Planning a trip to Cape Town and wondering where to stay? Check out Sea Point, a popular beachfront neighbourhood that’s close to the city’s attractions and famous for its stunning ocean and mountain views.
This post contains affiliate links, this means that I may receive a commission at no cost to you if you click a link and make a purchase.
I visited Cape Town, South Africa’s seaside city, a few years ago and am planning another trip. So I asked a friend of mine for tips and ideas for my itinerary. Sam owns an apartment in Sea Point and travels there several times a year, so he was quick to recommend the area. Read on for his top tips and favourite things to do in Sea Point.
Why Sea Point is a great area to stay in Cape Town
In 2022 Time Out voted Sea Point in Cape Town one of its Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World. It cites Sea Point’s “quirky local businesses” and “hub of hot hotels”, its diverse community and of course the stunning sunsets on the promenade.
But in the know travellers have already discovered it. Sea Point Cape Town is one of the coastal suburbs that lie between the beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard and Signal Hill. It’s just 5 minutes by car to the V&A Waterfront. And it offers that rare mix of a bustling urban hub that’s within sight and easy reach of natural outdoor beauties.
Sam enjoys the vibe there. Sea Point is a residential suburb and has a buzz that lasts year round, not just for summer’s high season. In the evenings there’s a lively atmosphere in the streets around the restaurants and bars. During the day it has everything visitors might need from shops to gym, pools to promenade. Plus the amenities that you hope you won’t need, like dentists and doctors, who are right there too.
6 Reasons to stay in Sea Point
So here are the top reasons to consider Sea Point when you’re planning where to stay in Cape Town.
1. Seaside Location: Sea Point is close to many of Cape Town’s most popular attractions. Central Cape Town is only a few minutes’ drive away so it’s a great choice if you want to combine city sightseeing with some time by the sea.
2. Scenic ocean and mountain views: Sea Point overlooks the Atlantic ocean to the west and is backed by green-swathed Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.
3. Outdoor activities: this is a great location to escape the city streets and enjoy some outdoor R & R. Locals and visitors love to walk, jog or cycle along the beachfront promenade. You can swim at the Sea Point Pavilion and enjoy the city beaches on your doorstep.
4. Dining and nightlife: this diverse residential area has a lively mix of restaurants, bars and cafes.
5. Range of accommodation: Sea Point has a wide choice of accommodation with luxury and mid-range hotels and plenty of self-catering options.
6. Affordabiity: Less ritzy than its wealthy neighbour Camps Bay to the south, and not as touristy as the V&A Waterfront just a few minutes to the north, Sea Point is a suburb geared to locals as much as visitors and prices are reasonable.
Where to Stay in Sea Point Cape Town
These Sea Point hotels all get top ratings from visitors for service, comfort and style.
LUXURY The Winchester by NEWMARK Cape Dutch style historic hotel, on the promenade. Click here for reviews and to book The Winchester
CHILD-FRIENDLY President Hotel Child-friendly 4 star hotel to south of Sea Point. Click here to read reviews and to book President Hotel
AFFORDABLE Hotel on the Promenade Small and stylish boutique hotel in renovated heritage building. Click here to read reviews and to book Hotel on the Promenade
Fun Things to Do in Sea Point Cape Town
Take a Walk on the Sea Point Promenade
Lined with beachfront apartment blocks and fringed with palm trees, Sea Point Promenade is a favourite spot for Capetonians to get some fresh air, and it’s a must-do for visitors. This paved walkway along the coast between Mouille Point and Bantry Bay has wonderful ocean views.
Sam says you might get lucky and spot dolphins, seals or even whales passing along the coastline in the distance. Not to mention the paragliders who come in to land on the grassy stretches at the north end of the prom. You can also appreciate Sea Point’s dramatic backdrop of Signal Hill and Lion’s Head.
Take advantage of the outdoor gym equipment along the prom, view art installations or relax on a bench with an ice cream. Sunset is a particularly good time is visit as the views are breathtaking. A visit to the prom is a favourite thing to do in Sea Point Cape Town and a relaxing break from your sightseeing schedule.
Hire a bike Sea Point promenade is a popular city cycle path. The Up Cycle rental service has a fleet of Dutch style city bikes at its main station by Sea Point Pavilion. The whole family can enjoy the flat, car-free route to the Green Point lighthouse and back, or head further along to the bike station at V&A Waterfront.
Have a meal with live music at Mojo Market
This lively indoor food and lifestyle market in Sea Point is a fun dining and shopping experience. Open from 8am til midnight it’s a popular destination for locals and visitors. Food vendors serve international flavours from seafood and sushi to middle-eastern, Mexican and Japanese dishes. Bars and cafes supply craft beer, wine, cocktails and coffee.
Browse the retail stalls selling clothing, accessories and souvenirs, watch sports events on screen or catch a performance on the live music stage. Mojo Market hosts regular free entry gigs by local and international musicians. Check out the Mojo Market website here for performance schedules.
Walk to Mouille Point and Green Point Park
A short walk north along the Sea Point promenade brings you to Mouille Point, home to the picturesque red and white lighthouse that is one of the oldest working beacons in South Africa.
Nearby Green Point is famous for its stadium, built for the 2012 FIFA World Cup. Its striking modern design has made it a new Cape Town landmark.
Beside the stadium is Green Point Urban Park, with dedicated areas for picnics and children’s playtime, a biodiversity garden and even an outdoor labyrinth. Green Point is also home to the Metropolitan golf club with a great, scenic 18 hole golf course too.
Coastal Kayak tour You can also book an ocean kayak tour from Mouille Point to get close to marine life and get fabulous views of the Cape Town coastline. If you’re lucky you could even be paddling amongst dolphins NB booking ahead is essential. Kayak Adventure in Cape Town tour.
Picnic at the Signal Hill viewpoint
Signal Hill with its panoramic views is a great spot for a picnic. This city landmark is important historically too, as it was once used as a signal post for ships entering Table Bay Harbour. Today it’s also a favourite launch pad for paragliders who take off from the hillside and float down to the Sea Point promenade below.
Hike up Lion’s Head
A hike up Lion’s Head is a classic Cape Town experience. This peak overlooks the Sea Point suburb and has fantastic views of the city, the Atlantic Seaboard and the surrounding area. It’s particularly impressive at sunset and it’s one of Sam’s favourite viewpoints for Cape Town’s natural evening light show. This guided hike gets great reviews: Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike,
Sea Point Swimming Pools and Tidal Pools
The Atlantic ocean may be a little chilly and rough for swimming, but Sea Point has salt water swimming pools with sea views as well as sheltered tidal pools.
The Sea Point Pavilion has an ocean-side Olympic-sized swimming pool, a deep diving pool plus two family-friendly splash pools. A trip to the pool is a favourite thing to do in Sea Point for visitors.
Sea Point also has a variety of naturally occurring tidal pools, filled by the ocean but sheltered from waves and currents. Locals head to the tidal pool at Saunders Rock.
Enjoy the Sea Point Sunsets
Sea Point promenade is the perfect place to experience a dazzling Cape Town sunset. As the sun drops to the west over the ocean horizon, it reflects in the rock pools along the shoreline. Visitors and locals gather along Sea Point’s beachfront to enjoy nature’s special effects as the sky morphs through shades of gold, pink and fiery red.
Or see a famous Sea Point sunset from a kayak. Click here to book a sunset session on the water
Best Beaches in Sea Point
Sea Point promenade overlooks a string of little beaches. Stroll along the promenade between the palm trees and pick your favourite spot. Relaxing in the sunshine and re-charging after a busy day s a popular thing to do in Sea Point.
Rocklands Beach At the northerly end of Sea Point, this is a small beach popular with surfers and bodyboarders.
Milton Beach Just to the north of Sea Point Pavilion, Milton beach and Brokenbath beach are sandy stretches with rock pools and a small tidal pool that are good for families.
Sunset Beach This aptly named beach is located just south of the Sea Point Pavilion.
Queens Beach Five minutes from the Pavilion this is a popular stretch of shoreline with great views of the nearby mountains.
Saunder’s Rocks Beach A small and rocky beach with clear waters that are home to a variety of marine life.
The Sea Point coastline is quite rocky, so it’s a good idea to wear water shoes and be cautious if you plan on paddling. These beaches don’t have lifeguards and some have rips and currents, so they aren’t ideal for swimming. But you can enjoy a salt water dip straight from the ocean at Sea Point Pavilion’s public swimming pool or the tidal pool at Saunders Rock beach.
South of Sea Point these beaches are also worth a visit:
Clifton and Camps Bay beaches
Just a short Uber ride from Sea Point are the four beautiful beaches known as Clifton 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Separated and sheltered by large natural boulders they are famous for their crystal-clear waters and white sand. Clifton is an up-scale neighbourhood and these beaches get crowded during peak season.
One of Cape Town’s most affluent neighbourhoods, Camps Bay lies beyond Clifton but is still easily accessible from Sea Point by car. Its palm-fringed beachfront and sophisticated restaurant scene make it a great place for al fresco suppers or cocktails with a sunset view. Add it to your Sea Point must-do list.
Best Outings and Tours from Sea Point
Sea Point as a great base from which to explore the natural beauty and fun things to do in Cape Town. These are the Cape Town tours that I took on my last visit or have bookmarked for my next.
Go to the top of Table Mountain
You can’t miss out on a trip to the top of iconic Table Mountain. The adventurous can hike up, but for speed and efficiency you can’t beat the cable car ride! Best on a clear day, obviously.
Visit Robben Island
This is a thought-provoking trip to the island prison that once held Nelson Mandela and it helps shed light on Cape Town’s troubled history. My sons and I have taken this half-day tour and we recommend it. The ferry departs from V&A Waterfront.
Drive to Cape Point
Cape Point, the southern edge of Africa, delivers the most impressive sights on the Cape Peninsula. You’ll take in Hout Bay and Chapman’s Peak Drive which is a top recommendation from Sam who has taken the photos in this post of this iconic stretch of coast road. During late winter in Cape Town it’s a good place to spot whales too. This day trip ticks a lot of boxes without being exhausting Cape of Good Hope Guided Private Tour
Visit Cape Town’s Wineries
Sipping amazing wines, in beautiful sunlit scenery? Wine lovers won’t want to miss the chance to explore Cape Town’s world class wineries. From Sea Point it’s only 30 mins by car to Groot Constantia, one of the oldest wine estates in the Cape Winelands. But you won’t want to be in the driving seat! Instead the HoHo Bus can pick you up in Sea Point and deliver you to Constantia, or it’s easy and affordable to call an Uber.
Sea Point FAQs
Cape Town has a Mediterranean type climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The summer months, between November and February, are the most popular time to visit, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C.
During winter, between June and August, temperatures can drop to around 10°C, accompanied by rain showers.
Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to carry sunscreen, a hat, and light layers. Coastal conditions can change quickly, especially on the hills and mountains around the city.
Sea Point is one of the safer areas of Cape Town, especially during the day. Running or walking along the scenic promenade is a popular activity among locals and tourists. But common sense precautions still apply:
Keep your personal belongings secure and out of sight.
Avoid displaying jewellery, watches, smartphones or cameras.
Be cautious when using ATMs.
Stick to well-lit, busy areas.
Don’t walk alone at night, use Ubers which are cheap and plentiful.
Sea Point is compact and most of its attractions are in walking distance of each other.
Walking: The Sea Point promenade is a popular spot to take in the Atlantic Seaboard views.
Cycling on the promenade: The 7km long promenade is a car-free zone and you can explore it on a bike hired at UpCycle by the Sea Point Pavilion. NB Cycling on the roads is much less advisable.
HOHO Bus: the Hop On Hop Off bus includes Sea Point on both its red and blue routes. Click here for more info and to book tickets.
Uber: widely available in Cape Town, Uber is convenient, very affordable and secure. It’s the easiest way to get to Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, Constantia etc.
Load shedding occurs in Cape Town when the electricity supply is shut off at scheduled times due to excessive demand on the network. Some hotels and businesses now have their own back up generators to compensate for this. Call ahead to your accommodation to check if load shedding might affect your stay. Keep mobiles and laptops charged up and disconnect them during outages to avoid surge damage when the power is restored.
Sea Point Restaurants
There’s plenty of choice of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Sea Point Cape Town:
MOJO Market see above, this dining, drinking, snacking, shopping and all round entertainment complex is open 7 days a week in the heart of Sea Point. 30 Regent Road
Zest Restaurant fine dining with Mediterranean and Asian influences, fresh produce and a wood-fired grill. Ocean views too. 2nd floor, newkings boutique hotel, 94 Regents Road
JARRYDS Brunch & Bistro: Start your day right at this popular café offering tasty breakfast and brunch options with a laidback atmosphere. 90 Regent Road.
The Butcher Shop & Grill – A popular steakhouse in Mouille Point that offers high-quality meat and seafood dishes, as well as a selection of South African wines. 125 Beach Road.
Sundoo – authentic Indian cuisine, with a focus on street food and regional specialities. 77 Regent Road.
Drinks in Sea Point
Strolla Restaurant and Bar, order coffee, meals or cocktails on the sun deck, just off the Promenade, 309 Beach Road.
The Winchester, sip cocktails in Harvey’s Bar at the The Winchester hotel, the 1920s Art Deco landmark on the Sea Point Promenade, 221 Beach Road.
Cafés
Cape Town is renowned for its coffee shops, these are Sea Point favourites:
Bootlegger Coffee Company – The Sea Point branch of a good Cape Town roastery. Offers speciality coffee, light meals, and a relaxed atmosphere. 39 Regent Road.
Kleinsky’s Delicatessen – NY style deli with Jewish-inspired comfort food, including bagels, pastrami sandwiches, and latkes. 92 Regent Road.
My Sugar – A quirky and innovative dessert cafe that offers a range of sweet treats, including chocolates and doughnuts with coffee and milkshakes. 77 Regent Road.
Sea Point Shops
Visitors who are self-catering have convenient shopping on the doorstep. Regent Road and Main Road are the main shopping hubs in Sea Point and the Point Mall Shopping Centre on Regent Road has a Checkers supermarket and other essential amenities. Pop into the Sea Point branch of Woolworths (rather more up market than the late, lamented UK version) for food including ready meals and rotisserie, as well as fashion, beauty and homeware. There’s a Spar locally too.
Sea Point also has some fun locally owned boutiques and galleries to browse. And you can search for hidden gems amongst an eclectic mixture of vintage clothing and quirky treasures too.
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
What to read next
- Get inspiration for your trip to Cape Town South Africa with our guide to more than 100 great things for couples to do in Cape Town here.
- Find out where to watch the best Sunsets in Cape Town
- And discover the fun and unique experiences you can enjoy in Cape Town in Winter
- In Europe, Barcelona is another fabulous city by the sea, packed with culture and style. Read our post on where to go and what to do in Barcelona, Spain
- and discover the amazing Gaudi buildings of Barcelona here.
About the author Nancy is a former women’s magazine editor and writer who lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
Leave a Reply