Fish Hoek Beach is paradise for beach-goers, watersport lovers and nature enthusiasts. Stretching for more than 1 mile (2 kilometers), this beach curves gently around a pretty bay and boasts a postcard-perfect setting. It overlooks the glistening water of False Bay and sits in the shadow of the Elsie’s Peak and Kalkbaaiberg mountains. Spend a day at Fish Hoek Beach strolling on the soft sand, paddling in the inviting water and taking part in exciting water-based activities.

On a warm and sunny day, do as the locals do and take a dip in the warm, shallow water. Lifeguards patrol the beach and there are shark nets, which make it a safe environment. Watch surfers and kitesurfers ride the rolling waves or rent equipment from the surf shops and have a go yourself. Surf ski lessons are available for those that want to try this sport, an exhilarating and intriguing alternative to kayaking.

Be adventurous and sign up for a shark cage diving excursion in False Bay and come face-to-face with great white sharks. Visit from June to November to spot migrating southern right whales swimming close to the shore.

Go to the southern tip of the bay and then follow Jager’s Walk, a coastal path that leads to Sunny Cove. Alternatively, hike to the summit of Elsie’s Peak and be rewarded with uninterrupted views of the sweeping False Bay coastline.

The beach is about a 45-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center and parking is available for a fee. Trains travel between Fish Hoek and Cape Town railway stations.

Stretching back from Fish Hoek Beach is the town of Fish Hoek. Find a range of accommodation options plus bars, fast-food joints, restaurants and supermarkets. Play a round of golf at a nearby course. Learn about the discovery of the prehistoric Fish Hoek Man at the Fish Hoek Valley Museum.