Beaches or mountains? This might be a tricky question for all of us. Imagine a place where you can find both. We are going to help you find your dreamland. Cape town is inarguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The giant mountains meet the ending oceans here. Being a peninsula, cape town is surrounded by incredible beaches and a glittering coastline. The city has a total of 72 beaches extending 307km. The beaches in Cape Town can satisfy all your preferences with their diverse nature. You will find less crowded beaches, tidal pools, beaches with cold and warm water, and much more. Cape Town is also home to blue flag beaches committed to meeting cleanliness, environmental awareness standards, and safety concerns. Following are the 20 best beaches in Cape Town that you can’t miss in 2023. With its exotic beaches, Cape Town welcomes you for a vacation.
Please note: The Atlantic coastline water is always cold because they are coming straight from Antarctica. Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches are examples of this. You will be able to find slightly warmer water in False Bay.
20 Best Beaches In Cape Town in 2023
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Get ready to swim with penguins in Capetown. With the slightly warmer water, Boulder’s gives you the perfect platform to swim. This beach is home to endangered African penguins and is located in the south of Cape Town, close to the charming community of Simon’s Town on the way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The place is suitable for people like family, friends, or couples. The best time to visit boulders is in summer.
Distance from Cape Town – 40 km or an hour
Entry fee – R 76 per day, and children pay R 41 per day.
Activities – Penguin watching, swimming, sunbath, picnics
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet Facilities -Yes
Places to eat nearby – There are plenty of options. Some are Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curio, Seaforth Restaurant, Cafe Penguino, and Restaurants near The Lighthouse Cafe.
Pet Friendly – No
Tip from us – Come early for a private experience and a good parking space. It is a tiny beach, and the tide can make it even smaller.
Camp’s Bay Beach
If your preference is a beach that gives a unique experience, then camp’s bay beach is yours. It has stunning white sand beaches and a setting between the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the turquoise Atlantic. But returning to the beach, it has plenty of space, approximately 2-kilometer-long rock pools to explore by you. This is one of the closest beaches to Cape town. These are suitable waves for bodysurfing. In the nearby locality, you will find Cape Town’s one of the fanciest cafes and restaurants. The best time to visit the camp’s bay beach is January in the summer. Most of the visitors include young adults and families.
Distance – 8 km taking 20 minutes
Entry fee -Free
Activities – Sunbath, clubbing, surfing, tidal pool, playing volleyball.
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Some of the options are Primi camps bay, ocean blue, and leopard bar.
Pet Friendly – Yes
Tip from us – It is a blue-flag beach, so be careful to follow the rules.
Noordhoek Beach
Are you a person who prefers less crowded places than primarily occupied beaches? If so, Noordhoek beach catches your mind with its cold waters. It is between Chapman’s Peak on the north and Slangkop Lighthouse on the south. The best time to visit Noordhoek beach is summer. The beach will be perfect for families considering its children-friendly environment. Noordhoek is the most unspoiled and well-maintained Beach in Cape town.
Distance from cape town – 40 km or
Entry fee – Free
Activities – Horse riding, surfing, kite flying, jogging
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Many places are available. Some of them are the green mountain trail, Silverline natural reserve, and Chapman’s peak drive.
Pet Friendly – Yes
Tip from us – Please be careful with the waters because of their cold nature.
Llandudno
Llandudno beach is one of the closest beaches to Cape Town. The elegance of Llandudno beach reaches its top at night. You will see a stunning combination of sand and sea. After getting tired by exploring beaches, you can catch hidden caves and rugged surfaces near Llandudno. The beach is awarded the blue flag status. Most of the visitors to Llandudno include families, groups of friends, and couples. The best time to visit this place is in February. The site is a local favorite.
Distance from cape town – 16 km or half an hour
Entry fee – Free
Activities – Surfing, swimming, bodyboarding, picnics, picture-friendly spots.
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby Places to eat – Some of them are Dunes Beach Restaurant & Bar, Massimo’s, Deus Cafe, and Quentin at Oakhurst.
Pet Friendly – Yes
Tip from us – You may need help searching nearby restaurants; you better pack your snacks.
Clifton beaches ( One to Four )
Clifton’s beaches are popular with locals and visitors alike and are undoubtedly some of the greatest in the nation. They are located in one of Cape Town’s most exclusive and wealthy districts. Clifton beaches are made of four gorgeous white-sand beaches and the Twelve Apostles, a group of polished granite boulders. The place is a personal favorite of locals, tourists, and youngsters. Each beach has a unique atmosphere and is named by the order in which they are met when traveling from Cape Town. If you want some peace, go to First Beach. The second beach attracts a younger crowd. The third beach is for everyone, and families catch their eye on the fourth beach. The best time to visit Clifton beaches is from October to April.
Distance from Capetown – 8 km or 20 minutes
Entry fee – Free
Activities – sunbathing, picnics, people watching
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Some famous places near Clifton are tigers milk, cafe caprice, the bungalow, etc.
Pet Friendly – Allows in Clifton first.
Tip from us: Clifton’s beaches will be a fabulous place to have a romantic date or dinner. And the fourth beach is a blue flag one.
Beta Beach at Bakoven
With the view of a lion’s head, Beta Beach will offer you a fantastic photo-taking destination. This beauty is just one kilometer from the camp’s Bay with fewer waves. Beta beaches are a series of beaches with tiny coves and beaches with white sand and blue water. This is a family spot. The best time to visit Beta Beach at bake Ovens is summer, that is, in December, January, and February.
Distance from cape town – 9 km or 20 minutes
Entry fee – Free
Activities – Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing, stand-up paddleboarding, and shallow dips.
Parking facilities -Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – The hussar grill camps bay, cod father seafood, sushi, etc
Pet Friendly – No
Tip – Make sure you are visiting the beach on a low tide day; if you are going on a high tide day, there is a chance of the beach being small.
Muizenberg
Muizenberg answers the question of which is the best surfing beach in cape town. It is located on the False Bay shoreline, where the Cape Peninsula’s eastern side swings around. This is the warmest Beach in Cape town. The seashore of Muizenberg beach is decorated with colored huts—these huts, known as bathing boxes, date back to the Victorian era. Gentle and warm waves are a peculiarity of this blue-flagged beach. The best time to visit Muizenberg beach is summer, especially in January. Surfers, family, and young adults are the most visited.
Distance – 27 km or half an hour
Entry fee – Free
Activities – surfing, kite flying, swimming, beach sports, surfing, and land sailing
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Ocean Basket Muizenberg, The commons, and Tiger’s Milk are some places nearby.
Pet friendly – Leashed Dogs are allowed.
Tip for you – Try to get there early to find a parking place.
Mouille Point Beach
The Mouille Point beach, also known as Granger bay beach, offers you the best view of Robben island. The Mouille Point beach is located between the campus bay and the city center. This is your place if you plan to go with your family, especially with kids. Kids will love the rocky tidal pools arranged on the Beach Beach. Summer is the best time to visit Mouille point beach, and January is the peak. The place is plenty, with bushy grass to sit and relax, intriguing sculptures, and a lighthouse to see.
Distance from cape town – 4 km or 15 minutes
Entry fee – We have to book online before going.
Activities – surfing, sightseeing, and picnics
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – There are many places nearby. Some of them are manga, the butcher shop, the grill, cafe neo, etc.
Pet Friendly – No
Long beach
Long Beach expands from Kommetjie to Noordhoek, making it the longest Beach in Cape Town- the Long Beach. As a result of the cold nature of the water, you can’t swim in Long Beach, only being able to watch the lovely glazing of the seas. You will find rock pools, tidal pools for kids, and a lighthouse here. Consider waiting your turn because the waves might get crowded. You shouldn’t be shocked if a happy dog approaches you for a sniff before bounding off down the beach. There will be a variety of sizes and forms of dogs. The best time to visit Long Beach is between May to September.
Distance from cape town – 41 km or less than an hour
Entry fee – free
Activities – a long walk, golf tours, fishing tours, horse riding, dog walking,
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Many options are available, like Mugg and bean, last word long beach, AndRoc’s mobile kitchen.
Pet Friendly – Yes
Tip from us: There is a high chance of water being icy; make sure you take your bathing suit.
St. James Beach
St James occupies just one mile (1.5 km) of False Bay’s seafront. This is known as “Millionaire’s Mile,” which refers to this section of the coastline. You will be able to see colored huts here, also. This small beautiful beach with rock pools is a perfect option for families who visit with kids. This is partly because the beach offers excellent protection from Cape Town’s renowned winds, safe swimming, and convenient proximity to Simon’s town train line. The beach is a relatively small area of white sand with a rocky shore. Although the view is adequate, the Cape’s rocky backdrop enhances it. The best time to visit St James Beach is from December to February.
Distance from cape town – 28 km or half an hour
Entry fee – Free
Activities – Penguin watching, windsurfing, kayaks, dale-brook tidal pool
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – There are many options. Some of them are folk cafe st james, the courtyard cafe, ohana cafe, etc.
Pet Friendly – No
Tip from us – Don’t forget to take pictures with colored huts.
Glencairn
By traveling four kilometers from Simon’s town, you will reach Glencairn beach. Kayakers and kitesurfers, and day visitors both enjoy Glencairn on windy days. The beach has Shark spotters who make sure that the water is safe for swimming or paddling in, but they also keep an eye out for southern right whales. Kids can safely play around in a shallow tidal pool while also getting a glimpse of what lies beneath the waves. This makes Glencairn a family spot. The best time to visit Glencairn is from May to September. The beach is perfect for family, pet walking, and a great evening.
Distance from Cape Town – 40 km or less than an hour
Entry fee – free
Activities – Camping, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, beach sports, windsurfing, rockpool exploring, and long strolls.
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Deep south eatery, viper lounge south, The bay cafe on Glen, etc. are some places to eat nearby Glencairn beach.
Pet Friendly – Yes, free running is available.
Tips from us – Prepare for some seashore activities because you will do them at Glencairn.
Queen’s Beach
Several small beaches and rock pools constitute the Sea Point Promenade. Many among them are crowded and busy. Suppose you are looking for something cozy and quiet which can provide the best. Then it would help if you thought about Queen’s Beach. Queen’s beach offers excellent conditions for unwinding because it is protected from the breeze. On the beach, you will find plenty of shells; families with kids frequently visit this place for shell collection. The best time to visit Queen’s Beach is from March to November.
Distance from Cape town – 7 km or 20 minutes
Entry fees-Free
Activities – Sunbath, swimming, sea point, surfing.
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Some of them are rockpool cape town, grand pavilion, bobo’s, etc.
Pet Friendly – No
Tip from us – Visit the Beach late in the day and stay until evening. They are really impressive.
Betty’s Bay Main Beach
Betty’s bay beach is situated in the western cape province of South Africa. The beach is a whitey sand of 4 km, located on the east side of stony point penguin colony. In the neighborhood of Betty’s Bay, you will find options for shell collection and paddling for children and a relaxing spot for adults, and you are closer to the Harold Porter Botanical Garden. The best time to visit Betty’s Bay’s main beach is summer. That is from December to February.
Distance from Cape town -87 km or one and half hours
Entry fees-Free
Activities – Penguin watching, swimming, surfing, fishing
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – On the Edge Restaurant – Betty’s Bay, Jack’s Restaurant, Sea view, Betty’s Bay Main Beach, etc.- are available.
Pet Friendly – Yes
Glen Beach
In the upscale Cape Town neighborhood of Camps Bay, Glen beach exists between two enormous rocks on the Atlantic coastline. The beach is less crowded compared to the campus bay. The giant stones provide a picturesque view, solitude, and protection from the south-easterly breeze. It is only bordered by the beautiful Twelve Apostles and a few bungalows. The preferred time to go to this beach is late in the day or at night. The sun rises later on this side of the mountain; the sunsets are spectacular. The best time to visit Glen beach is autumn. That is the month from March to May.
Distance from Cape town – 7 km or half an hour
Entry fee – free
Activities – sightseeing, beach sports, surfing,
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – The Bungalow, Café Caprice, Surfshack, etc. are some nearby places to eat.
Pet Friendly – No
Tips from us – Glen Beach’s water is cooling after spending some time in the sun. But, because of the possibility of sandbanks, you should think twice before jumping into the water.
Gordon’s Bay Main Beach
Gordon’s Bay main beach is a part of the Helderberg region, which also has Somerset West. Gordon’s Bay is the best option if you want to take your time, avoid the crowds, and discover Western Cape’s best-kept secrets. Gordons Bay is a tranquil seaside community. Enjoy the cold winters and hot, dry summers. The Gordons Bay Yacht Club is located in the historic harbor. The best time to visit Gordon’s Beach is December, January, and February.
Distance from cape town – 54 km or less than an hour
Entry fee – No
Activities – beach sports, swimming, scuba diving, watching the gorgeous sunset.
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat: Bertie’s Moorings Restaurant, Al Forno’s, Talla’s Tavern, etc., are some of the recommended sites.
Tip from us: Rent a bicycle to explore the Beach and Gordan’s village thoroughly.
Windmill Beach
The 200-meter-long Windmill Beach is located in Simon’s Town, close to Cape Town. The beach is wind-sheltered, the sand is white, and the inland reef is a great place to go diving. In addition, this is the ideal beach for kayaking. Family vacationers with young children will love Windmill Beach’s shallow waves and relative wind protection. While the children can play on the beach, make sandcastles, or swim in the shallow water, adults can climb on the rocks to look for penguins. The best time to visit windmill beach is from January to April.
Distance from cape town – 47 km or an hour
Entry fee – free
Activities – snorkeling, swimming, diving, penguin viewing, fishing, picnicking, and kayaking.
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat: Lords Restaurant complex, blue elephant boutique hotel, tastees bananas. etc., are some of the options.
Pet friendly – yes
Tip from us – But be aware that swimming at Windmill Beach is at your own risk since there are neither lifeguards nor shark spotters on duty.
Bikini Beach
The best time to visit bikini beach is from December to march. This beach has a blue flag tag. The beach is best as a Sheltered beach, swimming in the warmer water and interacting with friendly locals. The family-friendly Bikini Beach is located on the Whale Coast in the small coastal community of Gordon’s Bay. Its well-liked beach is protected by Gordon’s Bay harbor and has a laid-back vacation vibe. Although the waves might be substantial, it is a great swimming beach because the water is warm and transparent.
Distance from Cape Town – 5 km or 17 minutes
Entry fee – free
Activities – surfing, swimming, sightseeing, picnics
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – Talla’s Tavern, Bertie’s Moorings Restaurant, and Sunset Bay Spur Steak Ranch are some of them.
Pet Friendly – No
Tip from us: Bikini beach is small, and parking is limited. To secure a parking spot, you have to go early.
Fish Hoek Beach
Fish Hoek, a coastal neighborhood of Cape Town, is a popular place for tourists. Features of fish hoek include plenty of area to park, excellent amenities, a large number of showers and changing rooms, lifeguards, and warm, swimmable water. The visitors to fish hoek include people of all ages. Jagger’s Walk has seating, which is excellent for watching the sunset. Don’t miss that. The best time to visit fish hoek beach is from August to October.
Distance from Capetown – 33 km or less than an hour
Entry fee – Free
Activities – Surfing, sailing, sunbathing, beach games, sandcastle-building.
Parking facilities -Yes
Toilet facilities– Yes
Nearby places to eat – Some nearby places are The Galley Fish Hoek, Barracudas Restaurant, Napoli Trattoria, etc.
Pet Friendly – Yes
Tip from us – Fish Hoek Beach has Blue Flag status; please be careful on the beach.
Sea Point Beach
Sea Point beach is located in the seaside suburb of Sea Point along Cape Town’s Atlantic Coast. It is a longtime favorite among locals who are drawn to the region primarily for the stunning ocean view. Sea point beach is a regular jogging and picnic spot for all age groups, which gives its splendor and beauty to everyone. The best time to visit sea point beach is from December to May.
Distance from Capetown – 6 km or less than 15 minutes
Entry fee – Free
Activities – Swimming, sunbath, picnics
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat: There are many places to eat nearby. Some are Rockpool cape town, La Perla Restaurant Cape Town, and Strolla Restaurant & Bar.
Pet Friendly – No
Oudekraal Beach
Oudekraal is the golden Beach between Camps Bay and Llandudno. You probably won’t find it quiet because it’s beach-braai heaven (35 areas with sitting and picnic tables on lawns behind the beach), but the vista makes up for that. The beach is perfect for family and friends. If you can endure the chilly water, the beach also offers intriguing and varied snorkeling and safe, wave-free swimming, which is currently its most well-known use as a scuba diving launch site. The best time to visit oudekraal beach is the Summer season, from December to march. The ocean is rich in marine resources.
Distance from Cape Town – 12 km or 20 minutes
Entry fee – Adults R30, Children R15.
Activities – Diving, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling
Parking facilities – Yes
Toilet facilities – Yes
Nearby places to eat – 12 Apostles Hotel’s Leopard Bar and Camps Bay’s bar strip are closer to the beach.
Pet Friendly – No
Tip from us: Go as early as possible to have the sand for yourself. By 10 am, the beach may get crowded