Boulders Beach

On False Bay, this stunning beach earned its name from the massive boulders that lay scattered across the sands and separate the shoreline into peaceful, private coves. Swimming here is more inviting than it is at Clifton or Camps Bay: The waters of False Bay are enviably warmer than the Atlantic's waves. But as great as the scenery and swimming may be, the main reason to visit Boulders Beach is to get to know the locals: This beach is home to an ever-expanding colony of African Penguins. You'll see these tuxedoed sunbathers teetering around the sand. Although they have grown accustomed to human company, please do your best not to disturb them.

Recent visitors love getting up-close and personal with the penguins. According to one TripAdvisor user, "The penguins were everywhere! They didn't seem to mind if you got pretty close to them to take a picture."

Boulders Beach—which is a part of Table Mountain National Park—sits roughly 26 miles south of central Cape Town near the hamlet of Simon's Town. You can drive to the beach via the M3, M5, or M6 highways, or you can take the Metrorail to Simon's Town Station. Boulders welcomes guests every day starting at 7 or 8 p.m.; closing times vary depending on the season. The beach is one of the few areas of Table Mountain National Park that requires visitors to pay a conservation fee, which is 40 ZAR (about $5 USD) for adults and 15 ZAR ($2 USD for children). To learn more, visit the South African National Parks website.