Attractions and things to do in the Southern Peninsula

Nestled between the watchful gaze of The Elephant’s eye cave in Silvermine reserve, and the famous Cape of Good Hope, the Cape Peninsula has the Table Mountain National Park as the backbone of protected and pristine beauty. This is our playground, where there is something for everyone to enjoy.
We welcome you to the bounty of this iconic region.

Muizenberg

Officially the entrance to the peninsula, Muizenberg, vibrant and cosmopolitan, is rich in history, culture, architecture, art and surf, from beginner to pro, there is always a wave to catch. Surf schools on the promenade will arrange the board and guidance. Surfing is a great spectator sport here too, try a soft serve ice cream on the beachfront watching the waves roll in. Restaurants, and take away foods are available on the top-class promenade, boasting views of the bay from most tables.

Local community markets are a lifestyle here. From local food to fashion, art and trinkets, the locals are inspired and friendly. Having a conversation with a local artist at the market is commonplace. The market culture is busiest on weekends to make the most of it. Mosaics and Murals are dotted around the village, featuring fantastical to botanical, and all things local and in between. Make sure to saunter the village streets and explore the artistic culture.

Boyes drive offers an incredible scenic route of the bay, linking Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, with hiking trails, outlook points and even the local shark spotters (a unique and acclaimed SA initiative) that keep our surfers safe.

St James

Enjoy a stroll along the catwalk from Muizenberg to St James. The bright colours of the beach huts look over the tidal pool, a favourite of the locals young and old. The architecture along the main road features some unique buildings. Posthuys (oldest building on the peninsula), Casa Labia Museum, and Rhodes Cottage to name a few for the history enthusiast.

Kalk Bay

Voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Kalk Bay is a must visit. The harbour bustles with activity, with the daily catch available for sale directly- it doesn’t get fresher than here. Recommended to walk the main road leisurely, wonderful array of restaurants, curio and art shops all beckon with their bright wares. Local buskers adding their merry sound to the bohemian flare of the village.

Enjoy the view from the tidal pools around the famous reef, where the surfers, whales and dolphins frequent the seascape- these pools have long been a part of the history of the area, dating back to the original “strandlopers” (beach walkers) who fished in similar structures. Today, the life in the pools is protected, and represented with vibrant murals along the coastline- celebrating and educating through experience.

Fish Hoek

Centrally located in the peninsula and with one of the best swimming beaches on the peninsula. Fish hoek is quaint, charming and has all the amenities you may need while visiting. Supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, coffee shops, restaurants and take aways are all available.

The beach is the centre of life in the town, where the sunrise swimmers start every day in the waves. The trek fishermen haul their catch onto the beach daily and you can find many ways to tackle the surf yourself- from surf skis to water bikes or simply enjoy the warm gentle waves bodysurfing. Jager’s walk hugs the coastline from the beach to Sunny Cove and is a perfect way to enjoy an easy seaside stroll.

We at Ocean’s Echo are particularly fortunate in the fact that the seaside villa is perfectly positioned to reward its guests and visitors with jaw-dropping and exhilarating whale sightings. This is because the location of the exclusive guest house is set directly above one of the whales’ favourite spots – they tend to enjoy hugging the shoreline where they’re more protected and the seas are less rough. Stay at Ocean’s Echo any time between August and November and you’re almost guaranteed to see whales just meters from the shore.

Glencairn

A small hub of restaurants, live music, organic retailers, and surf shops are situated in this small neighbourhood looking over False Bay. The beach is home to kite surfing, sups and swimmers alike, and our favourite seasonal visitors, the whales.

Enjoy the food and views from the Deep South Eatery, where Sundays are for live music and watching the sailboats from the Simon’s Town Yacht Club dotted on the bay.

Simon’s Town

Home of the South African Navy and steeped in history. The main road is full of buildings from a glamourous era, with their lattice work and Victorian aesthetics, you feel like you have taken a step back in time.

Jubilee Square is home to many businesses and restaurants- from fine dining to classic fish and chips, amidst art galleries and curios. Take a walk along the jetty, pay a visit to the Just Nuisance statue, and enjoy the beadwork and crafts on display and sale.

The beaches in the area are smaller and private, a wonderful way to spend a beautiful day. Waters Edge and Windmill beach are tucked away and well worth enjoying their calm pools in between the boulders. Popular for snorkelling and the amazing variety of life in the pools, that made the Octopus Teacher documentary famous, all lie quietly beneath the waves. Protected and sheltered, discover the wonderful world of the African Kelp Forests.

Fishing is a highlight in the area, both from the shore and deep sea charters around the peninsula are a great way to get into the rhythm of the ocean.

Penguins are our favourite residents here and no trip to Simon’s Town is complete without paying a visit to the colony of African Penguins at Boulders Beach. Just like the series Penguin Town, these adorable sea birds, live their life intertwined with the community and are full of entertaining antics. Visit the colony on the beach. Take a few hours in a guided Kayak activity and see the penguins flying through the water, along with seals, dolphins and in season, even whales!

Cape Point

The lighthouse at Cape Point is an important lookout for many a sailor, past, present, and future as one of the entrances to False Bay. The legendary Cape of Good Hope, notorious for its storms, impressive cliffs, and treacherous waters, is home to many a shipwreck along this coastline.

The Cape Point National Park is a pristine example of what the bay may have looked like for the first visitors arriving at the Cape. Home to a diverse range of marine and land flora and fauna, the reserve is breath-taking. Enjoy the reserve cycling, hiking, surfing, swimming (there are tidal pools in the reserve too) surrounded by the smell of the ocean and the fynbos.

The residents of the reserve include zebra, ostrich, bontebok, baboons to name a few. The birdlife and insects are intrinsic in supporting this sensitive environment.
It is a good idea to take some binoculars along as there is always something interesting to watch, near and far.

Scarborough

An eco-village, where life moves about as fast as the fynbos grows. Walking and cycling are how most people get around. The beach is central to the village, where surfing is a lifestyle, linked with the tides and seasons. Being a conscious community, activities like foraging are promoted with local guides showing us how. Healthy lifestyles, foods and friendly locals who are passionate about their village and surrounds.

The crystal waters of the Atlantic Seaboard boast turquoise hues along the dramatic coastline, passing Misty Cliffs and the Crayfish Factory- renowned for its kite surfing. A bending road hugs the coast over Slangkop mountain and into Kommetjie.

Kommetjie

A remarkable village that will leave an impression. The central hub, with local pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, are all within walking distance from the Kom. Walk the pathways and discover Slangkop lighthouse around the curving bends, surrounded by the mighty Atlantic and a view of Table Mountain that is unique.

Home to many famous surf spots, this is part of the lifestyle of young and old. Long beach is a blue-chip beach, stretches far and is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Ancient milkwood trees remain along the coast, and the kelp gathers deep on the shore, bringing a unique aroma that is not in every brochure. It is part of the charm of this laid-back village that centres life around the oceans shores.

Explore the walks along the coast and enjoy some wonderful restaurants in the area, from breakfast to fine dining.

Noordhoek

Long beach winds its way along the bay all the way from Kommetjie to Noordhoek, where finally the dramatic cliffs signal Chapmans Peak. This makes an elegant horse ride, or even a great walk. Horses are a way of life in Noordhoek, and riding excursions are easy to arrange.

The Noordhoek farm village boasts popular markets, live music, and sought-after cuisines for all palates; young and old. Enjoy the shade of the giant oak trees amidst bustling patrons and bright art. The village is host to many local artworks, curios and home-made confectionary to delight the senses.

Cape Point vineyards host regular markets where excellent food and wine is always on point. Gourmet picnics with world famous sunsets, should be experienced. Closer to the beach, there are Craft breweries, stylish restaurants and a business hub for the eclectic that is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Chapmans Peak

One of the most scenic drives in the world. 9kms and 114 curves over sheer cliffs, it is recommended to take advantage of the many viewpoints along the road when you wan to gawk at the views that stretch for miles. You will be glad you brought those binoculars along as you survey the ocean from above and scan for denizens of the deep, or again, a spectacular sunset, as you exit the Cape Peninsula.