Best scenic beaches in South Africa, 2026
25 scenic beaches in South Africa that score highest on the OnlyBeaches Index for what matters to scenic travellers.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Abjoelbaai Beach
Namaqua National Park Coast, South Africa
Remote Namaqua bay beach with strong hidden-gem value for 4x4 coastal travelers.
2OBI 7.5+
Albatross Beach
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Northern J-Bay beach area with space, dunes, and a calmer feel than the central surf beaches.
3OBI 7.5+
Ansteys Beach
Bluff, South Africa
The Bluff’s best-known public beach, valued for surfing, swimming, and a less commercial feel.
4OBI 7.5+
Aristea Shipwreck Beach
Hondeklip Bay, South Africa
A rugged beach-and-rock shoreline known for the Aristea shipwreck south of Hondeklip Bay.
5OBI 7.5+
Aston Bay Beach
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Quiet residential beach between Jeffreys Bay and Paradise Beach, good for relaxed coastal walks.
6OBI 7.5+
Aston Bay Lagoon Beach
Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
Calmer lagoon-side beach environment near Aston Bay, useful for families avoiding open surf.
7OBI 7.5+
Bakoven Beach
Bakoven, South Africa
Small boulder-fringed local beach tucked between Camps Bay and Beta Beach.
Bamboeskamp Beach
Namaqua National Park, South Africa
A lesser-known coastal camp beach on the Groenrivier route with a strong wilderness feel.
9OBI 7.5+
Beachview Beach
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Quiet coastal village beach with open sand and strong local weekend value.
Beachwood Beach
Durban North, South Africa
Understated Durban North beach near the Beachwood area, valuable for completeness beyond resort beaches.
11OBI 7.5+
Bekbaai Beach
Paternoster, South Africa
A quieter southern beach known for broad sands, rock pools, and boutique coastal stays.
Beta Beach
Bakoven, South Africa
Tiny boulder cove in Bakoven with premium sunset views and a more intimate feel than Camps Bay.
Big Bay Beach
Big Bay, South Africa
Major west-coast beach for kitesurfing, restaurants, and Table Mountain views.
Bloubergstrand Beach
Bloubergstrand, South Africa
Famous for postcard views of Table Mountain across Table Bay and strong kitesurfing conditions.
Blue Horizon Bay Beach
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Quiet residential bay beach often missed between Maitlands and Beachview.
16OBI 7.5+
Blue Lagoon Beach
Durban North, South Africa
A well-known beach near the Umgeni River mouth and promenade, useful for local discovery.
Bluewater Bay Beach
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Large northern bay beach valued by families and residents for space, swimming, and easy access.
Blythedale Beach
Blythedale Beach, South Africa
Long quiet beach south of Zinkwazi with a relaxed resort-town feel and reliable visitor recognition.
19OBI 7.5+
Blythedale Lagoon Beach
Blythedale Beach, South Africa
Quiet lagoon-side beach environment near Blythedale, often overlooked compared with the main beach.
Boegoe Bay Beach
Kleinzee, South Africa
Remote sandy bay near Kleinzee with strong local and overland-trip value.
Bontebaai
Paternoster, South Africa
A lesser-known small bay in the Cape Columbine coastal reserve area, best for explorers rather than mass tourism.
Bonza Bay Beach
East London, South Africa
Reliable local beach north of Nahoon with dunes, open sand, and family-friendly use.
Boulderbaai Beach
Namaqua National Park, South Africa
One of the most recognizable wild beach coves in the coastal park, framed by large granite boulders.
24OBI 7.5+
Boulderbaai Beach
Namaqua National Park Coast, South Africa
Rocky bay beach known for boulder-strewn shoreline and remote camping appeal.
Boulder Bay Beach
Kleinzee, South Africa
Rocky, photogenic Kleinzee coastal spot that adds variety beyond sandy resort beaches.