10 Beautiful Cape Town Beaches That Allow Braais

A beach day is good. A beach day with a proper braai is even better.

Fortunately, Cape Town has plenty of coastal spots where you can pack the meat, salads, cooler box and charcoal and settle in for a few hours beside the ocean. Some have built-in braai stands, picnic tables and tidal pools, while others are much more basic and require you to bring almost everything yourself.

One important point: braai rules can change because of fire danger, weather, maintenance and temporary closures. Always check the signs or the relevant authority before lighting a fire. Cape Town’s Coastal By-law prohibits fires where signs prohibit them, and fires should only be made in designated areas.

Here are 10 Cape Town beaches and coastal spots worth knowing about.

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The Best Cape Town Beaches for a Braai

Maiden’s Cove Braai Area

Location: Victoria Road, between Clifton and Glen Beach, Camps Bay.

Maiden’s Cove is one of the most scenic Cape Town beaches for a braai, with views across the Atlantic towards the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. The grassy area has designated braai spots, picnic space and two tidal pools.

Parking: There is parking along Victoria Road near the entrance. The limited spaces inside the enclosure can fill quickly, especially on summer weekends.

Amenities: Braai areas, picnic lawns, tidal pools, toilets and disability access.

Dogs: No dogs are permitted at Maiden’s Cove.

What to know: Bring your own grid and firewood or charcoal. Alcohol is not permitted at the facility.

Best time: Arrive early on summer weekends. Late afternoon is particularly good for a sunset braai, although spaces become harder to find.

Bordjiesrif Picnic Site and Tidal Pool

Location: Cape Point, within Table Mountain National Park.

Bordjiesrif is made for a proper family braai. The picnic area sits directly beside the coast and has a tidal pool that gives children a calmer place to splash around.

Parking: Parking is available at the picnic site.

Amenities: Designated braai and picnic areas, tidal pool and toilets.

Dogs: No dogs are permitted in the SANParks picnic braai areas. Alcohol and music are also prohibited.

What to know: You need to pay the Cape Point conservation entry fee. Bring your own grid and wood. Baboons regularly visit, so keep food packed away and never feed them.

Best time: Go early, particularly during summer. The site is open according to Cape Point’s seasonal access times.

Oudekraal Beach

Location: Victoria Road between Camps Bay and Llandudno.

Oudekraal is one of the classic Cape Town beaches for a braai. Granite boulders surround small coves, creating a sheltered setting with unusually clear water. The picnic areas sit close to the shore, making it easy to combine swimming, relaxing and braaing.

Parking: There is parking inside the reserve, close to the picnic areas.

Amenities: Braai stands, picnic areas, toilets, sheltered swimming coves and a larger boma available for functions.

Dogs: No dogs are permitted in the SANParks picnic braai areas.

What to know: There is a conservation entry fee, and alcohol is prohibited. Some braai stands may not have grids, so bring your own. Oudekraal can become extremely busy during summer weekends.

Best time: Arrive early on warm weekends. A clear winter day can also be excellent if the site is open.

Buffels Bay Picnic Site and Tidal Pool

Location: Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Buffels Bay combines a beautiful sandy beach with grassy picnic areas, braai facilities and a tidal pool. It feels considerably more remote than most Cape Town beaches, although you are still within the city’s wider coastal area.

Parking: Parking is available close to the picnic area.

Amenities: Braai and picnic facilities, tidal pool and toilets.

Dogs: No dogs are allowed in the SANParks picnic braai areas.

What to know: Cape Point’s conservation fee applies. Baboons are regular visitors, so keep food secure. Strong wind can also turn a relaxed braai into a battle with smoke and flying serviettes.

Best time: A calm spring or summer morning is ideal. Check the wind forecast before packing the cooler box.

Eerstesteen

Location: Blaauwberg Conservation Area, near Blouberg and Melkbosstrand.

Eerstesteen is a good choice when the braai matters as much as the beach. The recreation area has designated braai and picnic sites, with boardwalks leading towards the coast. The surrounding conservation area adds plenty of natural scenery.

Parking: Use the designated parking areas at the recreation facility.

Amenities: Braai areas, picnic facilities, children’s play equipment and access to the beach.

Dogs: No dogs are permitted at Eerstesteen.

What to know: Portable braais are not permitted, so use the designated facilities. Alcohol and music are also prohibited. The coastline can be very windy and swimming conditions are not always suitable.

Best time: Go on a calmer morning or early afternoon. Avoid very windy days.

Miller’s Point

Location: Miller’s Point Road, Murdock Valley, near Simon’s Town.

Miller’s Point is one of the more family-friendly Cape Town beaches for a braai. The day camp has two small beaches, sheltered coves, a tidal pool and lawns with picnic and braai areas. It is also popular with anglers and boaters.

Parking: There is parking at the day camp.

Amenities: Braai areas, picnic lawns, tidal pool, toilets, boat launch and slipway.

Dogs: Check the current signage at the facility before bringing a dog, particularly around the tidal pool and bathing areas.

What to know: Baboons can occur in the area, so do not leave food unattended. The water is sheltered in places, but normal coastal swimming precautions still apply.

Best time: Spring and summer mornings are excellent, especially if you want to secure a good braai spot.

Spark’s Bay Beach

Location: Clarence Drive, between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els.

Spark’s Bay is a quieter option for anyone willing to drive out of central Cape Town. The day camp has braai facilities, picnic areas and a large tidal pool. The rocky shoreline and views across False Bay make the journey worthwhile.

Parking: There is a small parking area, with a rough track leading towards the braai stands. Some stands can be accessed by car.

Amenities: Braai and picnic areas, toilets, tidal pool and fishing access.

Dogs: Check the site’s current signage before bringing dogs.

What to know: The shoreline is rocky, and sea urchins have been reported around the tidal pool, so take care in the water. The wind can also change the whole braai experience.

Best time: Go early on a calm weekday for a quieter outing.

Klippiesbaai

Location: Clarence Drive, between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els.

Klippiesbaai is another coastal braai spot along the Kogelberg stretch. Unlike a conventional sandy beach, it has a rugged, rocky shoreline with small coves and rock pools.

Parking: There is designated parking near the day camp.

Amenities: Picnic and braai areas and toilets.

Dogs: Check current signage before bringing dogs.

What to know: This is a first-come, first-served type of braai destination, so arriving early makes sense. Bring everything you need because there are few convenient shopping options nearby.

Best time: Spring and autumn can be particularly pleasant when the weather is settled and the area is quieter.

Kogel Bay Resort

Location: Clarence Drive, between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els.

Kogel Bay is one of the most dramatic Cape Town beaches for a braai, with mountains rising directly behind the coastline. The resort has camping, picnic and braai facilities, making it particularly useful for a full-day or overnight coastal outing.

Parking: Parking is available at the resort.

Amenities: Braai areas, picnic areas, ablutions, camping, chalets, children’s play area, communal kitchen and beach access.

Dogs: No dogs are permitted at Kogel Bay Resort.

What to know: Resort access is paid, and overnight camping requires a booking. The coastal wind can be strong, so never leave a fire unattended.

Best time: Summer mornings are best for a day visit. Book well ahead if you want to camp.

Little Bay

Location: Bloubergstrand, next to Big Bay.

Little Bay is one of the easiest Cape Town beaches for a relaxed family braai. The lawn-covered braai area means you do not have to spend the afternoon eating sand, while children can explore the nearby rock pools.

Parking: Parking is available around Little Bay and the surrounding Blouberg streets.

Amenities: Lawn-covered braai area, picnic space, rock pools and a children’s play area.

Dogs: No dogs are permitted at Small Bay, the official designation associated with Little Bay.

What to know: Wind is the big consideration. A beautiful sunny day can still produce difficult braai conditions if the south-easter is pumping. Entry is free.

Best time: Choose a calm weekday morning or early afternoon. Summer weekends become busy quickly.

What to remember before your beach braai

The biggest rule across these Cape Town beaches is simple: only braai where there are designated facilities. Do not make a fire directly on the sand, rocks or open beach. Cape Town’s coastal rules prohibit fires on beaches outside permitted areas.

Check the signs when you arrive because dog rules, access times and local restrictions can vary. The City specifically advises beach users to follow the signage at each site.

Also pack more than you think you need. A proper beach braai kit should include a grid, firelighters, charcoal or wood, tongs, foil, rubbish bags, water, sunscreen, towels and something to keep food cold.

Most importantly, check the wind forecast. Cape Town’s coastal wind can turn a perfect-looking beach day into a smoky braai nightmare. Secure loose items, keep children away from hot coals and never leave a fire unattended.

And if you are heading to a SANParks site such as Oudekraal, Buffels Bay or Bordjiesrif, remember that alcohol, dogs and music are prohibited in the picnic braai areas.

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