7 Reasons Why you should visit Camps Bay - while in Cape Town

Where you should stay and some of the best things to do

Cape Town was crowned the Best City in the World for 2025 – pretty cool, right? This award is just one reason, but travelers everywhere agree: Cape Town is a must-visit. When planning your trip, try to stay somewhere that catches those unforgettable sunsets, like Blouberg, Sea Point, or Camps Bay. In my opinion, Camps Bay is fresh, hip, and happening – the place to be. White sandy beaches, swaying palms, and awesome restaurants… what more could you want?

Scrolling through photos of Camps Bay is enough to make anyone want to book a flight! It truly is one of Cape Town’s most beautiful areas. Sure, the sunsets are legendary, the restaurants are fantastic, and the beaches are picture-perfect. But that’s just the beginning!

Camps Bay offers a vibrant mix of activities. You can hike the scenic 12 Apostles mountain range, explore the charming seaside village of Hout Bay, or even try your hand at surfing or watersports. The area also boasts a lively nightlife scene with trendy bars and clubs.

The famous Camps Bay Beach in South Africa

7 Best reasons to visit Camps Bay

It’s just one of those places that just makes you want to linger a little longer (extend your stay). Here are the top reasons to visit:

The Beach Itself – Wide stretches of white sand meet the Atlantic waves. It’s perfect for sunbathing, picnics, or just walking along the shoreline while the Twelve Apostles mountains rise dramatically behind you.
Spectacular Sunsets – Evening in Camps Bay is magic. The sky lights up in oranges and pinks as the sun dips behind the mountains, and the ocean reflects it all—a photographer’s dream.
Trendy Restaurants and Cafés – The beachfront is lined with spots offering everything from seafood tapas to gourmet burgers. Enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand or a cocktail with a view of the ocean.
Active Lifestyle Vibes – From jogging along the promenade to yoga classes on the beach and surfing in the waves, Camps Bay has an energizing, outdoor-focused atmosphere.
Proximity to Table Mountain and Lion’s Head – Hike early in the morning, then reward yourself with breakfast or brunch by the sea. The combination of mountain and ocean views is unbeatable.
Chic Shopping and Galleries – Explore boutique stores, art galleries, and local markets tucked along side streets, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs or Cape Town-inspired gifts.
Nightlife with a View – When the sun sets, Camps Bay doesn’t quiet down. Rooftop bars and beachfront lounges buzz with energy, offering cocktails, music, and views of the city lights shimmering on the ocean.

Camps Bay is a mix of natural beauty and cosmopolitan energy—sun, sea, mountains, food, and fun all in one stunning spot.

What to do in Camps Bay

..and near Camps Bay in the Cape Town area.

Apart from the fantastic beach and promenade where you can spend your days, the area around Camps Bay offers a lot of family adventures and more.

Take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Table Mountain is just around the corner
Do the famous Chapmans Peak Drive and explore Hout Bay and Noordhoek Between Campsbay and Hout Bay along the scenic road, you’ll find nice African Outdoor markets to buy souvenirs
If you’re traveling with the family, see our suggestions on a Fun Filled Family day in Cape Town
Take an early morning sunrise or sunset hike up Lion’s Head mountain
Book a hot air balloon ride in the winelands or do a wine tasting day trip to places like Paarl, Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
Explore the best Selfie- Instagram Spots in the Western Cape.
Go paragliding
Catch a show at Theatre on the Bay
You can visit The Castle of Good Hope and many more historical sites and museums
The V&A Waterfront is near and you can spend a day there, including a visit to the Aquarium
Visit Iziko South African Museum situated in the Company’s gardens
Next to the museum is the Planetarium
Also near to the museum and planetarium is the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood where you can attend an authentic Malay cooking class.

These are only a few options from the vast number of things available to do. Need more inspiration? Then explore Cape Towns’ Best Summer Party Vibe Restaurants.

Evenings in Camps Bay are awesome. After all you have the beautiful sunsets, and lively nightlife to enjoy. But sometimes it is also just nice to stay in your hotel, apartment or holiday home and enjoy some ‘me-time’.

Oh and remember Cape Town is one of the best places in the world to be on New Year’s Eve.

Getting around

Booking a rental vehicle is the best option when visiting Cape Town. Get a car with GPS and start exploring. Cape Town is beautiful and you have so much more to explore when you have your own car.

The nearest airport, would be Cape Town International (CPT)

Uber services are available in Cape Town, but can get a bit expensive if you want to explore outside of the city.

Some of our Best and famous accommodation options in Camps Bay

Everybody’s favorite hotel

Not only offering beautiful views and a stunning location, but also excellent service. Featuring 4 outdoor pools as well as a spa. A fabulous family friendly hotel that offers maybe one of the best breakfast buffets…

Book a beautiful room with a sea view for your vacation.

But if you’re on a business trip this is the place to unwind and recharge after a long day at work.

Oh and did I mention they are pet friendly as well, so you don’t have to travel alone.

The place to stay for 5-star luxury

Situated right at the heart of Camps Bay near restaurants and the beach. Enjoy summer walks on the promenade and the spectacular sunsets every night. They also offer self-catering accommodation. Location: Only 50 m from the beach and promenade.

The chic, ocean-view suites feature sleek, contemporary décor.

Guests can enjoy two pools, including a heated one, complete with sundecks and a poolside bar. There’s also a fully equipped in-house fitness center for those who want to stay active.

Find the best place for you to stay from more than 300 options – many with beautiful views and close to the beach, for your perfect summer vacation in Cape Town, South Africa.

How long should you stay?

The perfect stay in Cape Town, would be… forever…LOL – But seeing as you’re (for now) only visiting on vacation, we’ll recommend 4 – 6 days.

As Camps Bay is centrally located to Cape Town, it is easy to book here while in town for business. So then your stay would depend on the time needed for your work.

However we do suggest staying a few days longer. Even if you are on your own, at least book one extra night to enjoy a dinner at one of the excellent beachfront restaurants. Or get your family to join you and make it a holiday or a weekend getaway.

For a satisfying visit to Cape Town, 4 to 6 days is ideal. Here’s a practical breakdown:

Day 1 – City & Waterfront: Explore the V&A Waterfront, hop on a harbor cruise, and enjoy a sunset along the promenade.
Day 2 – Table Mountain & City Views: Hike or take the cable car up Table Mountain, then wander the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap.
Day 3 – Cape Peninsula: Drive the scenic route to Cape Point and see the penguins at Boulders Beach.
Day 4 – Winelands or Beaches: Spend a day in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek for wine tasting, or relax at Clifton and Camps Bay beaches.
Day 5 – Adventure & Nature: Optional activities like Shark Cage Diving, a helicopter tour, or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Day 6 – Hidden Gems: Explore neighborhoods like Hout Bay, Bloubergstrand, or Muizenberg for a more local vibe.

Everyone raves about Cape Town, often saying it’s even more stunning than they imagined. Visitors can’t get over the beauty of Camps Bay and the surrounding coastline, where soft white sandy beaches, palm trees, and turquoise waters create a picture-perfect backdrop at every turn. Don’t miss out.