Cape Town is a surfer’s paradise, offering great surfing conditions – practically year-round, and especially in winter. Whether you are a novice, a pro, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a point break, beach break or reef break to suit. Just don’t forget your wetsuit (or rent one). 

Muizenberg

Widely known as Surfer’s Corner, False Bay’s Muizenberg is one of Cape Town’s most famous spots to hit the waves, which are perfect for beginners year-round – and are a longboarder’s dream. Rent a board and wetsuit (an absolute essential if you don’t want your body to turn into an ice block) and dive right in – or join one of the several surf courses on offer to learn the basics. Muizies is also home to some great bohemian cafés and restaurants for a post-surf bit – we recommend Knead and Harvest Café, as well as Tiger’s Milk for more substantial fare. 

Long Beach

One thing that Cape Town’s surf spots struggle with is consistency – many hours are spent checking the swell and making guesses as to the waves’ suitability. Not so on Long Beach. Located south-west of the city in the sleepy town on Kommetjie, this beauty of a beach – a local favourite – has some of the most reliable, near-perfect waves in the Cape Peninsula, thanks to a decent swell and southwesterly wind. This also means that it’s most suited to intermediate or advanced surfers – check the surf report before heading out, and make sure to bring your own board, wetsuit, and snacks. 

Llandudno

Llundadno, between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, is renowned as one of the Mother City’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to a gorgeous white stretch of sand and glorious mountain backdrop. Its beach break also makes it a surfer’s paradise – the powerful tides and high peaks present an exciting challenge for intermediate to advanced surfers. When Cape Town’s famous southeasterly isn’t blowing and the banks are in place, the time is right to put your wetsuit on and wade into the crystal-clear water. Its one disadvantage? Parking can be a nightmare, so get there super early.   

Blouberg

Cape Town’s top kitesurfing spot, Blouberg is the place to be in summer – if you’re a fan, try to coincide your trip with Red Bull’s King of the Air competition, which takes place each year at the end of November/beginning of December, and attracts the crème de la crème of kitesurfers from around the world. If you are new to kitesurfing and are worried you might get carried away by a strong gust of wind, book a lesson (or two) first. Stretching on for miles, Blouberg is also famous for its picture-perfect views of Table Mountain, making it a noteworthy beach even if you don’t feel like being hoisted up into the air.  

Best beaches in Cape Town for surfing
Lukas

Cape Town’s natural beaches are usually wild and wonderful, turning them into a magical wonderland for little explorers. Here, we round up our favourite sandy (and safe) destinations, all of which have something to offer for both young and old(er). 

Camps Bay Beach

Often called the Cape Riviera, Camps Bay Beach is a stunner – a half-moon shaped stretch of golden sand, framed by palm trees and the mighty Twelve Apostles Mountain range. Watch families build sand castles, play frisbee, and splash in the water – with little ones seemingly oblivious to the freezing water temperatures. Depending on the weather, the currents here can be strong and should not be underestimated – for a proper swim in calmer waters, head to the adjacent tidal pool. For a calmer alternative, walk the other way and climb over boulders to reach the quieter Glen Beach. Fancy an ice cream? Simply listen out for roaming ice cream vendors shouting ‘a lolly to make you jolly!’

Clifton

Smaller than Camps Bay but equally beautiful, Clifton’s famous four beaches, simply called Clifton 4^th, 3^rd, 2^nd and 1^st, are worth the effort (it’s a good 100 steps down to reach them). Almost entirely wind-free, these are the beaches to head to on days when the infamous South Easter howls practically everywhere else in Cape Town. For families, Clifton 3^rd and 4^th should be your port of call, with the latter being the largest and most family-oriented. Umbrellas and loungers can be rented, and ice cream and cool drink vendors patrol the beach, but bring snacks and entertainment – and remember, you’ll have to hike up those steps again at the end of the day. 

Boulders Beach

Ever wanted to swim with penguins? Now’s your chance – a small entry fee will grant you access to the famous Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town, where flippered locals, completely unfazed by the human visitors, happily waddle into the sea amongst ancient granite boulders. The small beach gets extremely crowded in season, so rock up early, then climb under and over rocks at the far end to get to more remote alcoves – young visitors will love the sense of adventure. Once it gets too busy (and the distinctive penguin smell starts hitting your nose), leave the hordes behind and follow the signs to Windmill Beach with its shallow, sheltered waters – ideal for little ones to swim safely, and a great spot to launch a kayak. 

Kraalbaai

Driving through the West Coast National Park to Kraalbaai Beach you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally landed in the Maldives – the pristine turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, powdery white sand and idyllic jetty make for a tropical first impression. The warm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, especially for younger beach-goers, while a wide range of water sport activities, including kayaking, kite surfing and wakeboarding, will appeal to both teenagers and parents. One of the best times to come is during flower season, when the park’s colourful flora is in full bloom – make sure to bring a picnic, as well as an umbrella for shade.

Best beaches in Cape Town for families
Lukas

While Cape Town’s most popular beaches are well worth the hype, there are plenty of under-the-radar gems that locals would prefer to keep a secret. Some are tucked away in plain sight, while others are remote and hard to reach – but all of them make for a blissful beach day away from the crowds. Here are three of our personal favourites.

Bali Beach and Beta Beach 

If you are Camps Bay based but feel like a quiet beach day away from the buzz, head to neighbouring Bakoven instead, which has a series of secret coves and pools. Hidden between boulders are two idyllic, tucked away spots that feel like a slice of private beach heaven – Bali Beach (also known as Robyn’s Beach) and Beta Beach. To reach Bali Beach, it’s best to simply walk along the coast from Camps Bay tidal pool, and then descend some steps to the sparkling cove below. Beta Beach is further ahead, and can be accessed from Beta Road – once parked, simply follow the signs.

Dalebrook

Sister to False Bay’s Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, St James, and Danger Beach, Dalebrook the tidal pool and beach locals keep to themselves, and for good reason. Go in the morning, ducking under a little subway under the railway line to access the golden stretch of sand. Sheltered and almost never crowded compared to the more sociable St James tidal pool, its manmade concrete walls allow waves to break over its edge, keeping the swimming experience safe – and making it a lot of fun, too. We highly recommend a stop at Dalebrook Café for a coffee and pastry, perhaps followed by a trip to quaint Kalk Bay for lunch. 

Diaz Beach

This magnificent, unspoiled beach in the Cape Point Nature Reserve is a sprawling stretch of white sand flanked by turquoise water and dramatic 200m high cliffs. Accessed by foot down a series of wooden steps, it will take you about 20 minutes to reach the bottom – but it’s well worth the trip. Usually deserted, you might only find cheeky baboons as companions (hide your belongings) while you watch surfers hitting the clean 6ft shore break. As tempting as it may be, the turbulent water makes swimming here a risky endeavor. Instead, walk around the cliff at the very end of the beach to check out the resident seal colony. 

Cape Town’s secret beaches
Lukas

Cape Town is blessed with a sheer endless choice of sun-drenched beaches, beautiful stretches of powdery white sand that captivate visitors and locals alike. Read on to discover all time  favourites for locals and tourists alike. Just don’t expect tropical sea temperatures: while the water along the Indian Ocean side is considered to be ‘warmer’, the Atlantic is icy even on the hottest of days – making for a healthy, and highly refreshing swim.

Clifton beach

Ranked as the second-best beach in the world by National Geographic in 2015, Clifton is a globetrotter’s paradise. Protected from the wind and with dolphins occasionally coming into the bay, Clifton prides itself with its four white sand beaches, each attracting their own crowd. Beach one brings in the locals from their luxurious apartments above, surfers and volleyball players; beach two and three are perfect for families; and the most popular, Clifton four, entices travelers and the young Capetonian crowd.

Camps Bay beach

Known as the Cape Rivera; this trendy beach is loved by the locals, youngsters, surfers and travelers alike. With the beautiful backdrop of the Twelve Apostles and Lion’s head, this is one of the world’s most stunning paradise spots. A stretch of bars and restaurants lie across the road, keeping the buzzing vibe of Camps Bay alive, perfect to pop over and get a drink since drinking on beaches in Cape Town is illegal. Amazing for laying around in the sun and for kids to have fun, this is one of Cape Town’s best places to be.

Bakoven beach

Beta Beach in Bakoven is the definition of a hidden gem. With the white sand and crystal-clear waters, this small beach is the one that only locals know about and is good for getting away from the crowds during the festive season. Perfect for anyone and everyone, this beach is a must visit!

Llandudno, popular white stretch of sand is a surfer’s paradise with some perfect spots for sunsets

Llandudno beach

This popular white stretch of sand is a surfer’s paradise and is great for the strong swimmers because of the powerful tides. With beautiful waves rolling in, this is a place where the mountain meets the sea and is perfect for a fun day in the sun with family and friends. The rock formations on the North side are spectacular and provide some perfect spots for your sunset photo session. The beach has one disadvantage, parking can be a nightmare.

Noordhoek beach

Noordhoek’s long beach stretches on forever, lying between Noordhoek and Kommetjie, this place offers a truly special way to experience it, on horseback. Whether it be a family ride or a romantic one with your partner, imagine yourself cantering down the eight-kilometer-long white sandy beach among the Atlantic. It is also perfect for a long walk or kite flying and it is home to the Kakapo wreck which has been there since 1900.

Blouberg beach

This beach is consistently the spot of choice for kitesurfing from December through February each year. So much so that it became a home to the Red Bull King of the Air competition where the best of the best from all over the world come to compete. It is also perfect for flying kites, but when it’s not windy, it is easy to find a secluded spot to hang out with friends and family. Stretching on for kilometers, Blouberg is world famous for the view of Table Mountain. If you are after those postcard perfect photos with Cape Town’s prominent landmark in the background, Blouberg is the place to be.

All time favourite beaches in Cape Town, South Africa​
bibianapiskova