Anstey's Beach on the seaward side of the Bluff is the favourite of Durban's serious surfers: a point break that handles a big southerly swell better than anything on the Golden Mile, and a strong locals' crowd. The beach itself is rocky in places but has good sandy stretches at low tide and a tidal pool for non-surfers.
The vibe is small-town and unfussy. A cluster of low-rise apartments and a couple of cafes face the parking lot. About 20 minutes by car from central Durban.