Things to Do in Atlantic Seaboard South

Llandudno Beach is one of those beautiful beaches that seem to have it all. Parking is a bit of a headache, so it never gets tooooo crowded. The white crescent shaped beach lies at the base of the steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles and is flanked by massive granite boulders. One of the most popular chilling and romantic sundown picnic spots in Cape Town, Llandudno Beach is also the haunt of photographers, surfers, surf skiers and an active lifesaving crowd. The boulders at the northern side offer some great walking with awesome views and so does the stretch along Sunset Rocks past the wreck of the Romelia to Sandy Bay. Llundudno is regarded one of Cape Town's most desirable residential areas.

Pieter Toerien's beautifully intimate Theatre on the Bay offers all the latest and best shows in town. Theatre goers can enjoy a good mix of local and international drama, musicals, comedy, cabaret, music and dance.The theatre is also home to the Act I Theatre Café, a fabulous restaurant that is open for dinner before and after the shows. Enjoy a pre-show drink at the Coffee Lounge or the theatre bar. Dietrich's Bar, in the main foyer, is also open after each performance, so you can round off your evening by joining the actors for a nightcap.Need to know? Individual, credit card bookings for Theatre on the Bay can be made by calling +27 (0) 21 438-3300, or visit the Computicket site at www.computicket.com Outlet/Box Office Hours: Monday: 9.30am - 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday: 9.30am - start of show

Voted ‘Top Wine Retailer’ by Wine Magazine, the Chapmans Peak Wine & Spirits boutique features a large selection of local and rare wines, port, liquers, imported beers and cigars. It also has one of the largest selections of malts in Cape Town. Guests can send their favourite wines home, using the Export Facility.The small deli allows you to combine food and wine, featuring a range of local and international delicacies, including cheeses. You can also buy the best home-made ciabatta bread in town! And if you looking for ‘biltong’, look no further for the tastiest beef.

Saunders Beach is one of the Mother City's hidden gems if you're looking for a quiet and relaxed spot to chill in the sunshine. Of all Cape Town's beaches, you're guaranteed that not a single trader will bother you on this small beach. Facilities include a tidal pool, shower and ablution facilities.

The stunning setting, pristine white sands and dazzling blue waters leave no doubt as to why Camps Bay Beach was awarded Blue Flag Beach status. One of the few Cape Town beaches on the Western Seaboard that is not protected from the south east wind, Camps Bay Beach is still very popular and quite frenetic with families, stylish singles, tourists, the lot.Camps Bay Beach is really wide, backed by a row of palm trees, a busy road and a bank of fashionable restaurants and coffee shops that overlook the beach. And it's one of the best sunset spots. In the summer months it’s not uncommon to spot famous faces who are regular visitors to Cape Town with the paparazzi lurking incognito behind beach umbrellas.Mediterranean and vibey, the ultra wide Camps Bay Beach hosts numerous events like the international beach volleyball tournaments and the popular Summer Beach Festival. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and beach vendors stroll about supplying beach bums with ice creams and cold drinks.If you have young kids or just hate munching sand with your picnic, then grab a spot on the lawn next to the tidal pool – you can even braai here and children can swim safely without fear of being swept off to Australia. And if you’re feeling energetic, there’s a great walk from Camps Bay Beach to neighbouring Glen Beach, a stunning little cove with good surf. From there you can stroll past Maiden's Cove, Bachelor's Cove and finally to Clifton 4th Beach. Take Victoria Road for a brisk march back to Camps Bay beachfront.At the end of a tough day soaking up the sun’s rays, wander over to one of the many stylish beachfront restaurants and bars for sun-downers and the spectacular sunsets.

Hout Bay Beach extends from the beginning of Chapman's Peak curving around to the Hout Bay Harbour with its numerous fishing boats and yacht marina. Hout Bay beach is an awesome family beach, but it's also popular with horse riders, dog walkers and kayakers. One of the iconic Cape Town Beaches, Hout Bay Beach is yet another beautiful beach with powdery white sand that stretches almost a kilometre in length and half a kilometre in places. There's ample space for a game of beach volleyball, touch rugby, beach cricket, jogging or flying kites. The Hout Bay River cuts through the middle of this beach after meandering from the top of Table Mountain down to the Hout Bay wetlands and beach estuary. Horse riders have easy access to Hout Bay Beach for early morning rides from stables close by. The protected bay is almost always calm and offers safe swimming and a range of water sports from paddling to kite surfing and sailing. This tranquil playground is perfect for sun tanning, just chilling and savouring the sweetness of doing nothing whilst taking in the exhilarating beauty of the surrounding mountains, white sandy beach and sapphire bay. Dolphins, whales and seals can often be spotted in the bay. Hout Bay beach is perfect for the whole family and after a day well spent its essential to grab an ice cream from the Italian ice cream shop on the main road. There are also lots of good family friendly restaurants in close proximity – Dunes restaurant is a great option for young kids.

The perfect place to relax with friends, family and colleagues!From the moment you walk through the door, you will feel like part of the family. Warm leather sofas invite you to take your time and relax. Enjoy the warmth of the fire place during the cooler months or enjoy the breath taking view across the bay and beach on those balmy evenings.Looking for somewhere to watch South Africa rugby at its best? Chappies is the place!

Cape Quarter is more than a shopping centre; it’s also a unique piazza in De Waterkant, the former District 5 of Cape Town. This historical area has developed over the years into one of the trendiest places in the Mother City, with beautifully renovated old buildings and up market interior design establishments.Here you can unwind in style in an intimate square - sipping sundowners, quaffing wine at the Nose (a terrific wine bar with a great collection of special wines) or enjoying delicious cocktails with friends at Tank. Perhaps a light lunch or a sumptuous dinner? The Cape Quarter has a wide choice of excellent restaurants and is the best one stop destination for unique lifestyle stores and Piazza Entertainment as well. If you enjoy shopping, window shopping, buying furniture or would just like to relax and enjoy a meal, then the Cape Quarter is the place to be.

The stunning location of Cape Town Stadium is just a stone's throw from the ocean with the mountains of Cape Town forming the backdrop for matches. The location couldn't be more ideal as it is a short walk from the transportation hub of the city. One of the venues for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, five first-round matches, one second-round match, one quarterfinal and one semifinal kicked off at Cape Town Stadium. A fundamental upgrade transformed the old Green Point Stadium into a multi-purpose sports facility situated between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in Cape Town's seaboard suburb of Green Point. Cape Town Stadium was completed at the end of 2009 and provides seating for 70 000 people. It features a retractable dome to shelter spectators and players should Cape Town's unpredictable winter weather become unfavourable.

Glen Beach is a gorgeous snow white sandy beach set in an tiny enclave flanked by massive granite boulders on the Atlantic Seaboard. These rocky outcrops not only amplify the picturesque cove-like setting but also provide a windshield from the South Easter. This intimate beach is nestled in the middle of the famous Camps Bay Beach and glamorous Clifton beaches yet is relatively un-crowded. It’s a great little walk from Glen beach via Maidens Cove and Bachelors Cove to the Clifton 4th Beach. Backing Glen Beach is a small number of houses with uninterrupted sea views and the awesome backdrop of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Glen Beach is a popular hangout for young local surfers and bikini clad girls. The surf breaks from the left and the right points with a bit of oomph, but beware the fiercely territorial resident surfers whose ‘locals only’ graffiti decorates the beach wall. Glen Beach is conveniently situated within easy walking distance to the local shops, trendy restaurants, cocktail bars and the brilliant Theatre On The Bay.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is an exhilarating nine kilometre road cut into the mountainside with sheer cliffs dropping into the sea. The route snakes its way between Hout Bay and Noordhoek along the rocky Atlantic Coast. Close to the most south-western tip of South Africa, it is one of the most magnificent ocean drives on the planet. A number of viewpoints and picnic spots allow you to stop and gaze at the breathtaking panoramic seascape and landscape of Hout Bay and the Sentinel. During whale watching season the high points are often excellent spots to watch the Southern Right Whales in the bay. Constructed during the First World War, the route is now operated as a toll-road after extensive safety upgrades were made. It has advanced security equipment, surveillance cameras monitor conditions and it is also patrolled regularly. If the weather is dodgy it is best to phone before making the trip as it could be closed. This is not an easy trip for anyone who suffers from acrophobia!

The Hout Bay Harbour is the main attraction in Hout Bay and also one of the busiest harbours in the Western Cape with a thriving tuna, snoek and crayfish industry. Within the working harbour is the Hout Bay Yacht Club which provides moorings for recreational, fishing and sailing boats alike. Several seafood restaurants are situated within the harbour. Next to the harbour is a long white stretch of beach that is popular with tourists, locals (and their dogs) as well as horse riders.

If you are visiting Cape Town with kids then a stopover at the World of Birds is sure to be a big hit. This bird and wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3 000 birds in natural surroundings. Scrutinize some curious species in semi-tropical aviaries – it’s a very colourful and noisy experience!Visitors are able to walk through the large aviaries and come into contact with flamingos, crowned and blue cranes, guinea fowl, tiny squirrel monkeys and even meerkats, hawks, owls and eagles. You can see them feeding their youngsters, socialising, singing, nest building or incubating eggs depending on the season.The sanctuary is also a breeding centre for endangered species and cares for injured birds.

Cape Town's luxurious nightclub and restaurant is situated a stone's throw from the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium and the City Centre. Haunt of the uber-trendy, it combines unrestrained opulence with a distinct, progressive and modern approach. Inspired by UK 'super clubs', a passion for good food and excellent service, no expense has been spared. State-of-the-art entertainment and a tip-top dining experience offers a hedonistic feast for the senses.

Salty sea dawgs, venerable captains, fishermen, locals and trendy visitors all hang out at Mariner's Wharf. En route to Cape Point from Cape Town, Mariner's claims to be the first harbour emporium in Africa and is a worthwhile stopover to have lunch, sundowners or do a bit of shopping. Overlooking the bay and Chapman’s Peak, the restaurants, shops and markets exude a maritime atmosphere and even the seagulls look like part of the decor.

Green Point Lighthouse is an eye-catching landmark in Mouille Point with its bold red and white candy stripes. Dating back to 1824, it was the first solidly constructed lighthouse built on South Africa’s coastline. The original lanterns were equipped with single wick Argand lamps fueled by sperm whale oil. The weak rays could not be seen further than 6 sea miles. In 1865 the tower was extended to its present height and was electrified in 1929. The lantern was replaced with a 3rd order dioptic lens flashing light that can be seen for 25 nautical miles. Visitors can take a self-guided tour inside the tower.

The multipurpose Green Point Urban Park functions as an inner city “people’s recreation park” for relaxation, education and amusement – beckoning jaded urbanites to get outdoors and play. Energetic types can make use of the fitness park with cycling, outdoor training and gym facilities. Along with these exercising features, the venue includes a play park, an adventure park, learning park for functions and seminars, art exhibition and craft park, concert arena, outdoor markets and more. Areas for relaxation and enrichment include a biodiversity garden celebrating the region’s unique natural heritage and picnic spots. Well-behaved pooches on a leash are welcome in certain areas – make sure you take a poop scoop along. Water features and benches provide pleasant pit stops. Open seven days a week from 07:00 to 19:00.

The sugar-white sand of Clifton 4th Beach is usually sardine packed with beautiful people everywhere. Of all four spectacular Clifton beaches, this is the top beach spot for people watching, sunbathing, beach volleyball, frisbee and barbecues. On calm days you’ll see a flotilla of yachts anchored close to shore – braaing their catch of kreef (crayfish or Cape rock lobster) with a glass of Cape bubbly in hand. If you’re brave enough to venture into the frigid water there are some crashing waves to bodysurf. Clifton 4th Beach is conveniently just a stroll away from La Med, one of the Mother City’s best outdoor bars and clubs. If the South Easter is howling then Clifton 4th Beach is your best beach option with wind protection from the spectacular backdrop of Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles. Awarded Blue Flag Beach status, Clifton 4th Beach is the most southerly beach of a series of small sandy coves in this upmarket suburb on the western seashore of Table Bay. Be prepared for a little exercise – access to the beach is down a series of steep, winding, narrow stairs that make it inaccessible for disabled visitors.

Situated in one of the most beautiful locations in South Africa, Camps Bay 'golden mile', St Yves Beach Club, is ready for you – and the summer! St Yves overlooks one of the most breath-taking ocean views of Cape Town’s Atlantic seaboard. Not only is it a landmark for fabuluous celebrations and entertainment, the club has become the party playground for the local elite, jet setters, VIP’s and international celebrities. Guests have the option of mingling with the who’s who while enjoying a cocktail or dancing the night away on a fabulous dance floor. In addition, St Yves has various areas that have been designed to cater to specific requirements. The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay +27 (0) 21 438 0826.