Clifton is one of Cape Town’s most distinctive coastal suburbs, known for its four sheltered beaches, sweeping ocean views, and easy access to the Atlantic Seaboard. With its protected coves, granite boulders and quiet residential streets, the area offers a calm, refined base within minutes of Camps Bay and the city.
Days here revolve around the coastline – early morning swims, long beach days, or simple sunset moments overlooking the water. Each beach has its own character, and the natural setting is a constant backdrop whether you’re out exploring or unwinding at home.
This guide brings together practical essentials, dining options, nearby services, and local recommendations to help you settle in and make the most of your stay – with Cape Concierge on hand should you need any assistance.
Orientation & Getting Around
Clifton is a coastal suburb with easy access to beaches, restaurants, and the wider Atlantic Seaboard. Despite its quiet residential feel, it benefits from having many essentials and transport options close by.
Getting Around:
- Walking: Clifton’s pathways and beach access points make it easy to move between the four beaches, with Sea Point Promenade nearby for longer coastal walks or runs.
- Driving: Clifton and the Atlantic Seaboard are best explored by car, giving you the freedom to visit Camps Bay, Sea Point, the Waterfront, Table Mountain, and the city centre at your own pace. Please note that parking can be limited near the beaches during peak season.
- Uber: Uber operates reliably throughout Clifton and the surrounding suburbs. Uber Black is the most comfortable option for local travel. Cape Concierge can also arrange a private driver if preferred.
- Private Drivers: We are partnered with LTC Luxury Travel & Adventures who offer airport transfers, local trips, and comfortable point-to-point travel. Caleb: +27 79 444 9481 | ltctravelandtours@gmail.com
Everyday Essentials
Food & Provisions
Tip: Clifton has no shops of its own, and Camps Bay is effectively a ‘dry area’ as most shops don’t sell alcohol. Most locals do their main food and drinks shopping in Sea Point, which is only a few minutes away and much better stocked.
Woolworths Food | Sea Point
High-quality groceries, fresh produce and ready-made meals. A quick stop on your way into Clifton.
Sea Point, Cape Town | 021-434-4300 | Daily, 8am–8pm
Pick n Pay | Camps Bay
Good for everyday essentials and quick top-ups, though limited for alcohol and bigger shops.
Camps Bay, Cape Town | 021-438-0800 | Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 8am–6pm
Checkers | Sea Point
Great for larger or more complete shops – bakery, butcher, deli and excellent produce.
Regent Road, Sea Point | 021 439 3700 | Daily, 8am–8pm
The Deli at The Regency | Bantry Bay
A lovely little deli close to Clifton for pastries, breads, cheeses and light takeaway meals.
Kloof Road, Bantry Bay | Daily, 7am–5pm
Wine & Spirits
Norman Goodfellows | Sea Point: Large selection of wine, champagne, spirits, and premium imports.
Pick n Pay Liquor | Camps Bay: Closest liquor store to Clifton with a reliable everyday range.
Ultra Liquors | Green Point: Wide variety of local and international wines at excellent prices.
Wine Cellar (Delivery): Cape Town’s top fine-wine retailer offering same-day delivery to Clifton.
Clifton Beaches
Clifton 1st Beach: A quieter, more local spot with a relaxed atmosphere and good surf conditions. Ideal if you prefer fewer crowds and a peaceful place to swim or unwind.
Clifton 2nd Beach: Lively without being overwhelming, popular with groups and young travellers. Great afternoon sun, a social vibe, and beautifully sheltered from the wind.
Clifton 3rd Beach: Smaller and very sheltered, offering a calm and more private beach experience. Perfect for quieter swims, sunbathing, and a slower pace.
Clifton 4th Beach: The largest and most accessible, loved by families and long-stay beachgoers. Excellent for full beach days, sunset dips, and easy seasonal facilities.
Wine Estates to Visit
Constantia is a little further from Clifton, but if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery and want to swap the beaches for a relaxed wine tasting, here are our top nearby picks:
Beau Constantia: Boutique hillside estate with incredible views and the acclaimed Chef’s Warehouse. Perfect for a long, scenic lunch.
Klein Constantia: Producer of the iconic Vin de Constance, offering excellent tastings and a peaceful terrace for relaxed lunches.
Constantia Glen: Contemporary tasting lounge with panoramic mountain vistas and easy shared platters – ideal for a casual outing.
Steenberg: A polished and elegant estate with award-winning wines and two standout restaurants, Tryn and Bistro 1682.
Tip: Most estates require bookings – reserve online, or Cape Concierge can arrange tastings, transfers, or a relaxed half-day wine experience.
Markets
Oranjezicht City Farm Market | Granger Bay
Cape Town’s best-known market for fresh farm produce, flowers, artisanal foods, and prepared meals. A short drive from Clifton with excellent breakfast and lunch options.
Friday 4pm–8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am–2pm
Camps Bay Sunset Market | Seasonal
Small, relaxed beachside market offering local crafts, snacks, and summer pop-up vendors. Ideal for an early-evening stroll.
Seasonal dates vary
Sea Point Promenade Pop-Up Stalls
Weekend and seasonal stalls featuring local designers, crafts, snacks, and small-batch goods. Perfect for a casual browse while walking the Promenade.
Most active on weekends and during summer
Tip: Arrive earlier for parking and to enjoy the best selection before the crowds.
Boutiques & Local Shopping
Clifton is residential, but nearby Camps Bay, Sea Point, and the V&A Waterfront offer excellent boutique shopping, lifestyle stores, and galleries within a short drive.
Shopping:
- Poetry | V&A Waterfront: Elegant women’s clothing, linens, and accessories with a refined South African style.
- The Watershed | V&A Waterfront: Over 150 local makers showcasing ceramics, textiles, jewellery, and design pieces – ideal for unique, high-quality South African items.
- Cape Island | V&A Waterfront: Luxurious Cape-inspired home fragrances, candles, and gifting.
- Old Khaki | V&A Waterfront: Relaxed menswear, beach essentials, and everyday wardrobe staples.
- Exclusive Books | V&A Waterfront: A calm spot to browse travel, art, and design titles with coffee
Culture & Art
If you’re interested in exploring Cape Town’s creative side, the city has a brilliant art and design culture, all within easy reach of Clifton. From major museums to small galleries and curated markets, there’s plenty to dip into when you feel like stepping away from the beach.
- Norval Foundation | Steenberg: A leading centre for contemporary African art set among sculpture gardens and mountain views.
- Zeitz MOCAA | V&A Waterfront: Africa’s largest contemporary art museum, housed in the iconic converted grain silo.
- Everard Read | V&A Waterfront: A prominent gallery showcasing modern and contemporary South African and African art.
- Ellerman House Art Collection | Bantry Bay: A remarkable private collection of South African art, viewable by appointment only.
- The Watershed | V&A Waterfront: A curated design market featuring ceramics, textiles, jewellery and handmade pieces by local makers.
Local Tip: Cape Town’s First Thursdays is the best way to experience local art – on the first Thursday of each month, galleries and creative spaces in the city stay open late, creating a relaxed, walkable evening out.
Dining
Signature Experiences
- Salsify at The Roundhouse | Camps Bay: One of Cape Town’s most acclaimed dining rooms, offering refined tasting menus in a historic building with sweeping ocean views.
- The Bungalow | Clifton: A polished, beachfront favourite – ideal for long lunches or relaxed sunset dinners right by the water.
- Bilboa | Camps Bay: Contemporary Mediterranean dining in a stylish space overlooking Camps Bay Beach.
Elegant & Relaxed
- Umi | Camps Bay: Modern Japanese-inspired dining with a refined atmosphere and uninterrupted beach views.
- The Lawns at The Roundhouse | Camps Bay: A beautiful setting above Clifton, perfect for relaxed long lunches with a serene, open-air feel.
- Harvey’s at The Winchester | Sea Point: Classic, elegant dining inside a heritage hotel — a quieter, sophisticated option away from the crowds.
Casual & Family-Friendly
- The Surf Shack | Camps Bay: Upscale-casual beach dining with seafood, poké, and grills – relaxed but stylish.
- Mischu | Sea Point: A quality café for excellent coffee, light breakfasts, and simple daytime meals.
After Dinner: The Leopard Bar, 12 Apostles Hotel is a refined setting for cocktails, digestifs, and live music with unforgettable ocean views.
Private Chef Evenings
For guests preferring to dine at home, Cape Concierge can arrange a private chef to prepare a fully tailored meal in your villa — from relaxed family-style dining to bespoke fine-dining menus designed around your preferences.
Wellness & Relaxation
Clifton is one of the best places in Cape Town to switch off – from cold morning ocean dips to world-class spas only minutes away.
- Ellerman House Spa | Bantry Bay: Just a 3–5 minute drive from Clifton, this refined and discreet spa offers personalised treatments in a serene setting. Perfect for guests seeking privacy and calm.
- The Twelve Apostles Spa | Oudekraal: A 10–12 minute scenic drive along the coast brings you to one of Cape Town’s most celebrated spas, set between the mountains and the ocean with luxurious, tranquil treatment rooms.
- Local Ritual | Glen Country Club Plunge: Many Clifton regulars start their morning with a cold plunge at the small cove below Glen Country Club – a refreshing, energising way to begin the day before the beaches fill up.
Outdoors & Experiences
Clifton is ideal for fresh air, coastal routines, and easy outdoor adventures right on your doorstep.
Hiking & Nature Walks
- Lion’s Head: One of Cape Town’s most iconic hikes with incredible views close to Clifton.
Local Tip: Go early for cooler temperatures and fewer people, wear proper shoes, and aim to be down before dark.
- The Pipe Track: A beautiful, mostly flat trail along the base of Table Mountain – perfect for relaxed morning walks.
- Sea Point Promenade: A long, easy coastal route for walking or running, especially at sunrise.
Ocean & Coastal Activities
- Morning Swims at Clifton: The beaches are calmest in the early hours – ideal for refreshing ocean dips.
- Kayaking from Three Anchor Bay: Guided paddles with chances to see dolphins, seals, and occasional whales.
- Stand-Up Paddle Boarding | Clifton 4th: Great on calm days with spectacular views from the water.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Boulders Beach Penguins | Simon’s Town: A guaranteed family favourite. Walk the boardwalks or swim in the sheltered coves while penguins waddle past – a memorable and easy half-day trip.
- Seal Snorkelling | Hout Bay: A gentle, guided ocean experience suitable for older kids and teens. Shallow water, playful seals, and calm conditions in the bay make it a safe and unforgettable outing.
Practical Information
Pharmacies & Medical
- Clicks Pharmacy | Sea Point: Closest full-service pharmacy to Clifton with prescriptions, over-the-counter items, and travel essentials.
Regent Road | 021 439 4573 | Daily, 8am–8pm
- Dis-Chem | Sea Point: Large pharmacy with an extensive wellness and medical range.
Sea Point Pavilion | 021 439 4570 | Daily, 8am–8pm
- Camps Bay Medispa Pharmacy: Convenient for quick essentials and small prescriptions.
The Promenade, Victoria Road | 021 438 0928
- Mediclinic Cape Town: 24-hour private hospital and emergency department.
Gardens | 021 464 5500
Emergency Contacts
- All Emergencies (mobile): 112
- Ambulance: 10177 Fire & Rescue: 107
- Sea Point Police Station: 021 434 8024 (closest to Clifton)
Local Tips from Cape Concierge
- Beach Days: Mornings are calmest at Clifton before the wind and crowds arrive.
- Dining: Book ahead during peak season; concierge can arrange priority reservations.
- Wellness: Early cold plunges at Clifton or Glen Beach are a favourite local ritual.
- Hiking: Start early, carry water, and avoid descending after dark.
- Transport: Parking fills quickly: Uber or a private driver is often easier for dining out.
We hope you fall in love with Clifton and the Atlantic Seaboard as much as we have.
For reservations, private experiences, or in-villa arrangements – from chefs and spa treatments to transfers and tours – our Cape Concierge team is always here to assist.
Cape Concierge office contact: zaanley@capeconcierge.co.za | +27 (0)79 782 7268