Simon's Town Travel Guide

Cape Town

A coastal town with a marina, boats, and a beach.
A coastal town with a marina, houses with red roofs, and a mountain in the background.
A coastal town with a prominent mountain in the background.
A coastal town with boats docked in the water, a mountain in the background, and buildings along the shoreline.
A penguin standing on a beach with a sunset in the background.

Located on the striking shores of False Bay, this coastal town has sandy beaches, shark and fishing charters and the South African Naval Museum.

Simon’s Town has been an important naval base and harbour for over three centuries. Located near Cape Town, the charming village sits on a steep incline near the water’s edge. Visit the pretty beaches and discover the colony of free-roaming penguins. Take a shark charter or relax in the scenic old village.

The coastal town is known for its spectacular views and some of the most beautiful recreation sites on the Cape Peninsula. Simon’s Town is a great spot for water activities, historical tours and relaxation in the Western Cape area. Explore the deep seas with a game fishing or shark-viewing charter. Stop at the museum, as this enchanting village is steeped in nautical history.

In South African Naval Museum discover a life-size ship’s bridge, submarine operations room and submarine control room. The museum prides itself on its constantly growing collection of nautical and historical artefacts, including naval uniforms, diving equipment and sea mines.

Book a shark cage dive or charter, where you will find one of the finest great white shark experiences in South Africa. Head to Seal Island and encounter the natural predator known for its frightening size. Alternatively try deep-sea big game, inshore and reef fishing with a range of fishing charters.

Discover the free-roaming colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach. Wander the boardwalks or swim at this sandy public beach. Book a Cape Peninsula Tour or relax in a day spa in the Old Village. Dine in one of the town’s outstanding fresh seafood restaurants.

Simon’s Town is only a 25-mile (40-kilometre) drive from Cape Town. Alternatively, catch the train south from the central business district of Cape Town to the Simon’s Town Railway Station. With a range of accommodation available, be sure to stay long enough to experience all this coastal treasure has available.

Rent a bicycle or a moped as an inexpensive way of exploring Simon’s Town and its surrounding areas.


Stay near popular Simon's Town attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Simon's Town

Penguins View Guesthouse

Penguins View Guesthouse

4 out of 5
1 Bellevue Road Cape Town Western Cape
Stay at this guesthouse in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Boulders Beach and Simon's Town Country Club are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
"The arrival / check in process is very easy. However the cleanliness was an issue. I had to myself re wash the washroom and parts of living room to remove build up/dirt. We only had a short stay, and the hotels near by were sold out, if not we would have left on the first night."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2026

Penguins View Guesthouse
Boulders Beach Hotel and Restaurant

Boulders Beach Hotel and Restaurant

3 out of 5
4 Boulders Place Cape Town Western Cape
The price is Rp1.067.082 per night from 8 Oct to 9 Oct
Rp1.067.082
Rp1.227.144 total
8 Oct - 9 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach guesthouse in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
Boulders Beach Hotel and Restaurant
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street Cape Town Western Cape
The price is Rp3.240.600 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
Rp3.240.600
Rp3.763.957 total
9 Oct - 10 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Very good value for money!"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

Taj Cape Town
The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK

The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK

4.5 out of 5
12 Christiaan Barnard St Cape Town Western Cape
The price is Rp1.990.751 per night from 10 Oct to 11 Oct
Rp1.990.751
Rp2.289.364 total
10 Oct - 11 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (260 reviews)
"The check in was not accurate i had to complain after i was given a single room for 3 people with one bed when i had booked an appartment with 3 rooms and 3 beds."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2026

The Rockefeller Hotel by NEWMARK
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport

4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria Cape Town Western Cape
The price is Rp3.264.045 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
Rp3.264.045
Rp3.791.188 total
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
ONOMO Hotel Waterfront

ONOMO Hotel Waterfront

3.5 out of 5
24 Alfred Street, V& A Waterfront Cape Town Western Cape
The price is Rp1.821.449 per night from 16 Oct to 17 Oct
Rp1.821.449
Rp2.115.612 total
16 Oct - 17 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (422 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly, helpful and professional. Rooms were very clean. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on 15 Sept 2026

ONOMO Hotel Waterfront
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.

Where to stay in Simon's Town

Find the best Simon's Town areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

The picture-perfect mountain views and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A stop by Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa or Two Oceans Aquarium might round out your trip.

Camps Bay

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.

Sea Point

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Sea Point. A stop by Milton Beach or Sea Point Pavillion might round out your trip.

Cape Town City Centre

Known for its majestic mountain landscape and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Cape Town City Centre. Check out top attractions like Cape Town City Hall and Castle of Good Hope, and jump on the metro at Woodstock Station or Esplanade Station to see more of the city.

Green Point

Travellers like the cocktail bars in Green Point, and Greenpoint Market is a top attraction you might want to visit.



Simon's Town Travel Guide