For visitors staying in Cape Town on holiday and looking for a day trip, Simons Town, along the False Bay coast, makes for an excellent outing for children or adults. Visitors staying in holiday homes in Cape Town can either drive the 40km or take the Southern Line train ride, a scenic ride as much of the line wraps around the coast and visitors will have spectacular sea views for most of the trip.
Simons Town was named after Simon Van Der Stel, who arrived in the Cape in 1679 and was the Governor of the Dutch settlement. The Original residency for the Governor of the Dutch East India Company has been converted into the Simons Town Museum. Here visitors can learn, amongst other things, about the Able Seaman Just Nuisance, a Great Dane who was adopted by the Royal Navy in World War 2.
Just next to the Simons town museum is the South African Naval Museum, which examines the naval history of Simon’s Town and includes a display of the inside of a submarine and a ship’s bridge that has a simulated rocking motion.
Many of Simons Town’s Cape villas consist of well preserved Victorian buildings that line the streets of this historical village. Off the main street, guests will find Jubilee Square, where many café’s and interesting shops are found. This is where the statue of Just Nuisance is found. The Jubilee Square overlooks the working harbour, where boats depart from for regular trips to Seal Island and False Bay.
Many of the quaint Cape Town luxury villas can be viewed along the coastline from the square.
Seaforth, one of the best swimming beaches in Simon’s Town is just a quick walk from Jubilee Square and beachside restaurant offers sundowners. Further along is Long Beach, which, while not the best beach for swimming, has a sunken deck just off the shore and is a wonderful spot for divers.