocktail while enjoying the waves crashing against the tidal pool walls, making it a magical experience!
St. James Beach
This Beach is the perfect stop on your drive down to Kalk Bay and Boulder Beach. The tidal pool and colorful Victorian style changing huts make St. James the perfect backdrop for pictures. On a hot day, stop to cool off in the tidal pool and hang out with locals on the beach.
Queens Beach
Queens Beach is one of the more secluded beaches of Cape Town. You will find natural tidal pools that are filled with fascinating sea life along with a really cool lighthouse that offers the opportunity for some great photos.
Clifton Beach
This beach is actually a set of four beaches (1st – 4th) located about ten minutes from the city of Cape Town. Whomever named the Clifton beaches, didn’t show a lot of imagination, but the beaches themselves are far from dull. You’ll find that many of the rich and famous sail their yachts to the beaches of Clifton during their holiday
- 1st Beach is surrounded by luxury apartments and caters to locals.
- 2nd Beach caters to both locals and tourists, but also has a large gay population.
- 3rd Beach is the liveliest of the four beaches, offering more of a party scene.
- 4th Beach is the most family-friendly choice of the four beaches.
Strand Beach
The endless white sand and soft rolling waves of Strand Beach make it the perfect backdrop for a romantic stroll with your significant other. On your walk, you will encounter abundant sea life in the natural tidal pools as well as surfers trying to catch their first wave. Strand Beach also offers an array of bars, restaurants, and shops as well as an entertainment area with a miniature golf course, swimming pool, and water slide.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Cape Town, hopefully this post will convince you to add this unique and vibrant country to your Wander List! It’s not only incredibly beautiful, but also extremely affordable.
I am currently in the process of writing additional posts to help you plan your perfect Cape Town getaway! Make sure to check back!
