North Beach Travel Guide

Durban

North Beach which includes a sandy beach and a sunset
North Beach which includes general coastal views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
North Beach showing a city, a hotel and a coastal town
North Beach featuring a sandy beach, a sunset and general coastal views
North Beach featuring a coastal town, a city and a hotel

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


Top hotels in North Beach

Belaire Suites

Belaire Suites

4 out of 5
151 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is ₹4,636 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹4,636
₹5,332 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (891 reviews)
"We had an amazing trip The beds are so comfortable and the service is excellent. Really enjoyed the breakfast and there were separate vegetarian/halaal options which was awesome. we were just disappointed to get a 2nd floor apartment which was too low for a sea view, there were no apartments available ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Belaire Suites
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 Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a casino. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Durban Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (457 reviews)
"I had an amazing stay,thank you"

Reviewed on 11 Jun 2025

Parade Hotel
The Blue Waters Hotel

The Blue Waters Hotel

4 out of 5
175 Snell Parade, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The price is ₹4,503 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹4,503
₹5,279 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Durban. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (976 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 21 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Durban Beach and uShaka Marine World ...
7.2/10 Good! (294 reviews)
Convienient
"Great location. Good hotel"

Reviewed on 24 Mar 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 Beach ...
8/10 Very Good! (116 reviews)
Amazing place
"It was a great experience at The Palace Hotel. Staf is great , special mention to Xolile and Shouga . Thank you for having us and see you soon"

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

First Group The Palace All-Suite
Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre

Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre

3.5 out of 5
1 Durban Club Place, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Durban. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions uShaka Marine World and Durban Beach are located ...
5.8/10 (42 reviews)
"The hotel has an amazing vintage architecture. The building is amazing however it needs a some tlc. The reception ladies are great, they made me feel welcomed specially that it was my first time in Durban. The security guards was really good, very welcoming as well. I had a wonderful stay at the ..."

Reviewed on 7 Apr 2025

Durban Manor Hotel & Conference Centre
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 hotel and a coastal town

Durban Beachfront

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 heritage architecture and a mosque

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 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
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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