There’s no question that a very hot day in the Mother City means a trip to the beach, but with every Capetonian and traveller having the same idea, beaches are bound to get crowded. If you’re looking to skip the traffic and the crowds the next time a heatwave gets you flustered, here are five awesome seaside spots that are off the beaten path.
Melkbosstrand
A few kilometres from the always windy Blouberg Beach is a picturesque seaside town called Melkbosstrand. This family-friendly hotspot is bursting with some charming and delicious restaurants, but most importantly, offers a stretch of beach that’s a lot more protected from the wind than its neighbour and that’s not as busy. Make sure you check out Tube Wave for delicious ice cream and grab a bite to eat at Trattoria Maranello.
Water’s Edge
If you happen to be admiring the adorable penguins that call Simon’s Town home, then you may want to scootch on over to Water’s Edge. This little slice of paradise has always been a hidden favourite amongst locals but has become quite well-known thanks to social media. You’ll have to do a little searching to get to this incredible spot though, so make sure you head to the Seaforth Beach parking lot and follow the paved pathway. You’ll have to scurry past the Seaforth Restaurant before coming across a wooden gate on your left… open and enter paradise. Water’s Edge is also the perfect spot for catching the sunset.
Also Read: 7 Epic sunset spots to enjoy around the Mother City
Buffels Bay Beach
If you’re looking to braai, picnic and cool off in the ocean, then Buffels Bay Beach in Cape Point is must! While this may be a popular Cape Point beach, it doesn’t get too crowded and offers the perfect spot to catch a few waves with some adorable surfing seals. It’s quite popular with families and offers a large and safe tidal pool for the kiddies to enjoy the ocean water.
Derdesteen
Another West Coast gem that’s located a few kilometres from Blouberg Beach. It’s a go-to spot for those looking to escape the crowds that descend on Blouberg and Eden on the Bay and offers a great location for a quiet swim in the ocean, views of Table Mountain and kitesurfers, or a leisurely walk on the beach with your four-legged friend. It does get quite windy on this side and because of its position, there are no lifeguards that will help keep an eye on things, so caution is advised. If you’re looking for a braai or picnic spot, try Eerstesteen which is situated a little further back.
Kogel Bay
The False Bay Coastline is bursting with some amazing beach day gems and Kogel Bay is one of them. This gorgeous area is divided into three areas: Kogel Bay, and to the south, Spark’s Bay and Klippies Bay, which each offer day visitor facilities, lush lawns and shady trees to help escape the heat. With majestic mountains as your backdrop, turquoise-coloured ocean views, and a golden stretch of beach, this area is the perfect spot to relax and cool off. It’s also been voted one of the best seaside spots for a braai in the country, so you know it’s going to be a good one!
Also Read:
Picture: Instagram Benjam