For more than two centuries, Simon’s Town has been an anchorage for the British Navy and boasts a wealth of historic and strategic interest. The history of Simon’s Town is told in beautiful historic buildings, a great military past, and a very diverse and rich heritage.
Audio Tour of Simon’s Town
Start the day off by getting some coffee and doing the audio tour to get a sense of the place. The tour itself will start at the station, then move on to the now called “historical mile” and then finish in the village centre. At under $2 this adventure is super affordable and is narrated by the author Maureen Miller. You can take a listen to the tour here.
Coffee and pastries
The tour ends just in time at some great places to grab a bite to eat. The Sweetest Thing offers a perfect variety of things to eat from pastries, cakes to pies and sweet treats. You can also stop by Monocle & Mermaid for some delicious coffee or a wrap and have a look at some of their beautiful and local art work on sale.
Penguins
Getting the chance to visit the African Penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach is a definite must. Boulder’s Beach is a part of the South African National Park and it will be an honour to see these creatures in their natural habitat, just doing their thing.
Museums in Simon’s Town
The SA Naval Museum, the Simon’s Town Museum and the Warrior Toy Museum all have collections that will render you motionless and stuck in time for a while.
Stand at attention for Just Nuisance
You’ll be happy to find the beautiful and reminiscent statue of the Great Dane “Just Nuisance” on Jubilee Square. This dog wasn’t any ordinary dog, he was a legend. According to history, Just Nuisance served in the navy in the 1930’s. He is quite frankly the most famous dog in the history of the navy. With a special display about him in the Simon’s Town museum and a gravesite on Red Hill, this dog has been honoured for a very long time.
Fish & Chips
Grab a bite to eat for lunch at Bertha’s where you can have a platter of anything ranging from oysters, prawns calamari or the catch of the day, all while looking out onto the harbour. For a more classical approach to fish and chips you can head over to The Salty Sea Dog, and if you’re on your way to Cape Point and have already passed these places then fear not because the Black Marlin with its breathtaking views and great seafood is near.
Diving or Kayaking
Kayak along the coastline of False Bay with great views, penguins and dolphins all around you. If you’re more inclined to be under the water then you can also dive with seals if you want to get your adrenaline boosted or just have an adventure.
Shopping
Visit Jubilee Square for a very cool shopping experience. There’s also some cool vintage and second-hand stores all along the main road waiting for you to pop in.
Boat trips around Simon’s Town
Get your sea legs by becoming a sailor for the day in Simon’s Town by going on a boat trip where you ca go whale watching between June and November or appreciate the cliffs of Cape Point from the perspective of the ocean. The Simon’s Town Boat Company can also take you exploring caves in and around Cape Point.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s plenty of things to do in and around Simon’s Town this holiday season. A place where you can either relax or go on some adventure in this beautifully historic Naval town. If this sounds like something you’ll want to do then don’t hesitate to book a tour with us by following this link: https://africantraveldesk.com/tour-category/cape-peninsula-tours/