Hout Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Hout Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town
Browse stalls and enjoy live music in the harbor market, trek along the mountain trails and surf atop Atlantic swells.

Hout Bay is a valley town in the shadow of enormous Table Mountain and its national park. It offers one of the world’s top surfing spots, a rich fishing scene and a variety of hotels to suit vacationers’ budgets. Admire the flowing stream of the Hout Bay River meandering through the center of the town.

Rent a car to drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, an acclaimed route hugging the sides of its namesake mossy green mountain and overlooking the ocean. The scenic road is part of the Cape Argus Cycle Race and the Two Oceans Marathon. Hike along the myriad trails through the mountain vegetation surrounding the town.

Stroll along the quaint Hout Bay Harbour and admire the colorful array of boats. Chat with local fishermen and rent equipment to catch yellowfin tuna and spot sea birds flying overhead. Get a glimpse into the local culture at the Bay Harbour Market, which has live music performances, arts and crafts stalls and food sections.

Spread a blanket on the sand at Hout Bay Beach for your family and friends and enjoy a picnic. Try sea kayaking and surfing in the water, which is ideal for swimming. Surfers should head to Dungeons, a highly acclaimed spot with consistently large Atlantic swells. Attend the annual Red Bull Big Wave Africa at the end of July.

Note that the name of the town also refers to the bay itself and the entire valley. Try the area’s local specialties, such as fish and chips and other seafood in the high-end restaurants.

Expect a pleasant climate year-round. Hout Bay has mild winters with fairly cold lows and hot summers from November to March.

Find the town 12 miles (20 kilometers) southwest of Cape Town in the province of Western Cape. It is just north of the communes of Noordhoek and Kommetjie on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula.

Hout Bay is a lively port town with an active marina, spectacular mountain views and sandy beaches.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Hout Bay Hotel Deals

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
2 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$77 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
NZ$77
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"There was only soap in the bathroom, no hand towel, shampoo in the bathroom."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$379 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$379
per night
19 May - 20 May
Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"I love everything about this hotel"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Taj Cape Town
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
3 out of 5
Cnr Dock And Alfred Roads, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$142 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$142
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (712 reviews)
"Great spot for a stay in the heart of Cape Town"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$296 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
NZ$296
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (407 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
5 out of 5
BUITENGRACHT STREET, CAPE TOWN CITY, CENTRE, 126, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$257 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
NZ$257
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (506 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly and attentive. The property is well maintained and the patio area is fantastic. We’d love to come back here especially for the breakfast!"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is NZ$320 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
NZ$320
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (424 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel in an amazing location. Staff were superb throughout the stay, with the reception desk team being a great laugh. My new favourite hotel in Cape Town."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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 Hout Bay

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
Camps Bay which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

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
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens showing a park, tranquil scenes and a house

Newlands

Known for its ample dining options and picturesque gardens, there's plenty to explore in Newlands. You can visit top attractions like Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Newlands Cricket Ground, and jump on the metro at Claremont Station or Newlands Station to see more of the city.

Newlands
Clifton Bay Beach featuring 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
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
Cape Town which includes a city and night scenes

City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African Museum and Planetarium or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl

Hout Bay Travel Guide

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