Blue Flag beaches in Cape Town

While the wide-open expanse of the beach at Strand is always worth a visit, for a bit of Clifton-style glam out in the Helderberg, you'll want ot head for this tiny beach hidden on the edge of Gordon's Bay. This sheltered Blue Flag cove is tucked against the harbour to offer shelter from the south-easterly wind in summer, and calm swimmable water. All with a dramatic mountain backdrop! It’s ideal for families – soft sand, gentle entry, and lifeguards on duty in season – and because it's north-facing, it picks up afternoon sun and sunset views. The vibe is easy and multicultural, but parking can be tricky in peak season. 

While Clifton might argue, Camps Bay is perhaps the poster-child when it comes to beaches in Cape Town. Wide, sun-soaked and oozing Miami-glam, this palm-lined swathe of sand is just glorious. Unlike Clifton, there's plenty of space for you to lay out a towel or get a volleyball game going, and the cafés, restaurants and bars of Victoria Road just behind mean that this is a beach with a vibe. There are public showers and facilities on hand, as well as one of Cape Town's best tidal pools at the southern end. While the water is cold, that rarely troubles loyal locals who are happy to go in for a dip. Just beware of the shore break, which can knock you off your feet. Camps Bay blends glamorous scenery with an easy, multicultural vibe that feels quintessentially Cape Town.

What kind of Clifton person are you? While the tiny coves of 1st and 2nd have their fans, and 3rd is sought-after by those looking for a bit of peace and quiet, Clifton 4th – the largest of the quartet –  is the one that always draws a crowd. Perhaps that's because it enjoys facilities the others lack: there are lifeguards in season, and beach vendors offering loungers and umbrellas to hire. It's also close to the parking area (if you can find a spot), which will save you the long walk down the steps from Victoria Road. Clifton is always popular with sunset picnics, but remember that alcohol (even if unopened) is not allowed on any city beaches.

Ah, Fish Hoek. What's not to love? While it may not be the most glamorous beach Cape Town has to offer, it's a multicultural, multi-generational charmer. This is False Bay at its friendliest: a broad, gently shelving beach with warmer water, soft sand and small, manageable waves. It’s a firm family favourite, with plenty of space for sandcastles and beach games, especially at low tide. The Shark Spotters flag system keeps everyone informed, while the catwalk to Sunny Cove is perfect for pram-friendly strolls and low-tide snorkels. The railway station is a short walk from the beach, and there's a popular takeaway restaurant right on the sands.

In the words of Chandler from Friends... could Melkbosstrand be any more different? Unlike the oh-so-crowded beaches of the city's trendy Atlantic Seaboard, Melkbosstrand is as laid-back as you could hope for. A wide sweep of sand with the icy-blue Atlantic out front, rock pools for exploring at low tide and a laid-back village feel. Families love the easy parking, lifeguards in season, and pram-friendly promenade along Beach Road, while kids chase gulls, hunt for starfish and refuel with soft-serve from seaside cafés. On breezier days, kite-surfers speckle the bay, while calm mornings are for long walks with Table Mountain on the horizon. There are no loud beach bars here, just picnics, dogs on leads, and a friendly, mostly-local crowd. 

Even further from the city than Melkbosstrand is Silwerstroomsand, a popular holiday resort where a three-kilometre stretch of beach is ideal for family-friendly days out. The water is cold, but that never deters the kids who love it here. There's also a tidal pool for those wanting a (slightly) warmer swim without the waves. Unlike other beaches on this list, the holiday resort behind the beach means you'll find clean ablutions and plenty of picnic lawns with braai spots. It's a great choice for packing the watermelon and the charcoal to make a whole day of it. There are even bungalows to rent if you want to stay the night!