Clifton Bay Beach Tours and Activities

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


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-meter) 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 center of the cove provides shelter on windy days. The former attracts a predominately young crowd while the latter is a favored 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 center 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.

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Popular places to visit


Top Clifton Bay Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

President Hotel

President Hotel

4 out of 5
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
President Hotel
Camps Bay Retreat

Camps Bay Retreat

4 out of 5
7 Chilworth Road Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Village

Camps Bay Village

3 out of 5
32 Camps Bay Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
Camps Bay Village
The Bay Hotel

The Bay Hotel

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

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Taj Cape Town
21 Nettleton

21 Nettleton

5 out of 5
19 Nettleton Road, Clifton, Cape Town, Western Cape
21 Nettleton
POD Camps Bay

POD Camps Bay

5 out of 5
3 Argyle Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
POD Camps Bay
The Glen Apartments

The Glen Apartments

4 out of 5
10 Chilworth Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
The Glen Apartments
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

Clifton Bay Beach offers a stunning coastal escape with activities like sunbathing on its pristine sands, swimming in the refreshing waters, and enjoying picturesque sunsets. You can explore nearby tidal pools, indulge in beachside picnics, or take leisurely strolls along the scenic paths. For the more adventurous, water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are available, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and fun in the sun.

Shopping

In Clifton Bay Beach, enjoy shopping at the Greenpoint Market, just 4.8km away, offering a vibrant public atmosphere. The Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village, also 4.8km away, features family-friendly shops and entertainment. Adderley Street, located 4.8km away, is perfect for souvenirs with its lively city vibe.

Recreation

At the Cape Town Stadium, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various recreational events. Take a refreshing dip at Sea Point Swimming Pool, perfect for families. For a tranquil day, head to the Metropolitan Golf Club, where you can unwind amidst beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

Experience the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, located 3.2km from Clifton Bay Beach, offering stunning views as you ascend. For a scenic adventure, hike the Newlands Forest Trail, 6.4km away, surrounded by lush greenery. For adrenaline, head to Killarney Race Circuit, 13.2km away, for thrilling motor racing action.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Clifton Bay Beach with a visit to Theatre on the Bay for a cultural show, or catch a film at Ster-Kinekor V&A for a romantic evening. Artscape Theatre Centre offers family-friendly entertainment just a short drive away, ensuring a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Clifton Bay Beach

Clifton Bay Beach offers a delightful mix of outdoor experiences, culture, and stunning scenery. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Clifton beaches, including the famous Clifton 2nd Beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. For those seeking adventure, the surrounding mountains provide excellent hiking trails with breathtaking views. Whether you're soaking up the sun or exploring the vibrant streets, Clifton Bay Beach is a fantastic destination for all types of travellers.

  • Camps Bay Beach: Only 966m from Clifton Bay, this stunning beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with golden sands and spectacular views of the Twelve Apostles. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying beachside cafes.
  • Table Mountain: Located 3.2km away, this iconic mountain provides breathtaking vistas and thrilling outdoor adventures. Hike or take the cable car to the summit for panoramic views of Cape Town and the coastline.
  • Long Street: About 4.8km from Clifton Bay, Long Street is the heart of Cape Town's nightlife. Experience its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and vibrant bars, making it a lively spot to explore.

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 RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
February70.7°F (21.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March68.5°F (20.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
April64.6°F (18.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September57.7°F (14.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November64.6°F (18.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
December68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Clifton Bay Beach

To save money on your trip to Clifton Bay Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of June to August for lower accommodation rates. Booking around a month in advance or snagging last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can help you find the best prices. Saturdays tend to be the cheapest nights to stay, while Mondays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s filtering tools to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Opt for walking or public transport to explore the area affordably.

  • 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 set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type – for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by booking a package with Expedia, which combines your accommodation at Clifton Bay Beach with flights and activities.

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