Glen Beach

Camps Bay Beach

Only a 10-minute drive from Cape Town, Camps Bay Beach is known as the most “Instagrammed” beach in South Africa. This Blue Flag beach is popular among locals, travelers, and celebrities for its pristine cleanliness, amenities, and stunning views. On the north end of Camps Bay Beach separated by large granite boulders, you’ll also find <a href="https://sand.ee/beach/glen-beach-cape-town-western-cape-south-africa" title="Vist Glen Beach?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Glen Beach</a>, a small beach popular with young crowds. 

The bright turquoise water at Camps Bay Beach is usually cold but is also calm due to the surrounding mountains that block the bay from the notorious southeast winds. These waters are great for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. The palm-lined shore has a long stretch of flat white sand that provides plenty of space for all beach activities. The beach has many access points along the entire shoreline, and there is parking in several lots and on nearby side streets. On crowded summer days, parking can fill up quickly so be sure to plan ahead. 

If you’re looking for other activities, Platteklip Gorge Trail is only a 10-minute drive from Camps Bay Beach and is a popular hiking path that leads to the peak of <a href="https://tablemountainnationalpark.org/" title="Visit Table Mountain's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Table Mountain</a>. You can also take a cable car 1,000 meters up the mountain to get a 360-degree view of Cape Town and all of its neighboring suburbs. <a href="https://www.tablemountain.net/content/page/rates" title="Visit the Table Mountain cable car website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tickets</a> are sold online or at the on-site box office where prices range from $10-$20 (R200-R360).

For a casual dinner in Camps Bay, check out <a href="https://www.codfather.co.za/" title="Visit The Codfather's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Codfather</a>, a well-known seafood restaurant that’s loved by locals and is only a 5-minute walk from the beach. If you’re looking for upscale fine dining, make reservations at <a href="https://bilboa.co.za/" title="Visit Bilboa Restaurant's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bilboa Restaurant</a> which has spectacular views at sunset. If you want to stay overnight, Camps Bay offers beautiful beachfront accommodations. <a href="https://www.themarly.co.za/" title="Visit The Marly's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Marly</a> is a five-star boutique hotel and spa that’s best known for its contemporary beach ambiance. <a href="https://thebayhotel.com/" title="Visit The Bay Hotel's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Bay Hotel</a> is another popular hotel that’s centrally located and has ocean views and a swimming pool. For private accommodations stay at the <a href="http://www.capevillacollection.com/2010/02/10/beach-rock-villa/" title="Vist Beach Rock Villa's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beach Rock Villa</a>, a gorgeous villa with direct access to the beach.

Bantry Bay

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Camps Bay Tidal Pool

Bakoven Beach

In comparison to more popular beaches in the area, such as Camp's Bay and Clifton Beach, Bakoven Beach is a hidden jewel replete with large boulders and tide pools. Few accommodations and amenities are available at Bakoven Beach itself, but don't underestimate what this stretch of sand has to offer. One can witness the most spectacular sunsets at this beach, which makes this spot is popular with local photographers and romantics.

Barley Bay

At the foot of Table Mountain, just south of Camps Bay, lies a small, rocky, shallow beachfront called Barley Bay. Barley Bay is not officially a beach, but that doesn't stop visitors who are attracted by its natural beauty and repulsed by the crowds of Camps Bay. There are no stairs to get down the hill to the beach and the rocks are treacherous, but once you're there, you'll be glad that you escaped to Barley Bay.

Robyn's Beach

Saunders Beach

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is a 15-minute drive southwest of Cape Town and is popular for family vacations and lively crowds. Clifton Beach is a long stretch of white sand that is separated into four sections by large granite boulders - these four sections are conveniently named 1st Beach, 2nd Beach, 3rd Beach, and 4th Beach. 

 The bright turquoise waters at Clifton Beach are cold but also calm due to mountains and boulders that block the notorious southeast winds. By late summer, this unique wind condition causes extra sand to be redeposited onto the shoreline. During this time, the shore is wider and pedestrians can easily walk along the waterline from 1st Beach to 4th Beach. Clifton Beach is only accessible by stepped pathways and narrow staircases. There is a small parking lot located near 4th Beach and limited free parking along Victoria Road. During summer days, these parking options fill up quickly so make sure to plan ahead. 

 Each section of Clifton Beach attracts a diverse group of people of all ages. 1st Beach is laid-back and dog-friendly so you will usually find a more easygoing crowd. It has the strongest current and is a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. 2nd Beach tends to be filled with a younger crowd, particularly college students, while 3rd Beach is usually lively and welcoming to all types of beachgoers and activities. Finally, 4th Beach is most popular among families, locals, and vacationers. It is the only beach in Clifton with Blue Flag status and has the weakest current perfect for casual swimming. 

 If you need a break from the sand, <a href="https://www.tablemountain.net/" title="Visit Table Mountain's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Table Mountain</a> offers plenty of daily activities and hikes to enjoy amazing views. You can take a cable car 1,000 meters up the mountain to get a 360-degree view of Cape Town and all of its neighboring suburbs. You can easily buy <a href="https://www.tablemountain.net/content/page/rates" title="Visit the cable car ticket website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cable car tickets</a> online or at the on-site box office where prices range from $10-$20 (R200-R360). 

 After your busy day, head to <a href="https://www.thebungalow.co.za/" title="Visit The Bungalow's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Bungalow</a> to enjoy a meal while overlooking a view of Clifton Beach and a paragliding landing spot. The Bungalow is also a trendy spot for Sunday brunch where the energetic crowd could fool anyone into thinking it was a Saturday night. Clifton is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, so you’ll find amazing Airbnb and hotel options. <a href="https://www.21nettleton.com/" title="Visit 21 Nettleton's website?" target="_blank" rel="noopener">21 Nettleton</a> is a highly recommended boutique luxury hotel that offers spectacular views and a secluded atmosphere.

Clifton Beach

Amenities

Activities

Rentals

Transportation

Food

Basic Details

082 331 6424

24 / 7

Medium

Yes

.62 mi

Beige,Golden

Fine,Soft

No

Public

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