North Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

North Beach featuring a sunset and a beach
North Beach which includes landscape views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
North Beach showing modern architecture, street scenes and a hotel
North Beach showing general coastal views, a sunset and landscape views
North Beach showing a city, a hotel and skyline

This sandy beach on Durban’s stunning Golden Mile is popular for its safe swimming, rolling waves, lively esplanade and cultural events.

North Beach is one of the best places in Durban for watersports, relaxed walks and a wide stretch of golden sand. Enjoy safe swimming conditions, surf in consistently strong waves and marvel at the sweeping coastal views from waterfront cafés. North Beach is at the heart of Durban’s Golden Mile, a glorious collection of beaches and waterfront promenades overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The beach itself is a large and clean area of soft sand with the warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at its shores. You’ll find ample space to lay down a towel or play beach sports. Lifeguards patrol the beach and post flags to mark the safe swimming areas. Walk out along one of the beach’s piers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Golden Mile and see fishermen cast lines.

North Beach has consistent rolling waves and is one of Durban’s most-loved beaches for body-boarding and surfing. Admire the experienced surfers as they perform tricks in the waves. Visit the beach in July when it hosts the Durban July Surfing Extravaganza, a competition for both adults and children. Art exhibits, watersport demonstrations and jazz concerts are also part of the event.

Take time to stroll along the picturesque waterfront esplanade, which connects the beach with Durban Beach and South Beach. This is a popular area with walkers, cyclists and runners. Pause to watch the skateboarders at the skate park or take a refreshing dip in the public swimming pool. Find a selection of cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces that provide views along the coastline.

Visit Mini Town, a park with miniature versions of significant Durban landmarks. It’s open daily and charges admission. Go to the Fun World amusement park to find traditional fairground rides, waterslides and a cable car. Individual fees apply for each attraction.

North Beach is about a 5-minute drive and a 30-minute walk from downtown Durban. Public buses stop at various points along the Golden Mile. Look for on-street parking nearby.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best North Beach Hotel Deals

Parade Hotel

Parade Hotel

3 out of 5
191 OR Tambo/Marine Parade, North Beach, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a casino. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Durban Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (460 reviews)

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Parade Hotel
Belaire Suites

Belaire Suites

4 out of 5
151 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is AU$98 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$98
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (901 reviews)
"I stayed here in June and lived my stay. It was just as good this time as last. I will definitely stay here again. It is very clean, staff are friendly and helpful, bed is comfortable, has a beautiful view. Very nice place to stay."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Belaire Suites
The Blue Waters Hotel

The Blue Waters Hotel

4 out of 5
175 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is AU$109 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
AU$109
5 Nov - 6 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (984 reviews)
"Good friendly staff"

Reviewed on 20 Sept 2025

The Blue Waters Hotel
Pavilion Hotel Durban

Pavilion Hotel Durban

3 out of 5
15 K E Masinga Road, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is AU$92 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
AU$92
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Durban Beach and uShaka Marine World ...
7.2/10 Good! (296 reviews)
"The breakfast was good and delicious. It’s easy to around town and it’s near the Casino."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Pavilion Hotel Durban
First Group The Palace All-Suite

First Group The Palace All-Suite

4 out of 5
211 Marine Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy a full-service spa, a rooftop terrace, and room service. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Durban ...
8/10 Very Good! (118 reviews)
"No"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

First Group The Palace All-Suite
Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga

Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga

4 out of 5
Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is AU$194 per night from 24 Oct to 25 Oct
AU$194
24 Oct - 25 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in uMhlanga. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
"very clean"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel, Durban Umhlanga
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around North Beach

North Beach showing modern architecture, street scenes and a hotel

Durban Beachfront

5/5(1 area review)

Durban Beachfront is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, abundant dining options and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Blue Lagoon or Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Durban Beachfront
South Beach showing a sunset, surfing and landscape views

South Beach

South Beach is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Harbour and Golden Mile.

South Beach
Durban featuring a mosque and heritage architecture

Durban Central Business District

Travellers come to Durban Central Business District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Workshop Mall and Harbour while you're in town.

Durban Central Business District
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Windermere

Windermere is noteworthy for its cafes, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Florida Road and African Art Centre.

Windermere
uShaka Marine World featuring rides and signage as well as a large group of people

Durban Point

3/5(1 area review)

While visiting Durban Point, you might make a stop by sights like uShaka Marine World and Harbour.

Durban Point
Default Image

Essenwood

Visitors to Essenwood like its beaches and restaurants, and Killie Campbell Africana Library is a sight worth a stop.

Essenwood


North Beach Travel Guide

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