Tours and Tickets to Experience Clifton
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Clifton
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- 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.
People Also Ask
What is Clifton known for?
Clifton is a luxurious suburb of Cape Town, near the beach community of Camps Bay. Aside from its fancy coastal mansions overlooking the Atlantic, the area is renowned for its four beaches, each separated by boulders. Unlike Cape Town, Clifton is sheltered from the wind, so expect gently lapping waves.
Which of Clifton’s four beaches should I go to?
That depends. The first beach (simply called 1st Beach) is dog-friendly and suitable for families. The second draws a livelier, influencer-heavy crowd. The third beach is famous with Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ community. The fourth beach is the most popular. It has a parking lot and can be easily accessed.
Do I need a car to get to Clifton Beach?
Yes. Whether you should drive yourself is another question. The small lots (one at 4th Beach, another across from 3rd Beach) fill up quickly, especially on weekends and in summer. Many people, even locals with transportation, prefer to arrive from Cape Town in a rideshare rather than hunt for parking.
Is there anything else to do in Clifton, other than hit the beach?
Not really. While nearby Camps Bay is famous for its upscale shopping and dining options, Clifton is more of a residential enclave. The beaches are free to access and open to the public year-round, so that’s the draw. They're only a 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center.
What time of year is best for visiting Clifton?
Summer is the best for lounging on the beach—and the most popular. (Unlike in the northern hemisphere, a Cape Town summer lasts from October to March.) The calm water is great for swimming, unlike surf-crazy Cape Town, but the temperature can be shockingly frigid, even in summer.
What kind of amenities can I find at Clifton Beach?
Public showers and toilets are available between the 1st and 2nd beaches, but they’re only open on weekends. You’ll also find snack and drink vendors. It’s best to pack a picnic lunch as there aren't more substantial dining options. Umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented on-site in summer.
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