The strip of land hugging the coastline between the shores of Muizenberg and Simons Town is some of the most visually beautiful land in Cape Town. There are a few ways to explore this: rent a car, a scooter, and bicycle or use the Metrorail train which runs along the coast.
If you are coming from the CBD then head towards Cape Town Central and book a ticket along the Simons Town line. They are cheap and have stations at the heart of every suburb you wish to explore.
In the summer months a steam train runs on Sundays which is loads of fun for the family and train enthusiasts – prices can be a little steep in comparison at R220 for adults and R150 for kids aged (3-12) But this may prove a once in a lifetime experience as the coaches date from 1922 -1938 and even has a lounge car with a cash bar.
For those of you who prefer to take their time and meander along the coast, I suggest stopping at Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay and Simons Town.
Muizenberg
Renowned for its long beach and friendly waves Muizenberg has a long history that history buffs will find fascinating. With sites such as Rhodes Cottage, seaside home of Cecil John Rhodes, the site of The Battle of Muizenberg and Het Posthuys (The Post House)- one the oldest buildings in South Africa which was built by the Dutch East India Company. The waves are great for surfing, body boarding and swimming. There are also lifeguards on duty and shark spotters who look out for any sharks swimming anywhere near to shore.
St James
The next stop along is the seaside St James, here you will be able to swim in the sea-pool and sunbathe on the beach in front of the famous colourful beach huts. St James has many stairways leading up the mountain to Boyes Drive a road that lends a stunning perspective to your trip along the coast. This is a great beach for moms and their kids to catch some sun and enjoy the ocean.
Kalk Bay
The seaside fishing village of Kalk Bay is a must-see. Tucked out of the way of the often vicious South Easterly wind and nestled at the foot of the mountain, it is a truly magnificent place. With the aroma of rich espresso emanating from the many coffee shops mingled with the incense burning in others combined with the shades of sunlight in the hours just before it sets. Ask people about Kalk Bay and the adjectives fly; picturesque; quaint; vibrant; gypsy to name a few. The harbour sells fresh fish brought in on a daily basis. Kalk Bay is an article on its own. A walk along the harbour’s pier to the lighthouse is lovely whether it’s raining or shining.
Simons Town
The train slows and stops before your eyes are ready to leave the majestic ocean, you have reached the final stop – Simons Town. Dotted with aqua-marine coves between large grey granite boulders and with powder, white sand beaches Simons Town is a truly beautiful place. With places of interest such as Boulders Beach with its penguin sanctuary, the Scratch Patch, a gemstone treasure hunt and the South African Naval Base, be sure to set aside enough time to explore at leisure. Don’t worry about packed lunches either, all along this route are coffee shops, restaurants and confectionaries all enticing you in with their inviting smells and friendly staff.