The Ultimate Guide to False Bay

False Bay

Come early; you won’t want to leave…

The Cape Peninsula’s eastern seaboard may be less glam than its Atlantic sister, but it has all of the atmosphere and character, and equally beautiful views and beaches. Plus the sea water is warmer on this side!

It’s a favourite summertime hotspot for multi-generational families, a drawcard for creative souls, and has its own flavour of hipster (and surfer) cool.

Start in Muizenberg and make your way along the coastal road, through Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town – or hop on the train, if you like (it’s the city’s most scenic rail journey, where station stops deliver you straight onto the high streets of charming seaside villages).

We have to warn you – there’s so much to see and do; you might have to book a week’s stay.

Which are your favourite places along the False Bay coast? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Muizenberg + St James
Kalk Bay
Fish Hoek + Glencairn
Simon’s Town

The original beachside hotspot of Cape Town back in the early 1900s, this bohemian seaside suburb has undergone regular “rebirths of cool” over the decades – and it’s undergoing one right now. Aside from the crowd-pulling beach, there’s a happy and healthy dining scene.

The Muizenberg Beachfront

Here, a classic seashore plays out in front of you – a long, white beach, with more than enough space for sunbathers, beach sports, fishermen, dog walkers and building sandcastles. The waves are often perfect, so it’s no surprise you’ll find legendary Surfers Corner here. There’s always a buzz and the people-watching is excellent. A row of old-school bathing huts add even more colour to the scene, and there are lifeguards and sharkspotters, toilets and showers, putt-putt and freshwater pools with slides, a market and food vendors, plus a picturesque row of Art Deco buildings housing cafés (see our favourites below) and restaurants. So, everything you need for a great day out at the beach.

Hans & Lloyd

False Bay: Hans And Lloyd

The Hans & Lloyd Coffee Co has cemented itself as a Muizies fave. Trailing plants, nostalgic surf prints on exposed-brick walls and comfy leather couches gives this spot a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favourite for house-blend coffees, toasties and slap-up all-day breakfasts (try the Benedict or cinnamony French toast), and sees a steady stream of patrons indulging in flavour-crammed smoothies, salads and wraps. It’s both wholesome and hip.
Opening times Daily, 7am – 5pm
Contact 021 035 1732, info@hansandlloyd.co.za
Where to find it York Road, Muizenberg

Yoffi Falafel

False Bay: Yoffi Falafel

Yoffi Falafel is arguably the best in the city. On the menu at this charming hole-in-the-wall? Falafel (or chicken) in a pita with all the traditional fillings, or have it in a tub, a wrap or burger bun (or on a plate if you’re eating in). However you choose to enjoy your golden nuggets of spiced chickpea deliciousness, they really do live up to their reputation. And for dessert, sneak in their homemade halva or halva ice-cream.
Opening times Wednesday – Monday, 10am – 6pm
Tuesday until 10pm
Contact 084 364 8466, greg@evolutionart.co.za
Where to find it Beach Road, Muizenberg

Milk Beach

What’s a day at the beach without a cool treat? Milk Beach does gravity-defying ice creams in every colour and flavour, topped with a cornucopia of options, from sprinkles and meringues to candy floss, cookies and chocolate/caramel sauce. There are also waffles, waffle sandwiches, seriously good milkshakes, even baked Alaska – and Deluxe coffees to go.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 9am – 6pm
Sunday until 7pm
Contact info@milkbeach.co.za
Where to find it Beach Road, Muizenberg

Learn to surf

False Bay: Surf Muizenberg

Riding the waves is a rush, no matter your age. To learn how, all you need to bring is a swimming costume, towel and a bucket of enthusiasm – Surf Emporium provides the wetsuits and boards. The clubhouse is at Surfers Corner, the best spot in Cape Town (and among the top 10 in the world) to learn the ropes because of the gentle rolling waves, sandy bottom and warmer water. The 90-minute sessions are suited to your skill level, proceed at your pace and can be booked as a private group session (a family, for example). Groms under 10 get special one-on-one “freezer” lessons.
Good to know You pay for a minimum of four 90-minute group surf lessons per month, with a structured weekly lesson plan spanning 16 weeks.
Times Saturday + Sunday, 9am or 9.30am; 2pm
Cost R630 per month for a minimum of 4 lessons per month; R2 320 for 16 lessons
Enquire Now

Casa Labia by Ideas Cartel

False Bay: Casa Labia

More than just a restaurant, Casa Labia is a landmark. Built in 1929 in the Venetian style by an Italian count, the interiors are adorned with Renaissance and Baroque works of art, silk drapes on the windows and crystal chandeliers, creating a distinctly Gatsby-esque feel. Outside is a beautiful garden and superb sea views. Fresh, seasonal and delectable dishes drifting out of the kitchen will have you planning your next visit after your first bite. Spoil yourself with Nutella brioche French toast for breakfast, settle in for a long lunch, or book a high tea by the sea. Chef Alex Vushe’s famous scones are the ultimate treat!
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 8am – 5pm; Friday + Saturday until 9pm
Contact 072 902 0440, casalabia@ideascartel.com
Where to find it 192 Main Road, Muizenberg
Book through DinePlan

Muizenberg – St James Walk

This catwalk was built many moons ago – presumably for the holidaymakers who enjoyed promenading while admiring the Randlord mansions overlooking the sea. The 750-metre cement walkway undulates between Surfers Corner on Muizenberg Beach and St James tidal pool, and sees steady traffic in serious runners and walkers, Sunday strollers, fishermen and daydreamers sitting on the commemorative benches dotted along the way. It’s impossible not to appreciate the iodine-soaked spray, the crash of the waves and being that close to the beautiful ocean waters. Park at Muizenberg Beach and follow the route south (the entrance to the catwalk is on a little rise).
Good to know Check the tide table if you don’t want to get splashed at high tide or soaked at spring tide. Walk in pairs or groups, and at peak hours during the week. No dogs allowed.

St James Tidal Pool

False Bay: St James Tidal Pool

Cape Town’s most famous tidal pool – the one you’ll see on the postcards – has a wind-sheltered, family-friendly strip of beach, perfect for sunbathers and youngsters, and a stretch of lawn for picnickers. The iconic Victorian-style bathing huts add a bright splash of happy colour that, along with the aqua waters and children playing in the sand, paints an idyllic seaside-holiday scene like something out of an Enid Blyton novel. It attracts serious swimmers and meditative dippers from early morning (arguably the best time to enjoy the calm water and pretty-pastel skies).

Folk Café

Just above St James Tidal Pool is laidback Folk Café, good for grabbing a signature-blend coffee after a swim, a cold drink or cocktail on a hot day, or a bite to eat. The menu runs from breakfast and small plates to burgers and pizza, with plenty of plant-based options and a kids’ menu (ethical, fresh and mostly organic ingredients are used). It has a pleasant garden space and play area, and dogs (on leashes) are welcome. There’s also a cosy fireplace in winter and live music on Saturday late afternoon.
Opening times Tuesday – Saturday, 7am – 9pm; Sunday until 7pm; Monday until 4pm
Contact 021 276 3656, iwannab@folkcoffee.co.za
Where to find it 54 Main Road, St James

Just a stone’s throw from St James lies the “quirky cool capital” of Kalk Bay, where a weekend wander of the shops and cafés feeds the soul and magpie’s eye.

Kalk Bay Harbour

False Bay: Kalk Bay

From dawn to dusk, this authentic, working fishing harbour is a wonderful spot to visit – whether you’re after photo ops or to breathe in the sights, smells and sounds. A bustling landmark with a rich history and a picture-book red-and-white-striped lighthouse at the end of the pier, come here to watch fishermen in their colourful rustic boats (and buy some of their super-fresh catch), to enjoy fish and chips takeaways while dodging the seagulls, and to visit the resident seals, who have a penchant for basking in the sun and occasionally trying to nick some fish.

False Bay: Harbour House

Head to salt-of-the-sea Kalkys, a quayside shack with plastic-covered tables, for some of the best-ever fish and chips (battered or grilled hake or snoek); there may also be delicious calamari, kingklip, yellowtail, prawns or crayfish. For a fancier option, Harbour House serves up a spread of seafood dishes (including stellar sushi) with great wines and fabulous 360-degree views with cocktails. You can’t dine in style closer to the ocean than this, with the waves crashing against the windows when the tide is high.
Opening times Kalkys: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Harbour House: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 10pm
Contact 021 788 1726, kalkys@mweb.co.za
021 788 4136, kalkbay@harbourhouse.co.za
Book Through DinePlan

Boutique shopping in Kalk Bay

False Bay: Boutique Shopping

Whether you’re tracking down a rare book, the perfect antique or retro item for your home, some cool kitchenware, flowers and pot plants, boho-style clothing or eye-catching jewellery, Kalk Bay’s main drag and side streets is one of the city’s best browsing-and-shopping quarters. A morning or afternoon exploring its boutiques and stores will reward you with items from talented local designers, unique finds and delicious treats. For clothing, don’t miss Noji, Catacombes and Big Blue; for jewellery, you’ll delight in Anpa and Soul Design. If you’re after homeware and gifts, pop in at Miss Mrs & Friends, Mzuri Mamas and Casa Boho. And don’t miss the treasure troves that are Railway House, The Trading Post, Quagga Rare Books & Art, and Kalk Bay Books.

Kalk Bay art galleries

Kalk Bay is a magnet for Cape Town’s creative flock. Strolling the streets, you’re likely to hear the whir of a potter’s wheel or the thud of a hammer in a jeweller’s shop. One such place is the popular Artvark Gallery (48 Main Road), where local artist exhibitions are hosted within a shop full of African-themed prints, sculptures, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and steelwork available for purchase. Another shining star is Kalk Bay Modern (136 Main Road, above Olympia Cafe), a contemporary arts and crafts gallery that supports local talent and developing communities. Browse the wonderful works on display, from modern-day San art to photography, textiles and jewellery. At these two must-visit spots, you’ll get a true sense of the free and creative spirit that flows throughout the quirky seaside town.
Opening times Artvark: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Kalk Bay Modern: Daily, 9.30am – 5pm
Contact 021 788 5584, artvark@iafrica.com
021 788 6571, kbmodern@iafrica.com

Dalebrook Tidal Pool

False Bay: Dalebrook Tidal Pool

Nestled between St James and Kalk Bay lies one of the most beautiful pools in False Bay, a veritable pilgrimage site for the morning-swim tribe and Instagrammers. The early birds know this east-facing pool is one of the best places to be at sunrise, as it seamlessly melds into the ocean over the low wall. Later on, the large boulder in the middle of the pool invites bathers to make like mermaids contemplating the horizon…). The pool is completely surrounded by concrete (with built-in benches) and rocks, so if you’re not a fan of beach sand, this is heaven.

False Bay: Chardonnay Deli

Good to know The subway entrance to the Dalebrook Tidal pool is directly across the road from Chardonnay Deli @ Dalebrook, which welcomes a stream of bathers with coffees, smoothies, super juices, delectable pastries, ice cream – or, and more. If you’ve worked up an appetite, a menu of healthy but indulgent breakfasts, or lunch and cakes await you. Enjoy one of many dishes dishes, from wraps and falafel bowls to sticky ribs and seafood pasta. The café also has lockers available for swimmers to leave their valuables.
Opening times Daily, 7am – 6pm
Contact 021 795 0606, managerKB@chardonnaydeli.co.za

Olympia Café

Though we’re always on the lookout for new breakfast spots on this stretch of coastline, we keep coming back to good old Olympia Café. This Kalk Bay institution stands the test of time, with its homely atmosphere, buttery croissants and other simple yet delicious dishes.
Good to know A red door around the back leads to the Olympia Café’s bakery, where you can pick up some utterly scrumptious pastries and artisanal breads. It’s also pet-friendly, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a post-walk cappuccino, Fido in tow.
Opening times Deli: Daily, 7am – 9pm
Bakery: Daily, 6.30am – 7pm
Contact 021 788 6396, info@olympiacafe.co.za
Where to find it 134 Main Road

Sirocco

False Bay: Sirocco

Part-sleepy fishing village and part-buzzy high street, Kalk Bay’s eclectic mix of historic buildings and cobbled streets offer plenty of vibrant cafés and restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. One of our favourites on a summer’s evening is Sirocco, a station-side plaza that has been transformed into a pavement café with shades of a boujie beach-taverna thrown in. Here people-watching is a sport, and a menu of all-day easy-dining café favourites, plus pizzas and sushi, is on offer under a large palm tree.
Times Daily, 7am – 11pm
Contact 081 310 3067, hello@siroccocafe.co.za
Where to find it 75 Main Road

Salt

Another is the small but always buzzing Salt, which sees a steady coffee trade from early, followed by the Macbook-wielding breakfast warriors and later a steady stream of lunch and dinner goers. By 6pm the place is crammed – everyone there for their own favourite off the globally inspired shared-plates menu, which includes a very delicious crunchy chicken bao bun.
Good to know They serve R15 coffees to early birders from 6am; the cocktails, craft beers and wines-by-the-glass are nicely priced too.
Opening times Daily, 6am – 11pm
Contact hello@saltkalkbay.co.za
Where to find it 136 Main Road

Satori

False Bay: Satori

Satori is a go-to for Kalk Bay locals and visitors alike who love the no-frills trattoria atmosphere and a menu serving up consistently tasty and hearty Italian meals. Wood-fired, crispy based pizzas are the order of the day (and they do them really well), but they also have excellent seafood and pasta dishes. Leave space for the tiramisu – it’s belissima!
Good to know Call in your order and do a drive-by collection for pizza to eat on the Kalk Bay harbour wall.
Time Daily, 11.30am – 10pm
Contact 021 788 1123
Where to find it 76 Main Road

Cape to Cuba

False Bay: Cape To Cuba

No matter the weather, vibey Cape to Cuba with its harbour views will get you in the mood for fun. Stopping in for a drink and a light meal? Head to Hemingway’s Bar, the tropically inspired, aesthetically appealing bar laced with nostalgia, and where just one of their killer cocktails may well end up in a party. Adjacent is the restaurant, where you’ll be able to indulge in the likes of their famous mussels, chilli poppers and seafood paella while admiring the OTT interiors.
Times Daily, 11am – 2am
Contact 021 788 1566, kalkbay@capetocuba.com
Where to find it 165 Main Road

Lever Street Park

This little green oasis is a wonderful pitstop during or after a day of exploring Kalk Bay, especially if you have kids in tow. Some 120 years ago, it was the site of a communal village washhouse, built to combat an outbreak of bubonic plague! In the 1950s the washhouse was demolished and a park established, but that later fell into disrepair too. Cue an upswing from Kalk Bay residents, who together with the City Council rebuilt the park some 20 years ago.

False Bay: Bob's Bagels

Good to know If you’re feeling peckish, pop over to Bob’s Bagels, while the kids build up an appetite running on the grass and taking turns on the swings and roundabouts. It’s a neighbourhood stalwart – locals pop in daily for their takeaway of owner Robin Pollard’s own roasted coffee while weekend visitors make their way here for a legendary bagel after a swim. Choose from the likes of classic cream cheese & salmon, or bacon, rocket & avo fillings. Buy coffee beans to go or bags of bagels to pop in the freezer and enjoy at your leisure.
Opening times Daily, 7.30am – 2.30pm
Contact 083 280 0012
Where to find it 6 Rouxville Road

Further ‘down the line’, as locals say, lies the seaside suburb of Fish Hoek – the main drag may look somewhat uninspiring after buzzy Kalk Bay, but it has one of the best beaches in Cape Town.

Fish Hoek Beach

False Bay: Fish Hoek Beach

One of Cape Town’s favourite family-friendly beaches, the swimmable waters at Fish Hoek and its wide, sandy beach (perfect for building sandcastles) make this one of the South Peninsula’s gems. In summer, the water temperature rises to a comfortable 21 degrees and at low tide it’s positively glorious. In recent years the addition of a shark net (launched when the weather permits) at Sunnycove Corner has made swimming in the more sheltered water at this southern end of the beach all the more carefree.

False Bay: Jager's Walk

Walkers, too, love this shore. Dogs can be seen happily frolicking across the sand on the Clovelly end of the beach (the beach is dog-friendly north of the little lighthouse where the promenade ends) while many take their daily constitutional along Jager’s Walk, a 1.2km footpath that links the beach with Sunnycove station and is punctuated with painted cement benches that are perfect for catching the view. Built in 1933, the walk has also delighted generations of families who love paddling in the rock pools along the short and picture-perfect stretch.
Good to know After a hot and sandy day on the beach, what could be better than ice-cold ice cream on a piping hot waffle? The Fish Hoek Galley kiosk serves these and legendary soft serve cones that taste like summer should!
Opening times Daily 7.30am – 6pm
Contact 021 782 3354

Elsie’s Peak hike

False Bay: Elsie Peak Hike
Jon Kerrin

This easy, circular 4.2km hike goes up towards the radio mast atop a peak named for its indigenous rooiels (butterspoon) trees. Access is very simple – and the trail clearly defined, with rock steps in sections – and possible from either Fish Hoek or Glencairn. It’s suitable for children and dogs. Be prepared for cold winds and a few steepish sections, but what you’ll remember most vividly is the herby scent of fynbos and the vast panoramas; from the top, you’ll see all of False Bay as far as Strand and Gordon’s Bay.
Good to know Start at Berg Road, Fish Hoek, or Golconda Street, Glencairn Heights. Duration is about 2 – 3 hours.
Contact 021 712 7471 (SANParks Tokai Office)
TMNP emergency numbers: 086 110 6417, 107 or 021 937 0300

C’est La Vie Bakery and Café

Hidden Gems: C'est La Vie Bakery and Café

Many will recall – and have remained faithful to –- this French-inspired café from when it was located opposite the Dalebrook tidal pool. Owner Jo Hill moved to Fish Hoek some six years ago, and there are now two locations: the Bakery on Recreation Road for the freshest, delectable artisanal breads, croissants and pastries, and the Café around the corner on Beach Road. Here, you can munch toasted sourdough sandwiches made using the bakery’s breads, sip freshly squeezed fruit juices and milkshakes, or scoop up swirly soft-serves with all the toppings.
Opening times Wednesday – Saturday, 8am – 12pm
Sunday, 8am – 3pm
Contact 083 676 7430, hillybop@gmail.com
Where to find it 2A Recreation Road, Fish Hoek, Cape Town

Blended Health Cafe

False Bay: Blended Health Cafe

If nutritious and delicious smoothies, nutrient-dense fresh juices and wholesome food are your thing, then this much-loved local health eatery en route from Fish Hoek to Simon’s Town is a must-visit. A buzzing hive of activity from early – stop in after a swim on the beach for a golden turmeric latte or tuck into a more substantial breakfast bowl (as beautiful as they are tasty) or gourmet toastie. The menu is vegetarian (with lots for vegans) and the focus is on good-for-you food that tastes really delicious too.
Good to know Amplify your healthy choices with a dip in the Glencairn tidal pool, on the southern side of the beach, near the train station. Just hop across the main road and head through the subway to reach it. It’s quite a spacious pool – you can have a good and proper swim here. It’s also surrounded by rocks with pools to explore at low tide. Glencairn Beach itself is great for a dog-friendly stroll.
Opening times Monday – Wednesday + Sunday, 7am – 4.30pm; Friday + Saturday until 9pm
Contact 084 716 5380, 083 554 1323
Where to find it 13 Glen Road, Glencairn

The last stop before you head to the “wilds” of Cape Point is the naval outpost of Simon’s Town, with its step-back-in-time historic architecture and atmospheric harbour.

Kayak alongside penguins

A canoe trip around Simon’s Town is a perfect way to experience the picturesque False Bay coastline – wind or shine! The penguin kayak tour starts at the waterfront, goes past the naval harbour and out to Boulders Beach, where you’re able to penguin-spot from the comfort of your own dugout, and view other species of marine life while you’re at it. If the timing and tide is right, you can stop for a snack (BYO) and swim at the beach. And, if you thought kayaking was a fair-weather affair, guess again! While summer means hot days and warm water, it brings with it the pesky southeaster. Winter’s windless days, while cold, provide the perfect conditions for kayaking, plus there’s a chance of whale-spotting!
Times Summer (October – March): Daily, 8.30am – 10.30am; 11am – 1pm
Winter (April – September): Daily, 9am – 11am
Cost R400 (adult); R350 child (8 – 17 years)
Where to find it Jetty at 1 Wharf Street, Simon’s Town Waterfront
Book Now

Salty Sea Dog

The Simon’s Town Waterfront, with its view of the naval and yacht harbours, and Muizenberg across the water, is the perfect spot for some picturesque dining – perhaps en route to the penguins at Boulders, or Cape Point.
If you’re looking for classic fish and chips, check out the Salty Sea Dog on Wharf Street. This Simon’s Town institution is hugely popular – and that’s because it serves up the real deal. Crispy, battered hake, snoek or calamari – and don’t forget the suitably salt-and-vinegar-laden slap chips. Grab a table on the deck, or take your fish to go (perhaps to a spot on the pier).
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 10am – 8.30pm; Sunday until 5pm
Contact 021 786 1918, saltydog@telkomsa.net
Where to find it Wharf Street, Simon’s Town Waterfront

Saveur

One level up, on the top floor of the waterfront complex, with lovely harbour views, is Saveur. Open from early, they serve hearty breakfasts, while lunchtime and dinner sees patrons diving into imaginative gourmet burgers, wholesome salads, impressive seafood (from mussels to prawns and a gorgeous avocado and tuna tartare) and seasonally inspired gastro pub-style choices. A community stalwart, it’s also child-friendly with a great menu for pint-sized patrons.
Contact 063 604 0547, simonstown@saveur.co.za
Where to find it Wharf Street, Simon’s Town Waterfront

Pier 23 at False Bay Yacht Club

False Bay: Pier 23

Another family-friendly option, complete with a grassy play area and a harbour view, is the charming Pier 23, at the False Bay Yacht Club just across the marina. While upstairs is for members only, the public can make a booking downstairs or on the patio to enjoy their menu of easy-dining options with a seafood bent – think calamari or fish and chips, steaks, hunger-busting burgers, very tasty prawns and superb eisbein. This is a well-priced, consistent bet.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 4pm; Wednesday + Friday until 8.30pm
Contact 066 063 5280, mtcherry@mweb.co.za
Where to find it King George Way, Simon’s Town

Lighthouse Café

The Lighthouse Cafe may not be on the waterfront (it’s across the Main Road) but the French café-style eatery has a fresh, seaside feel, and serves the best battered fish and chips. Other flavourful dishes include fresh linefish, pork belly with crispy crackling and an array of burger, pizza and pasta choices – plus a particularly delicious crème brûlée. The welcoming interiors are paired with friendly service, and it’s a popular local hangout. If you’re there for breakfast, try the crispy courgette rotis with poached eggs.
Opening times Tuesday to Saturday 8.30am – 10pm
Sunday + Monday until 4pm
Contact 087 700 6421, admin@thelighthousecafe.co.za
Where to find it 90 St George’s Street, Simon’s Town

The Sweetest Thing

Further up St George’s Street is The Sweetest Thing Pâtisserie. This not-so-well-kept-Simon’s Town secret (arguably the best patisserie in the far south) is where you’ll find the fruits of professionally trained pâtissier Doreen Alcock and her team’s labours. Think traditional French breakfast pastries (the butteriest croissants ever), impossibly intricate sweet pastries that look too good to eat (but eat them you must!) and savouries including quiches and flaky pastry pies. If you’re after a coffee and a special baked something, this is where it’s at.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 5pm
Contact 021 786 4200, tstpatisserie@gmail.com
Where to find it 82 St George’s Street, Simon’s Town

Simon’s Town beaches

Head south out of Simon’s Town and you’ll find a number of secluded coves and beaches, most of them offering wonderful sheltered swimming spots, thanks to the large boulders that sit just off the shore – plus the chance to swim with African penguins.
First up is Seaforth Beach (follow the signs from the Main Road down to the parking lot), a sandy shore that’s popular with families as it has a small tidal pool that offers safe swimming for little ones. There’s a grassed area for picnickers, and Seaforth Restaurant for a seafood lunch with a view.
Venture along the paved pathway past the back of the restaurant and you’ll come to a wooden gate that leads you to Water’s Edge, considered something of a locals’ secret. A delightful, secluded bay, it offers some respite from the crowds and it’s also a haven for children, who love the rock pools with their fishy inhabitants, from starfish to sea anemones.

Just past that is Boulders Beach, iconic as the preferred haunt of some of the last African penguins on the planet, and a popular tourist spot. The wonderfully wind-sheltered beach, hidden between the boulders, offers amazing swimming: gentle and about as warm as you get in Cape Town. Come early to claim your patch of sand – it’s a small beach, and depending on the tide, it can get even smaller. It’s part of Table Mountain National Park, so there is an entry fee, and numbers are restricted to prevent overcrowding.
Opening times Daily, 8am – 5pm (April–November); until 6.30pm (February + March)
7am – 7.30pm (December + January)
Cost SA citizens: R44 (adult), R22 (child)
SADC nationals: R88 (adult), R44 (child)
International visitors: R176 (adult), R88 (child)

False Bay: Windmill Beach

Windmill Beach, the lesser-known sibling of Boulders, is tucked away behind the golf course. To find it, follow the signs to Boulders and turn into Bellevue Road, then right into Links Crescent and follow it to the end. The water is shallow and also sheltered by large granite boulders, making for a safe swimming area that kids love, especially if a few penguins happen to waddle by. It’s also great for snorkelling (the reef contains a diversity of marine life) and picnicking, with some shade provided by trees.

False Bay: Miller's Point
Nicky Good

About 5km beyond Simon’s Town is beautiful and remote Miller’s Point. It’s divided into two sections. The first turn-off leads to a caravan park, the Black Marlin restaurant and a beach; the other leads to Rumbly Bay, with its boat-launching sites, another boulder-dotted beach and a stunning tidal pool (complete with water slide). There are incredible views across the rocky bay, changing rooms and a grassed picnic and braai area. It’s also a great spot for kayaking, snorkelling, surfskiing and scuba-diving, with popular dive sites nearby. Be careful when parking as there are baboons in the area – don’t approach or feed these sneaky rascals.
Cost R19 (adults); R7 (children) on weekends and during peak season
Good to know Between Boulders and Miller’s Point are two smaller beaches and rocky coves worth a look: Frank’s/Froggy Pond and Fisherman’s Beach, with the same calm water, patches of grass and flat boulders for suntanning. Dogs on leads are allowed at these two.

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Disclaimer:

The Inside Guide has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.

Time of publication: 08 August 2023

Add new comment

7 Responses to “The Ultimate Guide to False Bay”

  1. Carin

    Sandwiched between Kalk bay and Fish Hoek is the hidden gem of Clovelly with The Mountain House it’s crown jewel!

    Reply
  2. Patricia Smith

    Beautiful Cape Tiwn….

    Reply
  3. MARTINE GUISE

    which of these eastern seaboard beaches allow dog children?

    Reply
  4. Margaret Leatherday

    We are visiting Cape Town next year and would love some tips on places to see please…

    Reply
  5. Tessa

    Muizenberg review gets a four out of ten. Definitely could do better.
    The iconic Muizenberg restaurants, the Empire Cafe, Carla’s Prawns and Tortuga Loca do not even merit a mention? Nor does the Bluebird Market?

    Reply
    • Inside Guide

      Hi Tessa
      Thanks for your comments. In a general False Bay roundup, there was not enough space to include everything. We plan to do a dedicated Muizenberg Guide soon, in which we will include places like Joon, Bluebird etc

      Reply