Golden Mile Promenade
Durban's iconic Golden Mile Promenade offers vibrant beachfront activities, from cycling and surfing to cafes and craft stalls, with stunning ocean vi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful, beautiful sunrise
Golden Mile Promenade
Best Time
Peaceful, beautiful sunrise
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Durban's iconic Golden Mile Promenade offers vibrant beachfront activities, from cycling and surfing to cafes and craft stalls, with stunning ocean views.
"Beautiful promenade. Could have a walk there any day of the week! Lots of places to stop for an early morning coffee or a meal/drink later in the day."
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Length
The promenade is long! Enjoy a full 15km round trip, perfect for a serious walk or cycle. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and enjoy a cooler experience. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunrise Strolls
Entire Promenade
Witness breathtaking sunrises painting the sky over the Indian Ocean. A perfect, peaceful start to your day.
Active Adventures
Promenade Path
Cycle, skate, or run along the expansive promenade. Rent a bike or simply enjoy the energetic atmosphere.
Beachfront Bites
Along the Promenade
Numerous cafes and eateries offer a chance to refuel with local flavors and ocean views.
The Point Promenade
Southern End
A newer addition, this section extends the promenade, offering a longer, scenic route for a leisurely walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Durban Vibe
Timing is Key for Enjoyment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Length
The promenade is long! Enjoy a full 15km round trip, perfect for a serious walk or cycle.
:athletic_shoe:☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and enjoy a cooler experience.
:sunwithface:🚲 Bike & Skate Rentals
Rentals are available, making it easy to explore the promenade on wheels. Great for all ages!
:motorcycle:☕ Coffee & Bites
Plenty of spots to grab a coffee or a meal with ocean views. Perfect for a break.
:coffee:Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Length
The promenade is long! Enjoy a full 15km round trip, perfect for a serious walk or cycle.
:athletic_shoe:☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and enjoy a cooler experience.
:sunwithface:🚲 Bike & Skate Rentals
Rentals are available, making it easy to explore the promenade on wheels. Great for all ages!
:motorcycle:☕ Coffee & Bites
Plenty of spots to grab a coffee or a meal with ocean views. Perfect for a break.
:coffee:👀 Be Aware of Surroundings
While generally safe, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
:eyes:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Golden Mile Promenade for its beautiful beachfront location, vibrant atmosphere, and ample opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying the sea. It's a great spot for leisurely strolls, active pursuits, and casual dining with ocean views. However, some reviewers note occasional unpleasant smells and advise caution regarding personal belongings in crowded areas.
"Beautiful promenade. Could have a walk there any day of the week! Lots of places to stop for an early morning coffee or a meal/drink later in the day. Everything is mostly well kept and relatively clean. The point promenade is a great addition, so a round trip can be close to 15km now."
Thomas Meyer
"If the weather is great, the Golden Mile is one of the best places to take a leisurely walk solo or with some company. There are also enough piers for one to be overcrowded. It's also a great place for cycling or learning to cycle/skate/rollerblade... I found it long enough from one end to the other for cycling. There are parts of the mile that aren't well kept though, which is sad."
Phiwe
"Its a beautiful n fairly pleasant walk. At times it has a nasty smell, which can make it rather unpleasant. Lots of activity, joggers, cyclists, skateboarders etc."
shameem Adam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Golden Mile Promenade is easily accessible by car, with parking available along the beachfront. Public transport options like buses also serve the area. Many hotels are located directly on or near the promenade, making it walkable from your accommodation.
Yes, there are several parking areas along the beachfront. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly.
Absolutely! If you're staying in the North Beach area, the Golden Mile Promenade is right at your doorstep, making it a very convenient location to explore on foot.
Walking is a popular choice, but cycling and rollerblading are also great options. Bike rentals are readily available along the promenade.
While many visitors find it safe, some Reddit users have mentioned feeling a bit of fear or danger at times, especially if exploring alone or at night. It's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, populated areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Golden Mile Promenade is a public space and is free to access. You can enjoy walks, runs, and the general atmosphere without any entry fee.
The promenade is open 24/7, allowing you to enjoy it at any time of day or night. However, for safety and the best experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
Access to the promenade itself is free. If you choose to rent a bicycle or other equipment, there will be rental fees associated with that.
While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's generally advisable to check local regulations regarding pets on public promenades. Many beachfront areas have specific rules.
Similar to the main Golden Mile Promenade, the Point Promenade is a public access area and does not require an entrance fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk, jog, cycle, skate, surf, or simply relax by the beach. There are also craft stalls and fishing spots along the way.
Yes, the promenade is lined with numerous pavement cafes, restaurants, and bars offering a variety of food and drink options.
The promenade is generally well-kept and relatively clean, though some sections might not be as well-maintained. Occasional unpleasant smells have been noted by visitors.
The promenade offers great opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ocean views, beach activities, and vibrant atmosphere make for excellent shots.
The 'piers' likely refer to jetties or structures extending into the ocean along the promenade, offering different vantage points and fishing opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of options, from casual pavement cafes serving coffee and snacks to restaurants offering meals and drinks. Expect local flavors and international cuisine.
Yes, there are many pavement cafes and smaller eateries that offer more budget-friendly choices compared to upscale restaurants.
Definitely! Many establishments along the promenade offer seating with excellent ocean views, perfect for enjoying a drink while watching the waves.
While specific restaurant names aren't highlighted, the reviews suggest a good variety. Exploring the options and choosing based on your preference is recommended.
Yes, many places open early to cater to morning walkers and joggers, so you can easily find a spot for an early morning coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The piers and the ocean backdrop are particularly scenic.
Drone photography is possible, as shown in some social media content. However, always check and adhere to local drone regulations and airspace restrictions.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting conditions for photography.
While the promenade itself is a highlight, nearby landmarks like Moses Mabhida Stadium can also serve as great photo backdrops.
Landscape photography capturing the ocean and sunrise/sunset, as well as action shots of cyclists and surfers, are popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Community Tip: While the promenade is generally safe, always keep a close eye on children, especially near the water and in busier areas. The sheer length of the promenade also means you can find quieter spots if needed, away from the main crowds.
🏃♀️ Solo Travelers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Reddit Insight: While many solo travelers enjoy the promenade, some Reddit users have expressed feeling a bit apprehensive about safety at certain times. It's advisable to stick to well-lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and perhaps avoid very late-night excursions alone.
📸 Photography Buffs
Social Media Inspiration: Check out drone footage and sunrise shots on Instagram and TikTok for inspiration on framing your shots and capturing the best light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Golden Mile: Activities Galore
Beyond the physical activities, the promenade is dotted with craft stalls where you can find local souvenirs and unique items. Fishing is also a common pastime here, with several piers offering good spots to cast a line. The presence of pavement cafes and restaurants means you can easily take a break, grab a coffee, enjoy a meal, or simply people-watch while taking in the ocean views. This blend of active pursuits and relaxed enjoyment makes the Golden Mile a dynamic destination.
Community Insights: Reddit users highlight the promenade's length, noting that a round trip can be close to 15km, perfect for a substantial workout. While generally well-maintained, some reviews mention occasional unpleasant smells, which is something to be aware of. The addition of the Point Promenade has further extended the walking and cycling routes, offering even more to explore.
Durban's Golden Mile: A Photographer's Paradise
Beyond the natural beauty, the human element adds another layer to photography here. Capturing cyclists, surfers, skateboarders, and families enjoying the space brings the promenade to life in your images. Drone footage has also showcased the expansive beauty of the Golden Mile from a unique aerial perspective, highlighting its scale and connection to the city. Pro Tip: Experiment with different times of day; the 'golden hour' before sunset can also yield spectacular results, with softer light and long shadows.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit