The recently established upmarket suburb of Sunset Beach is surrounded by the Sunset Links gated community on the Milnerton Golf Course, and the protected Rietvlei Wetlands. From here there are uninterrupted views of Table Mountain. Without swimming beaches, this section of the coast remains largely unspoilt.
Visitors are astounded by the wealth of marine life out at sea, and the bird life in the adjoining wetland reserve.
Sunset Beach has five safe beachfront parking areas.
If you are looking for lazy, sun-baked days on the beach, topped with gorgeous sunsets over the ocean, then Sunset Beach is your ideal location.
Things to do
During the windy season (December - April), visitors from all over the world take up residence at Sunset Beach to enjoy the perfect kiteboarding conditions. Boards can be hired from kite shops in nearby Tableview.
Whale watching has become prevalent along this part of the coast. Over the years, more Southern Right Whales are seen entering the bay.
The Paddocks Shopping mall within walking distance of Sunset Beach, offers convenient shopping.
Join the Milnerton Rowing club as a social member and take advantage of their canoeing equipment to paddle down the river mouth.
Lovers of Golf can enjoy a round at the 18-hole Milnerton Golf Course. The course becomes a real challenge on windy days.
A short drive from Sunset Beach will get you to Canal Walk, one of the city’s largest malls with a retail area of 140000m² and over 400 stores in which to browse.
Take a tour of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) on the northern end of Rietvlei. This non-profit organisation is well known for saving countless marine birds – specifically the endangered African penguin – from oil spills and other incidents affecting their numbers.
The City of Cape Town maintains a scenic Cycling Path that runs from Blouberg directly into the city. You could hire a bicycle and get active.
If you enjoy Bird watching, the Rietvlei Nature Reserve has recorded over 190 species in the park. Well-maintained wooden pathways lead to bird hides.
A section of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve is cordoned off for water sports such as windsurfing, small craft sailing, skiing, etc.
Where to Eat
South Pole Pizzeria is a no-frills, owner run pizza restaurant located in Sunset Beach. The pizza options cover two menu pages, all freshly and perfectly prepared.
Yo Eastern Fusion in the same centre has an outstanding and varied sushi menu.
A favourite with students on their ‘all you can eat’ sushi evenings (get there early!), Sake offers fresh and interesting Chinese and sushi dishes.
Enjoy a hearty meat dish at Dale's Black Angus restaurant at the Paddocks shopping mall. Stupendous views of Table Mountain and the bay. Best time to visit is at sundown.
Maestros on the Beach at Milnerton Golf Club is an entrenched favourite around these parts. The setting overlooking the beach is superb and their huge menu ranges from light deli-style offerings to full Mediterranean dishes. Trinchado is the house speciality.
Canal Walk shopping mall has a few restaurants worth visiting: Cattle Baron is one of Cape Town’s top steakhouses that rarely disappoints, Primi Piatti is a vibey Italian restaurant renowned for their quality ingredients and there is the ever-popular La Rocca offering a variety of light meals.
Night Life
Call a taxi for a ride into the city centre to experience Cape Town’s renowned vibrant nightlife.
Ask your hosts to find out what’s showing at the Milnerton Playhouse. This small amateur theatre has been operating for over 15 years.
It’s a local secret not often shared but the Italian Club in the suburb of Rugby has live entertainment on weekends, a thoroughly entertaining dance venue. Fun too, just to watch the animated crowd. The restaurant serves up some of the best Italian food in Cape Town.
Where to Stay
Sunset Beach probably has more luxurious double storey houses than anywhere else in Cape Town. The guesthouses, self-catering venues and lodges offering accommodation are unlikely to disappoint.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 23km from Sunset Beach.
Car Rental Nearby Tableview has many car rental agencies; however, car rental bookings can be made online.
Bus services Sunset Beach is on the main bus route between Melkbosstrand up the west coast and Cape Town city centre. Two bus stops are conveniently located on either end of Sunset Beach.
Taxis Several metered taxi companies operate from nearby locations. If you have the Uber app, order a taxi via your mobile phone.
There are many operators offering shuttle services between Sunset Beach, Cape Town city and the airport.
Did you know?
The Greater Flamingo is an annual visitor to the Diep River estuary bordering Sunset Beach. When eating, it disturbs the sediment by treading its feet, releasing tiny aquatic invertebrates on which it feeds. The treading leaves perfect circular depressions in the mud.
In spring, the Rietvlei Wetland area is a breeding ground for aquatic creatures. The south-easterly wind, also known as the Cape Doctor, aerates the waters, bringing life-giving oxygen to these creatures.
A state-of-the-art remote meter reading system has been installed at Sunset Beach. This system allows for non-intrusive & accurate water bills and precise monitoring of domestic water usage. Look out for the wireless monitoring devices fixed to some light poles.
