About Western Cape Beaches
Anyone visiting or booking holiday accommodation in the Western Cape is spoilt for choice in terms of the beaches that freckle this scenic province. In fact, with about 900 kilometres (or 550 miles) of coastline, visitors can choose from rocky outcrops, untamed ocean, capes, or sandy little beaches that are lapped by perfect swimming and surfing waves.
Did you know? Once you've booked your Western Cape hotels or accommodation, explore the destination pages for info on attractions, activities and things to do when you visit the Western Cape.
This area includes the Garden Route beaches, which tend to be open, sandy, and relatively warm (in terms of the water temperature). Closer to Cape Town, these waters get cooler, but the beaches remain gorgeously inviting on hot summer’s day. Up along the Cape West Coast (stretching towards the Northern Cape), the beaches are more rugged, but no less appealing; and are on the doorsteps of quaint little villages like Paternoster, Langebaan and Yzerfontein.
The False Bay area is characterised by its rocky mountains and seaside town. At their feet, lie the gorgeous beaches of Muizenberg, Strand, Gordon's Bay, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach (home to a huge penguin colony), and Kalk Bay. These are about 20 to 40 minutes from the City Bowl, V&A Waterfront and CTICC; which means that they’re accessible, but quieter.
The beaches on the Atlantic Seaboard are right in the heart of the action, and skirt the suburbs between the Waterfront and Hout Bay. They include the beaches of Mouille Point, Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven, Llandudno, Camps Bay, and the beaches on the shores of Hout Bay. Scarborough and Kommetjie’s beaches also feature here.
Heading up the West Coast, there is Milnerton, Bloubergstrand, and Sunset Beach, known for their world-class kite-surfing and home to international kiting competitions like Red Bull King of the Air™. Then, leaving the borders of Cape Town, the beautiful beaches of the fishing villages are fabulous for weekend getaways or day trips.
The only natural harbour in the Western Cape is at Saldanha Bay, near the unbelievable hues of Langebaan Lagoon, and about 105 kilometres outside Cape Town. Cape Agulhas is the southernmost tip of Africa, and has some rugged, rocky beaches as well as picturesque sandy ones. They include Arniston, Struisbaai and Suiderstrand beaches.
The best surfing beaches in the Western Cape include Cape Town’s Muizenberg, Glen Beach (Clifton), Big Bay (Blaauwberg), Llandudno, Crayfish Factory (Kommetjie), and Dungeons (near Hout Bay). Further up the West Coast, surfers can head to Doring Bay, Farmer Burgers (Lamberts Bay), Elands Bay, and Paternoster.
More than surfing, many of the West Coast beaches are also ideal for stand-up paddling and hydrofoiling, and their sandy stretches are perfect for tanning, long walks, and building sandcastles.
The Western Cape enjoys hot summers with loads of sunshine. There can also be many clear, warm winter days, where the sunshine toasts the skin and the air is crisp and fresh. These are perfect days for beach picnics and sundowners on the sand.
Need to Know
WhereWestern Cape Beaches, from the West Coast to Garden Route coast, South Africa
WhenBest During Daylight Hours
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAlso See These Attractions
Beaches
Atlantic Seaboard Beaches
Where? From the V&A Waterfront to Hout Bay. Includes Clifton, Camps Bay, Bakoven, Llandudno, Hout Bay. Go there to be seen, to people watch, for less wind, tanning, swimming, sundowners. This is where the more fashionable set go to see and be seen. The ...
Beaches
Table Bay Beaches
Where? North of Clifton, ±20 km from Cape Town. Includes: Blouberg’s Big & Little Bay, Table View, Dolphin and Milnerton. Go there for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kite flying, swimming, paddle skiing. The fact that these beaches are great for ...
Beaches
South Atlantic Beaches
Where? South of Hout Bay stretching to Cape Point. Includes Noordhoek, Long Beach, Witsands, Misty Cliffs, Scarborough. Go there for walking, horse riding, surfing, natural beauty and to escape the crowds. The South Atlantic, running south along the west ...
Beaches
False Bay Coast Beaches
Where? The western coast of False Bay, from Cape Point to start of Helderberg. Includes: Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Boulders. Go there for swimming, sun bathing, paddling, walking, surfing, body boarding. The False Bay coastline is generally more laid back ...
Beaches
Cape Helderberg Beaches
Where? The eastern coast of False Bay, ± 45 minutes from Cape Town. Includes Gordons Bay, Strand, Bikini beach, Kogel Bay. Go there for family outings, swimming, sun bathing, windsurfing, surfing, fishing. A visit to any of these beaches is essentially a ...
Landmarks / Beaches
Cape Town Beaches
The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of her beaches - there are three ...
Beaches
Cape Agulhas Beaches
Cape Agulhas is a rocky headland with some gorgeous beaches, making it a stunning weekend getaway for travellers along the Garden Route or those exploring the Cape Overberg. The Cape Agulhas region is home to the coastal towns of Arniston, L’Agulhas, ...
Beaches
Cape Overberg Beaches
While much of the Cape Overberg is inland, there are a number of spectacular beaches to be found here. Hermanus is a coastal town known for its excellent whale-watching opportunities. It is also home to some of the magnificent beaches that have earned it ...
Beaches
Cape West Coast Beaches
The Cape West Coast is home to a number of little fishing villages, complete with the homes that date back to the fishing industry of yesteryear. The main settlements along the coast are Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster, St Helena Bay, and Saldanha ...
Beaches
Hermanus Beaches
Where? +/-2 hours drive from Cape Town on the south coast of the Cape. Includes: Onrus Beach, Grotto Beach, Kammabaai and Langbaai Beach. Go there for whale watching, sun bathing, swimming, angling, surfing. Being the whale watching capital of the ...
Beaches
Garden Route Beaches
Your Garden Route accommodation will likely be close to some of the gorgeous beaches that dot this stretch of the South African coastline. The Garden Route connects the two provinces of the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape; and its shores are sprinkled ...
Beaches of the Western Cape
The Mother City and the province of the Western Cape has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one of the first countries outside of Europe to earn blue flag status for some of her beaches. Find out more about Western Cape's beaches.
Atlantic Ocean Beaches
Indian Ocean Beaches
Outside Cape Town
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town
Neptunes Seat
Neptunes Seat is a self-catering holiday home in Simons Town with fabulous sea views from a spacious and tranquil backyard paradise with a huge s...
Wild Olive Guest House
The Wild Olive Guest House prides itself on offering a warm welcome for all its guests. We have well appointed rooms that are comfortable and tas...
A Boat House
With stunning views of the harbor and stroll to the village, A Boat House is run by the owners, Therese and Ludwig, who will do their best to ens...
522 The Granger
Luxury self-catering with all the style, comfort and convenience of a five-star hotel. 522 The Granger Suite is located on the yachting marina in...
Vida d'Chette 506
Nestled in the heart of Cape Town's Foreshore district, Apartment 506 at Vida d'Chette offers a refined urban retreat for discerning travelers. T...
10 Van Der Westhuizen
10 Van Der Westhuizen Avenue in Durbanville offers accommodation in two units. Guests have easy access to the north facing garden, set on three-q...
Cactusberry Lodge
With all the charm of an old Victorian townhouse in a quiet residential area but the comforts of today's world - Cactusberry Lodge offers Bed & ...
Mooring House Guest Lodge
Mooring House Guest Lodge offers spacious and tasteful accommodation set in tranquil and pleasant surroundings on the slopes of the Helderberg Mo...
Links 2146
Links 2146 is a holiday apartment in Somerset West, ideal for a family or group of friends looking for a getaway in a secure complex with control...
Things to do in the area
Walker Bay Sea Kayaking
For your next holiday or weekend getaway to Hermanus, book a kayaking adventure for sa different experience. The coastline of the Western Cape is...
Lynette Morris-Hale Pottery Studio
Whether you are an experienced ceramicist or a first-time dabbler in all things clay, Lynette Morris-Hale’s pottery classes are an excellent way ...
Studio G Hermanus
Studio G is an established platform for emerging artists and those who have been in the creative industry for years. It promises visitors a uniqu...
Cycle Tours with Cape Active Tours
Make the most of your time in South Africa by booking your accommodation in Cape Town to experience the unique and undeniable beauty of this part...
Mogg’s Country Cookhouse
Mogg’s Country Cookhouse can be found along the long winding roads, in the Hemel and Aarde valley. Drink in delicious views of the vineyards and ...
The Hermanus Country Market
Every Saturday morning in the delightful town of Hermanus you can enjoy a unique outdoor deli experience. Here you can buy local fresh produce, d...
Hermanus Whale Tour
Join Gary Flynn of Cape Discovery Tours for a full day of Whale Watching. Cape Town Discovery is an owner managed tour operation with a distinctl...
Hermanuspietersfontein Farmers Market
Whether you’re a local resident or you’ve booked holiday accommodation in Hermanus, you’ll probably know about the fun and festivity of the Herma...
La Pentola
Situated in the seaside village of Hermanus, La Pentola is a restaurant ahead of its time offering fabulous food and understated style. Dine in s...
Accommodation convenient to Western Cape Beaches
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation