Just a 15-minute drive from Cape Town City Centre, you’ll find Camps Bay, a suburb famous for its pristine white sandy beach, trendy dining spots, and postcard-perfect views of the Twelve Apostles mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.
While it’s perfect to visit all year round, Camps Bay truly comes alive during the summer months, providing the ideal setting for sunset beach volleyball sessions, cocktails on the strip, and lazy beach days under an umbrella.
Here’s everything you can enjoy in Camps Bay on your next visit:
Where to Eat
Bilboa
Experience the flavours of the Med at Bilboa, a Kove Collection restaurant. Tuck into Bilboa’s sophisticated menu as you overlook views of the Camps Bay strip, the Atlantic Ocean, or Lion’s Head. The menu includes everything from oysters, mussels and shellfish to meat dishes, healthy alternatives, and out-of-this-world desserts. We highly recommend visiting for sundowners. The sunsets here are unreal.
Location: Victoria Rd Shop 120, First Floor, The Promenade, Camps Bay
Contact: Visit www.kovecollection.co.za/bilboa/
Mantra Cafe
If you’re seeking relaxed dining and spectacular views, Mantra Cafe offers that and more. Located on the Camps Bay strip, Mantra has an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, paired with the best wines and cocktails. Visit their website for seasonal set menu options.
Location: 43 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Visit: www.mantracafe.co.za/
Café Caprice
Café Caprice has been a beloved Cape Town institution since 1999. Here, you can sip artisan cocktails and enjoy a delicious café-style menu while admiring the gorgeous Camps Bay setting. Whether you’re relaxing in the cosy lounges or soaking up the vibrant atmosphere from the sidewalk seating, Café Caprice blends ambiance, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of flavour. Make sure to visit on a Sunday night – these summer sessions are legendary!
Location: 37 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Contact: Visit cafecaprice.co.za/
Codfather Seafood & Sushi
Prawns, lobsters, langoustines, crayfish, calamari and fresh fish—you name it, and you’ll find it at the Codfather. Having been on the strip for over 20 years, Codfather isn’t your typical eatery. There isn’t a printed menu; instead, their fresh seafood is displayed for you to choose from. The best part is that all the fish is priced by weight, so you can select the size and price that suits you. The restaurant also serves fresh sushi.
Location: 37 The Dr, Camps Bay
Contact: Visit www.codfather.co.za/
Infusion
This two-floor restaurant serves a range of meals, including pasta, steak, grilled dishes, sandwiches, sushi, salads, and desserts. Their signature cocktails are well worth a visit and are best enjoyed at sunset while overlooking Camps Bay beach. At weekends, the energy rises with a live DJ set, making it the ideal spot to dance and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Location: Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Contact: Visit www.instagram.com/infusioncampsbay/
What to See and Do
Camps Bay Beach
Spend a day at Camps Bay Beach, an Instagrammable location where you can take in the views and make a splash with family and friends. Unwind on the grassy banks beneath swaying palm trees for an afternoon picnic, or, for the adventurous, take a plunge into the frosty Atlantic Ocean. A few ball games on the sand during summer are highly recommended, and so are the sunsets.
The Pottery
Get crafty with a range of ceramic items and paints at The Pottery. Unwind and let your creativity flow as you explore their selection of ceramics and paint sets. While you’re busy creating your masterpieces, enjoy their famous wood-fired pizzas and signature cocktails. There are also kid-friendly beverages and meals available for the little ones.
Location: 41 The Drive, Camps Bay
Contact: Call +27 87 470 0743
Theatre on the Bay
Pieter Toerien’s Theatre on the Bay serves great food and showcases award-winning theatre productions. Just off Camps Bay’s main strip, you can enjoy an array of local and international dramas, comedies, dance, cabaret, pantomimes, and musicals.
Location: Link Street, Camps Bay
Website: www.pietertoerien.co.za
Dizzys Bar
Known for its lively karaoke evenings, epic match days, and entertaining quiz nights, Dizzys brings the gees. On karaoke nights, you can belt out hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and present top 40 hits. Don’t worry about hitting every note perfectly as the crowd usually joins in on the fun. Dizzys serves pizzas, ice-cold beers, and signature cocktails.
Location: 41 The Drive, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Contact: Call +27 21 438 2686 or email info@dizzys.co.za
The Promenade
Known as Africa’s Platinum Mile, The Promenade is your one-stop shop for retail therapy, dining, and a little thrill. Stroll through a curated collection of boutique stores, visit one of their award-winning restaurants, or unwind with a soothing spa experience. When you’re ready for a sweet treat, make your way down to Gelato Mania for a scoop of ice cream while walking along the prom.
Location: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Contact: Visit www.promenadecampsbay.com/
Where to Stay
Camps Bay Retreat
Discover the ultimate sanctuary at Camps Bay Retreat, a boutique hotel in a nature reserve. Here, you’ll find a natural mountain pool, a cascading waterfall, and a spa with an outdoor nature tent.
This 5-star property has unique rooms and suites, some with striking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. During the warmer months, swim in one of their five swimming pools, play a game of padel, or take a scenic nature walk.
The hotel has an in-house restaurant called Bella’s that prides itself on using local organic ingredients to prepare their dishes.
Location: 7 Chilworth Rd, Camps Bay
Contact: Visit campsbayretreat.com/
The Bay Hotel
If you are looking for something closer to the ocean, spend some time at The Bay Hotel. Enjoy stunning views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, the Atlantic Ocean, and unforgettable sunsets. Unwind at their private beach club, Sandy B, or sip a cocktail at Caamil’s Bar. For some well-deserved relaxation, book a spa treatment at Mint Wellness, where you’ll feel like royalty.
Location: 69 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay
Contact: thebayhotel.com/
Neighbourgood 1st Crescent
Neighbourgood 1st Crescent is an affordable holiday getaway, located just a few minutes from Camps Bay Beach. Their modern rooms are equipped with high-speed WiFi, a fully equipped open-plan shared kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, a workspace, and a spacious outdoor balcony. The epitome of indoor-outdoor living, guests can also enjoy the shared covered barbecue area, swim in the full-length swimming pool, or relax on the stylish sunbeds.
Location: 28 1st Crescent Street, Camps Bay
Contact: neighbourgood.co.za/1st-crescent-camps-bay
Related Articles:
– A Guide to the Best Beaches
– Experience the Best of Camps Bay with these 10 Activities
– Camps Bay Neighbourhood Page
