St. James Travel Guide

Cape Town

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Cape Town which includes a coastal town
St. James featuring general coastal views, swimming and a beach
St. James
St. James showing rugged coastline and general coastal views as well as a small group of people

Visit this laid-back beach village on Cape Town’s False Bay coastline for scenic walks, hikes in the Silvermine Nature Reserve and wildlife spotting.

Set against a mountain backdrop and affording uninterrupted views of False Bay is the pretty seaside village of St. James. First inhabited by shipwrecked sailors, St. James attracts visitors with its family-friendly beach and colonial architecture, wildlife spotting, coastal walks and hikes to viewpoints.

The small beach is a focal point of the village and its colourful Victorian beach huts make a beautiful photograph with the mountain in the background. A tidal pool toward the south end of the beach offers a safe swimming environment and generally warmer water than the surrounding ocean. Kids can enjoy exploring the rock pools and looking for sea creatures. From June to November it’s possible to spot southern right whales from the beach.

Walk north from the village along a coastal pathway to the beachside suburb Muizenberg. Watch surfers and fisherman and spot seals playing on the rocks. Keep an eye out for colonial-era houses, including the 19th-century St. James Cottage. It’s said that during the Anglo-Boer War, the cottage’s owner hid prisoners of war in the loft and then aided in their escape across the bay.

Along St. James main road you’ll find a handful of bars, restaurants and galleries. Stop by the Artvark Gallery to see sculpture, ceramic and steelwork displays as well as photography and painting exhibitions. Continue walking until you reach Kalk Bay, a village known for its cafés, bookstores and antique shops. Go to the harbour to arrange a boat trip to Seal Island, home to a large colony of seals. From April to August you might also see great white sharks.

For more views of False Bay, follow the hiking trails that lead from Boyes Drive into the Silvermine Nature Reserve. The trails pass forest and orchards, waterfalls and interesting rock formations. Visit the official website of Table Mountain National Park for more information

St. James is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre. Street parking is free. A fun way to get here is on the Atlantic Rail steam train that travels between Cape Town and Simon’s Town. Find full details on the train’s official website.



Top hotels in St. James

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp3.504.808 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
Rp3.504.808
Rp4.030.529 total
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (535 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport

3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp989.401 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
Rp989.401
Rp1.137.811 total
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,040 reviews)
"Clean room."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp1.993.253 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
Rp1.993.253
Rp2.315.164 total
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (287 reviews)
"Very close to the convention centre and close to the Waterfront."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Hotel Sky Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp2.566.313 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
Rp2.566.313
Rp2.980.772 total
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (691 reviews)
"Proximity to Tours,shops,food. No negatives"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is Rp1.993.253 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
Rp1.993.253
Rp2.292.241 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (759 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp4.045.710 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
Rp4.045.710
Rp4.699.094 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,011 reviews)
"Had a fantastic stay, staff were friendly and accommodating. Great Breakfast!"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Taj Cape Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around St. James

Simon\'s Town

Simon's Town

Seaside views and waterfront views are highlights of Simon's Town. Make a stop by Boulders Beach or Table Mountain National Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Simonstown Station to get around town.

Simon's Town
Groot Constantia Winery

Constantia

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Constantia Village while you're exploring the area.

Constantia
Hout Bay Beach which includes general coastal views, rugged coastline and a coastal town

Hout Bay

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Seafood restaurants, seaside views and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Hout Bay. Make a stop by Llandudno Beach or Hout Bay Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hout Bay
Simon\'s Town which includes mountains, boating and a luxury hotel or resort

Cape Peninsula

5/5(4 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Cape Peninsula, check out sights like Boulders Beach or Table Mountain National Park and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Simonstown Station or Glencairn Station.

Cape Peninsula
Default Image

Bakoven

Bakoven is popular for its beautiful seaside views, and you might make a stop by Table Mountain National Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Bakoven
Camps Bay which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

Camps Bay

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Camps Bay


St. James Travel Guide