Things to do in Camps Bay

In this article, we look at some of the best things to do in Camps Bay in this article.

Camps Bay is one of South Africa’s most affluent suburbs and a popular tourist attraction for bother local and international travelers. It is located along the Atlantic seaboard which is also known as the Cape’s Riviera. The location is a scenic one with between the ocean and the Table Mountain National Park.

Related Article: Best Hotels in Camps Bay

There is plenty to enjoy here, with pristine white sand beaches, and the scenic mountain range of the Twelve Apostles which serves as the backdrop for this seaside suburb. Here we list some of the things you can get up to while in Camps Bay.

Our Favourite Things To Do In Camps Bay

Visit the Camps Bay Strip

This one goes without saying.

The camps bay strip is one of the most popular travel destinations in South Africa and probably the most popular one in Cape Town.

On one side of the strip, you have the beach. On the other, you have a selection of restaurants and bars that are usually bursting with activity. There is always a vibe in the later days of the week from the afternoon into the evening.

The strip is great to traverse both on foot or on bicycle, with bicycle rentals and bicycle parking racks being available in the area.

Hiking Trails

There is are a few hiking trails that you can take advantage of in Camps Bay for those who love nature and fitness enthusiasts alike. When the weather is good, it is one of the most worthwhile experiences.

You can get in your daily cardio and also enjoy the mesmerizing views over the Atlantic Seaboard.

The benefit of the Kasteelpoort route is that as much as it is popular with those in the know, it is not as congested with other traveler so you can hike with a good deal of serenity.

There are two places where you can join the Kasteelpoort trial, which are on the Pipe Track, or at Theresa Road.

Be sure to take some water with you if you are planning to hike all the way to the lookout points. The scenery on the way is also a sight to be hold amid the fynbos plants and massive boulders and rocky outcrops.

Café Caprice

Café Caprice is a mainstay in Camps Bay as one of the quintessential places that you must visit, whether for a light breakfast or for some sundowners at the end of the day.

The cafe has been around since 1999 and has built itself a loyal group of patrons and a worldwide reputation. It is situated directly opposite to Camps Bay beach and is one of the best places to take in the sunset with a sundownder in hand.

From Thursday to Sunday they have a DJ playing a laid back house soundtrack. You might even find yourself going there more than once on your visit to Camps bay.

The venue is open 7 days a week. The operating hours are from 9:30 until 02:00 on all days of the week except for Sunday, when it closes at 12am.

Visit the beach

The quintessential attraction in Camps Bay is Camps Bay Beach with its pearly white sands. It is the largest white sand beach in the suburb and has had blue flag status since 2008.

Along the beach there is the Promenade with his the commercial hub of Cape Town, lined with eateries and luxury hotels, so if you need something, it is a short walk away.

There are also services in the area where you can hire umbrellas and beach chairs for the day.

Camps Bay beach can get busy, especially, during the holiday season. If you are looking for something a bit more out of the way, Oudekraal Beach is tucked away to the west just before Llandadno.

This little beach is hidden from the bustle on the Camps Bay beach, adorned with boulders and ideal for a private picnic or a braai.

On a quiet day you will feel right in the thick of nature with amazing views. There are braaing facilities and benches for you to make use of.

Relax at the Park

It’s not all vibes and beaches at Camps Bay. If you want to escape the noise and have a more relaxed time, you can visit one of the parks in the suburb.

The nearest park to the strip is Camps Bay Park. It is located just behind the Bay Hotel and Camps Bay Sports Club and is populated with swings, with the sporting facilities nearby.

Further to the South, at the bottom of Happy Valley is Little Glen Playground. This is an ideal place to spend an hour or two if you have kids in toe. There are swings in the park and park furniture in the form of benches, where you can hide amongst the greenery and enjoy an easy lunch.

The southernmost park is the Ingleside Road Park, which is located towards the Bakoven area, a stone’s throw from Camps Bay Primary Schoo. This tends to be the most quite one and is the perfect one lay a few towels and lay down or enjoy a picnic on.

Theatre on the Bay

If you are theatre-lover or just an appreciator of the arts, why not visit Theatre On The Bay. Run by Pieter Torien Productions, the theatre puts on local and international dramas, as well as musicals, comedy and dance shows.

The venue also has an eatery on-site called the Side Dish Threatre Bistro. You have the option of enjoying a meal before the show. Indulge in a relaxed 3 course dinner with a glass of South African sparkling wine before the show, with dessert at the interval. There is also a coffee bar serving tea and homemade cakes if you want something lighter.

To see what is on show when you are in the area, you can visit the official site.

Paragliding

Once you have seen Camps Bay from the ground, you can take to the skies on a paragliding flight over the Mother City. Tandem Paragliding is good for a strong dose of adrenaline and offers one of, if not the best views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Coastline.

Flights take off from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head and where you land will depend on the direction of the wind on that day but the trip will be a fun one no matter where you land. If you drove to the hill, then the operator will return you tor your car for free after your flight.

You don’t need any experience to do tandem paragliding and the operator crew will brief you and assist you during take-off. There are various operators with have been operating for a long time in the Cape Town area.

Open Top Bus Tour

One of the best ways to take in the sights of Camps Bay is with one of the classic traveler experiences, the open top bus tour (If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it).  The tour will also allow you to get out of the suburb and see the greater Cape Town. It is on a circular route throughout the city of Cape Town and your ticket is valid for the day when you first present it to board a bus.

The stop in Camps Bay is just outside The Bay Hotel and the bus runs through the stop every hour. Included in the packages is a walking tour of some of the major Cape Town attractions like The V&A Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, District Six Museum and several others.

To see the route and for other information, visit the official City Sightseeing website for more details.