Muizenberg Beach and Beach Huts

Muizenberg Beach is a long, gently sloping surf beach on the False Bay coast of the Cape Peninsula, about 25 km south of central Cape Town in South Africa's Western Cape. The beach is famous for its row of colourful Victorian-style bathing huts along the sand, painted in bright stripes of blue, yellow, red and green, which are among the most photographed sights in the city. The warm-for-Cape-Town waters of False Bay and the slow, rolling waves make it one of the best places in South Africa to learn to surf, and several surf schools operate along the beach, renting boards and wetsuits and giving lessons for beginners. The beach is backed by a promenade with cafes, restaurants and shops, and the Muizenberg railway station sits right beside the sand, so the area is easy to reach by train from the city. The surrounding village has a laid-back, bohemian character, with the historic Rhodes Cottage museum and St James tidal pool nearby. A visit typically lasts two to three hours, longer for a surf lesson and lunch. Summer mornings are best for surfing and for quiet walks, while afternoons bring crowds and the south-easter wind. The best photo angles of the huts are from the sand looking along the row, ideally in morning light, and from the pier or rocks at the end of the beach. The beach has lifeguards on summer days, and visitors should swim between the flags, as rip currents and occasional shark activity are reported, with a shark spotting programme and warning flags in operation. Valuables should be kept out of sight and not left on the sand. Weekends and holidays are very busy, so arriving early helps.