Oudekraal Beach Cape Town
A tranquil coastal gem with clear waters and braai facilities, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape near Cape Town.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Oudekraal Beach Cape Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil coastal gem with clear waters and braai facilities, offering stunning views and a peaceful escape near Cape Town.
"WHAT a hidden gem!! Capetonions, this is what I would call value for money. Paradise!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular on weekends! Get there before 9 AM to secure a good parking spot and braai area.
🥾 Be Prepared for Steps
Access involves stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and be mindful if you have mobility issues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Secluded Coves & Crystal Waters
Various small bays along the coastline
Discover hidden coves with pristine, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Feels like a Caribbean escape!

Braai & Picnic Paradise
Designated braai areas
Enjoy a relaxed braai or picnic with stunning ocean views. A perfect spot for families and friends to gather.

Snorkeling Hotspot
Underwater areas
Explore the underwater world; Oudekraal is known to be a good spot for snorkeling.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Secure Your Spot
Accessibility & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular on weekends! Get there before 9 AM to secure a good parking spot and braai area.
🥾 Be Prepared for Steps
Access involves stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and be mindful if you have mobility issues.
🚫 No Alcohol Allowed
Enjoy a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere as alcohol is prohibited.
♻️ Pack Out What You Pack In
Help keep this gem clean by taking all your trash with you.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Popular on weekends! Get there before 9 AM to secure a good parking spot and braai area.
🥾 Be Prepared for Steps
Access involves stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and be mindful if you have mobility issues.
🚫 No Alcohol Allowed
Enjoy a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere as alcohol is prohibited.
♻️ Pack Out What You Pack In
Help keep this gem clean by taking all your trash with you.
🤿 Bring Snorkel Gear
The clear waters are great for exploring marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oudekraal Beach is widely praised as a beautiful, peaceful, and affordable hidden gem, perfect for picnics and braais with stunning views. Visitors love the clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, though some note the steps can be challenging and litter management could be improved.
"WHAT a hidden gem!!
Capetonions, this is what I would call value for money.
We loved the peace and quiet.
Paradise!
And the views are beyond stunning!!
No loud music or drunks (no alcohol allowed)
Braai areas spaced apart and kept clean.
There were a few pieces of glass that should be cleaned up.
A perfect spot on a perfect day.
The steps down and up might be a problem for some but it is SO worth visiting this spot!!! Makes you feel one with nature. Wonderful place!
At only R40 pp for the day. Bargain!
Go early to get a good parking spot!!
The venue opens at 9 and closes at 5pm!
Our best kept 'secret' so far!!"
Ina Murison
"What a beautiful beach. Enterance controlled. Clean cloakrooms. More bins are required. Beach was a bit messy. But it was the festive month."
RUBY KRUGER
"This place has the potential to be memorable and would deserve 5 stars; Underwater, for sure. Above water, (1 star at best) if visitors do not respect nature or more and stricter policing (litter, loud music and alcohol) is not applied, this place will become another dumpsite."
Nicolas R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oudekraal Beach is located on the scenic coastal road (M6) between Camps Bay and Hout Bay. It's about a 20-30 minute drive from central Cape Town. You can drive yourself and follow signs for Oudekraal, or consider ride-sharing services.
Public transport options are limited for direct access. It's best to drive or use a ride-sharing service for convenience.
The drive along the M6 coastal road is incredibly scenic, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Twelve Apostles mountain range.
Yes, there is parking available, but it is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Oudekraal Beach typically opens at 9 AM and closes at 5 PM. It's important to check current operating hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, typically around R40 per person, making it a great value for a day out.
Booking in advance is generally not required for individuals or small groups, but it's wise to check for any special event restrictions.
Yes, alcohol is strictly prohibited at Oudekraal Beach to maintain a peaceful environment.
Access to the beach involves a significant number of steps, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Absolutely! Oudekraal Beach has designated braai areas with facilities, making it a popular spot for picnics and barbecues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the clear waters, snorkel, have a picnic or braai, sunbathe, and simply relax while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
Yes, Oudekraal is considered a good spot for snorkeling, with clear waters offering a chance to see marine life.
Facilities include braai areas, picnic spots, and cloakrooms. However, some reviews mention a need for more bins.
It can get quite popular and crowded, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is key to avoiding the biggest crowds.
The Atlantic Ocean water is typically cold, even in summer, but refreshing for a quick dip.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Oudekraal Beach. It's a picnic and braai spot, so you need to bring your own food and drinks (non-alcoholic).
Pack easy-to-eat picnic items like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks. If you plan to braai, bring marinated meats and accompaniments. Remember to bring all your own supplies.
You'll need to stock up on food and drinks before heading to Oudekraal, as there are no shops nearby. Hout Bay or Camps Bay have options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the rugged coastline, the clear turquoise waters, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and the serene braai areas.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant blue of the water.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone for aerial shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Appeal of Oudekraal Beach
While the beach itself is beautiful, it's important to note that access involves a series of steps, which can be a consideration for some visitors. The absence of alcohol contributes to a family-friendly atmosphere, free from loud music and rowdiness, which many appreciate. However, some reviews highlight the need for better litter management, urging visitors to be mindful of their impact on this pristine environment.
For those seeking a memorable beach day within easy reach of Cape Town, Oudekraal Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty, affordability, and a relaxed ambiance. It's a place where you can truly unwind and soak in the spectacular South African coastline.
Snorkeling and Marine Life
While not a world-renowned diving destination, Oudekraal offers a convenient and accessible option for a casual snorkel session. It's a great way to experience the marine biodiversity of the region without needing to travel far. Remember to bring your own snorkel gear and be aware of the ocean conditions. The cold Atlantic water is part of the experience, so a quick dip might be more refreshing than an extended swim for some.
For those interested in a more in-depth exploration of diving in the Cape, resources like the Wikivoyage link provide further insights into the best spots and conditions. Oudekraal stands out as a beautiful above-water destination that also offers a glimpse into the vibrant life beneath the waves.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit