Location: Simon's Town
Top Things to do in Simon's Town
What to do and see in Simon's Town, Western Cape: The Best Things to do
Simon's Town (Afrikaans: Simonstad), sometimes spelled Simonstown, is a town near Cape Town, South Africa, which is home to the South African Navy. It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour (first for the Royal Navy and now the South African Navy). The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.
Restaurants in Simon's Town
1. Windmill Beach
2. Foxy Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Though enticing for its fine white sand and clear blue surf, there’s no swimming at this beach—at least not for humans. Foxy Beach is strictly reserved for African penguins.
3. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,291 reviews
The sheltered inlet of Boulders Beach is located in the Cape peninsula near Simon's Town. Here exists a protected colony of African penguins which can be viewed in their natural habitat via wooden walkways. There is also an excellent beach for swimming nearby.
Reviewed By NazleeM_13 - Haverhill, United Kingdom
This protected beach is one of the main tourist attraction in Cape Town. A few minutes walk from the main Simon’s Town, you can watch and take photo of these cute creatures in their natural habitat. In a windy day, the beach sands can be very uncomfortable to your eyes and hair though!
4. South African Naval Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By gweru
Most impressive. A fascinating insight into both the naval and social history of South Africa. Exhibits range from the days of Nelson right up until the present. You can easily while away 2 to three hours here. And it’s free! All they ask is for a donation. The staff we met were exceptionally knowledgeable helpful and professional. Can’t rate this place highly enough.
5. Scala Battery
6. Jubilee Square & Jetty, Simon's Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Historic Square and Jetty in the heart of Simon's Town with many interesting exhibits, including the statue of Just Nuisance. Also the departure point for Whale watching and Shark diving within False Bay. This attraction offers something for everyone.
Reviewed By c0lestar
Just sitting there on a bench and looking at the view is amazing. I never go to Simonstown without going to Jubilee Square and Jetty and spend some time there. It is absolutely beautiful. The view from there is amazing.
7. Seaforth Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By ukienomad - Fleming Island, United States
We were lucky to be there when the Penguins had laid their eggs and they were nesting. The beach is lovely but it was pretty crowded when we were there. There is a lovely restaurant Seaforth that is worthwhile going to as well. Bring your blankets, chairs and enjoy the day swimming, picnicking and enjoying the penguins.
8. Simon's Town Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 106 reviews
Another Dutch East India Company property, this former governor’s home contains crafts and artifacts illustrating local cultural heritage.
Reviewed By CliveofPE - Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Well positioned to give you a good understanding of Simonstown with history going back to the Dutch establishment also has a well priced refreshment area with the best fresh scones. Easy walking distance to Naval Museum.
9. Warrior Toy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By JanineVDP - Somerset West, South Africa
Percy is a dear soul who is living his passion. He opened this store more than 30 years ago with his own collection of toys. He also sells model cars at some of the best prices you'll find in the country. Having lost his wife, and being so dedicated about the store, the entry price is nothing to pay as it's how he keeps the doors open to this special place. He is very shy, but once you get him talking, you could listen to him for hours May God bless his soul, and keep the doors of the toy museum open for many more years.
10. Just Nuisance
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By axelsL1196YB - Lillehammer, Norway
This Grand Danois is still widely know over Africa and other parts of the world. The life of this dog was very special - and yes, there is a lovely story about this dog. He, Just Nuisance became the first and only canine Royal Navy member in history! What was the reason? - Well, you have to google it - and you will find a lovely story, why this dog ,in 1939, only two years old enjoyed the Royal Navy for the rest of his live. - Simon’s Town has a rich naval history, which stretches back more than two hundred years. Although now home to the South African Navy, in those days the Naval Base fell under the command of the British rule and the Royal Navy and was the largest naval base on the entire African continent. (we have been there some years ago)
