Cape Town is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and staying at Leeuwenzee Guest House in Sea Point puts you right at the doorstep of the best of them. Whether you’re looking for a scenic spot to watch the sunset, or simply want to cool off in the Atlantic Ocean, the beaches along the Atlantic Seaboard offer something for every visitor. From lively and social to secluded and serene, each one has its own personality.
Here’s our guide to the top 5 beaches you simply have to visit during your stay:
1. Clifton Beaches
Where: Clifton, approximately 3km from Leeuwenzee Guest House
What to Expect: Clifton is Cape Town’s most iconic stretch of coastline, made up of four individual coves, each separated by large granite boulders and sheltered from the South-Easter wind. First and Second Beach tend to attract a younger, social crowd, while Third and Fourth Beach are known for their more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The water here is cold, courtesy of the Benguela Current, but the sheltered setting makes it a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and building sandcastles. Arrive early on weekends in summer to secure a good spot, as these beaches fill up quickly. If you’d like to explore more about Clifton, click here.
2. Camps Bay Beach
Where: Camps Bay, approximately 5km from Leeuwenzee Guest House
What to Expect: Backed by the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountain range and lapped by the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay Beach is one of Cape Town’s most beloved destinations. The palm-lined promenade is lined with trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, and cafés, making it easy to combine a beach day with a long lunch or sundowner overlooking the water. The beach itself is wide and beautiful, with soft white sand and plenty of space to spread out. Camps Bay attracts locals and international visitors, giving it a cosmopolitan, buzzing energy that is uniquely Cape Town. Read more on our Camps Bay here.
3. Oudekraal Beach
Where: Oudekraal, approximately 10km from Leeuwenzee Guest House along the Atlantic coast road
What to Expect: A little further along the coastline towards Hout Bay, Oudekraal is a beautifully unspoilt beach that rewards visitors willing to venture slightly off the beaten track. It is a popular spot for picnicking and braaiing, with designated braai facilities set against a backdrop of boulders, kelp-filled waters, and mountain views. Oudekraal is also well known as a diving and snorkeling destination, with a rich underwater landscape and abundant marine life.
4. Llandudno Beach
Where: Llandudno, approximately 15km from Leeuwenzee Guest House
What to Expect: For those seeking a truly secluded beach experience, Llandudno is in a class of its own. Nestled between granite boulders and unspoiled fynbos-covered slopes, this pristine beach feels like a well-kept secret. There are no restaurants or shops nearby, which helps preserve its tranquil atmosphere. The beach is long and wide, with clear water and golden sand, and it is especially popular with surfers when conditions are right. The drive to Llandudno along the Atlantic coastline is scenic and spectacular in its own right.
5. Bantry Bay
Where: Bantry Bay, approximately 1.5km from Leeuwenzee Guest House
What to Expect: Tucked between Sea Point and Clifton, Bantry Bay is one of Cape Town’s favourites and one of the closest coastal spots to Leeuwenzee Guest House. While it doesn’t have a sandy beach in the traditional sense, it makes up for it with a rugged, rocky shoreline and views of the Atlantic Ocean. The oceanfront walkway here is a wonderful spot for an early morning stroll or an evening walk as the sky turns golden.
6. Sea Point Beach and Tidal Pools
Where: Sea Point, walking distance from Leeuwenzee Guest House
What to Expect: Right on the doorstep of Leeuwenzee Guest House, the Sea Point coastline offers a wonderful stretch of rocky beach and grassy lawns. The tidal pools are a firm favourite with families, offering safe, calm swimming that is perfect for children and those who prefer calmer waters to the open ocean. The grassy areas alongside the promenade are ideal for picnicking, sunbathing, and watching the world go by. Being so close to the guest house, it is the perfect spot for an early morning swim, a relaxed afternoon in the sun, or a sunset stroll along the water’s edge before heading out for dinner. Everything you need, including cafés, ice cream shops, and restaurants, is just a short walk away along the promenade.
7. Beta Beach
Where: Bakoven, approximately 6km from Leeuwenzee Guest House
What to Expect: Tucked away in the small coastal suburb of Bakoven, just beyond Camps Bay, Beta Beach is one of the Atlantic Seaboard’s most charming hidden gems. It is a small, sheltered cove framed by granite boulders that create natural windbreaks and quiet pools perfect for a peaceful swim. The boulders make for wonderful spots to sit and read, watch the waves, or simply soak up the sun in peace. Beta Beach is a wonderful contrast to the busier beaches along the strip and is the kind of place that makes you feel like a true Cape Town local.
With its prime location in Sea Point, Leeuwenzee Guest House is your perfect base for exploring the Atlantic Seaboard’s incredible beaches. Book with us for your next Cape Town holiday!