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15 Things to Do in Camps Bay

So, you’ll be heading to Camps Bay soon? The trendy suburb, nestled between the 12 Apostles mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, is a popular venue amongst locals and travellers. You’ll have plenty to expect with its gorgeous Blue Flag beach across the road from multiple eateries. But you might not know where to start. Are you looking for things to do in Camps Bay?

The picturesque beach and vibrant restaurants and cafés are not all that Camps Bay has to offer. In addition, go on adventures outdoors with hiking and thrilling surfing. Explore many hotels throughout the area and the restaurants hint at the suburb’s exciting nightlife. As you can see, you won’t be short of things to do in Camps Bay. Check out this list showcasing some of the most highly rated.

Planning to visit Camps Bay? Check out these pages:

Beaches & Things to Do Outdoors

1. Kasteelspoort – Starting Point

A walk up the Kasteelspoort route will reward you with spectacular views, unique photo opportunities, and a visit to the site of the old cable car. The Kasteelspoort hike ascends Table Mountain from the Twelve Apostles’ side, providing serene views of the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay on a less congested route. The walk can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on your pace. Once at the top, you can have a picnic and take photos before returning via the same route.

Opening times: Daylight hours

Cost: Free

Address: Bakoven

2. Camps Bay Beach

camps bay beach
Image: Unsplash

Camps Bay, Cape Town’s vibrant beach, is number 2 on our list of things to do in Camps Bay. After all, it does boast a beautiful, long stretch of white sand bordered by a promenade lined, with restaurants, bars, and hotels for when you need to get out of the sun. It’s lively and fun, with a stunning setting that includes the Twelve Apostles mountain range as a jagged backdrop. There are some dining gems among the loud beach bars, so it’s worth a stop.

Opening times: 24 hours

Cost: Free

Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay

3. The Pipe Track

The Pipe Track is well-known for its beauty and serenity, and it is one of the most enjoyable hikes in Cape Town. The track is one of Table Mountain’s oldest hiking trails, built in 1887 to lay pipelines. The pipelines carry water from the Table Mountain reservoirs to Cape Town. Presently, this route, popular among local hikers, runs parallel to these large water pipes located beneath the western slopes of Table Mountain. Furthermore, the 12 Apostles mountain range offers breathtaking views throughout the walk.

Opening times: Daylight hours

Cost: Free

Address: Cape Town Lower Tafelberg 1, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve)

4. Camps Bay Viewpoint

Head to Camps Bay Viewpoint, number 4 on our list of things to do in Camps Bay, if you enjoy heights and a late afternoon cool breeze. After a long day, you can easily unwind at this location. Because of its elevation, this location is best reached by hiking or taking a scenic drive. The panoramic sunset view of the Atlantic Ocean is unparalleled and a fitting reward for your efforts in getting there.

Opening times: 24 hours

Cost: Free

Address: 102 M62, Camps Bay

5. Stoked Surf School – South Africa

stoked surfing
Image: @stokedsurfsa / Instagram

Enjoy the ‘stoke’ of surfing with one of Cape Town’s highest-rated surf schools and saltwater activities operators. Surf lessons, surf guiding, stand-up paddleboarding, and private surf trips are available from Stoked Surfing. In addition, their mobile surf van allows them to transport you to the best surfing spots based on your skill level. Stoked Surfing will provide you with the best surfing experience, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfer.

Opening times: Per appointment only – book via their website.

Cost: Prices vary regarding lessons, rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, and trips.

Address: 36 Upper Tree Road, Camps Bay

Hotels in Camps Bay

6. The Bay Hotel

The Bay Hotel is next on our guide to the top things to do in Camps Bay. Providing Camps Bay’s luxury beachfront escape is an exclusive members-only hotel whose mission is to provide excellent service and unforgettable experiences. Regular guests can join this upscale hotel’s membership program and enjoy exceptional benefits such as access to their gym, sauna and steam room, pools, and fabulous Sandy B Private Beach Club membership.

Address: 69 Victoria Road, Camps Bay

7. Camps Bay Retreat

camps bay retreat things to do in camps bay
Image: @camps_bay_retreat / Instagram

Camps Bay Retreat is a luxury boutique hotel set on 4 acres of a lush green nature reserve in Cape Town’s beachside suburb of Camps Bay. The hotel’s mission is to provide excellent service and unforgettable experiences while nestled between the forest and overlooking the ocean. Because of its location, the property overlooks Camps Bay and offers dazzling sunsets and ocean views. Patrons can benefit from regular access through their membership program. The retreat provides a truly serene setting with a private padel court, spa services, yoga classes, an onsite restaurant, a library, and a mountain pool.

Address: 7 Chilworth Road, Camps Bay

8. South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel

South Beach, a Camps Bay boutique hotel, offers award-winning 5-star luxury accommodation and is less than 50m from the world-famous Camps Bay beachfront and the internationally recognized Blue Flag beach. Number 8 on our list of things to do in Camps Bay, with its Miami-inspired look and feel, provides the ideal blend of self-catering accommodation in a hotel, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. All suites face the sea and include a balcony or private patio area and access to two swimming pools. In addition, there is a private gym, guest laundry, complimentary bicycles, and numerous other services and amenities.

Address: 6 Link Street, Camps Bay

9. Ocean View House Cape Town

ocean view house cape town
Image: @ocean_view_house_cape_town / Instagram

Ocean View House has always had a prime location on Cape Town’s Atlantic coast, close to the famous Camps Bay with its bars, restaurants, and beautiful beach, but far enough away to be an oasis of peace and serenity. It’s not surprising that all of the rooms at Ocean View House have stunning views of the Atlantic Oceans spread out before you and the 12 Apostle Mountains standing guard behind you.

Address: 33 Victoria Road, Bakoven

10. Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel

The Atlanticview Cape Town Boutique Hotel commands sweeping 180-degree views of Table Mountain and The Twelve Apostles range that disappears into the sea. As a result, it is indeed the ideal location for a holiday, honeymoon, or a romantic weekend away. The 10th item on this guide to things to do in Camps Bay is nestled alongside a nature preserve in peaceful surroundings. It’s far enough away from the noisy crowds of the promenade to enjoy the beaches, bars, and restaurants while still providing spectacular views in all directions.

Address: 31 Francolin Road, Camps Bay

Restaurants & Entertainment in Camps Bay

11. Tiger’s Milk Camps Bay

tiger's milk camps bay things to do in camps bay
Image: @foodies_travels / Instagram

Tiger’s Milk is the best place to go for authentic ‘dude food.’ Handcrafted goodness with a menu that elevates pizza, grills, and burgers. Couple these with their locally made Tiger’s Milk Lager, with the result of satisfaction. Imagine kicking back with an ice-cold Part Wolf Lager in your hand, eating some gourmet fare, and soaking in the vibe with great music and even better company.

Opening times: Monday – Friday from 11h00 to midnight, and Saturday – Sunday from 09h00 to midnight.

Menu: Tiger’s Milk Camps Bay Menu

Address: 35 Victoria Road, Camps Bay

Making a booking: dineplan.com

12. Theatre on the Bay

Pieter Toerien, a local stage legend, established this intimate stage as a home to world-class entertainment for drama, comedy, dance, musicals, and cabarets. Their 264-seat venue on the list of things to do in Camps Bay provides a stage for magic to captivate an audience of all ages. Check out their website for the most up-to-date show listings and booking information.

Opening times: By appointment only

Cost: Prices vary (become a member with their Theatrics Club to get 50% off tickets)

Address: 1 Link Street, Camps Bay

13. Café Caprice

cafe caprice - things to do in camps bay
Image: @cafecaprice / Instagram

Café Caprice is a Camps Bay tourist attraction and a fundamental part of the Cape Town bar and entertainment scene. The café is Camps Bay’s own ‘café-society’ beach bar and restaurant, ideally placed along Camps Bay’s palm-tree beachfront. Cosmopolitan locals and worldly travellers often frequent this hotspot. While bathing in the beauty of the African sunset, quench your thirst with a selection of top-class cocktails and seasonal café-style cuisines.

Opening times: Monday from 11h00 – 21h00, Tuesday – Friday from 09h30 – 21h00, and Saturday – Sunday from 08h00 – 21h00.

Menu: Café Caprice Menu

Address: 37 Victoria Road, Camps Bay

14. Codfather Seafood & Sushi

For over a decade, the penultimate venue on our guide to things to do in Camps Bay, Codfather has been a Cape Town favourite for its extensive sushi and fresh seafood menu. The restaurant keeps its selection dynamic, so customers can always expect new and exciting dishes to entice them. Staff work closely with customers to help them create distinctive meals and mixtures. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming. Its excellent location provides stunning views of the beaches and mountains, making Cape Town a popular tourist destination. The extended use of light and glass makes the most of these breathtaking views.

Opening times: Daily from midday until late.

Menu: Codfather Seafood & Sushi Menu

Address: 37 The Drive, Camps Bay

Making a booking: dineplan.com

15. The Hussar Grill Camps Bay

hussar grill camps bay things to do in camps bay
Image: @foodies_travels / Instagram

Many food connoisseurs view The Hussar Grill Camps Bay in Cape Town as one of South Africa’s top-ranked grill restaurants, serving only the finest steaks and offering an extensive wine list. The famous brass doors of Rondebosch’s Hussar Grill first opened in 1964, and today, after 55 years of excellence, it continues to hold its impressive standard as a grill restaurant.

Opening times: The restaurant is open from Monday – Saturday from 17h30 to 23h00 and Sunday from 12h00 to 23h00. Hussar Grill is available on public holidays (17h30 to 23h00) but closed on Christmas Day.

Menu: Hussar Grill Camps Bay Menu

Address: Shop 2, 108 Camps Bay Drive, Camps Bay

Making a booking: dineplan.com

Picture: Unsplash

 

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David Hendricks