Soak up summer at these 8 Western Cape Beaches
With warmer days here and that delicious end of year summer holiday within tantalising reach, thoughts start drifting to lazy days at our beaches.
Sandy toes, gentle sea breezes, ice creams, wafts of sunscreen and chilled vibes fill the air. It’s the stuff of summer dreams right?
South Africa is blessed with roughly 2800km of coastline and our shores are lapped by waters from both the wilder Atlantic Ocean on the west and the warmer Indian Ocean towards the east. Our sunny climate allows for plenty of beach time fun.
We’re spoilt for choice with incredible beaches. Our beaches lure tourists from far and wide. South Africa also boasts no less than 45 internationally accredited Blue Flag beaches for 2019.
In this post I highlight 8 Western Cape beaches that the troop at One Stop Wanderlust loves.
Blouberg
Our family is privileged to have Blouberg as our default beach. It’s easy to see why the view is rated globally as a top Instagram worthy spot. You can also spot Robben Island. Besides the view, we love the rock pools which provide hours of entertainment for the kids to play and scavenge in.
Clifton 4th Beach
Clifton is located along the famed Atlantic Seaboard which is a little like the St. Tropez of Cape Town. Popular with locals and tourists, it’s sort of a Cape Town tick box item. Our family enjoys beautiful sunset picnics at Clifton which offers a sheltered environment amongst the boulders. This beach offers a bit of glitz, romance and family fun.
Kraalbaai, Langebaan
If warm azure waters and powder-soft sand sounds appealing then this beach isn’t to be missed. Despite being located along the chilly watered Atlantic coast, the water here is deliciously warm and calm as this beach flanks the Langebaan Lagoon. Kraalbaai is located inside the West Coast National Park so park fees will apply. The area has just been upgraded and offers fabulous braai, picnic and ablution facilities. Make a weekend of it and stay in one of the famed Kraalbaai houseboats or park’s board accommodation.
Stilbaai, Garden Route
Sometimes serendipity comes along and you find a new beach that’s a special joy. Stilbaai itself is a quiet little holiday town located off the N2 near the start of the famous Garden Route. The magnificent beach area lies where the Goukou River estuary meets the sea. Our visit coincided with low tide. Sublime are the only words to describe this incredible spot. Warm shallow water, flat sand, views for days, seagulls and peace await you.
Point Beach, Mossel Bay
We stumbled across Point Beach after visiting nearby Cape St. Blaize, famous for the Point of Human Origins archaeological site. Our visit started with lunch at Delfino’s restaurant which is right next to the beach. Point Beach offers a delightful shallow tidal pool and rocks that are perfect for kids. There’s even a jungle gym on the beach.
Lookout Beach, Plettenberg Bay
The lineup of Garden Route beaches in this post is definitely justified as the array of excellent options is extensive. Lookout is a beautiful flat beach and superb for kids to frolic on. Vast parts of this beach disappeared after floods in 2004 but it slowly reclaimed itself back to former glory. Lookout beach is quieter than Central Beach and has the Lookout Deck Restaurant adjacent with its sweeping beach and sea views. Bare feet are welcome!
Keurboomstrand, Garden Route
This is truly a stunning and pristine Garden Route beach with rugged rocks and crashing waves. The beach is flanked by green mountainside slopes. It’s a real salty air and sun-kissed beach vibe without the hordes. There’s a tuckshop to buy snacks and buckets ‘n spades from plus the popular Enrico’s Restaurant which overlooks the sand and crashing waves.
Nature’s Valley, Garden Route
This secluded Garden Route beach is a 30 minute drive from Plettenberg Bay. It’s another pristine gem in the area. The winding drive off the N2 through scenic and jungle like vegetation is already a treat. Watch out for the cavorting baboons too! Nature’s Valley has a tranquil and almost untouched atmosphere. Play in the sea or in the adjoining lagoon.
Reader’s Choices
Our One Stop Wanderlust readers are avid beachgoers and shared their favourite Western Cape beaches. Hayley loves taking her Labrador walking at Blouberg whilst Felicity rates Blouberg for the peaceful vibe. Melkbos is where Catherine goes to feel like she’s enjoyed a mini getaway. Brigitta heads further up the West Coast to soak up Langebaan fun.
Expat mom of 2, Christine loves Camps Bay for early evening picnics and rates it a great kid friendly beach. Gadija also loves Camps Bay. Elizabeth says her teens love Muizenberg for surfing whilst she enjoys the adjacent restaurants for casual dining or a cheeky glass of wine. Kommetjie is another of her favourites. Boulders and Simonstown are Davida’s besties whereas Leigh-Anne loves Fish Hoek.
Heading in a different direction, Liezel loves Stand whilst Jason spends many chilled out weekends at Pringle Bay and Rooi Els.
My question is, where are your favourite Western Cape beaches? Let me know in the comments!
Find out more about Garden Route must-dos and other beach getaways.
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