Cape Town's 73 BEST Beaches: Hidden Gems & Iconic Spots Revealed!
Cape Town Beaches: 73 Flavors of Paradise (and a Few Headaches!) – My Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I've just survived the ultimate Cape Town beach blitz. I mean, 73 beaches? Seriously? My toes are still sandy, my cheeks are sunburnt (damn that Cape Doctor!), and my brain is a glorious mess of turquoise water, crashing waves, and… well, let's just say some questionable parking situations. This is not your typical sanitized travel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated truth about exploring Cape Town’s legendary coastline.
The Promise: 73 Beaches! – Did They Deliver? (Spoiler: Mostly Yes!)
Okay, let's be real. "73 BEST Beaches" is a bold statement. But, you know what? They actually came pretty damn close. This "guide" (and I use that term loosely, because I'm pretty sure I got lost at least twice) promised hidden gems and iconic spots, and for the most part, it delivered. I'm talking about everything from the bustling Camps Bay (hello Instagram influencers!) to secret coves that felt like you'd stumbled into a pirate movie.
Accessibility: The Devil in the Details (and the Uneven Pavement)
Let's get the practical stuff out of the way, because, as someone who's occasionally clumsy, accessibility matters.
Wheelchair Accessible: This is where things get a little… Cape Town. Some beaches are genuinely fantastic. Camps Bay has a decent, if slightly sloping, promenade. Others? Forget it. Think sand, steps, and the kind of "potholes" that could swallow a small child. The guide does mention accessible beaches, but be prepared to do some serious research and maybe call ahead. Don't assume. Assume nothing.
Getting Around: Driving is essential, unless you're a masochist who enjoys public transport in peak season. Car parks are a nightmare. Seriously. Expect to circle for hours (yes, hours!) during the summer months. The guide promises "free car parks" – sometimes true, sometimes not. Valet parking? Blessedly available at some of the nicer hotels and restaurants near the beaches. Thank. God.
Airport Transfer and Taxi Service: These are thankfully readily available. After a 12-hour flight, I was incredibly grateful for a swift airport transfer straight to my hotel. Uber is also widely used and reliable.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Fueling the Beach Bum
Restaurants, Bars, and Snack Shacks: The guide highlights restaurants that offer an "al la carte" menus with "salad" - sometimes. Depends. I found some amazing places, and some truly mediocre ones. Pro tip: read reviews. Trust nothing. Trust yourself and your instincts. Some, like the swanky spots in Camps Bay and Clifton, are pricey, but the views are worth it (even if your bank account disagrees). Consider the "safe dining setup" listed in our requested criteria.
Poolside Bars: Ah, the luxury. Sipping a cocktail while overlooking the ocean. Heaven. These are listed, but do your research.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sharks, Thieves, and Sunburns – Oh My!
Cleanliness: Cape Town beaches are generally well-maintained, but it depends on the specific spot. Some are pristine; others… well, let's just say there's a reason why the "daily disinfection in common areas" is such a big thing.
Safety: The guide, thankfully, does offer some tips. Swim at the designated beaches and observe the flags. Seriously. Respect the ocean. Hand sanitizer and first aid kit: These are your best friends. Sunscreen. LOTS of sunscreen.
CCTV and Security: Most popular beaches are patrolled by security. I felt relatively safe everywhere I went. But, as always, be aware of your surroundings, especially when the sun goes down.
Things to Do: Way More Than Just Sunbathing (If You Can Handle It!)
Ways to Relax: This is the easy part. Sunbathing, reading, listening to the waves… pure bliss.
Water Sports: Surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking… the options are limitless. Just check the wind and the currents. The “guide” did a pretty good job of listing them but didn’t necessarily provide sufficient detail to make an informed decision on time of year, tides, waves, wind… you are on your own.
Fitness Center: In Cape Town? Who needs a gym? Hiking Lion's Head or running along the beach is all the exercise you need.
Spa & Massage: These are the ultimate luxuries.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Coastal Adventures
Restaurants: "A la carte" in restaurant, "Asian cuisine in restaurant", "Western cuisine in restaurant" - the guide provides a decent overview of the dining options.
- The good: Variety! From fresh seafood shacks to fine dining.
- The bad: Prices can be eye-watering in some locations. Booking is often essential, especially during peak season and at the "happy hour"- the bars get packed! Try the poolside bar and be sure to experience a "dessert in restaurant."
Snack Bar: A necessity.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
- Daily housekeeping: In my opinion, this makes a HUGE difference!
- Concierge: Very helpful for booking tours, restaurants, and getting advice on where to go.
- Cash withdrawal: Absolutely essential, as some smaller beachside cafes and vendors are cash-only.
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential for surviving December in Cape Town.
- Elevator: Yes, the elevator is a blessing.
For the Kids: Keeping the Little Monsters Happy (Thank God!)
- Family/child friendly: Many beaches are perfect for kids & kids facilities are available.
- Babysitting service: Some hotels offered babysitting services (a lifesaver!).
Available in all rooms: My Home Away From Home
- Air conditioning: A must-have!
- Wi-Fi [free]: Usually reliable, but sometimes spotty, especially during peak times, so be prepared.
- Coffee/tea maker: The caffeine is essential.
- Cleanliness: A big plus.
The "Meh" Stuff (Because No Place is Perfect)
Internet: While most hotels offered internet access, the quality varied. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes, but sometimes slow. Internet [LAN]? Rare, but I found a couple.
"Rooms sanitized between stays": Promising, but can you really be sure?
Soundproof rooms?: I'm a light sleeper, so this was essential. Some hotels were great, others… well, neighbors can be noisy.
Anecdote: The Perfect Day… Almost
I’ll never forget my day at Llandudno Beach. Picture this: crystal-clear water, the iconic boulders, surfers dancing on the waves, and me, finally, feeling utterly, gloriously relaxed. I indulged in a seaside picnic (packed with my own, carefully chosen "individually-wrapped food options"), watched the sunset paint the sky in a riot of colors, and felt like I'd finally found paradise. Then… the parking. That’s when I had to call a Taxi Service. Sigh.
Quirky Observations:
- The "Cape Doctor" is a real thing: The wind can change from gentle breeze to gale-force in seconds.
- Expect to pay: Whether it's parking, cocktails, or a decent sandwich, Cape Town ain't cheap.
- The guide is a starting point: Don't take it as gospel. Do your own research. Ask the locals. Get lost!
The Emotional Verdict:
Cape Town's beaches are a breathtaking mix of beauty, chaos, and pure joy. This "guide" is a decent starting point, but treat it more like a suggestion than a definitive list. It's a place where you can feel utterly blissful one minute, and then swear at a parking ticket the next. It's a messy, imperfect, and utterly captivating destination.
My Final Recommendation: BOOK IT! (But Be Prepared)
So, should you book that trip to Cape Town? ABSOLUTELY! But, be prepared: do your research, pack sunscreen, embrace the chaos, and go with the flow. And for the love of all that is holy, book your accommodation well in advance and find a beach with a good parking situation!
Here's my offer: Book your hotel in Cape Town with us and receive a guaranteed 10% discount and a free welcome pack featuring a "Cape Town Survival Kit" (including a map of the best beaches, essential sunscreen and a handy guide to the wind and tide conditions). Also, booking through us grants you access to our exclusive "beach concierge" service, where we'll personally assist you in arranging everything from airport transfers and car rentals to restaurant reservations and insider tips, making sure your Cape Town experience is as smooth and unforgettable as the waves on Clifton Beach.
Mljet's Hidden Gem: Sobra Guesthouse - Your Dream Croatian Escape
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized travel brochure. This is 73 On Beach in Cape Town, South Africa WITH ME. And trust me, it's going to be a glorious, slightly chaotic, and utterly unpredictable ride. Prepare for some serious stream-of-consciousness.
73 On Beach: My Chaotic Cape Town Caper (A.K.A. The "Should-Have-Stayed-Home-But-Here-I-Am" Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & Atlantic Ocean Awesomeness (And a Bit of Panic)
Morning (Aprox. 7:00 AM): Land. JFK to Cape Town via…well, too much plane time to remember. Suffice it to say, I'm fueled by stale airplane peanuts and a desperate need for a proper shower. Immigration – smooth…ish. Luggage? Miraculously arrived. I’m already sweating, not even from the heat, just the sheer existential dread of a new country. First impression of Cape Town: Wow, it's…green? And the air? Somehow both crisp and humid.
Mid-Morning (Aprox. 10:00 AM): Transport to 73 On Beach – Uber (thank GOD for Uber). Instantly charming driver, singing along to some ridiculously cheesy Afrikaans pop song. I understand absolutely nothing, but I'm vibing anyway. The Cape Doctor (the wind) is already whipping, which is apparently a good sign, and I'm praying it doesn't obliterate me whilst standing on the beach later.
Late Morning (Aprox. 11:00 AM): Check-in at the B&B. 73 On Beach is… cozy! (Read: small, but in a cute way). Overwhelmed by the view from our room. Think panoramic Atlantic Ocean, crashing waves, and a promise of dramatic sunsets. I swear, I almost cried seeing it. It's too beautiful. I take a picture and instantly regret it, because it won't capture the feeling.
Lunch Time (Aprox. 12:00 PM): Fish and chips at a place called "Salty's" nearby. The batter is perfect, the fish flaky, the chips are… well, perfect, and the seagulls are vultures. Legitimately battling for my lunch. I lose a chip. Accept loss and move on.
Afternoon (Aprox. 2:00 PM): BEACH TIME! I wander down to the beach, and my heart does a little flip. Seriously, the water is a vibrant blue that I didn't believe existed. There's a dude surfing like he owns the place, and I want to be him. I tentatively dip my toes in the freezing cold Atlantic and instantly retreat. I sit and watch the waves, lost in the sheer scale of it all. It is absolutely magnificent.
Evening (Aprox. 6:00 PM): Sunset cocktails and snacks on the balcony. We crack open a bottle of South African wine (a Pinotage – it was interesting). The sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with fiery colors. I don't even care if the wine tastes weird because I'm in a state of pure awe.
Night (Aprox. 8:00 PM): Dinner at a local restaurant – "The Tides" (I think?). The food is ok, the music is… well, terrible. I've become one of those people who only cares about finding local food. I try some Biltong (dried, cured meat) and it's a revelation. I'm starting to realize that I might actually love this place.
- Rambling Note: This is where jet lag really kicks in. I'm fighting to keep my eyes open and keep from falling into my plate of Bobotie. I make a mental note to pack more coffee next time.
Day 2: Table Mountain & Cultural Confusion (And a Near-Disaster)
Morning (Aprox. 8:00 AM): Breakfast at 73 On Beach (included, thank god). The hosts are lovely, the coffee is strong, and the eggs are cooked perfectly. I finally attempt to speak some broken Afrikaans. The look of stunned amusement on the host’s face is priceless. I feel like I’ve already embarrassed myself, but that is the beauty of travel.
Mid-Morning (Aprox. 9:30 AM): Table Mountain! The cable car is an experience in itself. Climbing up is awe-inspiring, and the views are breathtaking. I swear, the city is laid out like a toy set below. The wind is insane. I'm clinging to the railings with white knuckles, and I’m pretty sure my hair is permanently matted. I get to the top, and OMG. The view is even more spectacular than I imagined.
- Anecdote: At the top, I almost lost my sunglasses. The wind swooped in and nearly snatched them away. I'm pretty sure the person standing next to me thought I'd lost a limb. Turns out, it’s just the wind!
Lunch (Aprox. 12:00 PM): Sandwich at a restaurant called something like "The Lookout" on the top of Table Mountain. Expensive. But worth it for the view. I try to take pictures, but the wind makes it an exercise in frustration.
Afternoon (Aprox. 2:00 PM): A trip to Bo-Kaap – the colorful neighborhood. It’s beautiful, and I take a million pictures. I get a bit of a culture clash feel, and I’m struggling to figure out the best way to be respectful. Trying to keep from being that annoying tourist.
- Emotional Reaction: I’m starting to feel overwhelmed with the sheer amount of new information I'm processing. Trying to be sensitive to the historical and cultural significance of everything I'm seeing is exhausting but important. I want to experience everything, but I have to remind myself that I don't need to do everything all at once.
Evening (Aprox. 6:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in the city that, after much debate, we decided to try Mama Africa, a tourist trap, but at least it has some very entertaining live music and a very fun atmosphere. I try some more local cuisine: Pap and Wors. It's… an experience. Again.
Night (Aprox. 8:00 PM): I fall into bed, utterly exhausted but buzzing with exhilaration.
- Quirky Observation: I realize I’ve barely spoken English today. Mostly, it’s been a mixture of terrified facial expressions, frantic hand gestures, and the occasional bewildered “uh…”.
Day 3: Wine Tasting, Penguins, and a Bit of a Meltdown.
Morning (Aprox. 9:00 AM): Wine tour! We booked a tour of the Cape Winelands. We're visiting Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. The scenery is unreal – rolling hills, vineyards as far as the eye can see. The first wine tasting. My palate is refined. I love it. They pour a Shiraz. Beautiful. I’m definitely going to buy some bottles to bring back home.
Afternoon (Aprox. 1:00 PM): Wine tasting No. 2. I'm starting to feel the effects of the wine (probably, no, definitely, dehydrated too). We're eating a gourmet lunch and the conversation is lively. I'm starting to understand what all the fuss is about.
Afternoon (Aprox. 3:00 PM): We drive to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. They're adorable. I stand there and watch the little penguins and almost have a religious experience. One penguin came within inches of me. Pure bliss.
- Emotional Reaction: My heart is bursting. It's beautiful. I love penguins. The water is freezing, and I can't believe the penguins manage to swim in it!
Evening (Aprox. 6:00PM): Fish and Chips somewhere (again). The second the waiter brings me the food, it feels like my food has been a huge success, and there’s a huge sense of relief when everything goes swimmingly.
Night (Aprox. 8:00 PM): Finally, a decent night’s sleep.
Day 4: Beach, Relaxation, and Leaving (Sob!)
Morning (Aprox. 9:00 AM): Last breakfast at 73 On Beach. I’m sad to leave. I feel like I’ve made some friends. The food is still delicious and this place, this place, is special.
Morning (About 10:00 AM): I head back to the beach for one last walk. I sit on the sand. I watch the waves. I take a deep breath. I’m starting to realize that this place has gotten under my skin.
Mid-Day (Aprox. 12:00 PM): Check out of the B&B. I hug the owners.
**After
Okay, So What *Is* This Thing Even *About*? I'm Confused Already.
Why Does Everything Seem So… Messy? Is That On Purpose?
So, What’s Your Deal? Who *Are* You?
What’s the Absolute *Worst* Thing That’s Ever Happened To You? (Go On, Spill!)
But Like, The *Best* Thing? The Absolute Pure Joy?
Okay, Okay, I Get It. Deep Thoughts. But... Practical Stuff? Like, How Do I Deal With… Loneliness?
What if I’m just completely *stuck*? Like, everything feels pointless.
Okay, Last Question, Promise. What’s Your *Biggest* Flaw?
