Things to do on the Atlantic Seaboard

Staying on Cape Town's Atlantic Seaboard puts you within easy reach of some of the most spectacular sights in the world. From Table Mountain to penguin colonies, world-class beaches to celebrated wine estates, here are the best things to do and see, all a short drive from Camps Bay, Clifton, Sea Point and the rest of the coast.

The iconic sights

• Table Mountain. The flat-topped icon that defines the city. Take the rotating cableway for the easy way up, or hike Platteklip Gorge for a challenge. Go early to beat the cloud, the wind and the queues.
• Lion's Head. A spiralling hike with 360-degree views over the city, the sea and Table Mountain. Sunrise, sunset and full-moon hikes are local favourites, and the trailhead is minutes from Bantry Bay and Fresnaye.
• Signal Hill. An easy drive to the best sunset viewpoint in the city, and home of the noon gun fired every day at midday.
• Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. A full-day trip down the peninsula to the dramatic southwestern tip of Africa, through the Table Mountain National Park.
• The V&A Waterfront. A buzzing harbour-side hub of restaurants, shops, markets and the departure point for Robben Island tours.
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. World-famous gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain, with summer sunset concerts.

Beaches and the ocean

• Camps Bay and Clifton beaches for sunbathing, people-watching and sundowners.
• The Sea Point Promenade and pavilion pools for walking, running and a proper saltwater swim.
• Boulders Beach in Simon's Town for the famous colony of African penguins.
• Sunset cruises and boat trips from the Waterfront and Camps Bay, often with sparkling wine.
• Sandy Bay near Llandudno for Cape Town's most secluded stretch of sand.

Food, wine and markets

• The Camps Bay strip and Sea Point's restaurants for everything from fine dining to fresh seafood, all walkable.
• The Cape Winelands of Constantia, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, some just thirty minutes away, for world-class wine and farm-to-table food.
• Cape Town's food and craft markets, lively weekend institutions full of local produce, makers and street food.
• The Bo-Kaap for colourful streets, Cape Malay heritage and history a short drive from the seaboard.

Scenic drives and day trips

• Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world, linking Hout Bay and Noordhoek.
• The Atlantic Seaboard coastal route from Sea Point to Llandudno, stunning at sunset.
• Hout Bay for its harbour, seafood and boat trips to the Duiker Island seal colony.
• The Cape Peninsula loop, taking in Cape Point, the penguins and Chapman's Peak in a single unforgettable day.

Things to do FAQs

What is the number one thing to do in Cape Town?

Table Mountain is the must-do, whether by cableway or on foot. Pair it with a Lion's Head hike and a Cape Point day trip for the classic trio.

Is Cape Town good for families?

Very. Beaches, penguins, the cableway, boat trips and easy day trips make it one of the most family-friendly cities anywhere.