Atlantic Seaboard

The Basics

The numerous beach towns along the Atlantic coast make a great base when you want to stay outside of Cape Town and embrace the region's beaches and scenery. Alternatively, explore the Atlantic Seaboard on a day trip. Tour options include traversing the scenic Victoria Road on a sightseeing tour, taking a sidecar journey, or biking along a dedicated coastal bike path. To get a different perspective on the shoreline, join a sea kayaking tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Atlantic Coast is a must-see for scenery, surf, and beach lovers.
There are ample dining and drinking opportunities along the coast.
Each beach town offers a different vibe; be sure to seek out the one that suits you best.
The Atlantic Coast is known to be inhabited by the rich and famous, compared to more laid-back False Bay side of the peninsula.

How to Get There

The scenic Victoria Highway lines the Atlantic Coast, making it easy to access by personal car, public transportation, or on a scenic tour. To make the drive, start at the centrally-located V&A Waterfront and follow the coastal road to Noordhoek, at which point the road cuts back to the eastern side of the peninsula and you can continue on to Cape Point.

Trip ideas

Norval Foundation Virtual Art Tour in Cape Town

Take a virtual stroll around the Norval Foundation, an art museum filled with modern art from South Africa and beyond. Follow along with helpful cues on what you are looking at, which includes a sculpture garden, the Skotnes restaurant and bar, and more.

Hang Out with African Penguins

Robben Island South Africa Virtual Prison Tour

One of South Africa's most visited sites, the Robben Island prison is where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years of his life, as did some 3,000 political prisoners during their fight to end apartheid. Go inside on a virtual tour to learn the history firsthand from former prisoner, Vusumsi Mcongo.

Top Scenic Drives Around the World

From cliff-hugging roads to swamp-laden byways, here are some exciting scenic roads to traverse.

How to Spend 2 Days in Cape Town

Two days in Cape Town allows you time to thoroughly explore the city—from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the top of Table Mountain—and get a closer look at some of the city’s most culturally rich neighborhoods.

How to Spend 1 Day in Cape Town

Cape Winelands Tours from Cape Town

The Cape Winelands are among South Africa’s most enchanting landscapes, and a visit is as much about the gorgeous scenery as the wine itself. Here are your options.

How to Spend 3 Days in Cape Town

Wildlife Safari Tours from Cape Town

Visitors to Cape Town usually love the city's urban flair, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to outdoor activities, but you may not realize there are great wildlife safari trips you can take from Cape Town, too. Here are some options for heading out on safari.

When to Get There

The Atlantic Seaboard offers longer sunshine hours than the other side of the peninsula, making its sunny beaches desirable throughout most of the day and year. In addition, the west-facing beaches offer the best sunsets on the Cape Peninsula, inspiring sunset drives along Victoria Road and sundowners at the many beachfront bars and restaurants.

Outdoor Activities Along the Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic Seaboard’s upscale towns are known for white sand beaches and sundowners, but the peninsula’s west side also boasts world-renowned surf spots, extensive hiking trails, sea kayaking, kitesurfing, and other adventure possibilities. While the outdoor activities tend to attract independent travelers and thrill-seekers, guided tours and gear rentals make the sports accessible to everyone.