10 Beaches the Locals Love in Cape Town

Want to experience the real Cape Town? Skip the tourist traps and join us at our favourite beaches, less popular with the crowds but loved by those in the know. Beyond the popular spots, lie hidden gems that showcase why Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Let’s dive into the top 10 beaches that are less popular with the crowds but loved by those in the know.

Seasonal Highlights:
  • Summer (Dec-Feb): Warmest months, ideal for swimming and water sports.
  • Winter (Jun-Aug): Whale watching season, spot Southern Right Whales.
  • Spring (Sep-Nov): Dolphin sightings, with schools of bottlenose dolphins.
  • Autumn (Mar-May): Mild weather, perfect for beach walks and picnics.

Top 10 Beaches:

Sunset over a scenic Cape Town coastline with sandy dunes stretching along the shore. Vegetation covers the hillsides, and a stone path runs through beaches the locals love. The sun casts a warm glow over this breathtaking landscape.

1. Scarborough Beach (Off Main Road, Scarborough)

Scenic views, picnic spots, and snorkelling. Insider Tip: Lookout for dolphins and whales during the season.

An aerial view of an ocean pool with clear turquoise water, surrounded by sea waves and a rocky shoreline. This beach setting, beloved by locals in Cape Town, showcases the rectangular pool nestled naturally among rocks and lush greenery along its edges.

2. Glencairn Beach (Off Main Road, Glencairn)

Crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and tanning. Explore nearby caves and tidal pools. Insider Tip: Pack a picnic for sunset.

Rocky shoreline with clear turquoise water and seaweed, a hidden gem among the beaches the locals love in Cape Town. Large boulders dot the coast under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Hills rise in the distance, partially covered in greenery.

3. Windmill Beach ( Corner of M4 Bellevue Road,Simon’s Town)

Who can beat beautiful rock formations, sunrise with silhouetted penguins which seemed to enjoy climbing to the top of a rock just to enjoy the view!. Visit the nearby naval museum. Insider Tip: Arrive early for parking.

Experience a scenic coastal view with a clear blue sky and gentle waves on one of the beaches the locals love in Cape Town. A thatched-roof house surrounded by lush green shrubs and trees adds to the tranquil atmosphere, inviting you to unwind on the sandy shore.

4. Noordhoek Beach (Off Noordhoek Main Road)

Surfer’s paradise with consistent waves. Insider Tip: Book a horse ride on the beach.

A tall white lighthouse stands on a rocky coastline during sunset, part of the beaches the locals love in Cape Town. The sky transitions from soft pink to clear blue, casting a tranquil atmosphere. The ocean is calm, with a few people visible near the lighthouse's base.

5. Kommetjie Beach (Off Main Road, Kommetjie)

Secluded beach for snorkelling, swimming, and relaxation. Insider Tip: Try surfing lessons.

A beach scene with white sand, scattered boulders, and a clear blue sky, reminiscent of beaches the locals love in Cape Town. People are walking and lounging near the shore as large rocks in the background extend into the ocean, with gentle waves lapping at the beach.

6. Llandudno Beach (Off Llandudno Avenue)

Rugged coastline, crystal-clear waters. Insider Tip: Stay for sunset.

People enjoy swimming in a natural ocean pool surrounded by rocky formations, a hidden gem often featured in "Beaches the Locals Love in Cape Town." Waves gently crash nearby, while majestic mountains rise under a clear blue sky.

7. Dalebrook (Between Kalk Bay and St. James)

Peaceful retreat with natural tidal pool, calm waters, and stunning views. Insider Tip: Walk underneath the train track to find it.

A scenic coastline with clear turquoise waters and scattered rocks, reminiscent of the beaches the locals love in Cape Town. Mountains rise in the background under a bright blue sky, as a person wades in the water near the rocky shore.

8. Sandy Cove (Opposite 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa)

Spectacular spot to watch sea crash against rocks, shallow waters perfect for swimming.

A rocky coastal scene at sunset with an orange sky mirrors the serene beauty of beaches the locals love in Cape Town. In the background, a distinctively shaped mountain rises above a small settlement, with palm trees dotting the landscape, as rocks reflect in the calm water.

9. Bakoven Beach (Off Victoria Road)

Tiny, secluded cove for relaxation. Insider Tip: Great spot for morning cold dips.

A scenic coastal landscape in Cape Town features a winding wooden boardwalk leading to a cliff. Below, the beaches the locals love are framed by turquoise waves crashing onto sandy shores. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and the area is lush with greenery and rocky terrain.

10. Diaz Beach (Cape Point)

Unwind on this secluded shore, perfect for sunbathing. Insider Tip: Bring a deckchair or umbrella.

What the Locals Do:
  • Arrive early for parking or Uber for hassle-free transport
  • Pack snacks, water, and sunblock
  • Don’t bring unnecessary valuables
  • Explore local cafes and restaurants

Now that you’ve uncovered Cape Town’s best-kept secrets don’t forget your beach-hopping adventure should start here! Join us at Dolphin Beach Hotel with stunning Table Mountain views, direct beach access, and epic kitesurfing, it’s the perfect spot to call home while exploring the city’s hidden gems.

Need more insider tips? Our friendly team has got you covered – just ask! We’d love to share our favourite spots

P.S. don’t forget to tag us on socials – we can’t wait to see your beachy adventures while staying with us!