3-Day Camps Bay Itinerary for Cape Town Visitors

A realistic three-day plan for staying in Camps Bay, with beach time, city sights, and a Cape Peninsula drive, plus where to base yourself.

Day 1: Settle into Camps Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard

Start with a slow morning on Camps Bay Beach, a wide stretch of white sand backed by the Twelve Apostles. The water is cold—rarely above 15°C—so most visitors sunbathe rather than swim. The promenade along Victoria Road has cafes for breakfast; expect to pay around R100–R150 for eggs and coffee. If you need supplies, the Pick n Pay on Victoria Road is a short walk from most guesthouses. After lunch, drive or take a rideshare (about 15 minutes) to the V&A Waterfront for a browse, or stay local and walk the Pipe Track, a contour path with views over the bay.

For sunset, join locals at the Camps Bay Tidal Pool or the grassy strip above Maiden's Cove. Dinner options line Victoria Road: The Cod Father for seafood (mains around R180–R250) or a casual pizza at Col'Cacchio. Book ahead in December and January, when the promenade is packed. If you want a quieter evening, head to Bakoven, a small cove just south of Camps Bay, where you can watch the sunset from the rocks with fewer crowds.

Day 2: Table Mountain and the City Bowl

Get an early start for Table Mountain; the cableway opens at 8am and queues build fast. A return ticket costs around R420 for adults. If the cableway is closed due to wind, hike Platteklip Gorge instead—it's steep but straightforward, taking 2–3 hours up. From Camps Bay, it's a 15-minute drive to the lower cableway station. After descending, explore the Company's Garden and the Iziko South African Museum (entry about R120). For lunch, try the Eastern Food Bazaar on Longmarket Street, where a generous plate costs under R100.

In the afternoon, wander through Bo-Kaap's colourful streets—respect that these are people's homes—and then take a short drive to Signal Hill for city and harbour views. Skip the noon heat and instead visit the Zeitz MOCAA contemporary art museum at the V&A Waterfront (entry around R210). Return to Camps Bay for a relaxed dinner; the Sunset Sessions at Cafè Caprice are popular but loud, so book a table at The Bootlegger instead for a quieter meal. Drive time from the city centre back to Camps Bay is about 20 minutes outside peak traffic.

Day 3: Cape Peninsula loop

Rent a car for the day (from about R400–R600 for a compact) and leave Camps Bay by 8am to beat the tour buses. Drive along the Atlantic coast through Llandudno and Hout Bay, where you can opt for a boat trip to Seal Island (around R100). Continue to Chapman's Peak Drive (toll about R50) for the dramatic coastal road. Stop at Boulders Beach near Simon's Town to see the penguins; entry is around R170 for adults. Bring a jacket—the wind can be strong.

After lunch in Simon's Town, drive to Cape Point (entry about R360) and walk to the lighthouse. Return via the False Bay coast through Muizenberg, where you can stop for a photo with the colourful beach huts. Aim to be back in Camps Bay by 6pm to avoid driving in the dark. For your final night, treat yourself to a seafood dinner at one of the promenade restaurants; expect to pay R300–R400 for a main course with a glass of wine.

Where to stay in Camps Bay

Camps Bay suits travellers who want a beach holiday with easy access to the city. The main strip along Victoria Road has guesthouses and apartments, many with sea views. Prices vary by season: in December–January, expect to pay R2,500–R4,000 per night for a mid-range double; in May–August, rates drop to R1,200–R2,000. If you prefer quieter surroundings, look at Bakoven or the side streets above the promenade. Parking can be tight, so check if your accommodation offers a space.

Book well in advance for the summer months, as Camps Bay fills up. For a balance of value and convenience, I would choose a guesthouse within walking distance of the beach and restaurants, such as those on Hely-Hutchinson Avenue or Sedgemoor Road. Avoid properties right on Victoria Road if you are sensitive to traffic noise. A car is useful for exploring beyond the bay, but rideshares are readily available for city trips.

Questions, answered

Do I need a car in Camps Bay?

A car is helpful for day trips like the Cape Peninsula, but not essential for the beach and local restaurants. Rideshares and taxis are available, and the City Sightseeing bus stops in Camps Bay. For Table Mountain and the city centre, a car gives more flexibility.

What is the best time to visit Camps Bay?

November to March offers warm, dry weather, but it's peak season with higher prices and crowds. April–May and September–October are quieter, with mild temperatures and lower rates. Winter (June–August) is cooler and wetter, but you'll find the best accommodation deals.

Is the sea safe for swimming?

The Atlantic is cold and can have strong currents. Many visitors prefer the tidal pools or the protected beaches of False Bay. If you swim, check with locals about conditions and never swim alone. Lifeguards are on duty at Camps Bay Beach during peak season.

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