In this guide · 5 sections
Cape Town has some of the world's best beaches. Many of them have a strong gay following. From Clifton's rocky coves to the nudist expanses of Sandy Bay, here's where to find your crowd.
Clifton 3rd Beach
This is Cape Town's most popular gay beach. It's sheltered, beautiful, and always busy with gay people on weekends and all through summer (November–March). Four Clifton beaches are separated by granite boulders; the third one is the gay spot. Get there early on summer weekends—parking is tight, and the beach fills up fast. You access it down steep stairs from Victoria Road. There are no facilities on the beach itself, so pack everything you need. The water is cold (Benguela Current), but people still swim.
Sandy Bay
Cape Town's official nudist beach sits about 3km north of Llandudno. You get there via a 20-minute walk from the Llandudno car park. It's more secluded than Clifton; the walk keeps away casual visitors. Gay men and nudists of all kinds use the beach; it's one of the few places in South Africa where public nudity is fine. The scenery is spectacular—granite boulders, white sand, and views of Chapman's Peak. Bring water; there are no facilities.
Camps Bay
Not exclusively gay, but the glamorous strip of sand opposite Camps Bay's restaurants and bars pulls in a mixed crowd, including a lot of gay people. The mountain backdrop is dramatic; the feeling here is more "see and be seen" than Clifton. Cafés and restaurants line the road above the beach—it's easy to go from sunbathing to lunch to sundowners. The water is warmer here than on the Atlantic side.
Blouberg & Dolphin Beach
These are on the west coast, about 25km north of the city. They're famous for that postcard view back to Table Mountain. They're gay-friendly rather than specifically gay; kitesurfers like it here. It's worth the drive for the view and the more open beach. Dolphin Beach is right next door and quieter.