Simon's Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Simon's Town
Simon's Town
Simon's Town
Simon's Town
Simon's Town

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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"Wonderful base for a few days exploring the Cape Peninsula. So delightful to see the adorable African Penguins from our room and to get to go down early to see them at Boulder’s Beach before the crowds. 🐧 Room was so lovely and had everything we needed - highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 21 May 2026

Penguins View Guesthouse
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$339 per night from 5 June to 6 June
NZ$339
5 June - 6 June
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,009 reviews)
"Exceptional staff, beautiful room, amazing restaurant!"

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Taj Cape Town
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$262 per night from 31 May to 1 June
NZ$262
31 May - 1 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Excellent facilities for a lovely stay right by the airport. Bliss after a long flight. The restaurant has great food, spa looks very nice (though sadly I didnt have time for a massage) and the gardens are gorgeous for a lovely walk. The rooms are spacious and beds vry comfortable."

Reviewed on 26 May 2026

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
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 NZ$121 per night from 31 May to 1 June
NZ$121
31 May - 1 June
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! (1,090 reviews)
"One note: the room has limited electrical outlets and there are not proximate to the beds. I use a CPAP machine and need such an outlet. I bring an extension cord while traveling and was able to use the outlet across the room."

Reviewed on 25 May 2026

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road Cape Town Western Cape
The price is NZ$372 per night from 9 June to 10 June
NZ$372
9 June - 10 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (804 reviews)
"Great staff Rooms so so"

Reviewed on 22 May 2026

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, 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 NZ$337 per night from 9 June to 10 June
NZ$337
9 June - 10 June
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (746 reviews)
"Staff was amazing! Beautiful property in good location."

Reviewed on 22 May 2026

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

Constantia

Constantia

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Constantia Wine Route while you're exploring the area.

Constantia
Hout Bay

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
Bakoven

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

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
Panorama of the east side of table mountain and the forest of the botanical garden Kirstenbosch, treetop path, Cape Town, South Africa

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

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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