Galleries and Museums
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Camps Bay 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
Beaches
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Camps Bay 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.
Bars Nightclubs
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Camps Bay 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.
Things to do near
Camps Bay
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Beaches
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Clifton (1.4 km from Camps Bay) 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.
Beaches
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Clifton (1.4 km from Camps Bay) Just around the rocky corner of Clifton's famous 4th Beach you'll find the smaller 3rd Beach.
3rd Beach is suitable for people who appreciate a little more privacy, as it's not as busy as neighboring 4th beach. Access is via stairs, or you can simply walk across from 4th Beach.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (1.5 km from Camps Bay) The Pipe Track is an easy out-and-back contour path offering incredibly rewarding mountain and ocean views over Lion’s Head, Camps Bay and Bakoven. It starts where Kloof Nek Rd meets Tafelberg Rd and follows a pipe and trail along the Twelve Apostles section of Table Mountain.
Park at the Kloof Nek parking lot and climb the stone steps to the beginning of the Pipe Track. Head off on this trail for as long as you like. There are a number of benches perfectly positioned for watching the sun sink below the ocean. Keen birders will enjoy watching sugarbirds flitting about dense thickets of protea bushes.
Duration: 4.5 hours return
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 6 km one way (to Corridor Ravine)
Warning: This trail is fairly secluded so be aware and try not to hike alone
Beaches
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Clifton (1.5 km from Camps Bay) Another superb stretch of sand along the Clifton waters, 2nd Beach is a popular location used by students and beach sport enthusiasts.
Easily accessible from Victoria Road and from the other Clifton Beaches, visitors shouldn't have a problem getting to the sand. Parking on Victoria Road can be an issue as you get closer to 4th Beach however. The water is quite chilly, but the surf is calm and the sand fine and white.
Popular Attractions
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Tamboerskloof (1.7 km from Camps Bay) A long standing tradition in Cape Town is to climb Lion’s Head at full moon.The peak forms part of a dramatic backdrop with Table Mountain to the cityscape of Cape Town.Arm yourself with a bottle of Cape bubbly and plonk yourself down on the summit to watch the sun set over the ocean. The 360 degree views of the city and ocean are hypnotic, you won’t want to leave. Be sure to muster up a healthy sized group – it is not advisable to hike alone.You could also get really brave and book a tandem paraglide flight with an instructor. Lion’s Head is a popular launching site for paragliders.
Beaches
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Clifton (1.7 km from Camps Bay) Clifton 1st is nicely tucked away from the busy crowds, mainly used by the local residents and surfers.
Located closest to Sea Point on the northern side, Clifton 1st enjoys the best waves, hence it's popularity with surfers. Just like all the opther Clifton beaches, 1st beach is easily accessible from the road via stairs, or via a nice walk along the other beaches from 4th beach. The water is rather chilly, but the gorgeous sand and views makes up for it.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (1.9 km from Camps Bay) Lions Head proudly surveys Table Bay, Robben Island and the City Bowl on one side and Camps Bay on the other. The panoramic views are spectacular. It is the most awesome full moon hike – aim to summit at sunset. Remember to take your camera.
Park your vehicle on Signal Hill Road at the starting point. Most of the route is fairly easy but it is steep in places. A short scramble up a rock face via a chain ladder will get you to the top. There is an alternate route without chains but this section is still quite vertical.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (some rock scrambling)
Distance: 2 km one way
Warning: Take extra care on the descent if hiking after dark
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (2.1 km from Camps Bay) Kasteelspoort via the Valley of the Red Gods is an incredibly scenic route ascends on the Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain. Starting walking from the top of Teresa Ave in Camps Bay or at the beginning of the Pipe Track.
Take a moment to appreciate the imposing Twelve Apostles and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay, Lion's Head and Robben Island before tackling the strenuous hike up the gorge.
The Valley of the Red Gods and Valley of Isolation are characterized by and mind-blowing views, pretty fynbos and elaborate rock formations. Once at the top you’ll reach Fountain Peak where you can catch your breath before going down in the cableway.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Popular Attractions
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Cape Town (2.2 km from Camps Bay) Get aerial and go up in the cableway for awesome panoramic views of Cape Town - the most spectacular sights are seen from the top of Table Mountain. The Cableway takes you to the summit in under 10 minutes and the cable car's rotating floor ensure that all passengers get a 360 degree aerial view of the city. The cable cars depart every 10-15 minutes weather dependant.
What to see
Your ascent to the top of Table Mountain takes just under 10 minutes
and offers you a 360 degree view of the city. Once on top there are
over 2km of pathways leading you to views over Cape Town, Table Bay,
Robben Island the Cape Flats and the Cape Peninsula. There are also
short walks available or you can join one of free guided tours daily at
10h00 and 12h00.
Walks on top of Table Mountain
Dassie Walk Offers you spectacular views north, west and south.
Agama Walk This popular route has been specially chosen to give you spectacular 360 degree views of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula.
Klipspringer Walk This walk offers wonderful views, along the plateau edge to above Platteklip Gorge. In summer you can see the sunshine conebush in full
flower.
Table Mountain Café Situated right on top, Table Mountain Café offers a trendy menu that caters for the changing demands of the Cableway's visitors. Menu items include pizzas, gourmet burgers, and harvest rice bowls (meals of the day) that showcase Traditional South African cuisine. A selection of pre-packed light meals are available from the gourmet deli. Meals may be complimented with a selection of fine wines. A wide variety of pastries, speciality teas and coffees are also on offer from the coffee bar.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (2.3 km from Camps Bay) Hike to the highest point of Table Mountain along a very easy trail. Start at the Upper Cableway Station and take the main path leading to the Western Table. Look for plaques 13 & 14 to make certain you're heading on the right route.
Walk for 15 minutes until you reach the point where chains and poles have been placed to ease the short climb down. Take this section, as it is not difficult. Continue along the path to Maclear's Beacon, well marked by yellow footprints.
Duration: 1 hour one way
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.5 km return
Warning: Do not attempt this route in misty conditions – you could lose your way
Beaches
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Bantry Bay (2.4 km from Camps Bay) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (2.4 km from Camps Bay) This two-day variation of the Hoerikwaggo Hike offers an amazing experience for families. The fun trail takes you from Table Mountain and into the protected Orange Kloof Forest. On the way you’ll stop at the highest point on Table Mountain, Maclears Beacon.
After a good day out on the mountain, you’ll overnight in comfort at the Orange Kloof Tented Camps. There is a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 hikers for this trail.
Duration: 2 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 15.5 km
Popular Attractions
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Sea Point (3.5 km from Camps Bay) A prominent landmark of the area, the Sea Point Pavillion Swimming Pool has been around since the 1950s, keeping locals and visitors chilled during summer's heat.
The Olympic-sized pool's water is sourced from the ocean itself, so expect a nice cool swim when you jump in. There are two other smaller pools available, as well as a shallow pool for kiddie to play in.
Open times: 07:00 to 19:00.
Adult fee: R17.00.
Child fee: R8.00.
Photo by Hilton1949 [CC-BY-SA-3.0] from Wikimedia Commons.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (3.7 km from Camps Bay) Platteklip Gorge provides the most direct route up to the top of Table Mountain. This popular trail can be grueling, particularly when summer temperatures soar.
The well-constructed path is steep, zigzagging and with stone steps in sections. Once clearing the gorge, turn right to the Upper Cableway Station. Aim to spend time at the top exploring the network of footpaths and numerous interpretative boards. Don't forget to bring cash for the cableway if you don't intend walking down.
Duration: 1 – 3 hours (super fit to slow pace)
Difficulty: Moderate to tough (depending on weather and fitness)
Distance: 3 km one way
Essential items: Water, sunblock, hat, windproof clothing
Warning: Temperatures can be extreme (either very hot or cold and windy)
Bars
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Gardens (3.9 km from Camps Bay) Located in the prestigious Mount Nelson Hotel, the Planet Bar offers a cool, chic, and elegant venue for a perfect night out.
The bar features a stylish celestial décor, quirky touches and comfortable couches, creating a relaxing ambience. The Planet Bar has an extensive cocktail menu, a wide selection of champagnes and wines, and an assortment of light menus and canapés.
Open daily from 12:00 until late.