Muizenberg Beach is one of the best places in Cape Town to spend a summer’s day. It’s incredibly popular among locals, and I seldom go here without seeing at least one friend coming in from a surf or sunning themselves.
Surf, sun and swims are the main draw of this beach — it’s very beachy in that sense. But if you’re looking for more details, I’ve covered everything you need to know below!
How to get to Muizenberg beach
If you’re going for a surf or some cold water exposure, we recommend going as early as possible, and ideally during the week. This is because on weekends during summer (and spring and autumn, to a lesser extent) Muizenberg gets packed. It’s a huge beach, so this isn’t too problematic, but you may struggle to find parking, and the area with amenities and safety measures (Surfers Corner) can get tough to find space in.
You can take the train to the beach — Muizenberg Train Station stops right here, which is super convenient!
A few quick FAQs
What is Muizenberg Beach known for?
Muizenberg Beach is famous for three things — the warm water which makes it so wonderfully swimmable, the good, reliable surf breaks, and the beautiful colourful beach huts that line the waterfront.
Is Muizenberg Beach safe?
Muizenberg Beach is quite safe — particularly around the main section (the one shown in the map above). This area is a lot busier, with car guards, security guards, and plenty of people who keep an eye out. The beach is not, however, safe for solo visitors at night or in the early morning.
A few quick tips:
- Don’t leave valuables on the beach while you go swim
- Stay where there are people — this is a really long beach, don’t walk far enough that there’s no-one else around
- There are no safety markers for Muizenberg, as the sand is soft and the currents mild; still, it’s best to swim near other swimmers, and look out for surfers
What are the Muizenberg huts used for?
The iconic beach huts! The Muizenberg Beach Huts, also known as beach boxes, are a space for beachgoers to get changed into swimsuits and wetsuits. Their lovely bright colours also make them a popular backdrop for photos, which is why they’ll pop up whenever you Google Cape Town!
These brightly coloured huts are cherished by the Muizenberg community, and have just recently (in 2023) been restored back to their full glory.
Which ocean is Muizenberg on?
Muizenberg sits on the Indian Ocean. That’s why it’s a great deal warmer than many of the other beaches in Cape Town, on the Atlantic Ocean side of town!
For more information, read our guest article on the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans or our guide to local marine life.
The best things to do at Muizenberg Beach
Now, most people who Google ‘Muizenberg Beach’ know exactly why they want to go there! But if you’ve heard of its glory and little else, this is why Capetonians love it:
Go swimming
Yes indeedy, you can go swimming at Muizenberg! The water is a good bit warmer than on the other side of town (think the Cliftons and Camps Bay), so you won’t feel like you’re braving arctic conditions just to get a dip in. There are also no nearby rocks or heavy currents here, so it’s a good, safe option for everyone.
There are sometimes bluebottles (which really sting if their tentacles catch you), so keep an eye out on the sand — if they’re in the water, they’ll also be washed up on the beach.
You also need to watch out for surfers! Because the conditions in Muizenberg are so excellent for surfing, you’ll sometimes have folks catching waves really close to you. Practised surfers will dodge you easily or pull up before they come too close, but Muizenberg is where newbies come to practice so that’s not guaranteed.
Surf — even if you’ve never surfed before
Muizenberg is the place to learn to surf! Its waves are long and unbroken, the conditions are regularly impeccable, and, same as for swimmers, surfers really benefit from the lack of rocks and strong currents.
There are many board rental spots right next to the beach, at the aptly named Surfers Corner. There are also private and group classes that you can book to learn the ropes.
If you’re looking for more, check out our guide to surf lessons in Cape Town or find a more daring surf spot in Cape Town!
Go stand-up paddle boarding
On lovely calm days (which happen often) you can ditch the surfboard and grab a paddle board instead! This is such a peaceful way to experience Muizies, and you’ll be able to paddle quite far out and look for fish in the clear waters below you.
I personally get a bit bored on the board, but if you like paddle boarding, you’ll enjoy doing it here!
Take your dog for a walk
Muizenberg is my favourite place to take our dogs for their morning walk! You can just keep walking — it’s so fantastically long — and there will always be other dogs here to play with. That is, always within dog-allowed times. During the summer months, dogs are only allowed till 9am and again after 6pm. We dog people tend to get a bit grumpy about this restriction, but it’s because the beach can get really packed, and dogs can wreak some havoc.
Even with this limitation, it’s a wonderful place to bring the pups. They get some experience with water, there are regular bins for poops, and lots of socialisation. Do note, though, that many dogs like to eat the old kelp and other washed-up things. And occasionally, roll in a dead seal or fish… which I say from experience, is a smell which will permeate your car and home till you can scrub that dog thoroughly, and even then it will linger.
Visit one of the many cafes
Muizenberg Beach’s ‘Surfers Corner’ is packed with lovely cafes and restaurants. Most have a surfers’ breakfast of some sort (always warm and carby, just what you want when you get out of the water!) but all have really great coffee and food.
I strongly recommend supporting one of the local spots rather than chains like Spur and Starbucks when you’re here. The coffee is higher quality and it’s so much better for the local economy — you get to do some good while you’re just enjoying yourself! Some of my top recommendations are:
- Hang Ten Cafe — absolutely delicious vegan treats (I’m not vegan but I adore these) and unique dishes like kelp lasagne
- Empire Cafe — their pastel de nata are as good as any I had in Portugal, and they’ve got some amazing, creative dishes; I particularly love the rösti and the bacon purses
- The Commons — also some excellent vegan and vegetarian dishes, and the best view in Muizenberg
The Commons is also a fantastic place to check out in the evening. They’re the hub of Muizenberg, with weekly live gigs and DJ sets, a great atmosphere, and regular events like chess nights and poetry jams. They’ve also got a beautiful studio with yoga, pilates, improv, and other classes and workshops.
Two cafes that are chains, but South African ones and actually really lekker, are Knead and Hans and Lloyd. If the smaller spots are packed or you like the look of these, they’re good options!
We love Muizenberg Beach
So, that’s your local’s guide to Muizenberg Beach. It’s a wonderful place to pop in for a surf or swim, or to spend the whole day. And while there’s less to do in winter, that’s the best time for surfing and it stays just as beautiful!
If you’re planning on staying here while in Cape Town, I think that’s a terrific choice but want to note that it’s quite far from the city centre, and that there’s a lot of traffic if you try to travel at peak hours. A short visit to Cape Town might be better served by a stay in Sea Point, coastal but central. But a longer, more nature-oriented visit is perfect for Muizies.
