Clifton Bay Beach

Clifton Bay Beach featuring a beach, a coastal town and rugged coastline
Clifton Bay Beach showing a coastal town and a beach
Clifton Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach
Clifton Bay Beach which includes rocky coastline, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Clifton Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach


Soft white sand, aquamarine water, striking mountain views and picture-perfect sunsets lure visitors to this collection of four fashionable beaches.

Experience the pulsating heart of Cape Town’s beach scene at Clifton Bay Beach. Soak up the sun alongside a heady mix of tourists and the city’s beautiful people. Marvel at the views of rugged mountain peaks, including 2,195-feet (669-metre) tall Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Watch the luxury yachts bobbing in the piercing blue water of the Atlantic Ocean and gaze in awe at spectacular sunsets.

Clifton Bay Beach sits around a glorious bay and is comprised of four beaches separated by granite outcrops. Walk between each to discover their individual charm. Take a refreshing swim in the cool water and play beach sports such as soccer and volleyball. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months and protect bathers from the strong ocean currents. Behind the beach is a residential stretch known as “Millionaire’s Row,” home to some of Cape Town’s most expensive real estate.

At the northern end of the bay is Clifton First Beach, a popular hangout for local beachgoers. The rolling waves make it a revered surf spot, too. Set in the heart of the bay are Clifton Second Beach and Clifton Third Beach, whose location at the centre of the cove provides shelter on windy days. The former attracts a predominately young crowd while the latter is a favoured retreat among the city’s LGBT community.

Clifton Fourth Beach, a designated Blue Flag area at the bay’s southernmost tip, throngs with hip beachgoers and families alike. Rent sunbeds and umbrellas from the vendors. Find changing facilities and restrooms. Watch open-air screenings of surf movies during December’s Wavescape Surf Film Festival.

Clifton Bay Beach is a 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre and a 5-minute drive from Camps Bay. Access to the beaches is via staircases that lead down from Victoria Road. Parking can be difficult to find during the busy peak season. Public buses stop on the road and connect with nearby suburbs.

Accommodation is available at beach-facing hotels, self-catering apartments and villas. Book early during peak season and be prepared to pay high rates for this sought-after location.

Plan a trip to see Clifton Bay Beach

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Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
21 Nettleton
Le Quartier Francais

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

The Bay Hotel

The Bay Hotel

4.5 out of 5
69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
The Bay Hotel
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Taj Cape Town
President Hotel

President Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
President Hotel
Clifton Spectacular Ocean View Apartment

Clifton Spectacular Ocean View Apartment

5 out of 5
The Clifton, 60 Victoria Road, Clifton, Cape Town, Western Cape
Clifton Spectacular Ocean View Apartment
Clifton YOLO Spaces – Clifton Sea View Apartments

Clifton YOLO Spaces – Clifton Sea View Apartments

4 out of 5
61 Victoria Road, 8c Arcadia Steps, Cape Town, Western Cape
Clifton YOLO Spaces – Clifton Sea View Apartments
Camps Bay Retreat

Camps Bay Retreat

4 out of 5
7 Chilworth Road Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Camps Bay Retreat
Clifton YOLO Spaces – Clifton Mansion Villa

Clifton YOLO Spaces – Clifton Mansion Villa

4.5 out of 5
286 Kloof Road, Cape Town, Western Cape
Clifton YOLO Spaces – Clifton Mansion Villa
POD Camps Bay

POD Camps Bay

5 out of 5
3 Argyle Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
POD Camps Bay
21 Nettleton

21 Nettleton

5 out of 5
19 Nettleton Road, Clifton, Cape Town, Western Cape
21 Nettleton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Clifton Bay Beach

At Clifton Bay Beach, visitors can enjoy sunbathing on its pristine white sands, swimming in the clear waters, and indulging in a variety of water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding. The nearby promenade offers delightful cafés and restaurants, perfect for sampling local cuisine. As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a picturesque spot for evening strolls, offering stunning views of the coastline and the iconic Twelve Apostles mountain range.

Shopping

The Greenpoint Market, just 1.9km from Clifton Bay Beach, offers a vibrant atmosphere for unique gifts. The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, also 1.9km away, combines shopping with entertainment. Adderley Street, another 1.9km from the beach, features a variety of family-friendly shops.

Recreation

At Newlands Cricket Ground, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying a leisurely stroll. Sea Point Swimming Pool offers a refreshing outdoor experience, perfect for families looking to unwind and engage in recreational activities amidst stunning coastal views.

Adventure

Experience the breathtaking Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, located 1.2km from Clifton Bay Beach, offering stunning panoramic views. For a scenic adventure, hike the Newlands Forest Trail, situated 2.5km away, immersing yourself in nature. For adrenaline enthusiasts, the Killarney Race Circuit, 11.2km distant, promises thrilling motor racing excitement.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Clifton Bay Beach offers a delightful blend of culture and entertainment. Visit the Artscape Theatre Centre for an engaging performance, or enjoy a film at Ster-Kinekor V&A. For a more intimate experience, Theatre on the Bay presents charming productions just 1.6km away.

Find the best attractions near Clifton Bay Beach

Clifton Bay Beach, a stunning destination in Cape Town, offers a blend of beach, mountain, and vibrant street experiences. Visitors can explore Clifton's various beaches, including Clifton First and Clifton Third, while immersing themselves in local culture and outdoor activities. Be sure to read reviews of the beaches for insights, and consider the proximity of attractions to enhance your stay in this picturesque area.

  • Table Mountain: Just 1.2km from Clifton Bay Beach, this iconic mountain offers breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor adventures. Hike the trails or take the cable car for a stunning panorama of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Long Street: Situated 1.9km away, Long Street is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling nightlife, and eclectic mix of shops and cafes. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic culture.
  • Greenmarket Square: Also 1.9km from the beach, this lively piazza is a hub of local culture, featuring a variety of artisan stalls. Experience South African crafts, food, and music in a vibrant setting that showcases the city’s heritage.

Best time to go to Clifton Bay Beach

The best time to visit Clifton Bay Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Clifton Bay Beach falls in January and February. February has slightly high visitor numbers and sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Clifton Bay Beach falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January70.7°F (21.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February70.7°F (21.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.5°F (20.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
April64.6°F (18.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November64.6°F (18.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
December68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Clifton Bay Beach

To save money on your trip to Clifton Bay Beach, consider visiting between June and August when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance usually yields the best rates, while exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can uncover unexpected bargains. Saturdays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Mondays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to compare room rates and filter for eco-friendly options, and save further by bundling your hotel with flights and activities in a package deal.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Clifton Bay Beach are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and November to December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Clifton Bay Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Clifton Bay Beach is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Clifton Bay Beach is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Clifton Bay Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.