One of the best things about being in Cape Town, whether it’s for a few weeks or a proper stint, is how easy it is to get out and explore the beaches in Cape Town.
The beaches in Cape Town aren’t just there for sunbathing either. Each one has its own vibe, and most of them are surrounded by great places to eat, coastal walks, and little side adventures that make the day feel like more than just a beach day.
This isn’t just a list of beaches. It’s a collection of my favourite beachy day trips from around the Cape Peninsula. The ones I actually went on and loved.
From horse rides in Noordhoek to cocktails at sunset in Camps Bay, each one includes a few tips on where to eat nearby, what else to do, and even where to stay if you fancy turning it into a mini getaway.
Llandudno Beach
Llandudno is one of those places that just quietly wins you over. It’s not the easiest spot to get to, and parking is a bit of a free-for-all at weekends. But once you’re there, you forget all about the chaos.
You’ve got these massive boulders framing the bay, a big stretch of sand, and the kind of golden evening light that makes everything look like a postcard. It’s a perfect spot to escape the city without actually going too far.
Compared to Camps Bay or Clifton, it’s much more low-key. There’s no row of cafés or shops, just a few guys selling cool drinks from beach carts and someone occasionally offering you a lounger. I’d say take the lounger. The sand here seems to get everywhere, especially when it’s windy, which Llandudno often is. If it’s one of those gusty Cape Town days, maybe skip this one unless you’re up for a full-body sand scrub.
Despite the peaceful vibe, it’s actually a bit of a hotspot for surfers. The waves here are solid but not beginner-friendly, but fun to watch if you’re more into lounging than paddling.
Even if you’re not surfing, the scenery is something else. There are massive granite rocks at either end of the beach you can clamber onto for photos, people-watching, or just zoning out with a podcast.
It’s also one of my favourite sunset spots. You won’t get a cocktail bar here, but you will get a stretch of sand where you can watch the sky go from blue to gold to red to lilac…
Travel tips
- Parking is limited, especially on weekends. Try to come early or be ready for a short walk down from the surrounding residential streets. Alternatively, get an Uber. It’s affordable and takes the effort out of it.
- There are no facilities like toilets or cafés, so come prepared.
- Llandudno is a great spot for a picnic. Bring some beers, a bottle of wine, and something from the Oranjezicht Market if you’re feeling fancy.
Noordhoek Beach
Noordhoek Beach is bold, beautiful, and a little bit wild.
One of the longest and quietest beaches in Cape Town, it’s where you go when you want space to breathe, walk, think, or just stare at the ocean until your brain resets. It feels like a world away from the city, even though it’s only about 45 minutes from the centre.
The drive there is part of the adventure. Take Chapman’s Peak Drive (pay the small toll – it’s worth it) and wind your way around the cliffs with the Atlantic crashing below you. Make sure you pull over for photos because the views are absolutely epic.
When you eventually descend into Noordhoek, you’ll see the beach open up in front of you. There’s nothing like a gorgeous view to distract you from the road!
On the sand, it’s windswept and peaceful. You won’t find beach bars or loungers here, just space, sea mist, and the occasional dog chasing a tennis ball.
Horse riding tours run along the beach, and even if you’re not into horses, it’s worth watching them trotting along the shoreline, it’s like something from a film. You can book a tour that includes transport if you don’t fancy driving here.
If you do drive, make a stop at Aegir Project Brewery, a cool, craft beer spot with a big leafy terrace for relaxing with a cold beer. The food is great (think burgers, tacos, and veggie bowls), and they’ve usually got live music on weekends. It’s laid-back and unpretentious, the kind of place you accidentally stay for hours.
If you prefer a glass (or bottle) of wine, pop into Cape Point Vineyards. Their picnic-style tastings are ideal on a sunny afternoon, and the view over the dam and down to the sea is *chef’s kiss*.
Where to stay in Nordhhoek
- Chez ArteKatz is tucked into the greenery near the vineyards. It’s a fun, quirky little B&B if you want to crash nearby.
- Or book a room at the Noordhoek Village Hotel. Stylish, quiet, and just a short stroll from Aegir and the cute local deli.
Travel tips
- Bring layers! Noordhoek can feel cooler than the city, especially with the sea breeze.
- Good for a long walk and for photos but not ideal for casual swimming because there are riptides here and no lifeguards. Ankle dipping only!
Muizenberg Beach
If Cape Town’s beaches had personalities, Muizenberg would be the friendly, laid-back one that’s always up for a chat. It’s colourful, easygoing and has a creative feel to it that makes it an enjoyable place to spend a day.
Most people head here to surf, and it’s easy to see why. The long, gentle waves are perfect for beginners. The beachfront is lined with surf schools where you can rent a board and a wetsuit for a reasonable price. Even if you’ve never tried surfing before, this is a good place to give it a go. Everyone’s just out to have fun, and no one cares if you’re not very good.
But there’s more to Muizenberg than the waves. If you’re up for a bit of a wander, you can hike up into the Muizenberg Mountains to Boomslang Cave, a short, slightly scrambly trail that rewards you with great views and a little cave to duck into.
Or head just 15 minutes away to Silvermine Nature Reserve, which is perfect for a more chilled-out walk through fynbos and mountain terrain. We went just after the fires and it was a bit eerie with the burnt trees, but still very peaceful.
If you’re in the mood for cafés and charm, hop on the train to Kalk Bay, it’s right on the edge of the water, and the journey is stunning. Kalk Bay is all second-hand bookshops, antique shops, and great seafood spots. Olympia Café is a local icon (prepare to queue), and there’s usually live music or something creative happening in the area.
Where to eat
- Casa Labia: An elegant heritage building turned café and gallery. Think marble floors, velvet armchairs, and views of the ocean with your scrambled eggs. Slightly posh, but worth it.
- Blue Bird Garage Market: Runs on Friday nights in an old aircraft hangar. There are food trucks, craft beer, cocktails and a little speakeasy bar at the back. It’s a great place to hang out for a few hours.
Where to stay
- The Place Muizenberg – Light-filled, stylish apartments right near the beach.
- The Muize – A relaxed, comfy guesthouse with welcoming hosts and lovely views.
Travel tips
- You can take the train from the city, but it’s a bit slow. I’d recommend renting a car if you’re short on time, especially as there is so much to see in the area.
- The area feels safe, but like anywhere, avoid walking alone late at night.
Hout Bay
Hout Bay feels like a town-within-a-town. It’s got a working harbour, an active beach scene, mountains on all sides, and it’s a little bit quirky! Whether you’re coming for the food, the views, or the seals, and yes, there are so many seals, this is one of the loveliest beach day trips you can do from Cape Town.
We used the City Sightseeing red bus to get here, and honestly, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Sitting on the top deck with the sea breeze and the views is a nice way to see more of the coastline and one of the most underrated Cape Town experiences. Plus, it means you don’t have to deal with parking.
Once you hop off at Hout Bay, head straight to Delish for coffee or brunch. It’s a relaxed spot with strong coffee, good food and a few baked treats that are hard to say no to.
From there, it’s a short walk to the harbour where you can hop on a boat to Duiker Island, home to a noisy, nosey colony of Cape Fur Seals. The 40-minute cruise is just the right amount of time, and you might even see dolphins or seabirds on the way too. You can book your tickets here.
After that, if you’re a seafood lover, do not miss Mariner’s Wharf, part fish market, part restaurant, part nautical museum (kind of). Grab a takeaway parcel of fresh fish and chips and eat them on the beach while seagulls stare you down.
If you’re up for more exploring, there are lovely short walks around the dunes and some cool art galleries and shops hidden behind the main road.
Hout Bay also has a brilliant Sunday market, Bay Harbour Market, with live music, local designers, gin tastings and food trucks. It’s an ideal stop if you’re making a full day of it.
What next?
Once you’re done, you can hop back on the red bus and carry on to one of the other beaches. Clifton or Camps Bay (keep reading!) work well for sunset. It’s a nice way to round off the day and you’ll feel like you’ve done three days of exploring in one.
Bakoven Beach
If you’re craving a low-key beach day without the chaos of Camps Bay, Bakoven is one of the best beaches in Cape Town. It’s tiny, a little tricky to find, and not the kind of place you’ll stumble upon unless someone tells you about it (which, ironically, makes it popular with people trying to avoid the crowds). But once you’re there, tucked between boulders, coffee in hand, it feels like you’ve been let in on a local secret.
There’s not much going on here in terms of activity. No loud music, no beach games, and no cafés or smoothie bars. It’s a calm spot, good for reading, relaxing, or just sitting with your feet in the water. The beach is framed by boulders, with a sandy patch in the middle where people set up towels or rent loungers for the afternoon.
It’s quite compact, so it can fill up quickly. It’s worth going early or later in the day if you want a quieter experience. Sunset here is especially nice, and because you’re slightly off the main road, it feels more private than some of the other beaches nearby.
What to Do Nearby
- Bootlegger Café is just a short walk away in Camps Bay. You can sit in for a brunch (the eggs Benedict is excellent), or grab a takeaway coffee for your walk down to the beach.
Travel tips
- Parking is tight, so I recommend getting the red City Sightseeing bus to Camps Bay and walking 10–15 minutes from there. Or grab an Uber!
- No public toilets or shops on the beach, so bring what you need.
Clifton 2nd Beach
Clifton is often seen as the crown jewel of the beaches in Cape Town, and Clifton 2nd is my personal favourite out of the four.
Each beach is separated by big granite boulders, and they all have their own vibe. Clifton 2nd strikes a good balance. It’s not completely quiet, but it’s not hectic either. There’s a nice mix of people and a relaxed atmosphere, especially on weekends.
It’s close enough to walk to from Sea Point, which makes it really easy to reach if you’re staying nearby. Once you’re down there, it feels like a little escape, even though you’re not far from the city. You’ll usually see groups of friends having drinks, people playing volleyball, and the odd brave swimmer tackling the very cold water.
Getting down to the beach involves stairs (and quite a lot of them!), but once you’re there, it’s sheltered from the wind and absolutely gorgeous. The cliffs behind help block the strong south-easterly, which is a godsend in summer.
Bring your own snacks or pick something up from Sea Point or the Eatery (see below!) before you tackle the steps, because you won’t be in a rush to scale them again anytime soon.
What to Do Nearby
- Grab a coffee from the Eatery, parked up at the top near the stairs down to the beach. It’s a cute little local secret and a good way to fuel up before hauling yourself down (and later back up).
- Walk over to Clifton 1st for Thursday night volleyball sessions and live music run by Friends Who Volley. Super friendly crowd and a great way to meet people if you’re new to the city.
- Stay for sunset -the whole beach turns golden and it’s one of the best views in town.
Travel tips:
- There are toilets between Clifton 1st and 2nd (not glamorous, but they do the job).
- Bring cash if you want to rent loungers or umbrellas from the beach guys.
- You can get here via the red bus (Camps Bay stop) and walk 15–20 minutes. Or get an Uber. It’s also walkable from Sea Point – I did it many times!
Camps Bay
Camps Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a wide stretch of white sand with palm trees, cafés, and bars all along the front. The Twelve Apostles mountain range sits just behind, so the views are pretty striking from almost every angle.
It’s definitely one of the busier beaches, especially on weekends or during the holidays, but that also means it’s well set up for a full beach day. There are toilets, places to eat, and lots of space to spread out on the sand.
The water, like most of the Atlantic beaches in Cape Town, is freezing. Most people run in and out quickly, but it’s good for cooling off if you can handle it.
The best part about Camps Bay is how easy it is to move between the beach and the restaurants. You can spend the morning on the sand, head up for lunch or a drink, then come back down in time for sunset. It’s all within walking distance and the area has a good atmosphere.
Where to Eat & Drink
- Café Caprice is a bit of a local icon. Good for cocktails, brunch and people-watching.
- Tiger’s Milk has more of a casual feel. Great for burgers, pizzas and beers with outdoor seating.
- Mantra Café is quieter and more minimalist. The food is solid and the coffee is decent too.
Travel tips
- Camps Bay is very easy to get to with loads of Ubers, and the red bus stops right by the beach.
- It gets very busy in summer. Arrive before noon for a decent spot. Be mindful of this in the bars and cafés too – you might want to book a table in advance here.
- Paid parking is available, but it fills up fast.
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is one of the more unique beaches in Cape Town. It’s known for its colony of African penguins, and yes, you really can swim near them. It’s a bit of a novelty, but one that actually lives up to the hype.
The beach is part of Table Mountain National Park and sits just past Simon’s Town. There’s a small entry fee, but it’s well-maintained and worth paying for. The main boardwalk gives you a close-up view of the penguins without bothering them, and if you walk a little further along, you’ll find smaller coves where you can swim or have a picnic.
It’s a good option if you want a calmer day. The beach is protected by the surrounding boulders, so the water is gentler than on most of the other beaches in Cape Town. It’s especially nice for families or anyone who doesn’t fancy big waves. It feels more like a hidden bay than an open coastline.
We visited as part of a Cape Point and Penguins tour, which also took us to the Cape of Good Hope. It was an easy way to see a few key spots in one go and included transport, which made things even simpler.
What Makes It Special
- The water is more sheltered, so it’s better for swimming than most of the Atlantic side beaches.
- You’re almost guaranteed to see penguins waddling around or diving into the sea, which is pretty fun.
- The boulders create natural little coves, so you can usually find a quiet spot to sit.
We did a Cape Point and Penguins tour that included time at Boulders and the Cape of Good Hope which I highly recommend if you want to tick off a few iconic spots in one go. You can book your tickets here.
Things to Do in the Area
- Grab an ice cream from Penguin’s Beach near the entrance. The flavours are great and there are plenty to choose from (almost too much choice!).
- Walk the coastal path for more views and a chance to spot dassies (they look a bit like chunky guinea pigs and love to sunbathe on the rocks).
Getting There
- You can take the train from Cape Town, but it’s slow and not the most direct. Driving is better, or book onto a group tour if you want to skip the logistics.
- There’s paid parking near the entrance, and plenty of taxis/Ubers in Simon’s Town.
Enjoy your beach day!
One of the best things about Cape Town is how effortlessly it balances city life with natural beauty.
The beaches here aren’t just somewhere to lay your towel, they’re the start of mini adventures, day trips, and memory-making moments that will stick with you long after you’ve rinsed the sand from your shoes.
Whether you’re based in the city or bouncing between nomad hubs, these beaches in Cape Town give you everything: peace, play, people-watching, and penguins. So grab your beach bag, check the wind, and go find your favourite.
As always, I’d love to hear what your favourite beaches are! Have you been to these beaches? Share your experiences below in the comments.
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By Kindness