Strand, Western Cape

Strand
An aerial view of Strand with the Coast Road and Strand Golf Club in the foreground.
Strand Show map of Western Cape Strand Show map of South Africa Strand Show map of Africa  Strand shown within Western Cape
Location within Cape Town  Strand
Coordinates: 34°07′00″S 18°49′00″E / 34.11667°S 18.81667°E / -34.11667; 18.81667Coordinates: 34°07′00″S 18°49′00″E / 34.11667°S 18.81667°E / -34.11667; 18.81667
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
Municipality	City of Cape Town
Established	1714
Area
• Total	21.36 km2 (8.25 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	55,558
• Density	2,600/km2 (6,700/sq mi)
Racial makeup (2011)
• Black African	11.6%
• Coloured	51.1%
• Indian/Asian	1.0%
• White	34.2%
• Other	2.1%
First languages (2011)
• Afrikaans	77.2%
• English	14.3%
• Xhosa	2.2%
• Other	6.3%
Postal code (street)	7140
PO box	7139
Area code	+27 (0)21

Strand (Afrikaans for 'beach') is a seaside resort situated on the eastern edge of False Bay and at the foot of the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Its geographical position is between Macassar and Gordon's Bay, and is about 50 km southeast of Cape Town. Strand is in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and has a population of approximately 50,000. Strand's main attraction is the beach; 5 km of white sandy beach off False Bay.

Strand is often referred to as The Strand (Afrikaans: Die Strand), which is the old name of the town.

The main beach in the Strand, Melkbaai Beach, is known as one of the best and safest bathing areas in the country. Facilities on or nearby this beach include Waterworld with a super tube and mini-golf and Harmony Park which includes a tidal pool. Water sports may be conducted from various points along the beachfront.

Strand has a wide variety of organised sport including a golf course, tennis courts, rugby fields, squash clubs, jukskei, and water sports like surfing, sailing, power boating, paddle skiing and board sailing. The Pipe is a part of the beach marked off for surfers and is known for its big, "surfable" waves.

Strand also has an Olympic-sized indoor pool which is centrally heated and is open all year round. The coast between the Lourens River mouth and up to Rooi Els is popular with beach fishermen and rock anglers.