Why Stay in Simon's Town?
Many visitors stay in central Cape Town and only visit Simon's Town for a few hours.
We think they're missing the best part.
Simon's Town offers a completely different pace of travel. Historic streets replace city traffic. Beaches are within walking distance. Mornings begin with penguins and coffee by the sea rather than queues and parking.
As the gateway to Cape Point Nature Reserve and one of South Africa's most important marine destinations, Simon's Town is one of the best places to base yourself while exploring the Cape Peninsula and Cape Town.
It's perfect for travellers looking to experience Cape Town differently.
Your Local Guide to Simon's Town & Beyond
The greatest luxury of staying at Bonne Esperance is having time to slow down.
Wake slowly with breakfast overlooking False Bay. Wander to a quiet beach with a book. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden beaches, historic streets or the dramatic coastline of Cape Point. Return home for a braai, a swim or simply enjoy the sunset on the deck.
Having called Simon's Town home for four years, we've discovered the places that don't always appear in guidebooks. These are the beaches where locals swim before work, the cafés we visit on a Sunday morning, the scenic drives worth taking slowly and the experiences we recommend to our friends and family.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, we'd love to help you experience the Cape Peninsula like a local.
Everything Within Easy Reach
Situated in peaceful Seaforth, Simon's Town, you're close enough to experience the very best of the Cape Peninsula while enjoying a quieter place to relax.
Approximate walking times:- 5 minutes — Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
- 5 minutes — Seaforth Beach
- 10-15 minutes — Simon's Town Town Pier and Marina
- 10-15 minutes — Restaurants, cafés and museums
- 15 minutes — Cape Point Nature Reserve
- 15 minutes — Kalk Bay
- 25 minutes — Noordhoek
- 35 minutes — Kirstenbosch Gardens
- 45 minutes — Cape Town City Centre
- 60 minutes — Cape Town International Airport
The Villa
The villa includes three spacious deluxe ensuite bedrooms, each with its own Victorian fireplace, together with three deluxe ensuite studios featuring private entrances and kitchenettes. Flexible king beds can be arranged as twin beds, while two studios include daybeds for children. Inside you'll find generous living spaces including a welcoming lounge, dining room and expansive kitchen. Outside, a sea-facing deck, swimming pool, terraced garden and braai area invite long afternoons together.
Explore Simon's Town - On foot
One of the best ways to experience Simon's Town is simply to wander. Victorian buildings, quaint cottages, naval history and hidden laneways reveal themselves around every corner.
Don't miss:- Historic High Street
- Hidden stairways and laneways
- Heritage buildings and churches
- Local galleries and artisan shops
- Simon's Town Museum
- South African Naval Museum
- SAS Assegaai Submarine Museum
- Heritage information boards throughout town
Many visitors focus on the shops, but Simon's Town's beautiful Victorian architecture, mountain backdrop, sea views and historical details reveal themselves as you explore.
Best Beaches in Simon's Town
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is just how many beautiful beaches are within walking distance of Bonne Esperance.
Whether you're looking for sheltered family swimming, snorkelling, penguins or somewhere quiet to read a book, there's a beach for every mood.
Seaforth Beach: A 2-minute walk away, this sheltered family-friendly beach offers calm swimming, granite boulders and grassy lawns perfect for picnics.
Water’s Edge: A 5-minute walk away, this hidden local favourite offers turquoise water, rock pools, great snorkelling and peaceful sunrise swimming.
Boulders Beach: A 5-minute walk away, this world-famous beach is home to African Penguins and sheltered swimming—visit early to enjoy it before the crowds.
Windmill Beach: A 15-minute walk away, this beautiful boulder-framed beach offers clear water and some of Simon’s Town’s best snorkelling and swimming.
Long Beach: A 25-minute walk away, this local favourite is ideal for shoreline walks, kayaking and cold-water swims, with coffee and a mobile sauna nearby.
Miller’s Point: A 10-minute drive away, this scenic swimming spot features a large tidal pool, calm bay and excellent snorkelling.
Foodie Favourites
Best views
Seaside Café – feet in the sand on Long Beach.
Saveur – elevated harbour views.
34º South – overlooking the marina.
Dixie's – panoramic False Bay views.
Korean Kitchen – overlooking the marina.
Our favourites
Best Coffee: Choir Speciality CoffeeBest Pastries: The Sweetest Thing
Best Beach Experience: Seaside Café
Best Hidden Gem: Cormorant Café
Best Alternative Cuisine: Korean Kitchen
Best Burgers: Peckish Penguin
Best Harbour Dining: Saveur
Best Craft Beer: Hickory Shack
Best Family Venue: 34º South
Best Sunset Meal: Dixie's
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Only a 15 minute drive from Bonne Esperance lies one of South Africa's most spectacular protected landscapes.
Spend an entire day exploring:
- Cape Point Lighthouse
- Cape of Good Hope
- Buffels Bay
- Diaz Beach
- Venus Pool
- Shipwreck viewpoints
- Walking trails
- Wildlife
- Fynbos
Local Tip: Most visitors only stop at the lighthouse.
Allow a full day to discover the beaches, hiking trails and quieter corners of the reserve.
Explore the Cape Peninsula
Simon's Town is perfectly positioned for easy day trips.
Kalk Bay: Working fishing harbour, boutiques, cafés and some of Cape Town's best restaurants.
Muizenberg: Surfing, colourful beach huts and family beaches.
Noordhoek: Farm Village, wineries, horse riding and Long Beach.
Kommetjie: Relaxed village atmosphere and dramatic Atlantic coastline.
Scarborough: A peaceful coastal village surrounded by nature.
Scenic Drives
Our favourites:- Simon's Town to Cape Point
- Simon's Town to Kommetjie via Misty Cliffs
- Simon's Town to Hout Bay via Chapman's Peak Drive
- Simon's Town to Muizenberg along False Bay
