Best dog-friendly beaches in Cape Town

Tucked between granite boulders and turquoise surf, Clifton 1st is Cape Town’s most glamorous dog-walking destination and dogs can run free all year. It's perfect for sunset fetches, sandy paws and people-watching with your pooch.

Swimming here is safe (if a bit chilly), and there’s decent parking along Victoria Road (with a bit of a stair climb). Also, expect competition for a spot in summer.  

Time Out Tip: Head to the cafés and bars in nearby Camps Bay to round off your beach-walk, with the Lawns at the Round House an ideal pet-friendly spot to unwind.

Windmill Beach is a hidden cove, found just beyond Simon's Town. While it's not a huge stretch of beach, here your dogs can run free on the sand year-round. Keep in mind, they must be leashed on the pathways leading down to the beach. The parking area is limited, but manageable.

Its calm, shallow waters are excellent for safe swimming and snorkelling, while the surrounding granite boulders create a sense of seclusion that few Cape Town beaches can match.

Time Out Tip: Pack your own picnic and plenty of water as there are no shops or vendors nearby, so come prepared to make a day of it under the sun.

A broad, golden stretch popular with locals, Glencairn Beach lets dogs run leash-free all year.

Swimming is generally safe, though watch for submerged rocks and backwash. There’s easy parking off the Main Road and panoramic views across False Bay. 

Time Out Tip: Don't be surprised to spot the odd whale off this coastline, in season between July and November.

One of Cape Town’s most family-friendly swimming beaches also happens to have a dedicated off-leash stretch for dogs - from the Fish Hoek lighthouse to Clovelly, pups can sprint and swim freely year-round.

The water here is warm and calm, making it ideal for a safe paddle, and there’s plenty of parking. Lifeguards are on duty in peak season. The main section of Fish Hoek Beach is dog-free, so keep to the marked area for hassle-free fun.

Time Out Tip: The scenic Jager’s Walk coastal path connects Fish Hoek to Sunny Cove, offering extra sniffing opportunities with stunning False Bay views.

Don’t be fooled by the name. Danger Beach is one of Cape Town’s most family-friendly, off-leash beaches. Your dog can sprint across the sand while you enjoy views of the colourful beach huts and False Bay’s warm(ish) water. Street parking fills quickly, so go early.

Time Out Tip: Grab coffee at St James Café or stroll to Kalk Bay’s pet-friendly eateries, including Olympia Cafe.

A local legend for surfers and dog lovers alike, Long Beach in Kommetjie lives up to its name. This is a sweeping stretch of soft sand perfect for your pet to enjoy a leash-free run, any time of the year.

The surf here is powerful and best suited to confident swimmers, but it’s unbeatable for long walks and frisbee tosses with your pup. Parking is usually available via Surf Way, but it tends to fill up on weekends. 

Time Out Tip: The dramatic dunes make photogenic coastal walks, especially at low tide. You can also visit Imhoff Farm, which is pet-friendly as long as your pup is on a lead.

For space, solitude and spectacular sunsets, Slabbert se Klippe to Zout River in Melkbosstrand is a West Coast gem where dogs can roam free year-round.

The beach is wide and windswept, making it perfect for long walks and sand-spraying sprints, but less so for swimming, thanks to cooler water and stronger surf. You'll find ample easy street parking along the Melkbosstrand access roads, which are usually quiet, even on weekends. 

Time Out Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the wind drops, the sunsets with Table Mountain as your backdrop are pure magic  

If your dog loves long runs and salty wind, Dolphin Beach is unbeatable. It’s a wide, open beach with spectacular views of Table Mountain and plenty of space for free-running dogs. Swimming is better for strong swimmers and riptides are a known risk. There's loads of parking along Beach Road.

Time Out Tip: Here you're spoilt for sunset photos. In season, be sure to keep an eye out for the kaleidoscope of kite-surfers who flock to the surrounding Blouberg beaches.

True to its name, Sunrise Beach is perfect for early-morning walks. Dogs can run free on the eastern side of the lifesaving building year-round. It’s breezy, open and rarely feels crowded, with great views across Table Bay.

Time Out Tip: Head to Milnerton Lagoon and Woodbridge Island for extra walk time.