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Home >  South Africa  >  Western Cape  >  Simon's Town  >  

Windmill Beach

Windmill Beach

South Africa, Western Cape, Simon's Town 

Sandee

Windmill Beach

South Africa, Western Cape, Simon's Town 

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Windmill Beach is a small and serene beach located just outside the charming town of Simon's Town in the Western Cape of South Africa. Nestled in a scenic cove that opens into False Bay, it offers a peaceful and intimate coastal experience away from the larger, more crowded beaches nearby. The beach is renowned for its calm waters and sheltered position, making it ideal for families and swimmers seeking a tranquil environment. Its unique blend of natural beauty, close proximity to marine life, and the quaint atmosphere of Simon's Town creates a relaxing vibe where visitors can unwind and enjoy nature.

Surrounded by rugged cliffs and dotted with windmills from which it takes its name, Windmill Beach boasts spectacular views of the bay and the local penguin colony. The area is steeped in history, with remnants of old naval installations hinting at Simon's Town's maritime significance. Visitors often appreciate the combination of beachside leisure and cultural exploration, which makes Windmill Beach a distinctive gem along the South African coastline.

The beach’s garden-like setting with trees and picnic areas offers a cool refuge during hot days, while the sandy shore and shallow water encourage swimming and snorkeling. The ambiance is casual and welcoming, enhanced by nearby cafes and small shops that complement the laid-back beach day. Despite its modest size, Windmill Beach is celebrated for its charm and accessibility, embodying the best of coastal South African beach life.

Near Windmill Beach, several delightful dining options cater to diverse tastes and offer fresh, local flavors in scenic settings. Visitors can enjoy meals at Boulders Beach Hotel, Bayella Cafe and Curios, where the casual atmosphere is matched with bay views and a menu featuring regional dishes. This spot is perfect for enjoying a relaxed meal while soaking in the natural beauty of the area.

For a waterfront experience, Simon's Town Quayside Hotel/ Lodge offers a breakfast restaurant with nautical-inspired interiors, ideal for starting the day with panoramic harbor views. It’s a favored choice for visitors seeking a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm.

The region also boasts eclectic eateries like Willets Boutique Hotel which houses a restaurant and bar known for its vibrant social scene and quality cuisine, making it a hotspot for both locals and tourists. With these options close to the beach, visitors can indulge in fresh seafood, international flavors, and classic South African dishes, all within easy reach of the shoreline.

The area surrounding Windmill Beach features a variety of accommodations that blend comfort, scenic views, and easy beach access. Boulders Beach Hotel, Bayella Cafe and Curios is a popular laid-back hotel offering warm rooms and suites, some equipped with kitchenettes, ideal for families and longer stays. Its bay views and casual dining options enhance the guest experience.

For a more upscale stay, Simon's Town Quayside Hotel/ Lodge provides modern rooms in a waterfront setting, boasting nautical-themed decor and a breakfast restaurant with harbor views. Guests praise its airy ambiance and central location.

Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa, a women-owned villa, offers luxurious lodge-style accommodations with free Wi-Fi and breakfast, featuring on-site parking and wheelchair-accessible entrances for added convenience. This boutique option is well-suited for visitors seeking tranquility and personalized service.

Other notable lodging includes Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse, which offers stylish rooms with sea views, a gym, terrace, and an infinity pool, perfect for relaxation after a day at the beach. Arc Guest House is another excellent choice, blending modern comforts with stunning sea views and African artwork, ensuring a culturally rich and comfortable stay.

These top hotels combine accessibility, diverse amenities, and close proximity to Windmill Beach, making them ideal for visitors eager to explore the region while enjoying high-standard accommodations.

Windmill Beach is well-equipped with essential amenities that enhance visitor comfort and convenience. The beach offers clean restrooms and outdoor showers, allowing guests to rinse off sand and saltwater after swimming. Picnic areas with tables are scattered in shaded spots, providing perfect settings for family gatherings and relaxed meals outdoors.

For those interested in water sports and beach activities, rental equipment such as snorkeling gear and paddleboards is often available nearby, accommodating both novices and experienced adventurers. The beach also features well-maintained pathways and seating areas, making it easy to navigate and rest while enjoying the coastal views.

Additional amenities include lifeguard services during peak seasons, ensuring a safe swimming environment, and designated barbecue and fire pit areas for those who enjoy cooking and socializing by the beach. Free Wi-Fi access is also available in the vicinity, allowing visitors to stay connected while basking in the natural surroundings.

Windmill Beach is a hub for various leisurely and adventurous activities that appeal to a broad range of visitors. Swimming is a favorite pastime here due to the calm, sheltered waters that provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular as well, given the beach’s proximity to diverse marine life including the famous local penguin colony and colorful fish species.

For those seeking more active pursuits, kayaking and paddleboarding offer excellent ways to explore the bay and nearby coves, providing a unique perspective of the coastline. The beach’s sandy shore also provides space for beach volleyball and other casual sports, making it a lively spot during weekends and holidays.

Visitors can also enjoy guided tours and wildlife watching, particularly bird and marine life, from the shore or small boat excursions. These activities reflect the beach’s balance of adventure and tranquility, appealing to nature lovers and active travelers alike.

Windmill Beach is committed to providing accessibility for all visitors, featuring a variety of facilities to accommodate those with disabilities. There are specially constructed ramps and pathways that allow wheelchair users to move more easily from parking areas to the beach itself. The beach environment is relatively flat near access points, further easing mobility challenges.

Some nearby accommodations, such as Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa and Albatross House, offer wheelchair-accessible entrances and other facilities tailored to guests with mobility needs. In addition, the beach vicinity offers beach wheelchair rentals, allowing disabled patrons to navigate the sandy shore with assistance during their visit.

Public restrooms and shower facilities are designed to be accessible, with sufficient space and handles where needed. Staff and local lifeguards are generally aware and supportive of visitors' needs, enhancing the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at Windmill Beach.

Parking near Windmill Beach is generally convenient, with a range of options to suit different needs. There are several nearby parking lots and street parking spaces, some of which are free, while others may charge a modest fee during peak seasons. The parking capacity is adequate for the typical visitor volume, though it can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, so early arrival is advisable.

Disabled parking spaces are well-marked and located close to beach access points, ensuring ease of movement for visitors with special requirements. These spots are reserved for vehicles displaying appropriate disability permits, and free parking is often extended to these vehicles in designated areas.

Signage around the parking areas helps in navigating to the closest access points to the beach, minimizing walking distance with luggage or beach gear. Overall, the parking facilities complement the beach’s accessibility and user-friendly environment, supporting a smooth and stress-free visit.

Windmill Beach has several intriguing fun facts that add to its allure. The beach is named after the historic windmills that once operated in the area, marking the region's agricultural past before it became a popular seaside destination. These windmills are a charming reminder of the local history and add character to the landscape.

The beach is also famous for its proximity to the African penguin colony at nearby Boulders Beach, one of the only places in the world where visitors can swim alongside these endangered birds. This unique wildlife presence draws nature enthusiasts and adds an educational dimension to visits.

Historically, the Simon's Town area including Windmill Beach played a strategic role during naval conflicts, and remnants of old military installations can still be found in the cliffs and surrounding terrain. These historical ties enrich the beach with stories of South Africa’s maritime defense and community evolution.

Windmill Beach’s proximity to Simon's Town offers visitors access to a variety of nearby attractions that enrich the beach experience. One of the most famous is the nearby Boulders Beach, home to an endangered colony of African penguins, where visitors can observe these charming birds in their natural habitat. This attraction is often paired with a trip to Windmill Beach for a full day of wildlife and beach exploration.

The surrounding area features scenic hiking trails that wind through coastal scrub and rocky outcrops, providing panoramic views of False Bay and the open ocean. These trails vary in difficulty and offer opportunities for bird watching and nature photography.

Additionally, Simon's Town itself is steeped in naval history, with museums, historic buildings, and the naval base offering cultural insights and guided tours. Visitors can also explore lighthouses and scenic piers that punctuate the waterfront, making the region around Windmill Beach a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Basic Details

INRestroom Available

INFalse Bay, South Africa

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPlayground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesShowers

  • WiFi

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPicnic Table

  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesSurfing

  • Tours

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesVolleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBars

  • Food Snacks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLocal Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesStairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

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  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

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  • LGBTQ+

  • Windmill Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Windmill Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Windmill Beach have lifeguards?

    Yes, this Beach ensures safety with professional lifeguards on duty throughout the day, offering peace of mind for beachgoers.

    Is Windmill Beach a family-friendly beach?

    Yes, this Beach is the perfect family destination, offering clean restrooms, vigilant lifeguards, and a variety of nearby food options, ensuring an enjoyable day for all.

    Is Windmill Beach good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does Windmill Beach have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Windmill Beach a nude beach?

    Yes, this Beach is known for being a nude beach, providing a liberating experience for those seeking clothing-optional sunbathing and swimming.

    Is there food near Windmill Beach?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple food options near or on the beach, including restaurants and beach vendors.

    What are the activities at Windmill Beach?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Nude, Paddleboarding, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Surfing, Tours, Volleyball.

    Does Windmill Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Windmill Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    Yes, bring your dog with you to this Beach!

    Is Windmill Beach good for surfing?

    Yes, surfing is an activity that is frequently enjoyed at this Beach.

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