Day trip to the Cape Peninsula
Cape Town’s beaches are spectacular. Yet, Cape Town offers visitors much more to explore. Discover the Cape’s breathtaking natural beauty with a day trip around the Cape Peninsula.
There are many amazing places to visit on day trips from Cape Town but the Cape Peninsula is special.
Here, at the southwestern tip of Africa, you can visit one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain. And follow its footprint against the coast as you drive alongside the Twelve Apostle Mountain Range to discover its secrets.
Explore the various areas of the Cape Peninsula
Leave Cape Town’s harbour in Table Bay behind and embark on your day trip around the Cape Peninsula. The first thing to decide is whether you would like to go solo or with a tour company.
The coastal drive along the Atlantic Seaboard is so pretty that drivers may feel they are missing the views. However, if you rent a car for self-drive, you do have more flexibility. Stop when and where you like. You can spend as much time as you need to enjoy the experience.
Check out the map of the Cape Peninsula to familiarise yourself with the various places you will encounter along the way.
Upmarket accommodation, safe and centrally located, is available nearby the Cape Peninsula in prime seaside suburbs such as Camps Bay. View Nox Rental’s portfolio of luxury villas for rent if space, privacy, and luxury conveniences are important to you.
Llandudno
This exclusive and upmarket suburb sits against rugged rock cliffs. Find it on the map of Cape Town’s suburbs towards the south of Camps Bay, next to Hout Bay. Llandudno has no street lights or shops. There is a little parking area that provides access to its beautiful beach, nestled in its peaceful cove.
Hout Bay
This area gets its name from the abundance of yellowwood trees (wood means hout in the Afrikaans language). Back in the 1600s, the early Dutch settlers found the trees growing in the ravines. Hout Bay has a quaint fishing harbour and lots of shops and restaurants.
On the weekend, the Hout Bay Harbour Market is well worth a visit. The local Imizamo Yethu is a favourite for township tours. Be cautioned, you need a reputable guide.
Noordhoek
Chapmans Peak Drive takes visitors from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. This leafy rural suburb has a seven-kilometre beach, called Long Beach. Experience country vibes and the beautiful setting of the Noordhoek Farm Village, with its shops, restaurants and deli.
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Noordhoek Beach
Scarborough
The next place of interest is Scarborough. This lovely seaside village is a delight to pass through on your way to Cape Point.
Cape Point
The nature reserve at Cape Point is at the southernmost point of the Table Mountain Range. Unspoilt nature is what you will find here. Enjoy viewing prime examples of Cape fynbos and the rugged coastline of the Cape Peninsula.
Boulders Beach
The delightful Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town is a lovely swimming beach with its huge granite boulders and clear water. It is also the breeding ground of the African Penguin. Grab the unique opportunity to view the penguin colony – wild and free in their natural habitat. You may even join them for a dip in the warmer Indian Ocean waters of False Bay.
African Penguins on Boulders Beach
Simon’s Town
This naval town has many points of interest. The old-worldly feel of Simon’s Town increases visitor’s appetite for fish and chips in the harbour. Browse the vintage shops and pop in at the Naval Museum.
Kalk Bay
A trendy village combined with a small fishing harbour creates the quirky Kalk Bay. With its bohemian vibe, hipsters flock to Kalk Bay to browse its vintage shops. Apart from the shopping, Kalk Bay has great spots to eat, drink and swim in its tidal pools.
Muizenberg
The surfers’ village has a unique blend of inhabitants from water worshippers to students, artists and regular families. Spend time on the beach, watch surfers ride the waves, or join them to experience Muizenberg magic.
Experience the Cape Peninsula’s top activities
There are some must-do activities to include in the itinerary for your day trip itinerary around the Cape Peninsula.
Kayak in Hout Bay
If you’re adventurous, make an early start to go on a guided kayaking tour from the harbour in Hout Bay.
Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive
“Chappies” is the local name for Chapman’s Peak Drive – the mountain pass that takes motorists along the 9km coastal road from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. The road curves around sheer rocks and offers some panoramic viewpoints where motorists can stop and enjoy the view. During bad weather, there is a danger of rockfalls and the road is usually closed.
Chapman's Peak Drive
Wine tasting at Cape Point Vineyards
Take a break on your day trip to stop at vineyards in the Cape Peninsula. The cool sea breeze makes for excellent Sauvignon Blancs.
Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
It is worth the Cape Point entrance fee to go into the reserve. Obtain your Cape Point map upon entering the reserve. Ride the Flying Dutchman funicular all the way to the viewing point below the old lighthouse. You can also take a half- or full-day Cape Point Tour, which stops along the major attractions en route.
Meet the penguins
A day trip around the Cape Peninsula simply has to include a penguin encounter at Boulders Penguin Colony.
Take a picture of Just Nuisance
Simon’s Towns Jubilee Square is the home of the bronze statue of Just Nuisance. This famous seafaring dog held a Royal Navy rank.
Jubilee Square also hosts a community market in summer. These markets place on the second Saturday of the month from 9:30 to 15:00. The whole family can have fun here with food, crafts and live entertainment. In winter, the market moves to the Town Hall.
Discover gems
Scratch Patch Mineral World and cave golf is a worthwhile stop. It provides fun entertainment for children who enjoy selecting gemstones to take home. Adults can feast their eyes on unique handcrafted jewellery and more in the shop.
Sunset in Hout Bay
Take a stroll on the pier
Kalk Bay’s fishing harbour has a pier with a red-and-white striped lighthouse at its tip. Entertaining local fishermen’s banter, seals sunbathing on the rocks, and impressive waves crashing against the pier will give you a glimpse into Kalk Bay living.
Enjoy a drink at the Brass Bell
The Brass Bell Restaurants and Pubs in Kalk Bay started out as a “tea room” in 1939. If you would like to dine or drink on the water, surrounded by rolling waves, this is the place to visit.
Pop in for some culture at the Casa Labia
The Casa Labia Cultural Centre in Muizenberg is the former home of Muizenberg’s Count and Countess Natale Labia. In 2010, this national monument opened to the public. The house boasts an upscale restaurant called Cucina Labia.
Bluebird Garage Food and Goods Market
The Blue Bird Garage Food & Goods Market takes place every Friday night. The venue is a beautiful old postal plane hangar on the edge of Muizenberg. Artisan foods, beers, wines, live music, and creative acts make this a unique and inviting market experience.
Aerial view of Cape Point - Cape of Good Hope
Find a stunning seaside rental
After your return from a day trip around the Cape Peninsula, you will have a greater understanding of our Mother City’s diversity. Different cultures all contribute to the rich culture, which shapes the heart of Cape Town.
You can take a piece of the Peninsula home with you through pictures and the recollection of memorable moments. So, remember your camera and start planning your itinerary today.
Nox Rentals has a portfolio of stunning seaside rentals in upmarket areas such as Camps Bay, Clifton, and Llandudno. If you have loved your day trip around the Cape Peninsula and wanted to stay for a while, we can also help you find accommodation in Simon’s Town.
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