When you get to Cape Town, the first thing you should do is hire a car. There are so many things you can do in and around Cape Town; having your own wheels will ensure you make the most of your time in our beautiful city. Every part of Cape Town has a different feeling and so much to discover. I am going to share with you some amazing hidden gems you can visit with your family in and around the Cape Peninsula.
Start this adventure at Fish Hoek Beach
A good place to start your adventure is at Fish Hoek Beach. If you start early enough, you can catch some amazing sunrises as you prepare for the day ahead. Get your feet wet in the warmer waters, this side of the peninsula, and build sandcastles with the white sand. If you are already peckish, there is a restaurant right on the beach.
Scratch Patch and Glow-in-the-Dark Cave Golf
Next, we will head towards Simons Town. This one is definitely something the kids will enjoy, but the shop will leave mom with sparkles in her eyes. The Scratch Patch allows you to purchase your preferred bag size and then you get to ‘scratch’ and fill your bag with beautiful, natural gems. More recently, they added the glow-in-the-dark cave golf which is tons of fun for the kids. You can then grab a snack and visit the shop for some unique items to take home. All really decently priced, this makes for an affordable and fun stop on your journey.
Helpful Information
OPENING HOURS
Mon to Fri: 8:30 am to 4:45 pm
Weekends & Holidays: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Simons Town Museum & Simons Town Navy Museum
A little further down we will find the Simons Town Museums. Both the Simons Town Museum and the Navy Museum give you an unique look into the history of Simons Town. The Simons Town Museum draws your imagination to the past and how people lived. The Navy museum gives you a better understanding of the history of the Navy, battles fought, brave men and women, and also the transformation of the navy to a more inclusive and united group. The Navy is free to enter, but you can leave a donation. The Simons Town museum only requires a minimal entry fee. On the bottom floor of the Navy Museum there is a great section for kids to explore, it includes parts of submarines and Navy ships. Definitely the educational part of the adventure!
Helpful Information
STM Opening HOURS
Mon to Fri: 10 am to 4 pm
Saturdays: 10 am to 1 pm
Sundays & Holidays: Closed
NAVY MUSEUM OPENING HOURS
Mon to Sun: 9.30 am to 3.30 pm
Seaforth Beach Penguin Colony & Boulders Beach
If you park at Boulders Beach, you can pay a fee to enter the beach and spend the day swimming with Penguins. Alternatively, you can walk the boardwalk across to Seaforth Beach and visit the Penguin Colony. These fees vary according to whether you are a local/international visitor but are still very affordable.
Stop for brunch at the Black Marlin Restaurant
The kids need to eat and so do you! The Black Marlin Restaurant has the most amazing views, delicious food and a relaxing feel. It is also family-friendly, so it is a great place to stop for Brunch/Lunch/Supper. We have also had a few events at the Black Marlin and they are always so helpful and provide an unforgettable experience! You can also have lunch at our next stop.
CAPE POINT & Cape point Ostrich Farm
Many people know about Cape Point, but not many know about the Cape Point Ostrich Farm right next door. The farm is a wonderful place to learn about Ostriches. They don’t offer or encourage the riding of Ostriches, but you can go on a little tour and find out more about why they don’t and what they are all about. Also, for a minimal amount, you can purchase food to feed the ostriches – either from a plate or with your bare hand (if you are brave!). It is an experience you don’t want to miss.
If you do go to Cape Point, you can either walk the stairs or take the Funicular to the top and get a 360° view. There are various animals to look out for on your way in, as well as our usual welcoming crew, the Baboons. My husband proposed to me on the heart beach at Cape Point (in the picture below), so it’s a special place for us 🥰.
Helpful Information
CPOF Opening Hours
Mon to Sun: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Restaurant: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Closed on Thursdays
Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) Opening Hours
Mon to Sun: 7 am to 5 pm
Climb the Slangkop Lighthouse
As you come around the mountain, you will see the Slangkop Lighthouse. Climbing to the top of the Slangkop Lighthouse is a wonderful experience for both old and young. If you can climb stairs, you will be fine, although I must admit I had to be a bit brave here – heights aren’t my thing – but it is worth it! The views are wild and the climb is something you should experience at least once. There is history in this lighthouse and you can feel it.
Helpful Information
During the last few years the lighthouse was understandably closed, and things are not 100% back to normal; to find out their current times, you can contact them on 021 449 2400 or lighthouse.tourism@transnet.net. Slangkoppunt/Slankop Lighthouse is normally open from Mon to Fri (excluding public holidays): 10:00 am to 3:00pm.
Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard
Now that you have made it down the lighthouse again (phew!), you can make your way to Imhoff Farm. There you will find the Higgeldy Piggeldy farmyard, this was a great hit with the kids last time we went. Again, a minimal entry fee allows you to visit all the animals in the farmyard; from pigs, to cows, to goats, to the favourite fluffy bunnies. You can purchase food for the animals and feed them. The views and space is amazing and it is right next door to the Blue Water Cafe.
Helpful Information
Opening HOURS
Mon to Sun: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Stop for a late lunch/early supper at the Blue Water Café
It is now late afternoon, and maybe even heading on to evening; it is time to stop so the children can eat and you can rest from your adventures. Blue Water Café offers great food, great views and a peaceful end to your adventure. As always, the prices are great too.
Helpful Information
Opening HOURS
Mon – Fri: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Weekends: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Hiring a car
As I said, with this small portion I have shared with you of Cape Town, there is so much to see and do. It is best to make sure that you have a car available to do this round trip passing Cape Point and heading back to where you started. The views are amazing and you may want to just stop and sit for a while. Sani Car Rental is a local company that can provide your family with a car that suits your needs. As an added bonus, you can book and pay online.
The SANI brand was established in 1997. SANI Car Rental is a South African homegrown car rental company. Vehicles available to rent include compact cars, economy cars, premium cars, people carriers and SUVs. SANI Car Rental serves customers throughout South Africa including at all major local and international airports.
Visit SANI Car Rental at Cape Town International Airport
Map
Here is a simple map to give you an idea of the route you would drive.
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