Capetonians and tourists alike brave the chilly Atlantic waters to enjoy these beaches even in winter, yet, despite this, there are a number of stunning beaches to enjoy without even needing to dip your toes into the water. Here are a few insider favourites:

1) Scarborough Beach

Photo Credit : blog.capetownroute.co.za Located a short distance past Cape Point Nature Reserve Scarborough offers a long, sandy stretch of pristine beach, great surf, fun rock pools to explore and lovely beach walks to enjoy. Pack a romantic picnic for two or pail and spade for the kids, and enjoy a relaxing time with those you love. This beach is also less crowded than most and feels a little more removed from city life, making it the perfect big city escape.  

2) Oudekraal Beach

Photo credit: Lee-Ann Richene Olivier via Instagram Although you have to pay an entrance fee to get in (as it forms part of the Table Mountain National Park), this beach is possibly one of Cape Town's most picturesque. Less well-known than neighbouring Llandudno, Camps Bay and Clifton Beaches, the more intimate and secluded Oudekraal offers wonderful braai facilities and grassy areas; breath-taking views; small patches of beach, and startlingly beautiful Atlantic waters. This is the perfect place for a lazy afternoon or casual braai with friends or family.  

3) Blouberg Beach

Photo credit: Adrian Carver via Instagram This beach, found in the Northern Suburbs, is certainly one of Cape Town's most iconic. It's popular among wind and kite surfers, but it’s equally well-loved for its picture perfect views of Table Mountain and Table Bay. This has meant that Blouberg Beach has graced everything from postcards to the cover of magazines, year in and year out. Blouberg is ideal for long, romantic strolls or time out with the kids for a fun, but gentle afternoon meander. It is also the perfect beach from which to watch the sunset year-round.  

4) Boulders Beach

Photo credit : southafrica.net Located in Simon’s Town, this pristine and family-friendly beach of Boulders is well-known for its colony of resident African penguins, who swim in the water and waddle across the beach with and around human visitors. Aside from offering sheltered patches of beach and wonderful views of stunning aqua waters, Boulders is well-named for, well, you guessed it, its boulders. You do have to pay a small fee to get in and it’s advisable to get there early to ensure you’re easily allowed in (it’s a protected SANParks beach so it’s strictly maintained and looked after) But it’s so worth it, especially as this is the only place in the world where you can get this close to the endangered African penguins.  

5) Muizenberg Beach

This beach may be a famous surf spot but it’s also one of the best beaches in Cape Town on which to enjoy long, uninterrupted strolls along the shoreline. It’s also now extremely well-situated, with a wealth of restaurants, cafes and shops in close vicinity. It is one of the more wind-exposed beaches, so try visit it on a relatively calm day, if possible. Muizenberg Beach is also especially famous for its cheery, colourful change rooms, which line the beachfront and add joyful splashes of colour to it.  Photo credit: Jessie Carlson via Instagram These five beaches are some of the best in the city if you’re looking to enjoy a romantic stroll, sandcastle building exercise with the kids or just a good ol’ swim.  

What is your favourite beach in Cape Town?