5 coastal day trips you haven't tried yet
Beyond Camps Bay and Clifton - lesser-known stretches of coastline that are perfect for a slow Saturday.
Everyone knows the big-name beaches. But the Western Cape coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometres, and some of the best spots are the ones most people drive right past.
1. Kogel Bay Beach
Tucked between Gordon's Bay and Rooi-Els on the R44, Kogel Bay is a wide, windswept stretch of sand backed by dramatic mountains. It's rarely crowded, perfect for long walks, and the braai spots along the road make it easy to turn a morning drive into a full-day affair.
2. Smitswinkel Bay
Inside the Cape Point nature reserve, this sheltered cove requires a short but steep walk down from the road. The reward: crystal-clear water, no crowds, and a feeling of total seclusion. Pack a picnic - there are no facilities, which is exactly the point.
3. Paternoster Beach
About 90 minutes from Cape Town, this West Coast fishing village has whitewashed cottages, incredible seafood, and a beach that feels like it belongs in a different country. Time your visit for sunset and grab crayfish at one of the local spots.
4. Scarborough Beach
Just past Misty Cliffs on the way to Cape Point, Scarborough is a locals-only kind of beach. The water is cold (this is the Atlantic side), but the setting is wild and beautiful. Great for a morning walk followed by coffee in Kommetjie.
5. Bettys Bay - Stony Point to Silversands
Start at the penguin colony at Stony Point, then drive five minutes to Silversands Beach for a swim. The water on this side of False Bay is noticeably warmer, and the mountain backdrop is stunning. Combine it with a stop at the Harold Porter Botanical Garden for a waterfall hike.
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