Out and About
From sunbathing on the beach to cage diving with great whites!
"Hout Bay has a stunning setting and still retains something of its village atmosphere" - Lonely Planet
Surrounded by mountains, the seaside village of Hout Bay has a picturesque setting. The lovely sandy beach is safe for swimming and runs from the foot of Chapman's Peak around the bay, ending at the vibrant Hout Bay Harbour. It is a scenic 25 minute (20 km) drive along the coast to Central Cape Town, and just 40 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
When it comes to eating out, there is an abundance of great restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine. There is also a good selection of bars and cafes where you can sip your drinks as the sun dips behind the mountain.
Hout Bay offers activities to suit everyone from shopping to hiking, from kayaking to boat trips. A few of these are:
- Sunbathe on the Cape's finest beaches at Hout Bay, Llandudno, Noordhoek, Camps Bay, Fish Hoek and Clifton - all less than 20 minutes drive. Llandudno is less than 10 minutes drive and is less busy than Clifton - we think it's by far the best beach in Cape Town!
- Surf some of the Cape's finest surf spots, located near Hout Bay
- Take a hike! Numerous walks include those up the back of Table Mountain and the jeep track above Chapman's Peak
- Visit the World of Birds - Africa's largest bird park
- Take a sunset yacht cruise from the harbour
- Head out on a launch to Seal Island where you may even be lucky enough to see whales or dolphins
- Eat wonderful fresh seafood at the famous Mariner’s Wharf
- Go shopping at the Hout Bay craft market (every Sunday)
- Go kayaking from Hout Bay beach
- Drive over Chapman’s Peak – one most spectacular drives in the world!
- Go horse riding up the mountain or across to Sandy Bay
- But most importantly - just relax and enjoy yourself!
Around Hout Bay
Hout Bay is centrally situated close to many of Cape Town's biggest attractions. There is so much to do in Cape Town with something to suit everyone. Here are a few recommendations, but please take a look at our Cape Town Events Calendar.
- Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain
- Visit the V&A Waterfront for a great shopping, bars and restaurants
- Visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet
- See the Penguins at Boulders beach
- Spend time at the beautiful Kirstenbosch botanical gardens
- Take a day trip to the Cape Winelands and follow the Wine Route, experiencing South Africa's best wines