6 Best Sights in Cape Town, South Africa

Bakoven's boulder-ensconced beaches—two separate coves in a tucked away little residential area—are quite tiny, but somehow everyone manages to squeeze in, provided they find parking. Somehow the water seems slightly more manageable here, even if it's just as cold as anywhere else; the views of the mountains, and the accompanying sense of being adrift from reality somehow motivate everyone to get in the water. The large rocky outcrops are the perfect perches to witness some of the most incredible sunsets on the planet; when the sun's rays hit the water it turns to molten lava and is absolute balm for the soul. Parking is limited, so take the MyCiTi bus, grab an Uber, walk from Camps Bay, or get here early to get a parking spot. There are no amenities, but Bootleggers coffee shop on Victoria Road is nearby, and it has bathrooms. Amenities: none. Best for: sunset; swimming.

A half-hour drive north of Cape Town, this is the beach from which all those iconic "sea with Table Mountain" postcards are shot. Blouberg is divided into two parts: Big Bay, which hosts surfing and windsurfing contests, and Little Bay, better suited to sunbathers, rock-pool explorers, and families. It can be windy here, which is great for kite flying and kite surfing. Kite surfing has become extremely popular along this side of Table Bay, and adrenaline junkies blow off work to come here and ride the waves. For safety, swim in front of the lifeguard club. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; water sports. Best for: surfing; walking; windsurfing.

Almost always wind-free, these fantastic white-sand beaches—known as First, Second, Third, and Fourth Beaches—are naturally divided by huge granite outcroppings and voluptuous boulders. Fourth Beach is popular with families and teens, whereas the others support a strong social and singles scene. Dogs are technically allowed only on First Beach. Swimming is reasonably safe, although the undertow is strong and the water can be characterized as freezing for much of the year. Lifeguards are on duty on weekends and in peak season. Fairly steep staircases provide access to all four beaches, but once you arrive, you will find vendors with drinks, ice cream, and beach loungers for rent in summer. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; surfing; walking. Parking is a nightmare in season; instead, take an Uber or the MyCiTi bus, which has stops here.

The spectacular western edge of Table Mountain, known as the Twelve Apostles, provides the backdrop for this long, sandy beach that slopes gently to the very cold water from a grassy verge. Playing Frisbee or volleyball is very popular on this beach, as are early-morning cold-water plunges. The surf is powerful, but sunbathers can cool off in the tidal pool on the west end of the beach. Be warned that the wind can blow hard here—or not at all. Dauntingly busy in summer, Camps Bay's super-popular bar-and-restaurant strip lies yards away across Victoria Road, and is a mix of trendy, overpriced establishments, die-hard old-school hangouts, and a fair share of sidewalk souvenir sellers. The strip is alternately a refreshment break for groups of cyclists; a watering hole for movie stars, models, and the wannabe rich and famous; and a tourist trap. As such, it tends toward the pretentious on weekends. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); showers. Best for: partiers; surfing; walking.

A bit of vibey Ibiza in laid-back Cape Town, this beach club is regarded as a fun and trendy place to hang out, and it's even family-friendly, with a children's play area. You can dine in the oceanfront restaurant, spend a day on the private (man-made) beach, or swim in the pool. At night DJs come on board for a livelier party atmosphere. On days when it's just too hot or raining, there's a covered pool and deck area. The restaurant is busy and a reservations-only spot at night. It sits in an unlikely spot, between two fish-processing warehouses, but there's no odor. Admission to use the beach and facilities is free, but you are expected to buy food and drink.

Die-hard fans return to this beach again and again, and who can blame them? Its setting, among giant boulders at the base of a mountain, is glorious, and sunsets here attract their own aficionados. The surf can be very powerful on the northern side of the beach (where you'll find all the surfers, of course), but the southern side is fine for a quick dip—and in this water that's all you'll want. Lifeguards are on duty on weekends and in season. If you come by bus, brace yourself for a long walk down (and back up) the mountain from the bus stop on the M6. Parking is a nightmare, but most hotels run shuttles in summer. There are no shops here, so take what snacks you need with you. Amenities: parking; showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.