September 2018
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Long Beach Simon's Town

4.6
·330 reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

A long, beautiful beach in Simon's Town, perfect for swimming, dog walking, and spotting marine life in its calm, cool waters.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
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September 2018

Long Beach Simon's Town

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A long, beautiful beach in Simon's Town, perfect for swimming, dog walking, and spotting marine life in its calm, cool waters.

4.6
(330 reviews)

"I love this beach so much!! It's a glorious place to swim. Water is so calm, and you regularly see small kids and toddlers paddling here."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can be challenging when busy. Head out early to secure a good spot, especially during peak season.

🥶 Embrace the Cold Water

The water is bracingly cold year-round (around 13-15°C). Be prepared for a refreshing swim!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 330 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Expansive Shoreline

The Expansive Shoreline

Simon's Town

A truly long stretch of sand perfect for strolls, dog walking, and soaking in the coastal views.

Instagram
Calm Waters for Swimming

Calm Waters for Swimming

Simon's Town

Despite the cool temperatures, the water is often calm, making it a popular spot for swimmers and families.

Instagram+1
Marine Life Encounters

Marine Life Encounters

Offshore

Divers and swimmers can spot stingrays, sharks, and various fish species in the clear waters.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Wind

Long Beach Simon's Town can get busy, especially in summer when it's also prone to strong winds. Arrive early for parking and consider visiting on weekdays. The water is chilly year-round, so be prepared for a refreshing dip! Reddit

Embrace the Water Activities

This beach is a haven for swimmers, open water enthusiasts, and even divers. While the water is cold, the calm conditions make it ideal for training and leisurely swims. Keep an eye out for marine life! Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warmer air, but can be windy
Crowd
High
When
Winter mornings
Why
Chilly but often calm
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Name me a better combo, I’ll wait. This place is unreal 🌊🌴🌞🐬🐚 #travel #capetown #traveltok #southafrica #beach
@georgia.birtchnell
104.8K likes • 582.4K views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can be challenging when busy. Head out early to secure a good spot, especially during peak season. Reddit

🥶 Embrace the Cold Water

The water is bracingly cold year-round (around 13-15°C). Be prepared for a refreshing swim! Instagram+1

Clifton Beach, Cape Town 🩵🐳 #CapeTown #SouthAfrica #TravelCapeTown #VisitCapeTown #ExploreCapeTown #CapeTownAdventures #MotherCity #TravelSouthAfrica #SouthAfricaTravel #AdventureAwaits #Wanderlust #TravelGoals #SouthAfricaNature #CulturalCapeTown #BucketListTravel #TravelAfrica #MountainViews #ExploreSouthAfrica #Beach #CapeTownBeach #BeachVibes #Summer
@von_voyage._
73.9K likes • 663.3K views
Long Beach in Simon's Town Cape Town #simonstown #capetown #longbeach #southafrica #beaches #beachtowns #holidays
simonstownguide
2 likes • 35 views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

This is a popular spot for dog walkers, so bring your furry friend along for a beach adventure. Reddit

🤿 Dive into Adventure

Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the underwater world and encounter diverse marine life. Instagram

Good Morning from a chilly but picture perfect Simon's Town Long Beach UPDATE: The water temparature was a cool 13C. We swam just over 4kms Great morning for it! #openwaterswimming #swimming #swimcoaching #swimfalsebay #swimcapetown #coldwaterswimming #winterswimming #natacion #capetown #swimtraining #simonstown #falsebay
swimcapetown
40 likes • 653 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking can be challenging when busy. Head out early to secure a good spot, especially during peak season. Reddit

🥶 Embrace the Cold Water

The water is bracingly cold year-round (around 13-15°C). Be prepared for a refreshing swim! Instagram+1

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

This is a popular spot for dog walkers, so bring your furry friend along for a beach adventure. Reddit

🤿 Dive into Adventure

Scuba divers and snorkelers can explore the underwater world and encounter diverse marine life. Instagram

🌬️ Watch Out for Wind

Summer can bring strong winds, so check the forecast and be prepared for breezy conditions. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(330 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Long Beach Simon's Town for its glorious swimming conditions and diverse, welcoming atmosphere, calling it a 'gorgeous snapshot of South Africa.' While parking can be an issue and summer winds are common, the beach's natural beauty and community feel make it a highly recommended spot. Reddit

"I love this beach so much!! 😭😍🌸✨️ It's a glorious place to swim. Water is so calm, and you regularly see small kids and toddlers paddling here. Lovely, diverse spot, too. All races, ages, and abilities come here. I so love that. It feels like a gorgeous snap shot of South Africa gathered and frolicking in the water. There's well maintained loos and changing rooms and parking. It can get super busy, but it is always well worth a visit."

nomonde mxhalisa

"Great beach. Parking might be a problem if there is lot of beachgoers. Go early for a good parking spot"

Bennie Harmse

"Long beach in Simon’s Town is a truly a long beach which stretches for several metres along the railway line and with a view of the Simon’s Town Naval Base.

It’s a popular spot for dog walkers and there’s not much development on the site.

Simon’s Town is one of the safer suburbs in Cape Town when it comes to crime, but tourists should ensure that safety mechanisms are in place.

In summer, it can be very windy"

Duncan Alfreds

What People Like

Glorious swimming conditions
Diverse and welcoming atmosphere
Long sandy shoreline

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult
Summer winds
Chilly water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Long Beach is located in Simon's Town, a suburb of Cape Town. You can drive there, and it's about a 40-minute journey from the city center. Public transport options are available, but driving offers more flexibility. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available, but it can get very busy, especially during peak times and weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

Simon's Town is generally considered one of the safer suburbs in Cape Town. However, as with any tourist destination, it's always wise to remain aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions. Reddit

While driving is convenient, exploring Simon's Town on foot or by bicycle can also be enjoyable, especially to discover its charming streets and historical sites. Instagram

The drive along the False Bay coast to Simon's Town offers beautiful ocean views. Consider taking the scenic route for a more picturesque journey. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Long Beach Simon's Town is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the beach and its amenities free of charge. Instagram

As a public beach, Long Beach is accessible at all hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

While the beach itself doesn't require booking, if you plan on participating in organized swims or diving tours, it's advisable to book those activities in advance with the respective operators. Instagram+1

Generally, there are no major restrictions, but it's a popular spot for dog walkers, and visitors are expected to be respectful of the environment and other beachgoers. Reddit

The beach offers well-maintained public restrooms and changing rooms, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience

The water temperature at Long Beach is consistently cool, typically ranging from 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F) year-round, even in summer. Instagram+1

Yes, it's an excellent spot for swimming due to its calm waters, making it suitable for all levels, including families with young children. InstagramReddit

You might encounter short-tailed stingrays, various sharks (including broad-nose seven gill sharks), and juvenile fish. It's a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. Instagram+2

Absolutely! Long Beach is a popular location for scuba diving and snorkeling, offering opportunities to explore the underwater ecosystem. Instagram

Occasionally, events like the 'Waddle for the African Penguin' are organized, starting from Long Beach to raise awareness for conservation efforts. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the long sandy beach, the calm ocean, and the surrounding coastal landscape. Drone shots can offer breathtaking perspectives. TikTok

Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, perfect for landscape and portrait photography. TikTok

Drone usage may be subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities before flying a drone to capture aerial views. TikTok

Keep your camera ready for potential sightings of marine life like stingrays and sharks, especially if you're diving or snorkeling. Instagram+1

The beach itself, with its vast expanse and the backdrop of the Simon's Town Naval Base, offers a unique photographic subject. Reddit

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