With roads, full of palm trees, like you see in the movies, golden-hour cocktails, and the sound of Atlantic waves crashing just beyond your towel. Camps Bay might look like it was built for Instagram photos... but spend a few days here and you'll realize it's a lifestyle.

Why Camps Bay turns heads

I mean, just look at the photo by Quade... We believe Cape Town was just showing off there. But backed by the Twelve Apostles mountain range and facing the Atlantic, makes for one of the most scenic trips of coastline in the country. But it's not just about the looks.

Tourists and locals come here to slow down. Camps Bay is blue flag certified... clean, safe, and great for a cold swim, only... if you're brave enough.

📌 StayHere Tip:
Accommodation in Camps Bay ranges from ultra-modern villas with ocean decks to tucked-away guesthouses. Check availability in Camps Bay here.

What you'll feel (and why that matters)

This isn't Sea Point. It's not Clifton. You feel it as soon as you arrive, the whole place runs on coastal time. It feels open. Expansive.

Like there's always time for one more drink or a longer pause at sunset. You hear sandals tapping on pavements, soft conversation under shaded restaurant decks, and as always... the Atlantic ocean.

The crowd?

A mix of Capetonians escaping the City Bowl, couples looking for romance, and international travellers who Googled "best beaches in Cape Town" and never looked back.

What to do when you're not soaking up the sun

Hike the Pipe Track: A relatively easy mountain trail that gives you elevated views over the bay. Perfect in the early morning before the sun gets too fierce, and just so you know... A cloudy day won't protect you from the sun in South Africa.

Catch a show at Theatre on the Bay: A local treasure. Comedy, drama, and the occasional musical with Table Mountain looming behind it.
Eat at Codfather: No menus - just fresh seafood laid out on ice. You pick, they cook. Simple, brilliant.
Sunset sessions at Café Caprice: Classic, even if it gets busy. There's a reason it's stood the test of time.

"The sunset doesn't hit the same anywhere else in Cape Town. This is where the city turns golden." - Photographer, Cape Town

Where to stay and why you should book early

In season, it books out fast. Most properties are either a quick stroll from the beach or high up in the hills with sweeping views. Self-catering units are popular, especially for families or digital nomads who want to settle in for a week or more.

Explore more options here:

👉 View top-rated places to stay in Camps Bay

Know before you go

The south-easter can get wild in summer. Bring a windbreak or sit near the rocks.

Uber is your friend

Parking can be a nightmare... If you see a gap, take it! Most people simply walk or get dropped off. Parking bays in Camps Bay can demand rates up to R120,000 per month.

Pack layers: Cape Town weather doesn't follow rules. It's sunny, rainy, wind howling and freezing, often at the same time.

Is Camps Bay worth it?

Man, it's Cape Town... of course Camps Bay is worth it!

Camps Bay isn't trying to be subtle. It's dramatic, bold, and just a little bit flashy — but that's the point.

It gives you the kind of holiday where you might not need an itinerary at all. Just sunscreen, a towel, and a willingness to let things unfold.