Margate sits on South Africa’s south coast in KwaZulu-Natal, where a compact beach town meets a stretch of holiday suburbs, family resorts and easy access to the Hibiscus Coast’s best swimming beaches. It is known for its warm Indian Ocean water, a busy main beach with lifeguards in season, and a pace that shifts noticeably between school holidays and quieter midweek periods. For travellers booking a stay, the key draw is simple: you can base yourself close to the beach, restaurants and local shops, then use Margate as a practical launch point for coastal drives, nature reserves and nearby seaside villages.
Why Margate is worth a stay
Margate is one of the South Coast’s most established holiday towns, which makes it especially useful for visitors who want convenience rather than remoteness. The town has a walkable beach strip, a choice of self-catering apartments, holiday flats, guesthouses and family resorts, and enough everyday services to make a longer stay easy. The ocean is the main attraction, but the setting matters too: palm-lined roads, surf culture, tidal pools, family-friendly beaches and quick access to nearby towns such as Ramsgate, Southbroom and Shelly Beach all add variety without long transfer times.
It also works well for different kinds of trips. Families often choose Margate for its beach access and practical holiday infrastructure. Couples use it as a base for scenic drives, golf and quieter beaches nearby. Groups come for the festive atmosphere during peak periods, while travellers who prefer a less hectic coastal stay can still find calmer pockets just outside the centre.
Where to stay in Margate
Margate Main Beach and town centre
This is the most convenient area if you want to step out and reach the beach, restaurants and shops on foot. Accommodation here is typically the most central, with many apartments and holiday units aimed at beachgoing visitors. The main beach area is lively and practical, especially for travellers who value easy access over seclusion. It is a strong choice for first-time visitors who want the classic Margate holiday experience.
Margate North and the beachfront suburbs
North of the centre, the atmosphere becomes a little more relaxed while still keeping you close to the coast. Many properties in this stretch suit longer stays, families and self-drive travellers looking for parking and a quieter base. Depending on the exact location, you may be a short drive from the main beach but closer to less crowded swimming spots and broader coastal views.
Ramsgate
Just south of Margate, Ramsgate is a good option for travellers who want a more village-like feel with easy beach access. It is known for its smaller scale, natural setting and popular lagoon area. Accommodation here is useful if you want to stay near Margate but avoid the busiest part of town, especially during holidays.
Southbroom and San Lameer area
If you prefer a quieter, greener setting with upmarket holiday homes, golf access and longer, more peaceful beach stretches, look at the Southbroom area a little further south. This is less about town-centre convenience and more about a relaxed coastal base with a resort feel. It suits visitors who plan to drive rather than walk to daily activities.
Shelly Beach and the broader south coast
North of Margate, Shelly Beach offers another practical stay option, especially for visitors interested in shopping, boat trips and access to the wider coast. While not in Margate itself, it is often considered as part of the same holiday strip and can be a smart choice if your trip combines beach time with excursions and errands.
Things to do in Margate
Spend time at Margate Main Beach
Margate Main Beach is the town’s signature spot and the place most visitors picture first. It is a broad sandy beach with a lively holiday feel, typically busiest during weekends and school breaks. The beach is suitable for swimming when conditions are calm and patrolled, and it is also a classic place for long walks, sand play and people-watching. Facilities and nearby services make it especially convenient for families.
Explore nearby Blue Flag and family beaches
One of the best reasons to stay in Margate is the easy access to a cluster of attractive beaches along the coast. St Michael’s-on-Sea, Uvongo, Lucien and other nearby stretches are known for their scenic setting and family appeal. Some offer protected swimming, tidal pools or quieter conditions than the main beach. If you are staying for more than a night or two, it is worth beach-hopping rather than settling for just one stretch of sand.
Visit the Margate Pier area and seafront promenade
The seafront is part of the town’s holiday identity, especially for visitors who enjoy a casual beachfront atmosphere. The promenade and nearby public spaces are good for an evening stroll, sea views and easy access to food spots. The area tends to feel most active in high season, when the town’s holiday energy is at its strongest.
Take a look at local galleries and craft spaces
Margate and the surrounding South Coast have long attracted artists, makers and small creative businesses. While the town is not a major art destination, visitors often find local galleries, craft stalls and small shops that reflect coastal life and KwaZulu-Natal’s mix of influences. These are useful stops if you want more than beach time and prefer a slower, browsing-friendly activity.
Use Margate as a base for coastal nature outings
Beyond the town itself, the South Coast offers tidal pools, estuaries, nature reserves and scenic viewpoints. Popular outdoor experiences in the wider area include coastal walks, birdwatching, river or lagoon visits, and drives through greener inland sections of the Hibiscus Coast. If your stay is a few days long, build in one or two half-day outings rather than expecting every activity to be in the town centre.
Try golf and relaxed resort activities
The southern KwaZulu-Natal coast is well known for golf, and Margate is close to several courses and resort-style stays where golfing is part of the appeal. Even if you do not play, these areas often offer calmer surroundings, restaurants and easier parking than the busiest beachfront zones.
Food and drink in Margate
Margate’s dining scene is shaped by holiday traffic, so expect a practical mix of casual seafood places, family restaurants, grills, takeaways, cafes and spots serving South African favourites. The most useful rule is to book or arrive early in peak season, especially for dinner near the beach.
Seafood is the obvious local choice, with kingklip, prawns, calamari and line fish commonly appearing on menus. Many visitors also look for classic South African holiday meals such as burgers, toasted sandwiches, fish and chips, hearty breakfasts and grilled meat dishes. Because this is a vacation town, menus tend to be broad and family-friendly rather than experimental.
For something more casual, look for bakeries, ice cream stops, coffee shops and takeaway counters near the main roads and beachfront. These are useful for self-catering guests who want breakfast supplies or an easy lunch between beach visits. If you are staying in an apartment or holiday flat, Margate’s supermarkets and convenience shops make self-catering straightforward, which is one reason the town works well for longer family breaks.
For drinks, the beach-town pattern continues: sunset beers, casual cocktails, milkshakes for families and relaxed sundowners at seaside restaurants or hotel bars. The scene is not about late-night sophistication so much as easygoing holiday consumption. If you want more polished dining or a wider choice of wine-focused venues, nearby Southbroom and some resort properties can offer a calmer alternative.
Shopping and everyday essentials
Shopping in Margate is practical rather than destination-level. The town is well set up for holiday basics: supermarkets, bottle stores, pharmacies, beach supplies, souvenirs and simple clothing shops. This is helpful for self-drive travellers and families who do not want to plan every errand before arrival.
For gifts and browsing, beachfront craft stalls and small local shops often sell shells, clothing, woven items and tourist souvenirs. If you need a larger retail selection, Shelly Beach is the area most visitors use for bigger shopping runs, while Margate itself covers day-to-day needs well enough for a holiday stay. When booking accommodation, check whether your property is within walking distance of shops or if you will need a car for supplies.
Nightlife and evening plans
Margate is not a clubbing destination in the way major cities are, but it does have a lively holiday-night rhythm in season. Expect beachfront bars, casual pubs, restaurants that stay open later during busy periods, and a social atmosphere around the main beach and central streets. The crowd can be mixed: families eating early, holiday groups gathering for drinks, and locals meeting up after work or on weekends.
Evenings are often best kept simple. A sunset meal, a walk along the seafront and a drink at a beachfront venue are more typical than an all-night itinerary. During school holidays and festive periods, the town can become noticeably busier and noisier, so travellers who prefer quiet nights should consider staying slightly away from the centre or choosing a property with good sound insulation.
Getting to Margate
Most visitors reach Margate by road. The town sits on the south coast route in KwaZulu-Natal and is commonly accessed by car from Durban and other coastal towns. Driving is the most flexible option, especially if you plan to beach-hop, visit surrounding villages or do groceries and day trips on your own schedule.
If you are flying in, the usual approach is to land in Durban and continue south by rental car or arranged transfer. There is no major airport in Margate itself, so travellers should plan for a road transfer as part of the journey. The drive is part of the appeal for many visitors, since the coastline becomes increasingly scenic as you move down the Hibiscus Coast.
Long-distance buses and shuttle services may connect to the wider region, but they are less convenient than having your own vehicle if your accommodation is outside the immediate beachfront. Taxis are available in the area, though most holidaymakers rely on self-drive or pre-arranged transfers for airport connections.
Getting around
A car is the easiest way to move around Margate and the surrounding coast. Distances are not large, but holiday accommodation is spread out and many of the best beaches, shops and restaurants sit a short drive apart. Parking is generally more manageable than in bigger cities, though it can become tight near busy beach areas during peak season.
If you stay close to the main beach, you may be able to walk to restaurants, shops and the seafront. That said, walking between different beaches or neighbouring suburbs is less practical in the heat, and some stretches are more pleasant to cover by car. Rides can be arranged locally, but it is wise not to depend on frequent public transport for sightseeing.
For visitors without a vehicle, it is best to choose accommodation in the central beach area or in a resort with its own facilities. This makes it easier to enjoy the stay without needing to organise multiple transfers.
Best time to visit Margate
Margate is a year-round beach destination, but the feel of the town changes a lot with the seasons. Summer brings the warmest water and the biggest holiday crowds, especially around school holidays and festive periods. This is the best time for a lively atmosphere, but also the busiest time for beaches, restaurants and accommodation availability.
Spring and autumn are often an excellent compromise. Temperatures are still pleasant, the sea remains inviting, and the town is usually less hectic than during peak holiday stretches. These shoulder seasons suit travellers who want easier restaurant bookings, more space on the beach and a calmer overall stay.
Winter on the South Coast can still be comfortable compared with inland parts of South Africa, especially for visitors who come for walking, golf and quiet seaside breaks. Sea temperatures are cooler, but many travellers still find the climate mild enough for a relaxed escape.
If your priority is swimming, plan for the warmer months. If you prefer a more peaceful visit and better value on accommodation, consider dates outside the main holiday rush.
Day trips from Margate
Southbroom
Southbroom is one of the easiest and most appealing day trips from Margate. It offers a greener, quieter atmosphere, beautiful beaches and a more residential holiday feel. It is ideal for a scenic lunch, a beach walk or a round of golf.
Ramsgate and the lagoon area
Ramsgate is close enough for a short outing but distinct enough to feel like a change of pace. The lagoon and coastal setting make it a pleasant stop for a slower day, especially if you want a less commercial feel than the main Margate beachfront.
Uvongo and St Michael’s-on-Sea
These neighbouring beach areas are useful for a simple day out of beach hopping, swimming and relaxed meals. They are close enough to combine in one outing and give you a sense of the broader shoreline around Margate.
Shelly Beach and the shopping run
If you need a retail day, Shelly Beach is the practical nearby option. It works well for stocking up on groceries, clothes, supplies or anything you forgot to pack. Many visitors fold this into an afternoon of errands and a meal out.
Port Edward and the southern coast
For a longer drive, head south along the coast toward Port Edward and the more open southern stretches of KwaZulu-Natal. This is a good route for travellers who enjoy scenic coastal roads, roadside stops and a broader view of the region beyond Margate’s core holiday strip.
Practical tips for visitors
- Choose your accommodation by holiday style. Central beachfront stays are best for convenience, while Ramsgate and Southbroom offer more calm.
- Expect seasonal crowds. Margate becomes much busier during school holidays, long weekends and festive periods.
- Use the car wisely. Even short distances are often easier by car, especially in heat or when carrying beach gear.
- Check beach conditions before swimming. Ocean and weather conditions can change, and it is wise to use patrolled areas where available.
- Self-catering is very practical. Many visitors book apartments or holiday homes because groceries, takeaways and casual dining are easy to combine.
- Book popular restaurants early in peak season. The busiest beachfront venues can fill quickly when the town is full.
- Stay aware of your surroundings after dark. As with any busy holiday town, choose well-lit areas and use common-sense precautions, especially if walking at night.
A good Margate stay, in practical terms
If you want a classic South Coast beach break, Margate is most effective when you treat it as a convenient base rather than just a single beach. Stay close to the main beach if you want a lively holiday atmosphere and easy access to everything on foot. Choose Ramsgate, Southbroom or a slightly inland property if you prefer quieter nights and more space. For most travellers, the best Margate experience comes from mixing simple beach days with one or two excursions along the Hibiscus Coast, using the town’s practical layout to keep the holiday easy and low-stress.
