A Coastal Gem: Simonstown, Cape Peninsula
A very beautiful part of Cape Town, Simonstown. A coastal town full of history, hotels and restaurants!
This is a two-night stay, as there is so much to offer! Without question, a variety of attractions and activities to enjoy. Staying in this darling town takes you out of the crowds and into more peaceful spaces. Indeed, a working quayside, lots of yummy places to eat and many shopping hotspots!
Here are my top 10 things to do in Simonstown:
- Visit Boulders Beach: Home to a colony of African Penguins, Boulders Beach offers visitors the opportunity to see these charming creatures up close. You can walk along the boardwalks and beaches to observe the penguins in their natural habitat.
- Explore Simonstown Museum: Learn about the rich history of Simon’s Town at the Simonstown Museum. The museum showcases exhibit on the town’s maritime history, including displays on naval heritage and cultural artifacts.
- Take a Boat Trip: Embark on a boat trip from Simon’s Town harbor to see marine life such as whales, dolphins, and seals. Several operators offer guided tours and boat trips departing from the harbour.
- Enjoy Water Activities: Simonstown is a great place for water sports. Important to note many activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent equipment and explore the coastline and marine life at your own pace. In the meantime, there is many spots to swim and snorkel. Check out the best tidal pools in the area!
- Visit the South African Naval Museum: Learn about South Africa’s naval history at the South African Naval Museum. The museum features exhibit on naval vessels, artifacts, and the history of the South African Navy.
- Hike in Table Mountain National Park: Explore the scenic beauty of Table Mountain National Park. Encompassing Simonstown. Several hiking trails in the area offering stunning views of the coastline, mountains, and flora and fauna. Obviously, giving you amazing views and lots of nature!
- Browse Simonstown Market: Shop for local crafts, souvenirs, and fresh produce at the Simonstown Market. The market is held regularly and features stalls selling a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, and artisanal products. Walk along the main road, shop jewelry, antiques, ice cream and Korean food.
- Enjoy a Meal with a View: Dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Simonstown offering delicious seafood and other cuisine. Many eateries boast stunning views of the harbor and coastline, providing a memorable dining experience.
- Visit Just Nuisance Statue: Pay homage to Just Nuisance. A famous Great Dane who was enlisted in the South African Navy during World War II. A statue commemorating Just Nuisance stands in Simonstown, honouring his legacy as the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the navy.
- Relax on the Beaches: To begin with, spend a leisurely day soaking up the sun on one of Simontown’s beautiful beaches. In addition to Boulders Beach, other nearby beaches such as Fish Hoek Beach and Glencairn Beach offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Lastly, this town is a sleepy one. Its full of character and really pays homage to the Navy! It has wonderful places to see and visit. Coupled with, really good beaches and nature! All, these activities offer a diverse range of experiences for you to enjoy in Simon’s Town.
2 Comments
Oh I love Simonstown. I have such great memories there. I lived in Froggy Pond a few years back, right on top of the mountain. And my lounge overlooked the deep blue ocean. It was a beautiful place. At night we had to be careful of penguins crossing the road and porcupines. 🙂 Thank you for reminding me how much i miss Cape Town. x
Cape Town misses you! Its a beautiful area!