Camps Bay beach in Cape Town

90 Magical summer days await you on Camps Bay beach (December to February)

Regularly voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Camps Bay beach is also one of Cape Town city’s top attractions. The azure water washing onto a pristine stretch of dazzling white sand, bordered by palm trees and a promenade lined with inviting cafés, bars and restaurants is simply irresistible – especially on magical summer days that seem to go on forever.

From the moment you drive over Kloof Nek and see the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean and the imposing Twelve Apostles mountain range on your left, the eye is drawn to the beach on the bottom right. It is situated at the heart of the upmarket Camps Bay residential area but access to the beach is also guaranteed via Victoria Road from Sea Point and the city.

Whether you are visiting Cape Town for one day, a few days or several weeks does not matter – Camps Bay has to be on the itinerary. Beautiful scenery, gorgeous people and a glorious atmosphere make it the highlight of many a Cape Town visit.

If you are thinking of booking Camps Bay accommodation, but you’re unsure how to proceed, contact us or read our ‘villas vs hotel accommodation guide‘.

Life is a beach

Camps Bay encapsulates the charm of Cape Town in many ways – it is a cosmopolitan beach often frequented by models and film stars who often come to the city to shoot international films.

Bronze bodies and toned physiques abound but there is plenty of room for families, informal games of touch rugby or volleyball and frisbee throwing. The sand is soft and clean, perfect for spreading a towel and opening a good book while sun tanning or watching the kids build a sandcastle.

Dipping your toes in the water and wandering along the beach is a lovely way to get a feel for the water and take in the magnificent view of Lion’s Head, the luxury bungalows of Camps Bay, the mountain ranges and of course, the sea.

So much to do

It is easy to spend an entire day at Camps Bay beach without once feeling bored. There simply is so much to do, see and experience.

Sunbathing

One of the top activities at Camps Bay is, of course, sunbathing. Tanning is the number one Camps Bay activity, especially in summer but do remember to bring the sun lotion with high protection factor as the African sun is hot.

Swimming

The water may be chilly, but it is surprisingly refreshing for those who are brave enough to go in. After a few moments, the cold does subside as the body gets used to the water temperature.

Surfing

On the right side, towards the end of Camps Bay beach and behind some rocks, there is a small beach called Glen Beach. It is somewhat hidden from view and therefore more private. It is also known as the best surfing spot in the area and for newbies, it is just the place to practice their skills.

Picnics

Another great feature of Camps Bay beach is the grassy patch overlooking the beach, on the edge of the road and under the palm trees. It is a good place to grab a bit of shade and have a picnic, especially for families with children.

Have a meal

There is quite a range in terms of casual, formal and informal dining at Camps Bay beach. From beach cafés to trendy eateries like Paranga Restaurant or Café Caprice. For sushi and seafood, you cannot beat any of these restaurants. If you are with older children and able to dust off the beach sand, make a dash for the more formal restaurants as their views of the ocean are simply unbeatable and the seafood fare is fantastic.

Shopping

While the kids are swimming or surfing, slip away for a bit of shopping on the promenade. Tucked among the bars are many shops with beach clothes, jewellery, sunglasses and accessories as well as small supermarkets, pharmacies and other shops where you may make a few delightful finds.

People watching

One of the best things to do at Camps Bay beach is to simply watch the world go by. Grab a table with a view and order a few drinks and check out the talent. From the beautiful to the bizarre, film stars going incognito to street musicians – all are part of the everyday Camps Bay scene. By night, the temperature heats up with nightclubs and bars turning up the music. The fun never seems to stop…

Sundowners

A magical part of the day, especially in summer, is when the sun sets dramatically over a resplendent Camps Bay. There are many bars and restaurants ideally placed to make the most of the view and it is one of the most romantic spots on earth to share a special moment with your favourite person.

Camps Bay facts

  • It has been a Blue Flag beach since 2008: This means that Camps Bay beach Cape Town conforms to the highest international standards in terms of safety and infrastructure. There are toilets and a lifeguard station for your peace of mind
  • Easily accessible: There is plenty of parking for visitors all along Victoria Road and for those without a car, public transport makes it easy to reach the Camps Bay via bus
  • Close to the centre of Cape Town: Camps Bay is only about ten minutes by car from the centre of Cape Town
  • A fabulous driving experience: One of the most picturesque drives in the Cape Peninsula follows the road through Sea Point and Clifton, going through Camps Bay and along the scenic, rocky coastal stretch to Llandudno and Hout Bay

Will you be seen on Camps Bay beach?

Of course, once you have visited Camps Bay beach, you may not want to leave again. Not to worry, many of the houses and villas surrounding the beach are actually rental properties available for holiday visitors. Holiday rentals in Camps Bay are extremely popular and many visitors return to the same area, if not the same house, year after year.

For any questions, don’t hesitate to drop us a line. We have helped many foreign visitors plan unforgettable holidays to Cape Town.