Victoria Road
 Atlantic Seaboard Scenic Route
Victoria Road is one of Cape Town’s most scenic coastal drives, running along the Atlantic Seaboard between Sea Point and Hout Bay. It follows the curve of the coastline beneath Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles, with the ocean on one side and steep mountain slopes on the other. The route connects a chain of well-known suburbs including Bantry Bay, Clifton, Camp’s Bay, Bakoven and Llandudno.
Victoria Road also has historical significance. Parts of the route were developed in the late 1800s under engineer Thomas Bain, originally to connect Cape Town with growing coastal settlements such as Camp’s Bay and Hout BayHout Bay. The alignment follows the natural contours of the coastline, which is why the road feels so curved and organic in its design.
Today, it is used by commuters, cyclists, tour buses and visitors exploring the Atlantic Seaboard. The hop-on hop-off bus route and the MyCiti buses also follow sections of Victoria Road, making it one of the easiest ways to experience the coastline without a car.
This is not just a commuter road. It is a continuous scenic experience, with long stretches of uninterrupted ocean views. In places, the road feels close to the water, with waves breaking below the cliffs, especially between Camps Bay and Llandudno, where the coastline becomes more rugged and exposed.
Clifton is one of the most sheltered sections. When strong south-easterly winds push through the City Bowl and surrounding areas, it is often noticeably calmer. The four Clifton beaches sit just below Victoria Road, reached by steep stairways from the roadside. Each cove has its own character, with sheltered sand, clear water, and dramatic granite surroundings.
Further along, Camps Bay opens up with its wide beach and busy beachfront strip of restaurants and cafés. From here, the road continues past Bakoven, where smaller coves and tidal pools sit tucked into the rocks. Llandudno follows, offering a quieter residential stretch framed by boulders and open ocean views.
The scenery along Victoria Road changes constantly. On clear days, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head dominate the inland view, while the Atlantic stretches endlessly to the horizon. At sunset, the road becomes especially striking, with light reflecting off the water and the mountain silhouettes dark against the sky.
Parking is limited in the popular areas such as Clifton, Camps Bay and Llandudno, especially during summer. Traffic also builds during peak hours, but outside those times, the drive is one of the most rewarding in Cape Town.
Victoria Road is best experienced slowly, with time to stop and take in the views. Whether driving, cycling, or simply passing through, it remains one of the most visually striking coastal routes in the Western Cape.
Related areas include Sea Point, Clifton Beaches, Camps Bay, Bakoven, Llandudno, Hout Bay, Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles
See some other scenic drives and road trips, and browse the complete Western Cape guide
