Cape Town is truly a summer wonderland, with endless hikes, tourist attractions, beaches, wine estates, family-friendly adventures, and more to tick off your list. Besides Cape Town’s top attractions, there is still plenty for you to do in summer in Cape Town.
Here are a few of our favourites.
Stroll along Sea Point Promenade
Runners, dog walkers, skaters, and families flock to the stretch of promenade from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay for good reason — it’s a special place! Stroll along the paved and grassy promenade that winds its way along the coastline. You’ll find cool art installations, restaurants, and bars along the strip. If the water at Rocklands Beach looks a little too chilly, you can also take a dip in the Sea Point public pools.
Have a Picnic
Cape Town has a great summertime picnic culture. For all the joys of a picnic without the fuss, there are some truly divine pre-packed picnics you can indulge in. Try Cape Point Vineyards for ocean views and delicious sauvignon blanc, or Kirstenbosch for sprawling lawns and towering camphor trees.
Surf’s Up in Muizenberg
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, Surfers Corner in Muizenberg is the perfect spot. The water is warm, the waves are forgiving, and you can hire boards and take lessons from pros at the nearby surf shops – Nexgen Surf, Surf Emporium, The Corner Surf Shop, and Gary’s Surf School. Great whites occasionally pop in to visit the bay, so be sure to check the surf spotter flags before heading into the water!
Fish and Chips at Kalky’s
All that summer activity is bound to work up an appetite. For a truly Capetonian experience, hop on a train headed for Kalk Bay. Potter around the main street before grabbing some fish and chips at Kalky’s. Something of an institution around these parts, Kalky’s offers up generous portions, fresh fish, and a local vibe that you’re not likely to find anywhere else. Don’t expect anything fancy, though. Kalky’s is a no-frills diner. There are plenty of other fish and chips options too.
Head to a Summer Music Festival
Summer is the season of outdoor festivities. Whether you’re into rock, folk, electronica, hip hop, or anything in between, there’s a music festival for you. Choose from one of the many annual festivals and get your hands on tickets right away!
Browse One of Cape Town’s Markets
Woodstock doesn’t always make it onto the tourist itinerary, but the Neighbourgoods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill in Albert Road is worth a mention. It runs every Saturday morning, and you’ll find artisanal bakers, local farmers, organic merchants, butchers, and purveyors of fine food. Go hungry and get there early! There are also many other artisan markets, as well as food markets, to choose from.
Indulge in a High Tea
Dainty pastries, savoury snacks, and a pot of your favourite tea (or a bottle of bubbly)… High teas are in, and we couldn’t be happier. Try the Mount Nelson, one of the most prestigious hotels in the city. For a totally reasonable sum, you’ll get to spend the afternoon in the immaculate gardens (or posh lounge), sipping on tea – or, if you’re feeling reckless, French champagne – and nibbling on cucumber sandwiches, freshly baked scones and an assortment of sweet and savoury morsels.
Discover Your Favourite Vintage
Cape Town is known for it’s excellent wines. Sipping on a crisp white wine on a summer’s day is one of life’s pleasures. Check out one of Cape Town’s many wine routes, or take the Franschhoek Wine Tram so that you don’t need to worry about getting around.
Bid the Day Goodbye in Style
Sunsets in Cape Town, especially those along the Atlantic seaboard, are pretty darn spectacular this time of year. Pack a picnic and head down to one of the beaches in Clifton, Camps Bay or Llandudno. Sunworshippers, families, couples, and friends relax on the soft white sand as the sun kisses the ocean good night. Drinking alcohol is prohibited on the beaches, so if you’re after something with a bit of a kick, pick a sundowner spot for a cocktail.
Hike in the Moonlight
Lion’s Head, the distinctively shaped peak next to Table Mountain, can be climbed at any time, but Cape Town locals are all about the full moon hike. Head up at least an hour before sunset so that you don’t miss out on the brilliant display and make your way down in the moonlight. Lion’s Head offers up gorgeous panoramic views of the Mother City and is considerably easier to climb than Table Mountain. However, there are some tricky parts with ladders and chains.
