Where to Go on Camps Bay Beaches: A Local’s Guide to Cape Town’s Most Iconic Coastline
Camps Bay is the coastline that outsiders fantasize about and locals side-eye lovingly. It’s glamorous, over-the-top, impossibly beautiful, occasionally chaotic… and honestly? Completely worth the hype.
But what most visitors don’t realize is that Camps Bay isn’t just one beach. It’s a whole string of micro-spots — each with its own mood, wind pattern, and level of “am I being watched by an influencer?” energy.
This is the local, slightly opinionated, stylish-person’s guide to where to sit, swim, tan, and wander along the Atlantic Seaboard’s most famous stretch of sand.
The Main Beach: Camps Bay’s Classic
If you want the full Camps Bay experience, plant yourself here:
palm trees
turquoise waves
volleyball nets
tanned locals who look suspiciously like they don’t have jobs
sundowners that feel like a soft-focus commercial
It’s lively, loud, scenic, and ideal for:
late afternoons (the golden light is ridiculous)
sundowners
people-watching that doubles as free entertainment
Best time: Late afternoon into sunset. The wind calms, the mountains glow orange, and everyone suddenly becomes nicer.
Glen Beach: The Locals’ Secret (Shh, Don’t Tell Everyone)
Tucked between giant boulders, Glen Beach is the insider favorite — quieter, more sheltered, and beautifully raw.
Expect:
surfers
smaller crowds
dogs that look like they’re living their truth
perfect morning light
At low tide, Glen is a sandy, peaceful dream. At high tide, it basically disappears, leaving you perched on rocks like an attractive sea creature.
Best time: Morning + early midday. Less wind, more peace, fewer influencers posing in sarongs.
The Southern End: Tide Pools, Granite, and Low-Key Energy
Walk toward the southern curve of Camps Bay and the beach becomes quieter, rockier, and more interesting.
Here’s where you’ll find:
tide pools
sun-warmed granite boulders
pockets of calm away from the center
smaller groups and fewer beach toys flying into your face
It’s ideal for:
reading
low-wind days
kids who love tide pools
anyone who “doesn’t do chaos”
Best time: Midday to late afternoon.
Bakoven: For Sunrise Coffee, Soft Romance, and Quiet Magic
Technically its own suburb, but spiritually part of Camps Bay, Bakoven is the stylish local’s escape.
Think:
tiny coves
crystal-clear water
sunrises that feel unfairly beautiful
couples with their flat whites
nobody yelling or selling sarongs
Bakoven is less about lying out all day and more about the vibe. It’s intimate, cinematic, and deeply Cape Town.
Best time: Early morning + sunset.
Local Tips You Will NOT Find in a Standard Travel Guide
Let’s save you the rookie mistakes.
✔️ Parking is a nightmare. Don’t do this to yourself. Uber.
✔️ The water is freezing. Locals call it “refreshing.” I call that propaganda.
✔️ The wind is the real boss. South Easter blowing? Don’t even bother with Main Beach. Head to Glen or Bakoven
✔️ Glen Beach changes drastically with the tide. Low tide = sandy heaven and high tide = surprise boulder spa
✔️ Sunsets are better in winter. Trust me. Cleaner air + fewer crowds + deeper colors.
✔️ Bring a Turkish towel. Capetonians have collectively banned plush American towels.
Don’t ask — just comply.
✔️ Camps Bay Main Beach is a late-afternoon queen. Mornings? Meh. Afternoons? Cinema.