Sun-kissed skin and salty air. That’s Queens Beach. Queens Beach in Sea Point isn’t your typical bustling Cape Town beach. It’s quieter. It’s a haven for sunbathers. Adults often prefer it to families with young children.
Queens Beach sits south of the Sea Point Pavilion. It’s nestled between Sunset Beach and Saunders Rock’s Beach. Finding it is easy. Just follow Beach Road towards Camps Bay. You’ll spot it next to the traffic circle leading to Queens Road and Bantry Bay. Parking is readily available. You can park at the circle or use the official Queens Beach parking lot just past it.
Queens Beach is unique. Its rocky coastline means there’s less sand. More broken shells. It’s a bit tough on bare feet. Slip-slops or reef shoes are recommended. But don’t let that deter you. The shallow gully between the rocks is surprisingly safe for swimming. There are also many rock pools for children to explore. Though most families tend to head to Saunders Rock’s Beach or further afield.
The name Queens Beach? It comes from the Queens Hotel. This grand hotel was built nearby in the late 1800s. The area holds more than just seaside charm. The rock outcrops between Queens Beach and Saunders Rock’s Beach are geologically significant. Millions of years ago there was an upheaval of the earth’s surface. Molten lava mixed with granite. You can still see these unique rock formations. A plaque in the parking lot explains this fascinating ‘Sea Point Contact’.
But be cautious. Sea Point attracts opportunistic thieves. Don’t leave belongings unattended. Especially at night or when the beach is deserted. Keep valuables hidden. Parking on busier streets is safer. Queens Beach offers sunbathing safe swimming and rock pool exploration. Enjoy the beach but stay vigilant. Remember the history and the geology. Queens Beach is more than just sand and sea. It’s a story waiting to be discovered.