18. Strand and Gordon’s Bay
Strand and Gordon’s Bay are popular beaches located in one of the most beautiful seaside settings in Cape Town. The ocean water is much warmer than the western beaches, and thousands of holidaymakers gather here over summer - the perfect beaches to spend the day true South African style. If you are looking for dramatic mountain-meets-ocean-scenery, head towards Betty’s Bay. There are several lookout points along the way and you will be left in awe by the beauty of it all.
Strand (Afrikaans for “beach”) offers one of the longest stretches of sandy beaches in South Africa and is one of Cape Town’s most popular spots. Many cafes, restaurants and pubs are located alongside the promenade. Its main attraction is the endless stretch of sand ideal for long summer walks, and the warmer ocean that can be enjoyed for hours on a summers day. The beautiful Hottentots Holland Mountains form a spectacular backdrop to the beach, which becomes stunning over sunsets.
Located halfway between Strand and Gordon’s Bay is the seaside development of Harbour Island – a leisure harbour marine complex with a variety of restaurants and pubs. Stop by and enjoy a quite lunch next to the ocean.
Gordon’s Bay is an old-style seaside village with narrow streets and a beautiful beachfront. Some of the most expensive properties in Cape Town overlooks the harbour. There are many coffee shops and excellent restaurants (including seafood) to choose from. The beach is totally different to Strand – it is much smaller with maybe a more intimate feel to it. Those wanting to explore the ocean can book a boat trip at the Tourist office. Not to be missed is a visit to the beautiful Bikini Beach. This beach has been a “summer class” for Stellenbosch students for many years, and you will see why they have chosen this corner to gather on hot summer days.
The road between Gordon’s Bay and Bettys Bay (R44) is probably the most dramatic ocean road in Cape Town after Chapmans Peak. Several lookout points are located here and it should be explored in both directions - continue as far as your time allows you to. Look out for whales during the months of August to December each year. Kogelbaai beach front is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa (if not the most beautiful) and is sadly not visited by many tourists – make a point to stop here. There are picnic facilities so take along the blanket and picnic bag.
On your way back to Cape Town, stop at the Somerset Mall – one of Cape Town’s biggest shopping malls with many interesting shops and entertainment areas.
How to get there
From the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) (corner of Coen Steytler Ave and Buitengracht street) take the N2 towards the airport. Continue for around 45 minutes until you reach the R44 turnoff (Broadway Road) where you should turn right. Drive along Broadway Road and turn right in Beach Road that will take you to the Strand Beachfront.
For Harbour Island continue along Beach Road until you reach Faure Marine Drive (R44). Turn right towards Gordon’s Bay until you see the signs to Harbour Island on your right.
Continue along Faure Marine Drive (R44) and turn right into Gordon’s Bay’s Beach Road. For Bikini beach continue to the very end of Beach Road.
For Koggelbaai continue all along Faure Marine Drive (R44) towards Betty’s Bay for around 15km. It is the only picnic spot along the road so you won’t miss it.
Somerset Mall is located off the N2 on Broadway Drive (R44) – the road towards Strand.
Travel checklist
- Sunset walk on Strand Beach
- Enjoyed lunch at Harbour Island
- Discovered Gordon’s Bay Beach and Bikini Beach
- Stopped at Koggelbaai
- Drove all the way to Betty’s Bay and back
- Shopped at Somerset Mall
Strand and Gordon's Bay wallpapers
Child, Strand beach Gentle Spirit of Gordon's Bay
Man meets nature Gordon's Bay beach
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