Hout Bay Guide - Our Highlights and Best Things To DO
Hout Bay, a laid-back coastal town just 25 minutes from Cape Town’s City Bowl, was one of our favourite places to unwind. With ocean views, a great bakery, and scenic outdoor activities, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
We stayed here for a week of our month long trip to Cape Town (at an incredible AirBnb with absolutely amazing hosts) and used it as an oportunity to explore the ‘other side’ of Table Mountain from the city. The vibe is being outdoors, adventuring, getting active and exploring the rest of the cape peninsula.
Whether you're driving through or passing by on your bike, here are our top recommendations.
Outdoor Activities in Hout Bay
Where to Eat & Drink in Hout Bay
Fish on the Rocks
No-Frills, Fish & Chips 🐟🍟
A local institution, Fish on the Rocks serves some of the best fish & chips in Cape Town. Located right by the harbour, it’s a casual, no-frills spot—just walk in, join the queue, and grab a seat. The portions are generous, and the fish is fresh. Eating seafood this close to the ocean just feels right.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
South Yeaster Bakery
A Cyclist’s Favourite for Coffee & Pastries 🥐☕
One of our go-to spots, South Yeaster Bakery is a cycle-friendly café serving outstanding coffee, naturally leavened pastries, and sourdough bread. It’s a great pit stop if you’re cycling Chapman’s Peak Drive or simply after a quality morning bite. With both indoor seating and an outdoor courtyard, there’s plenty of space to relax. We loved it so much we went back multiple times.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed: Monday
Sentinel Coffee
Coffee with a Cause 🌊☕
Overlooking Hout Bay Beach, Sentinel Coffee is the perfect place to grab a coffee with a view. This minimalist setup focuses on quality coffee and fresh sea air, making it a great spot to start your day. Part of the Sentinel Ocean Alliance, the café helps fund youth development and environmental initiatives in disadvantaged coastal communities—so every cup supports a great cause.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Dunes
Sundowners & Sushi 🍣🌅
Established in 1999, Dunes is a beachfront restaurant with a relaxed, sandy-floor atmosphere—ideal for sundowners with a view. We tried their sushi and chilli poppers, both of which hit the spot while watching the sunset over the bay. Do note, it can get windy, so bring a layer for when the sun goes down.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Deus Café
Bikes, Coffee & Brunch 🚴♂️🥑
Part of the Deus Ex Machina brand, this café blends motorbikes, surf culture, and great food. Whether you’re grabbing a post-ride coffee or stopping for brunch, it’s a cool, relaxed spot with a buzzing atmosphere.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic 🍷🍽️
For something extra special, book a table at Chef’s Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic. Perched on the water’s edge at the base of Chapman’s Peak, this fine-dining spot offers a multi-course tasting menu in a breathtaking location—an unforgettable experience.
Booking in advance is essential!
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday:
Lunch: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Outdoor Activities in Hout Bay
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Easily one of the most scenic routes in the world, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for cyclists and road-trippers alike. It’s a toll road (free for cyclists) and never too crowded, as many cars pull over at viewpoints to soak in the stunning scenery.
More details are coming soon in a separate post—stay tuned!
Chapman’s Peak Hike 🏞️
If you're feeling adventurous, hiking up Chapman’s Peak rewards you with stunning panoramic views over the bay and Atlantic Ocean. We started at 8 AM, and the 6km hike took us about two hours. We were the only ones on the trail, meeting just four others on the way down— it felt like a hidden gem!
🚨 Tip: If you're only hiking, request a day pass at the toll booth to avoid paying the Chapman’s Peak Drive toll. However, if you plan to drive through afterward, you’ll need to pay the toll.
Parking: Search for "Chapman’s Peak Hiking Trail – Starting Point" on Google Maps. Limited spaces are available, so arrive early or use alternative parking at the Chapman’s Peak North/South trailheads—though this adds extra time to your hike.
Cycle Hire from Chapman’s Peak Cycles 🚴♂️
For cyclists, Chapman’s Peak Cycles is the go-to for bike rentals. They offer high-quality road bikes, helmets, and puncture repair kits, so you’re all set for an unforgettable ride.
🚨 Tip: Book at least a few days in advance to secure the right bike size.
Running Along Hout Bay Beach 🏃♀️
For a short but scenic run, Hout Bay Beach offers a 1km stretch—ideal for a morning jog with ocean views. Lap the beach to clock up extra kilometres, and don’t forget to stop by Sentinel Coffee for a post-run pick-me-up.
Other Things to Do in Hout Bay
Bay Harbour Market (weekends only)
Every Saturday, Hout Bay’s Bay Harbour Market comes alive with local food, crafts, and live music. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, shop for unique finds, and soak up the atmosphere.
Opening Hours:
Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens & Summer Sunset Concerts
A must-visit for nature lovers, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hosts Summer Sunset Concerts and Open-Air Cinema nights. Grab a picnic box from the Fynkos Tea Room (closes at 4 PM) or bring your own food and wine for a relaxed evening.
🎟️ Check their website for upcoming events and book in advance!
Website | Summer Sunset Concerts | The Galileo Open Air Cinema
Hout Bay Map
How to use our maps
Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place. Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
Hout Bay has it all—iconic cycle routes, scenic hikes, relaxed beachside cafés, and top-tier dining. Whether you're here for the adventure, the food, or just to soak up the coastal charm, it’s a place that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Have you been to Hout Bay? What was your highlight? Let us know in the comments! 🏝️🚴