Hout Bay
Hout Bay, Cape Town, ZAF
A quaint fishing village on the Cape Peninsula’s Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay is an idyllic vacation spot with a historic downtown, a bustling harbor front, wineries, and marine life. While only about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Cape Town, the community has a remote feel, giving visitors a chance to slow down and savor the seaside vibes.
A low-key destination ideal for travelers looking for a countryside feel, Hout Bay has innumerable activities to offer everyone from adventure lovers to beachcombers. Book a snorkeling tour to Duiker (Seal) Island to admire the renowned Cape fur seal colony. Or, get to know other local creatures at the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary and Monkey Park.
For fresh seafood, head to Mariner’s Wharf or the Bay Harbour Market. And for mountains and views overlooking the bay, take a tour of Chapman’s Peak, considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. Don’t miss watching the sun set over the ocean.
- Hout Bay has many attractions accessible to wheelchairs and strollers (e.g. World of Birds)
Hout Bay is roughly a 20-minute drive from Cape Town—take Victoria Road to Valley Road. To skip the hassle of driving on the winding coastal road while enjoying the views along the way, visit the village’s top attractions on a guided tour. Alternatively, get to Hout Bay on a MyCiTi bus or a hop-on hop-off bus.
For the best weather, visit Hout Bay in the warm summer months between December and April.
There’s no better way to experience the area than by taking on the hairpin twists and turns of Chapman’s Peak. Beginning in Hout Bay and cutting up to Noordhoek, the road along Chapman’s Peak is 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometers) of stunning ocean and mountain views. While the cliffside drive isn’t for the faint of heart, the panoramic photo ops are a worthy reward.
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