Camps Bay Beach

Enjoy the glorious soft sand, deep blue water and sophisticated ambiance of Camps Bay Beach. This attractive beach fronts Camps Bay, one of Cape Town’s most exclusive coastal suburbs. Mingle with the sun-kissed and well-heeled beachgoers, observe surfers and relax with a picnic while marveling at the spectacular natural setting.

The beach possesses a Blue Flag certification, which means that it meets a set of stringent criteria such as safety, services and water quality. Find a quiet spot to lay down your towel or rent a sunbed from one of the many vendors. Swim in the tranquil tidal pool or take a refreshing dip in the cold Atlantic Ocean water, although be wary of strong currents. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months.

Bring your own food and enjoy a scenic picnic on the palm-fringed grass lawns that frame the beach. Watch the waves break on the seashore and look back to see the jagged peaks of the Twelve Apostles mountains. Stroll to the northern end of the beach, cross the rocks to Glen Beach where you can watch surfers ride rolling waves.

Behind the beach is Victoria Road, a lively boulevard lined with bars, pubs and restaurants. Sit at one of several pavement terraces, order a beer, cocktail or glass of wine and spend a moment people-watching. Arrive late in the afternoon and grab a prime spot to enjoy a memorable sunset. Browse the market stalls and shops for African art and handicrafts.

For some adventure, go hiking along the trails that wind through Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles. Climb to 2,195-feet (669-meter) tall Lion’s Head for impressive views and the chance to paraglide back down.

Camps Bay Beach is about a 15-minute drive from Cape Town city center. Get here via public buses and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Parking can be hard to secure during the busy summer months so arrive early to get a spot close to the sand.