Craving that feeling of sand between your toes, an ice-cold drink in hand and the sun warming your shoulders, without leaving Gauteng? Good news: the province is full of places designed to give you beach vibes without heading for the coast.
Across Joburg and Pretoria, venues are serving tropical cocktails, sand-floor dining and easy-going summer energy, some of the most popular summer spots in Gauteng right now. Whether you want West Coast seafood or an all-out beach-club atmosphere, these spots bring beach vibes in Gauteng to life.
Here are seven places serving the best beach vibes in Gauteng this summer.
Top places for beach vibes in Gauteng
With a R10 billion beach-living development in Johannesburg, it’s clear we are craving coastal energy. Luckily, these local spots deliver beach vibes in Gauteng without the drive, perfect if you’re hunting for new things to do in Gauteng this summer.
1. The Beach Rivonia – Sandton
If you want the classic Joburg fake coast party experience, this is the hotspot. The Beach Rivonia delivers the full effect with sand, signature cocktails and a barefoot-friendly dance floor in the middle of Sandton, creating the perfect luxury experience.
Expect DJs, sundowners and a reliably lively weekend scene, making it one of the go-to beach bars in Gauteng.
Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 13:00-02:00.
2. Paralia Life – Pretoria
For Mediterranean flair with polished and modern beach-bar energy, Paralia is your ideal pick. The menu offers seafood touches, fresh dishes and a chisanyama-with-a-coastal-twist option for something hearty. Great for long lunches, sundowners and themed island-style nights, Paralia gives you a Greek experience without leaving Pretoria.
3. KAVO Beach Club – Germiston
KAVO Beach Club, a favourite Joburg summer hotspot, is where white sand meets leisurely luxury. Think stylish décor and a crowd ready for Instagram. With house beats and golden-hour sparkle, it’s a glamorous option for anyone chasing elevated beach vibes in Gauteng.
4. De Vette Mossel – Hartbeespoort
One of Gauteng’s most iconic “beach without the sea” experiences, De Vette Mossel is all about West Coast-style coastal feasting. Enjoy snoek, mussels, prawns and fish braais, all prepared on a fire, with sand underfoot and a relaxed buffet flow. It’s pure coastal fantasy, minus the ocean gusts.
5. Tsunami Beach Bar – Benoni
Tsunami brings the holiday spirit with beach-inspired décor, colourful cocktails and beach sand underfoot. The nightlife vibe leans towards fun and festive, with live music on some evenings. It’s one of those spots in the East Rand if you want playful, party-style beach vibes in Gauteng.
6. City Beach Club – Braamfontein
Braamfontein’s City Beach Club brings an island feel to the Joburg CBD, featuring sandy floors, loungers, stylish décor and drinks perfect for hot Saturdays.
It is a true beach-club experience, only open on Saturdays (11:00–20:00). It draws a lively crowd for themed nights, DJs and relaxed barefoot fun in the heart of Braamfontein. Ticket sales open every Tuesday.
7. Captains Island – Pretoria
Captain’s Island offers a family-friendly tropical escape, with sandy patches, warm décor and a menu featuring pizzas, grills and island-style bites. It is more of a chilled restaurant than a high-energy club, it is ideal for laid-back lunches or relaxed evenings. Pets are welcome, making it one of the most inclusive spots for beach vibes in Gauteng.
Gauteng may be landlocked, but these beach-inspired venues offer refreshing coastal-style escapes and should be part of your summer survival guide. Whether you’re after a lively party, a seafood feast or a tropical family-friendly afternoon, there’s a spot delivering beach vibes in Gauteng.
