Hout Bay: Neighbourhood guide to a southern seaside gem

Hout Bay (Cape Town, South Africa) aerial view shot from a helicopter / Adobe Stock

If you’re in the Western Cape, a thirty minute drive outside Cape Town to Hout Bay for the day is highly recommended.

A day in Hout Bay

This seaside village is full of charm: from the market to the harbour, the activities to the delicacies.

Grab some grub

Fish on the Rocks is arguably one of the best spots to enjoy fish & chips. You’ll need to keep driving to the edge of the town to reach it. It is located just outside the Hout Bay Market, on the water’s edge. 

Bay Harbour Market

One of the provinces best market experiences can be had here in Hout Bay. The market is open on weekends and Friday evenings. Shop for beautifully and locally crafted works, be tempted by the goodies at the stalls, whether it’s food or fashion. There are often live bands and musicians performing to add to the atmosphere.

Naval Heritage Site

A visit to the Naval Heritage site is quick, easy and free. There are some canons from way-back-when, which you can see and touch up close. You will also be able to see the operational harbour.

There are many seals around in the water, who sometimes come out onto the rocks to show off a little and soak up the sun. There are locals who feed them fish, and you can even stand with the seals, making for the perfect photo opportunity. 

Chapman’s Peak

Chapman’s Peak is close by and one of the most scenic drives you can take. The road trails along the mountain with beautiful views of the ocean and many places to stop along the way for photo op’s, appreciating the landscape, and/or tucking into a road-side picnic. Of course, there are also beaches (including the Hout Bay Beach) nearby should you feel for a dip in the ocean waters. 

World of Birds

One can be surrounded by nature and wildlife at a visit to the Bird Park, a sanctuary that is home to birds undergoing rehabilitation, as you enter Hout Bay. World of Birds is the largest bird park in Africa and one of the few large bird parks in the World.

Art and Crafts

The Red Room Gallery curates unique, contemporary African art. The works are sourced from across the continent, showcasing alluring representations of the realities of Africans. 

If you prefer to try your hand at creating something artistic, the Clay Cafe, situated in the heart of Hout Bay is where you need to be. The first step is to pick a bisque – a ready-made pottery piece, of which there are many to select from. Then, choose your paint colours and tools and get ready to spend some hours at leisure, painting your very own masterpiece. The creations made are fully functional.

Visitors can also enjoy a farm-style breakfast or lunch while they’re at it. Bookings are recommended. You can see yourself walking out of there with something ornamental (perhaps a miniature Yoda), or something you can use daily (like a mug or butter plate).

Ice cream stop

Pay a visit to Sinnfull, a favourite among locals. You’ll be spoilt with a selection of ice creams and sorbets which are handmade using natural ingredients. They specialise in unique flavourings, like Saffron & Pistachio or Aero. Enjoy the indulgence without added flavourings, additives, colourants or preservatives. 

Hout Bay is worthy of noting as a full day out. The car trip there is a scenic one too, as you can either reach it by traveling along the coast, or reaching it through the mount-pass from Kirstenbosch side. This is the perfect place to enjoy several activities, offering fun for the family.