Simon's Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Simon\'s Town
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Simon\'s Town
Simon\'s Town
Photo provided by South African Tourism

Located on the striking shores of False Bay, this coastal town has sandy beaches, shark and fishing charters and the South African Naval Museum.

Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for over three centuries. Located near Cape Town, the charming village sits on a steep incline near the water’s edge. Visit the pretty beaches and discover the colony of free-roaming penguins. Take a shark charter or relax in the scenic old village.

The coastal town is known for its spectacular views and some of the most beautiful recreation sites on the Cape Peninsula. Simon’s Town is a great spot for water activities, historical tours and relaxation in the Western Cape area. Explore the deep seas with a game fishing or shark-viewing charter. Stop at the museum, as this enchanting village is steeped in nautical history.

In South African Naval Museum discover a life-size ship’s bridge, submarine operations room and submarine control room. The museum prides itself on its constantly growing collection of nautical and historical artefacts, including naval uniforms, diving equipment and sea mines.

Book a shark cage dive or charter, where you will find one of the finest great white shark experiences in South Africa. Head to Seal Island and encounter the natural predator known for its frightening size. Alternatively try deep-sea big game, inshore and reef fishing with a range of fishing charters.

Discover the free-roaming colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Wander the boardwalks or swim at this sandy public beach. Book a Cape Peninsula Tour or relax in a day spa in the Old Village. Dine in one of the town’s outstanding fresh seafood restaurants.

Simon’s Town is only a 25-mile (40-kilometre) drive from Cape Town. Alternatively, catch the train south from the central business district of Cape Town to the Simon’s Town Railway Station. With a range of accommodation available, be sure to stay long enough to experience all this coastal treasure has available.

Rent a bicycle or a moped as an inexpensive way of exploring Simon’s Town and its surrounding areas.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Simon's Town Hotel Deals

Penguins View Guesthouse

Penguins View Guesthouse

4 out of 5
1 Bellevue Road Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this guesthouse in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Boulders Beach and Simon's Town Country Club are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (37 reviews)
Great view in a lovely area
Lovely stay in a lovely place, without doubt one of the best views we have enjoyed in accommodation anywhere. Hosts are very hands off and that was fine as we didn't need anything. There is no lift to the property which might be an issue for an older or weaker peron but I am sure they would have ...

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2025

Penguins View Guesthouse
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station Cape Town Western Cape
The price is AU$107 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
AU$107
13 Dec - 14 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,056 reviews)
Huge rooms and bathrooms, everything was perfect, the sux gentle

Reviewed on 4 Dec 2025

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St Cape Town Western Cape
The price is AU$201 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
AU$201
14 Dec - 15 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Table Mountain are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (325 reviews)
Hotel Sky Cape Town was an entire vibe from the moment I walked through the doors. The décor is stunning, thoughtfully designed from the entrance all the way up to the rooms, giving the whole place a modern, vibrant feel. Breakfast was absolutely top-tier: fresh, flavorful, and with plenty of options ...

Reviewed on 30 Nov 2025

Hotel Sky Cape Town
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is AU$367 per night from 13 Dec to 14 Dec
AU$367
13 Dec - 14 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (552 reviews)
Outstanding staff and service. Great location and well appointed rooms. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,016 reviews)
The Taj never disappoints! The staff at this Capetown location is superb! Some of the nicest and most genuine people I have met in Africa. The location is perfect if you need to be in the center of town and the gym/sauna/pool are open 24/7.

Reviewed on 1 Dec 2025

Taj Cape Town
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront

4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore Cape Town Western Cape
The price is AU$347 per night from 20 Dec to 21 Dec
AU$347
20 Dec - 21 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (644 reviews)
Absolutely fantastic breakfast buffet. Nice relaxing area for drinks/tapas. Spacious clean & secure room with view of Table Mountain. Pick-up airport service (booked through hotel but not included in room rate) was efficient and friendly. The hotel is a long & somewhat complicated walk from the V&A ...

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Simon's Town

Groot Constantia Winery

Constantia

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Table Mountain National Park while you're exploring the area.

Constantia
Hout Bay Beach showing a coastal town, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Hout Bay

Seafood restaurants, seaside views and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Hout Bay. Make a stop by Llandudno Beach or Hout Bay Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hout Bay
Default Image

Bakoven

Bakoven is popular for its beautiful seaside views, and you might make a stop by Table Mountain National Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Bakoven
Camps Bay showing mountains, general coastal views and a coastal town

Camps Bay

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Camps Bay
Default Image

Gardens

The picture-perfect mountain views and lively bars are top of the list for many visitors to Gardens. A stop by Kloof Street or Bree Street might round out your trip.

Gardens
Clifton Bay Beach showing a beach and a coastal town

Clifton

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Clifton. You might want to make time for a stop at Clifton Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park.

Clifton


Simon's Town Travel Guide

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