On the edge of False Bay where granite boulders meet icy Atlantic swells, Simon’s Town hums with sea air and old stories. It’s one of South Africa’s most historic towns — a working harbour, a naval base, and a village that feels paused in time, yet still deeply alive. Here, pastel facades lean into the mountain, penguins wander across footpaths, and locals greet each other with nods that say, we know how good we’ve got it.
Walk Through Time — and Take Your Time
Simon’s Town has rhythm, but it doesn’t rush. Start your visit with a slow walk down St George’s Street, the town’s historic spine. It’s lined with 18th- and 19th-century buildings, many now turned into galleries, cafés, and curiosities.
Stop at The Warrior Toy Museum — a local secret with more than 4,000 model cars, trains, and figurines — and then step into the Simon’s Town Museum for a moving look at the area’s naval, colonial, and apartheid-era past. Don’t miss the South African Naval Museum, with submarine mock-ups, torpedoes, and naval relics that trace South Africa’s maritime legacy from the 1600s to today.
History here isn’t dry — it’s everywhere. You’ll see it in the old cannon placements above town. In the statues. In the cemeteries. And in the legendary tale of Just Nuisance, the only dog ever officially enlisted in the Royal Navy.
Yes, he has his own grave and a statue in Jubilee Square, where markets and performers still bring energy to the cobbled streets.
For an immersive storytelling experience, download the VoiceMap audio tour of the Simon’s Town Historic Mile — it starts at the train station and ends in the village, peppered with tales of Admiralty House, the Royal Navy, and old cannons that once guarded the bay.
Outdoor Rituals & Local Love
If you needed proof that Simon’s Town dances to its own rhythm, consider this: a recent photo that made the rounds on social media showed a local baboon monitor — yes, that’s an actual job — stopping traffic at a pedestrian crossing to let a baboon family cross the road safely. Only in Simon’s Town does wildlife conservation come with reflective vests, walkie-talkies, and an instinct for when the baboons need the right of way.
Locals swim year-round in Froggy Pond and Windmill Beach, quiet coves just beyond the tourist-heavy Boulders. If you’re lucky, you’ll share the water with a penguin or three. The best snorkeling and paddleboarding is here in the early morning when the bay is glassy and blue.
The Waterfall Trail is a short favourite for hikers in the know, leading to Admiral’s Waterfall, a secret spot tucked into the hills behind town. More adventurous walkers can trek up to Just Nuisance’s Grave for panoramic views across False Bay. Pack snacks — it’s worth a rest at the top.
For marine adventurers, Simon’s Town offers kayaking, diving, and snorkelling tours — with Cape fur seals, dolphins, penguins, and even whales in season. Explore with Pisces Divers, Cape RADD, or Apex Shark Expeditions if you’re after a thrill.
Food with Salt and Soul
You can’t leave Simon’s Town without seafood. The Lighthouse Café is a local gem for mussels, line fish, and creamy risottos. For a view with your plate, try Bertha’s or the legendary Seaforth Restaurant — both facing the ocean.
Need something quicker? Grab a no-fuss fish and chips parcel from Salty Sea Dog or a casual meal at Black Marlin, perched just outside town with unbeatable False Bay views.
Tucked into the lanes behind the main road, Monocle & Mermaid is the kind of coffee shop where locals queue for cinnamon buns and pour-over brews. If you’re after something cooler, the gelato at Sav Café hits just right after a beach walk.
Craft beer drinkers and wine lovers should head to One Three Six — a restaurant and cellar tucked away near the top of town. Ask for the daily chalkboard special. For special occasions, Saveur offers elevated dining just off the main square.
People, Makers & Local Treasures
Simon’s Town has always been a town of tradespeople, sailors, artists, and storytellers. Today, it’s home to painters, sculptors, and photographers who exhibit in small galleries around town. Pop into Chantal Organic Art or Studio 6 along the main street. Some weekends, Red Hill hosts open studios where you can buy work directly from local creators.
Stop in Jubilee Square for curios, vintage shops, and occasional live performances. Local artists sell paintings, beadwork, and handmade goods, while boutiques nearby offer everything from books to nautical antiques. The yacht basin beyond is a favourite for photographers — and dreamers.
Simon’s Town Explorer’s Day Plan
Morning: – Sunrise at Boulders Beach before the crowds – Coffee at Monocle & Mermaid – Walk through the Simon’s Town Museum, Naval Museum, and Warrior Toy Museum
Midday: – Snorkelling or kayak tour along the coast – Lunch at Lighthouse Café or Seaforth – Browse shops and galleries along St George’s Street and Jubilee Square
Afternoon: – Short hike to Admiral’s Waterfall or Just Nuisance’s Grave – Gin and oysters at Harbour Bay Market if it’s the weekend
Evening: – Dinner at One Three Six or Saveur – Slow harbour walk beneath the lamps and yacht masts
Seasonal Notes
- Summer: Best for swims, boat tours, and live street culture
- Autumn: Crisp days, clear hikes, and perfect seafood weather
- Winter: Whale season, moody skies, and long lunches by the fire
- Spring: Blooming fynbos, penguin chicks, and clear bay waters
One Last Thought…
Simon’s Town remains home to the South African Navy, though its glory days feel like a distant signal from across the bay. These days, the ships are fewer, the brass less polished… but we’re optimistic. And until further notice, the penguins remain our strongest line of defense.
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