Clifton Beach
Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Four sheltered granite coves with crystal-clear Atlantic water — Cape Town's most exclusive and wind-protected beaches, perfect for sunbathing and calm summer swims.
Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Four sheltered granite coves with crystal-clear Atlantic water — Cape Town's most exclusive and wind-protected beaches, perfect for sunbathing and calm summer swims.
Location
Clifton, Cape Town, South Africa
Best For
Quiet Relaxation, Sunbathing, Families
Water Temp
13–17°C (cold Atlantic, crystal clear)
Best Season
November – April (Cape Town summer)
Crowds
Busy Dec–Feb; quieter weekdays
Facilities
Sun Lounger Hire, Toilets (limited)
Clifton is one of Cape Town's most beloved and exclusive beach destinations — four numbered coves (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Beach) separated by enormous rounded granite boulders, tucked between the Atlantic seaboard mountains and the cold blue ocean. Each cove has a slightly different character: 1st Beach attracts a singles and social crowd, 2nd is quiet and family-oriented, 3rd is known for its lively atmosphere, and 4th Beach is the largest and most popular with families and sun-worshippers. Together they are sheltered from the Cape south-easter wind in a way that the more exposed Camps Bay is not, making Clifton the calmer option on a windy Cape summer day.
The water at Clifton is some of the clearest on the Cape Peninsula — cold, brilliant blue-green, and remarkably transparent, with visibility often exceeding 10 metres. The sand is very white and fine, and the coves are sheltered enough to allow calm swimming even when the Atlantic is lively elsewhere. A long flight of steps leads down from the road above to each cove, and while there are no restaurants on the beach itself, sun lounger hire and basic refreshments are available. The lack of development at the beachfront is part of what makes Clifton so special — it maintains a natural, unspoiled feel despite being minutes from the city.
The Clifton clifftop path running from Sea Point to Camps Bay passes above all four beaches and offers spectacular views. The walk back up the steps after a beach day is worth it for the vistas. In the evenings, Clifton's position means it catches spectacular light from the setting sun reflecting off Lion's Head and Signal Hill above, and the Atlantic in front turns extraordinary shades of gold and turquoise — one of Cape Town's finest natural shows.
Clifton is 7 km from Cape Town city centre via De Waal Drive and Kloof Nek Road. Street parking on Clifton Road is very limited — it's best to take an Uber from Sea Point or Camps Bay and walk. The MyCiTi bus Route 108 stops in Sea Point from where it's a 10-minute walk south along the promenade. Arrive early on weekends as parking fills fast.
Summer (November–April) for warm days and calmer water. A key advantage of Clifton: when the south-easter (Cape Doctor wind) blows strongly in summer afternoons, Clifton's coves remain sheltered behind the granite boulders while Camps Bay becomes unpleasant. Morning visits are generally calmer regardless. Clifton is beautiful year-round on fine days.
4th Beach is the most accessible with the best facilities and most suitable for families. 2nd Beach is quietest and most peaceful. Bring your own food and drinks as there are no restaurants on the beach. Sun loungers can be hired. The water is very cold — bring a towel for after swimming. The steps from the road down to each beach can be steep; note which flight of steps matches your preferred cove.