Clifton
The Basics
While the water off the Atlantic Seaboard is generally too cold for swimming, if you are looking for a place to lounge in a rented beach chair while being served cocktails, Clifton is the place to go. The suburb’s four beaches attract distinctly different crowds, so if you book a private tour your guide can recommend the cove that suits you best.xa0
Other ways to see Clifton range from stopping by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to visiting on a tour to Cape Point. Or, see the beaches from above on a scenic helicopter flight.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Clifton’s beaches are known for attracting beautiful and wealthy sunbathers.
- A steep trail from the road to the beach restricts access to the beaches.
- You can rent a lounge chair and receive seaside service from surrounding restaurants.
- The beaches are separated from each other so choose which one you want to visit before descending from the road.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Located along Victoria Road, Clifton is easily accessible by bus, taxi, or personal car. However, limited, cliff-side parking makes driving yourself a less-than-desirable option. You can skip the hassle of worrying about transportation by booking a tour that takes you to Clifton along with other Atlantic Seaboard attractions.
When to Get There
Since Clifton’s main attraction is sunbathing, it is best to visit in South Africa’s summer months (November through March). If you want to avoid the crowds, skip visiting on weekends or holidays.
The Atlantic Seaboard
If you are visiting Clifton, you should also make time to visit the surrounding Atlantic Seaboard attractions. Cape Town’s Atlantic coastline is lined with beach towns, white-sand beaches, and a scenic coastal road that stretches from the V&A Waterfront to the Cape of Good Hope. Along the way, you can find everything from scenic hikes and secluded coves to party-centric beach towns and upscale resorts.