A beach for every mood
Walk the long white sand beach, build sandcastles with the kids or settle in for a sundowner as the light turns gold over the Sentinel.
Welcome to Hout Bay
Where the mountains meet the sea
A white sandy beach, a working fishing harbour and a friendly village, all surrounded by mountains. Hout Bay is the perfect base for exploring the Cape Peninsula.
Places to Eat & Drink
Harbour fish & chips, village cafés and sundowner spots.
Read the guide →Activities for Children
Beaches, seals, tree-top adventures and rainy-day fun.
Read the guide →How to Get Around
Scenic passes, buses, car hire and airport transfers.
Read the guide →Holiday Rentals & Accommodation
Guest houses, cottages, apartments and family homes.
Read the guide →
20 minfrom Cape Town
Your holiday starts here
Something for everyone, whatever your pace
Hout Bay is the perfect place for a holiday. Its white sandy beach, fishing harbour and thriving village are surrounded by beautiful mountains, and there's something for all ages, whether you enjoy adventure activities, scenic drives or just relaxing in the sunshine.
From here, the beautiful Chapman's Peak Drive starts the route to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape Winelands are about an hour away, and you can follow the Atlantic coast north to the West Coast National Park and its lagoon.
- Accommodation of every type and budget
- Vehicle hire, transfers and self-drive tours
- Adventure activities and day trips
Why visit
The village they call the "Republic"
Locals have long called it the Republic of Hout Bay, thanks to its independent spirit and the mountain passes that keep it tucked away from the city.
A real fishing harbour
Watch the fleet come in, see seals by the quay and taste fish that was caught that morning.
Mountains all around
Hike, bike or simply gaze up at the peaks that ring the valley, from Chapman's Peak to the back of Table Mountain.
One of the world's great drives
Chapman's Peak Drive winds along the cliffs above the Atlantic, with lookouts and picnic spots along the way.
Out on the water
Take a boat trip past the Sentinel to the seal colony on Duiker Island, or head out on a fishing trip.
The gateway to the Peninsula
Cape Point, the Winelands and the city are all within easy reach, so Hout Bay makes an ideal base.
1653First named by Jan van Riebeeck
9 kmof cliff-side Chapman's Peak Drive
3Scenic mountain passes in and out
1 hrto the Cape Winelands
Things to do
Plan your days in Hout Bay
From slow mornings at the harbour to adventures up the mountain, here's where to start.
Day trips
Hout Bay is your base for the Cape
We can help you plan an itinerary that includes everything you'd like to see.
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Drive Chapman's Peak and continue south to the tip of the Peninsula, with penguins, beaches and fishing villages along the way.
The Cape Winelands
Visit historic wine estates in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, or stay closer to home in Constantia.
West Coast National Park
Follow the Atlantic north to a turquoise lagoon, famous for its birdlife and spring wildflowers.
The Garden Route
Hout Bay is a great starting point for one of South Africa's most famous road trips.
Let us help plan your Hout Bay holiday
Accommodation, transport, day trips and activities. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll take care of the rest.