The best beaches in Cape Town and the surrounding area are a magnet for Cape Town tourists and locals looking for the best beaches to soak up the sun on. From the False Bay coastline to the trendy Clifton, Sandy Bay and Camps Bay on the Atlantic Seaboard, you are sure to find a stretch of sand that is ideal for you and your family.
1: Clifton – Consists of four beaches which are well sheltered from the wind and a haven for international tourists. There are multiple vendors selling snacks and refreshments.
2: Camps Bay – Lengthy sandy beach accessible directly from the main road. End your day sipping cocktails at one of the many street side cafes, restaurants and beach bars.
3: Llandudno – This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area which is a bit more remote than most and has no shops. Popular surf spot for those into surfing.
4: Sandy Bay – This is the only beach where it is unofficially considered acceptable to swim completely in the nude! Not a family beach for that reason but a beautiful stretch of sand for those looking to escape the masses. Close to Llandudno.
5: Hout Bay – Hout Bay is home to one of the few working harbours remaining in Cape Town and the harbour area is lined with restaurants selling fresh fish take-aways, curio shops and flea market stands.
6: Noordhoek – The scenic drive over Chapmans Peak from Hout Bay will bring you to the long white stretch of sand at Noordhoek Beach which is an ideal place for long walks and horse riding.
7: Fish Hoek – Fish Hoek is one of the most popular family beaches and one of the safest for swimming in the Cape area.
8: Blouberg – Blouberg has beautiful views of Table Mountain and is a great place for Kite Surfing due to the cross winds blowing frequently across the bay. When the wind is calm, this is another great place for working on your summer tan.
All the above offer amazing views and spectacular sunsets and the shape of the coastline and backdrop of the scenic mountains means there is always a sheltered beach to enjoy. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of the best beaches in Cape Town.