North Beach

Durban

North Beach featuring a sunset and a sandy beach
North Beach showing a sunset, landscape views and general coastal views
North Beach showing a city, a coastal town and street scenes
North Beach showing landscape views, general coastal views and a sandy beach
North Beach featuring a coastal town, a city 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

Things to do


Top hotels in North Beach

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! (458 reviews)
"Good stay overall. Make sure you carry an international adopter for charging gadgets as rooms have single option without extension cord"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Parade Hotel
Belaire Suites

Belaire Suites

4 out of 5
151 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is P3,025 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P3,025
P3,479 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (894 reviews)
"Friendly staff, decent sized room, and the food in the hotel restaurant is excellent"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Belaire Suites
The Blue Waters Hotel

The Blue Waters Hotel

4 out of 5
175 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is P3,480 per night from Sep 8 to Sep 9
P3,480
P4,002 total
Sep 8 - Sep 9
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! (979 reviews)
"The place was clean, i love white bedding and it was changed every morning, very comfortable, variety of meals in the morning and room service too was served well orders taken promptly and delivered to the room. I was impressed with the overall service and will make it my home whenever I visit Durban..Thank ..."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

The Blue Waters Hotel
Pavilion Hotel Durban

Pavilion Hotel Durban

3 out of 5
15 K E Masinga Road, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
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! (295 reviews)
Convienient
"Great location. Good hotel"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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! (117 reviews)
Amazing place
"It was a great experience at The Palace Hotel. Staff is great , special mention to Xolile and Shouga . Thank you for having us and see you soon"

Reviewed on May 17, 2024

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,232 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P6,232
P7,238 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (156 reviews)
"Great staff and location"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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 a city, a coastal town and street scenes

Durban Beachfront

Durban Beachfront is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

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

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 which includes heritage architecture and a mosque

Durban Central Business District

Durban Central Business District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Workshop Mall and Harbour while in the area.

Durban Central Business District
Default Image

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 showing signage and rides as well as a large group of people

Durban Point

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

Durban Point
Default Image

Essenwood

Travelers enjoy Essenwood for its beaches and restaurants. Consider checking out Killie Campbell Africana Library while you're in the area.

Essenwood

North Beach