Clifton, Cape Town Atlantic Seaboard

Clifton's four small beaches are among the most beautiful urban beaches in the world ? white sand enclosed by dramatic granite boulders, facing the cold but brilliantly blue Atlantic Ocean, accessible by steep staircase from Victoria Road above. Clifton 3rd and 4th beaches have a long-established LGBTQ+ presence, particularly on summer afternoons when the crowd that fills the sand is notably diverse and welcoming. The Atlantic water at Clifton is cold ? the Benguela Current keeps sea temperatures around 12-16?C even in midsummer ? but the sheltered position of the bays and the south-easterly summer wind protection makes sunbathing exceptionally pleasant. The scene at Clifton on a summer Saturday or Sunday afternoon, with Table Mountain visible above and the sound of the waves, is one of Cape Town's signature experiences. Nearest parking is limited; Uber from De Waterkant is the recommended approach.