Hout Bay Travel Guide

Cape Town
Hout Bay Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach
Browse stalls and enjoy live music in the harbor market, trek along the mountain trails and surf atop Atlantic swells.

Hout Bay is a valley town in the shadow of enormous Table Mountain and its national park. It offers one of the world’s top surfing spots, a rich fishing scene and a variety of hotels to suit vacationers’ budgets. Admire the flowing stream of the Hout Bay River meandering through the center of the town.

Rent a car to drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, an acclaimed route hugging the sides of its namesake mossy green mountain and overlooking the ocean. The scenic road is part of the Cape Argus Cycle Race and the Two Oceans Marathon. Hike along the myriad trails through the mountain vegetation surrounding the town.

Stroll along the quaint Hout Bay Harbour and admire the colorful array of boats. Chat with local fishermen and rent equipment to catch yellowfin tuna and spot sea birds flying overhead. Get a glimpse into the local culture at the Bay Harbour Market, which has live music performances, arts and crafts stalls and food sections.

Spread a blanket on the sand at Hout Bay Beach for your family and friends and enjoy a picnic. Try sea kayaking and surfing in the water, which is ideal for swimming. Surfers should head to Dungeons, a highly acclaimed spot with consistently large Atlantic swells. Attend the annual Red Bull Big Wave Africa at the end of July.

Note that the name of the town also refers to the bay itself and the entire valley. Try the area’s local specialties, such as fish and chips and other seafood in the high-end restaurants.

Expect a pleasant climate year-round. Hout Bay has mild winters with fairly cold lows and hot summers from November to March.

Find the town 12 miles (20 kilometers) southwest of Cape Town in the province of Western Cape. It is just north of the communes of Noordhoek and Kommetjie on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula.

Hout Bay is a lively port town with an active marina, spectacular mountain views and sandy beaches.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Hout Bay

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
2 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹3,223 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
₹3,223
per night
8 Jun - 9 Jun
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"closeness to airport and shuttle service"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹10,958 per night from 26 May to 27 May
₹10,958
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Very nice people"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Taj Cape Town
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
3 out of 5
Cnr Dock And Alfred Roads, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹6,583 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
₹6,583
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (715 reviews)
"The rate was very reasonable compared to other nearby properties so we didn’t really have high expectations. Our room was spacious and contained good variable lighting excellent rain shower. But best of all was the friendly and helpful staff. We couldn’t wish for better place so close to the waterfront ..."

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

City Lodge Hotel Victoria And Alfred Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹10,833 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
₹10,833
per night
1 Jun - 2 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (410 reviews)
"Staff were extremely courteous and helpful."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Silo 6, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is ₹13,862 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
₹13,862
per night
11 Jun - 12 Jun
Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (428 reviews)
"absolutely gorgeous view from my room; decor was funky and functional; was only here on an overnight layover; wish i had longer! definitely hope to be back! was right in the heart of V&A waterfront - steps from the hotel"

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
5 out of 5
BUITENGRACHT STREET, CAPE TOWN CITY, CENTRE, 126, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundable
The price is ₹9,121 per night from 31 May to 1 Jun
₹9,121
per night
31 May - 1 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (508 reviews)
"Great staff and a nice room and view. Regency Club benefits not always clear as there is no lounge. Housekeeping staff very sweet."

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Hout Bay

Groot Constantia Winery

Constantia

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Table Mountain National Park while you're exploring the area.

Constantia
Camps Bay which includes mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

Camps Bay

4.5/5(51 area reviews)

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Camps Bay
Clifton Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town

Clifton

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Clifton. You might want to make time for a stop at Clifton Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park.

Clifton
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Gardens

The picture-perfect mountain views and lively bars are top of the list for many visitors to Gardens. A stop by Kloof Street or Bree Street might round out your trip.

Gardens
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Bantry Bay

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Bantry Bay is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Sea Point Promenade and Table Mountain National Park while in the area.

Bantry Bay
Cape Town which includes a city and night scenes

City Bowl

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of City Bowl. Make a stop by South African Museum and Planetarium or Kloof Street while you're exploring the area.

City Bowl


Hout Bay Travel Guide