Cape Town South Africa: A Guide to the Best Beach Resorts

For guests wanting sunshine, surf, and unforgettable shorelines, South Africa delivers an exceptional experience like no other. This country’s dramatic seascapes and vibrant coastal towns make it a must for any sun-seeking traveler. A South Africa vacation promises variety, charm, and no shortage of sandy adventures.

Cape Town boasts a mesmerizing coastline dotted with striking mountain ranges that jet into the sea.

With almost five million people calling Cape Town home, it’s easy to see why tourists arrive and often decide to stay. Cape Town is a bustling city, full of life! You’ll find that most of the hotels and accommodation offerings are centered near the beaches or the V&A Waterfront area.

South Africa is the perfect introduction to the African continent for LGBTQ+ travelers because unlike the rest of Africa, same-sex marriage is legal and there are legal protections against discrimination.

Exploring Cape Town’s Top Beach Destinations

South Africa boasts 1,600 miles of tropical coastline, meaning travelers looking for a beach vacation in this part of the world are very much spoiled for choice. One of the most popular destinations for visitors to South Africa is Cape Town. Although its vibrant, bustling cosmopolitan city is a major draw, Cape Town's vast, rugged coastline with expansive beaches also proves to be a hit with tourists.

Read also: Planning Your Trip to Cape Town

Here are some of the best beach destinations in and around Cape Town:

1. Camps Bay: Elegance Meets Beachfront Buzz

Camps Bay is where elegance meets beachfront buzz. Travel agents will appreciate how Camps Bay checks multiple boxes for different client types.

Honeymooners? Set them up at one of the boutique hotels that opens right onto the palm-lined promenade. Luxury seekers? Suggest a private villa with rooftop Jacuzzis and uninterrupted ocean views. And families? Beyond the sand, clients can explore high-end restaurants, sunset cruises, paragliding adventures, and the famed Table Mountain, which looms beautifully in the backdrop.

Camps Bay attracts many visitors to its beach, which is famous for its beautiful white sand, natural rock swimming pool, and stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountains.

Camps Bay Beach is one of Cape Town’s most popular beaches with families and fashionistas alike. Grab a spot on the beach early in summer as it tends to get crowded or simply relax in the comfort of your own private pod that overlooks the beach.

Read also: Cape Town Hotel Experience

2. Umhlanga Rocks: Comfort and Convenience

Umhlanga Rocks sits just north of Durban and serves up one of the East Coast’s most beloved beach towns. Don’t let its small size fool you. Clients seeking a blend of comfort and convenience will appreciate Umhlanga’s beachfront hotels that spill straight onto golden sands.

Beyond the waves, the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve offers guided walks through coastal forest and wetland trails, ideal for nature-loving clients. Retail therapy is a breeze thanks to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, one of the largest malls in the Southern Hemisphere. From posh boutiques to fine dining and lively nightlife, Umhlanga delivers variety without ever feeling overwhelming.

3. Ballito: Laid-Back Luxury

About 40 kilometers north of Durban lies Ballito, a beach town that’s all about laid-back luxury. Ballito forms part of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, and yes, dolphins frequently cruise these waters. Travel agents can confidently pitch Ballito to clients who crave an easygoing yet sophisticated escape.

The town offers top-rated guesthouses, private rentals, and family-friendly resorts. Surfers, snorkelers, and beginner paddleboarders will find plenty of space to play in the sea.

4. Plettenberg Bay: A Garden Route Jewel

Plettenberg Bay, or “Plett” as the locals call it, is one of the true jewels of the famous Garden Route. Plett boasts Blue Flag beaches, including Robberg Beach, Lookout Beach, and Central Beach. The town also thrives with activities for adventure lovers.

Read also: Luxury Shopping in South Africa

Cultural travelers will enjoy local art galleries, nearby wine estates, and vibrant weekend markets. And for families? Accommodation ranges from opulent cliffside resorts to cozy beachfront guesthouses.

5. Strand: A Cape Winelands Treasure

Strand may enjoy a slightly lower profile, but for those in the know, this destination is a Cape Winelands treasure hiding in plain sight. Travel agents will appreciate how easy Strand is to sell. The vacation spot is peaceful, picturesque, and well-connected to neighboring hotspots such as Somerset West and Stellenbosch.

Clients can sunbathe in the morning, tour a vineyard in the afternoon, and wrap the day with fresh seafood by the sea. Strand’s main beach is known for its relaxing and welcoming presentation. The town’s friendly atmosphere and slower pace offer a contrast to the high energy of more touristy spots.

Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Cape Town

There are some magical luxury and boutique hotels (and ultra-romantic hotels!) around Cape Town that are worth a little extra drive for a stunning, relaxing, and serene atmosphere. Many of the good hotels and vacation rentals can be found along the coastline. Depending on your budget and preferred amenities, you’ll can find lots of hotel options in Cape Town.

Here are a few options to consider:

• 21 Nettleton: One of Cape Town’s most exclusive luxury boutique hotels, perched on a hillside at the top of Clifton, looking out over Clifton Bay Beach.
• POD Camps Bay: A 5-star boutique hotel ideally situated in the heart of Camps Bay.
• The Silo Hotel: An old grain silo turned into a luxurious hotel consisting of 28 rooms.
• Ellerman House: With only 13 rooms, this hotel focuses heavily on customer service and paying attention to detail.
• Tintswalo Atlantic: A 5-star award-winning lodge that offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean in Hout Bay.
• Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa: A family-friendly hotel in Oudekraal, close to Camps Bay Beach and Table Mountain.
• The Bay Hotel: A beach spa retreat within walking distance of Camps Bay Beach and a short drive from Clifton Bay Beach.

Other Accommodation Options

• Modern 2 Bedroom Condo: Stylish, spacious, and spotlessly clean with an unbeatable location.
• The Clarendon, Fresnaye: This luxury boutique guesthouse is located in Sea Point and offers a variety of villas and room options.
• Pineapple House Boutique: This brightly decorated boutique hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a free breakfast.
• The Hyde All-Suite Hotel: Close to Milton Beach and Sea Point Pavillion, this hotel has a poolside bar, a free daily manager’s reception and a rooftop terrace.
• Mountainview Guest House: This upscale guesthouse is located near Greenmarket Square.
• Protea Hotel By Marriott: Located in Seapoint, close to the metro and the beach, this hotel is a great option for exploring the surrounding area and city.
• Camps Bay Retreat: Ideally situated overlooking Camps Bay, Camps Bay Retreat is an eclectic and charming four-star hotel that offers a mix of traditional ocean-view rooms and small jungle bungalows tucked away in the forest but still overlooking the sea.
• Sea Star Rocks: This upscale Art Deco guesthouse near Camps Bay Beach features guestrooms with balconies and incredible ocean views.
• Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa by Newmark: This hotel is located near the Two Oceans Aquarium and Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
• Radisson Red Hotel: This eco-certified hotel is close to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Cape Town Convention Center.
• The Table Bay Hotel: Indulge in a manicure or pedicure, a massage, or a body treatment at the onsite spa, or dine at one of the three on-site restaurants.
• The Commodore Hotel: This upscale, family-friendly hotel is within walking distance of local sights. It has a resort-style feel and 234 rooms.

Getting Around Cape Town

Cape Town is rather spread out and with many things to do around the Cape and beyond. Here are some transportation options:

• Uber: Uber is one of the best ways to get around Cape Town. The distances between most of the top attractions are short, making it a cost-effective option for your trip.
• My CitiBus: Another affordable way to get around the city is with the My CitiBus service.
• Rent a Car: I recommend renting a car. Gas stations accept both cash and credit, but not all.
• Rent a Scooter: Scooters and Vespas are very popular in Cape Town.

Best Time to Visit

Choosing the right time to go on your South Africa adventure will depend on what you want to get from your trip. We know that a beach vacation is synonymous with soaking up the sunshine, frolicking in the surf, and being able to enjoy lazing on the sand with a good book, and luckily South Africa is known for having pleasant weather all year. During its summer, which is December to February, you can expect temperatures to reach around 86°F. While not as warm, shoulder seasons can also be nice in Cape Town.

Culinary Delights

One of my favorite things about Cape Town is that the city has an almost endless list of places to eat. And don’t get me started on the Cape Town markets! Cape Town also has an incredible coffee culture. There are loads of cute cafes all around the CBD and the city is even home to one of the best coffee shops in the world!

Here are some dining options:

• Truth Coffee: Grab your daily cup of joe at Truth Coffee!
• Tribe Coffee: Tribe is an exceptional café in the heart of Cape Town.
• Bootlegger Coffee: A small chain across Cape Town, Bootlegger coffee shops have quickly become my favorite.
• Clark’s: Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
• Jason’s Bakery: I highly recommend The Bomb Breakfast and Jason’s Bakery.
• Loading Bay: Located on the Waterfront, the Loading Bay is a beautiful place to grab a quick morning meal.
• Bobo’s Brasserie: Bobo’s Brasserie is a good beachfront spot in Mouille Point that’s perfect for brunch or lunch.
• The Old Biscuit Mill: The Old Biscuit Mill is a heartfelt collaboration between chefs, designers, photographers, and other artists in and around town.
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market: The Oranjezicht Market is open every Saturday and Sunday and has quickly become my favorite market in the city.
• Test Kitchen: Located in The Old Biscuit Mill, The Test Kitchen is a blend of South African and Latin cuisine with inventive dishes.
• Shortmarket Club: With the same owners as The Pot Luck Club and The Test Kitchen, this restaurant is another big hit.
• The Stack: Named one of the top restaurants in Cape Town, you can’t go wrong with a visit to The Stack.
• Kloof Street House: Located at the foot of the city’s vibrant Kloof Street, is a beautiful Victorian house.
• Tjing Tjing: A 200-year-old house in the heart of Cape Town is where you’ll find some of the best Japanese food in the city.
• Hesheng: For authentic Chinese food on a budget, visit Hesheng in Sea Point.
• Kyoto Garden: An award-winning Japanese restaurant in the trendy suburb of Gardens.
• Obi: Located on Cape Town’s vibrant Long Street, Obi serves up some of the city’s best ramen and sushi.
• Hokey Poke: From the shores of Hawaii to Cape Town is the latest trend to hit the city: poke bowls.
• Cod Father: Codfather Seafood & Sushi is a lively restaurant that’s always full of hungry patrons.
• Sevruga: With incredible views of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, Sevruga is a delicious fine dining experience.

Nightlife and Bars

There are tons of things to do in Cape Town during the day, and the city doesn’t slow down after sunset.

• Village Idiot: If you want to grab a drink with the locals, head to The Village Idiot.
• The Gin Bar: Tucked away behind Honest Chocolate in a hidden courtyard is The Gin Bar.
• The Stack: Located in the center of Gardens, The Stack is one of Cape Town’s most Instagrammable bars.
• The Silo Hotel Bar: The Silo Hotel has one of the best rooftop bars in Cape Town to watch the sunset.

Activities and Attractions

You can’t run out of things to do in Cape Town. If you’re an adventure lover, it’s especially a great place for you-from water sports to hiking, windsurfing, paragliding, and helicopter tours, you can get your adrenaline fix. The Garden Route also offers travelers the chance to explore some of the world's most incredible expanses of coastline, with seemingly endless beaches set alongside lagoons, mountains and forests.

Here are some activities to consider:

• Take a drive along the beautiful coastal road to scenic Cape Point.
• Hike Lion’s Head, Skelton Gorge, or Newlands Forest.
• Hop on the cable car to scale nearby Table Mountain and see its panoramic views.
• Visit Clifton 2nd Beach.
• Take a scenic helicopter flight of Cape Town.
• Explore the street art in Woodstock.
• Take a trip to see the Big 5 on a real African game drive.
• Visit the Atlantis Sand Dunes.
• Explore Bo Kaap.

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