Our Pick of South Africa’s Best Coastal Spots
If your family is dreaming about sunshine, sea air, and sandcastle marathons, South Africa’s coastline is calling your name.
From tidal pools and warm waves to long sandy stretches perfect for tots and teens, coastal holidays in South Africa deliver the right mix of fun, comfort, and value. Whether you're planning a weekend break or a bigger school-holiday escape, your options run from Cape Town’s iconic beaches all the way through the Eastern Cape and into warm, tropical KwaZulu-Natal.
Before we get into the detail, here’s your quick snapshot:
4 Key Takeouts
- South Africa’s coastline offers a beach style for every family: tidal pools, warm waters, surf-friendly stretches, and calm, kid-friendly zones.
- Thompson’s Bay Beach in Ballito is a standout family beach, known for the Thompson Bay rock pool, gentle waves, and sandy shoreline.
- KZN’s South Coast is one of the most affordable coastal holiday destinations, offering excellent beach holiday accommodation options for families on a budget.
- Thompsons will match you to coastal holiday accommodation and packages that fit your budget and needs – just ask us before you book.
Budget Questions Families Always Ask
What’s the Most Affordable Beach Holiday?
In South Africa, the KZN South Coast remains one of the most budget-friendly options. Areas like Margate, Scottburgh, Port Shepstone, Uvongo, and Balito’s outer stretches often offer some of the best value for South Africans wanting sun, sea, and warm water without the high price tag.
And when it comes to price, we’ll always match you to the best holiday package to suit your budget and needs.
What Is the Cheapest Holiday Destination for South Africans?
Generally, you’ll find the most cost-effective coastal holidays in KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast and parts of the Eastern Cape. These regions offer affordable beach holiday accommodation, easy family-friendly activities, and warm water year-round.
Cape Town & Surrounds: Iconic Beaches & Family Classics
Cape Town’s beaches are famous for a reason – whether you want soft sand, mountain views, penguins, or surf schools, you’ll find it here. The water is cooler than the east coast, but the beaches are still perfect for families.
Top Picks for Families
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Muizenberg: Calm waves, excellent surf lessons, and a long sandy beach ideal for little ones.
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Fish Hoek: Very family-friendly with gentle waves and warm-ish water.
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Camps Bay & Clifton: Spacious sandy stretches, ice-cream stops, and holiday energy.
Why Families Love It
Clean beaches, plenty of shaded spots, lifeguards in peak times, and lots of beachside cafés.
Budget Tip
Look for Cape Town beach holiday accommodation in Blouberg, Melkbosstrand, or Muizenberg for better value. Thompsons can help you compare deals and find the right fit.
Garden Route: Lagoons, Adventure & Big Family Spaces
The Garden Route is perfect for families who enjoy nature mixed with beach time. With calm lagoons, warm summers, and lots of room for kids to run wild, it’s a reliable favourite.
Top Spots
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Plettenberg Bay: Warm water, long beaches, and great safety features.
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Wilderness: Ideal for bigger families and nature-loving kids.
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Knysna: Bollard Bay is soft, calm, shallow, and perfect for toddlers.
Why Families Love It
The lagoon areas offer peaceful swimming, shell collecting, and easy paddleboarding.
Eastern Cape: Warm Water & Soft Sands
The Eastern Cape is one of the most underrated coastal holiday regions – ideal for warm water, fewer crowds, and relaxed family days.
Family Favourites
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Hobie Beach (Gqeberha): Lifeguards, gentle waves, and great facilities.
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Sardinia Bay: Big dunes and beautiful views; check ocean conditions before swimming.
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Port Alfred: Great for long walks, boogie boarding, and family holidays that feel slow and simple.
Why Families Love It
Warm water, wide beaches, relaxed towns, and very attractive pricing in off-peak months.
KwaZulu-Natal: Warmest Waters & Top Family Beaches
KZN is a superstar for family beach holidays. The water is warm 12 months a year, the waves are friendly, and the beach towns are made for fun.
Durban, uMhlanga, Ballito, and the South Coast all offer brilliant coastal holiday accommodation – from resorts to self-catering apartments.
Nicest Beaches in KZN
If you’re exploring the region, start with:
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Thompson’s Bay Beach (Ballito)
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uMhlanga Main Beach
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Salt Rock Beach
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Willard Beach
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Scottburgh
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Ramsgate
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Southbroom
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Uvongo
All are known for warm water, lifeguards in season, and gentle conditions for children.
Is Thompson’s Beach Safe to Swim?
Yes. Thompson’s Bay Beach is known for safe swimming conditions, especially when lifeguards are on duty. The waves are usually manageable, the water is warm, and the beach layout makes it ideal for younger swimmers.
Is Thompson’s Beach a Sandy Beach?
Yes – it’s a lovely sandy stretch perfect for sandcastles, family picnics, and beach games.
Is Thompson’s Beach Good for Families?
Definitely. Families love it because:
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The Thompson Bay rock pool (also known as Hole in the Wall Thompsons Bay) is perfect for supervised splashing and exploring.
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There’s plenty of space to relax, swim, and play.
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Rock pools and shells keep kids busy for hours.
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Nearby Thompsons Bay accommodation includes hotels, and family-friendly stays.
Are There Shells at Thompson’s Beach?
Yes. You’ll often find small shells around the shoreline and rock pool area – a fun activity for children.
Durban & North Coast: Fun, Family-Friendly & Full of Energy
Durban is lively, warm, and incredibly family-friendly. You can easily combine beach time with visits to uShaka Marine World, the promenade, ice-cream stops, and gentle wave swimming.
Top Family Beaches
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North Beach: Popular, full of energy, and great for swimming.
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Umhlanga Main Beach: Tidal pools, walkways, and a relaxed holiday feel.
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Salt Rock & Willard Beach: Known for safe swimming and great facilities.
Great for Families Who Want:
Warm water, long beach days, easy entertainment, and lots of food options nearby.
South Coast Holidays: Simple, Warm & Budget-Friendly
If affordability matters most, the KZN South Coast is your winning pick. The region remains one of the cheapest holiday destinations for South Africans who want sun, space, and a relaxed town atmosphere.
You get great beaches, fun rock pools, warm seas, and holiday packages that suit tighter budgets.
Ready to Plan Your Family Coastal Holiday?
From Cape Town’s iconic beaches to Garden Route lagoons, Eastern Cape warmth, and the tropical atmosphere of KZN’s North and South Coast – South Africa is full of family-friendly beach gems. Whether you’re dreaming of Thompson’s Bay Beach, planning a budget break, or choosing your next stretch of sandy coastline, Thompsons is here to help.
Chat with our travel experts to plan your coastal break. We’ll guide you, answer every question, and match you with the best-value coastal holiday accommodation and packages for your family.
