Cape Towns Atlantic Coast: Camps Bay, Clifton and Bantry Bay

The Atlantic Seaboard of Cape Town stretches from the quiet refinement of Bantry Bay to the glittering beaches of Clifton to the stylish bustle of Camps Bay. This is the city’s glamorous edge — where the mountains tumble into the sea and every sundowner comes with a front-row view of the sunset over the ocean.

By day, the Atlantic promenade in Sae Point and camps Bay hums with joggers and cyclists. By evening, it glows with the laughter of locals gathering at beachfront cafés. Think of it as Cape Town’s own Riviera — with a distinctly South African flair. (And with echoes of the gleaming millionaire pads of California or The Hamptons too.)

Camps Hotel Hotels, Sea Point and Bantry Bay

Our handpicked hotels reflect the area’s variety and there’s a different difference in location within our Atlantic Hotels:

In Sea Point, Winchester Mansions and la Splendida look over the iconic promenade and yet are withing ten minutes of the V&A Waterfront.
In Bantry Bay, Clarendon Bantry Bay and the iconic Ellerman House & Villas offer serene luxury with sweeping sea views — perfect for those who prefer tranquillity over beach bustle.
Down the coast, The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay Retreat, and Sea Five Boutique Hotel put you just steps from the sand and the café scene.

For something more secluded, The Twelve Apostles Hotel nestles between the ocean and fynbos-covered mountain slopes, while Tintswalo Atlantic lies hidden beneath Chapman’s Peak — one of the most romantic settings on the continent.

Wherever you stay, you’ll be just 10 to 25 minutes from Cape Town’s vibrant centre. But you might find it hard to leave the ocean and slow rhythm of the Atlantic coast behind.

Check out the Last Word Long Beach on the Cape Peninsula pages if you want even greater beach seclusion.

Important Note: Not all hotels are within walking distance of beaches, especially those in Sea Point and Bantry Bay, or ones which hug the Twelve Apostles mountain foothills. But all have stunning views of the Ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Atlantic Seaboard

What’s the best time to visit Cape Town’s Atlantic Coast?
Summer (November–March) brings warm weather and long days ideal for beach time and sundowners. Winter has fewer crowds and moody sunsets — great for photographers.

Are the Atlantic beaches good for swimming?
The water is refreshingly cool year-round – read VERY cold - but Clifton’s sheltered coves are often the calmest for swimming. Camps Bay is better for surf, scenery, and people-watching.

Which Atlantic Coast area suits families best?
Camps Bay is ideal — safe beaches, family-friendly restaurants, and easy access to Table Mountain and the city’s attractions. Though the warms are a little warmer on the False Bay side.