With blue water, white sand, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range in the backdrop, the scenery at Cape Town’s Camps Bay is exquisite. Just ten minutes’ drive from the centre of town, this trendy suburb draws all manner of beach lovers as well as hikers and watersports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the hip bars and restaurants attract their fair share of diners and revellers, many of whom arrive in early evening to watch one of the finest sunsets in Cape Town.
The main event at Camps Bay is without a doubt its beach, which is clean and wide and simply magnificent. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire, and the beach is patrolled by lifeguards throughout the warmer months on account of its regular rip currents. Children can swim safely in a tidal pool at the bay’s southern end.
Sit on the grass by the beach and enjoy a picnic lunch, or cook up a storm using the barbecues provided. A pleasant walk from Camps Bay will bring you to the adjacent Glen Beach, where you can watch serious surfers taking on the big swell.
Take a stroll along the gorgeous Victoria Road, a palm-lined stretch of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that runs parallel to the beach. Browse the various wares of the trendy boutiques and the crafts market, then relax with a drink on a pavement terrace while the sun sets slowly over the sea.
Camps Bay is also a fine point of access for the Table Mountain National Park, and a number of well-marked trails will lead you to impressive views of the Twelve Apostles and the Cape Town peninsula. Hike to Lion’s Head and then, if you’re in the mood for adventure, paraglide your way back to Camps Bay or to nearby Sea Point.
Scuba diving tours will take you to see shipwrecks located just off the coast. Cave dives are also available, as are cage dives in the company of great white sharks.
Camps Bay is easily accessible by driving from the Cape Town city centre. You can park for free, but tipping the parking attendants is customary. The beach is also served by public busses and by a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus.
