Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard is where the city shows off its glamorous side. With white-sand beaches, palm-lined promenades, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks, Clifton and Camps Bay are the crown jewels of this coastline. Spend a day here and you’ll quickly understand why these neighborhoods are loved by locals and visitors alike. From lazy mornings on the sand to stylish evenings with cocktails in hand, here’s how to experience Clifton and Camps Bay at their best.
Find Your Spot on Clifton’s Beaches
Clifton isn’t one beach, but four. Each cove has its own personality, its own crowd, and its own rhythm. Choosing the right one can shape your entire day, so here is what makes each of them special.
Clifton 1st Beach
If you enjoy surfing, bodyboarding, or a more energetic atmosphere, First Beach is your place. It is popular with younger locals and has a slightly wilder feel because of the waves. The beach is smaller and more intimate, which makes it ideal for groups of friends or anyone who prefers an active start to the day. If you like to do something at the beach rather than simply stretch out on a towel, this is the one to choose.
Clifton 2nd Beach
This is the social heart of Clifton, glamorous, lively, and always filled with movement. Volleyball games, curated picnics, and groups of friends soaking up the sun give it a festive energy from morning to late afternoon. It is also the most photographed of the four beaches, thanks to its sweeping views and constant buzz. If you enjoy people watching or want to meet locals, Second Beach is perfect.
Clifton 3rd Beach
Smaller, quieter, and more tucked away, Third Beach is ideal for couples or solo travellers who want a peaceful morning. The boulders offer natural shelter from the wind, and the cove feels almost private. If you are looking for a beach that feels like a hidden corner of the city, this is the one.
Clifton 4th Beach
The most family friendly of the four, Fourth Beach offers more space, gentler waves, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is perfect for picnics, long swims, and anyone who wants a classic beach day without the lively energy of Second Beach. Lifeguards are often on duty, and the wide stretch of sand makes it ideal for groups.
Lunch With a View in Camps Bay
Once you’ve had your fill of sun, make your way to Camps Bay for lunch. The beachfront strip is lined with restaurants that all offer ocean views, but each one has its own personality.
Paranga
Paranga is Camps Bay’s stylish stalwart, polished, elegant, and always full of energy. The menu leans toward seafood, with beautifully presented dishes such as grilled line fish, prawns, and fresh oysters. The interior is warm and sophisticated, but the real attraction is the terrace, where you can sit only a few steps from the beach.
Mantra Café
Mantra is relaxed yet refined, the kind of place where you can settle in and stay for hours. Their salads, flatbreads, and seafood dishes are fresh and vibrant, and the decor is airy and modern. It is perfect for travellers who want something stylish without feeling overly formal. The cocktails are excellent as well, making it an ideal spot to ease into the afternoon.
Café Caprice
Caprice is iconic, part cafe, part bar, and part social hub. It’s trendy without trying too hard, and the menu is full of favourites such as burgers, bowls, and cocktails. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere, great music, and the chance to mingle with locals, Caprice is the place to choose. It is especially good for groups or anyone who enjoys a bit of energy with their lunch.
Promenade Wanders and Tidal Pools
After lunch, take a slow walk along Camps Bay’s palm-lined promenade. Browse boutique stores, grab a gelato, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze. If you’re up for a swim but not keen on the chilly Atlantic, head to the Camps Bay Tidal Pool at the southern end of the beach. It’s calm, scenic, and perfect for a refreshing dip.
If you prefer something quieter, pop into one of the local art galleries or book a spa treatment at one of the nearby wellness studios. Camps Bay is as much about leisure as it is about scenery.
Sunset Cocktails With a View
This coastline is famous for its sunsets, and Camps Bay’s cocktail bars make the most of it. Here’s where to go depending on your mood:
The Bungalow
Chic, glamorous, and perched right above the ocean, The Bungalow feels like a beach club on the edge of the world. Think champagne, sushi, and loungers facing the sea. It’s perfect for travelers who want a luxurious, almost cinematic sunset experience. The music is upbeat, the crowd is stylish, and the views are unbeatable.
Chinchilla Rooftop Café
Chinchilla sits above the Camps Bay strip, giving you panoramic views of the beach and mountains. The vibe is relaxed but trendy, with excellent craft cocktails and a DJ who sets the mood without overpowering it. If you want a sunset spot that’s lively but not chaotic, Chinchilla is ideal.
Café Caprice (again!)
Caprice changes completely in the evening and becomes one of the most popular places in Cape Town to watch the sun go down. The crowd is young, the cocktails are generous, and the atmosphere has an unmistakable energy. If you want a social sunset with great music and a lively crowd, this is the place to be.
Dinner and Dancing
When the sun goes down, Camps Bay keeps going. Here are a few places worth staying out for:
Sandy B Private Beach Club
Attached to The Bay Hotel, Sandy B is exclusive, glamorous, and perfect for those who want to keep the party going in style. Think plush loungers, curated playlists, and a chic crowd. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy a more upscale nightlife experience.
Camps Bay Strip (general nightlife)
If you prefer something more spontaneous, the strip itself offers bars with live music, DJ sets, and a fun, easygoing atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can wander, follow the music, and see where the night takes you.
Peak Cape Town
Clifton and Camps Bay may be Cape Town’s most famous seaside suburbs, but their magic lies in the way they blend glamour with an easygoing spirit. Clifton’s beaches are beautiful yet completely unpretentious, each one offering its own kind of day in the sun. Camps Bay, with its restaurants, bars, and palm lined promenade, feels polished but still wonderfully relaxed.
For guests at ഓ'ടു ഹോട്ടൽ, these neighborhoods are just a short drive away, making them the perfect day trip or evening escape. Whether you’re stretched out on Clifton’s white sands, sipping cocktails as the sky turns gold, or dancing under the stars, this coastline delivers Cape Town at its most dazzling.
