Accommodation in Simonstown
Simonstown has 8 properties available for visitors, with nightly rates running from R1,200 to R2,714, which gives a reasonable spread across budget levels for a small coastal town.
At the more affordable end, bed and breakfasts provide a simple, well-priced base, typically owner-run and well placed for getting local advice. These suit solo travellers or couples who want comfort without spending heavily on accommodation. A single self-catering property rounds out the budget-friendly tier for those who prefer cooking their own meals, a practical choice for families or longer visits where eating out every night adds up.
The mid-range is anchored by Simonstown's hotels, which come in at an average of around R2,130 per night. Hotels here tend to have more structured facilities than smaller properties and often include communal areas that work well for those arriving without a car.
Guest houses occupy the upper tier, averaging R2,604 per night. They generally offer more character than hotels, with some occupying older buildings that reflect the town's history. The ambience tends toward the personal rather than the corporate. At the very top of the market, one bed and breakfast listing reaches R2,714 per night, suggesting a boutique-style experience with added comforts.
A practical note: the town's properties are spread across different parts of Simonstown, from the historic main street precinct to quieter residential and beachside areas. Checking the location of your property relative to Boulders Beach or the waterfront, and whether parking is included, matters more here than in larger towns with reliable local transport. With only 8 properties in total, options narrow quickly during busy periods, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Things to Do in Simonstown
The African penguin colony at Boulders Beach is the town's best-known attraction. Boardwalk paths run close enough to the birds for good observation without disrupting them, and spring brings newly hatched chicks into the mix. The site is managed by South African National Parks, entry fees apply, and it is busy during summer months, so arriving early in the morning makes a difference.
Seaforth Beach, a short drive south of the main street, is sheltered and good for swimming. False Bay's water on this side of the Cape Peninsula is generally warmer than the Atlantic-facing beaches near Cape Town, and the conditions are calm enough for children and less confident swimmers.
The South African Navy Museum on the waterfront is free to enter and covers the country's naval history from the colonial period through to the post-apartheid era. Ship models, submarine hardware, and archival photographs fill the exhibits. The historic buildings along St George's Street are worth a slow walk, with Victorian and Edwardian facades in reasonable preservation.
Hiking trails connect directly into the Table Mountain National Park from the town's edges. Routes range from short beach-level walks to longer climbs through fynbos, where proteas, ericas, and restios dominate the hillsides. The coastal path above town offers viewpoints across False Bay, and dolphins are a common sight from elevated sections.
Local restaurants along the waterfront serve fresh fish and Cape Malay-influenced dishes, reflecting the town's fishing history. Most are open for lunch and dinner, and seafood dominates the menus.
Best Time to Visit Simonstown
The climate follows a Mediterranean pattern, with dry summers and wetter winters. Summer runs from November through February, with temperatures commonly reaching 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. This is peak season for beach swimming and general outdoor activity, and visitor numbers are highest in December and January during South African school holidays.
Autumn, from March to May, is often the most comfortable time to visit. Temperatures remain mild, crowds thin after the school holiday rush, and trail conditions are generally good. The fynbos begins to show post-summer interest for wildflower walks.
Winter, from June to August, brings cooler temperatures, dropping to lows around 7 to 10 degrees at night, and more rain. The southerly Cape Doctor wind can be disruptive. However, winter marks the arrival of southern right whales in False Bay, with the season running roughly from July to November. Watching from the coastal cliffs above town is a realistic option for those willing to dress warmly and wait.
Spring, from September to October, sees warming temperatures and the fynbos flowering season at its peak. This shoulder period combines decent weather with manageable visitor numbers, making it a good option for those who find summer crowds a drawback.
Getting to Simonstown
Cape Town International Airport handles both domestic flights from Johannesburg, Durban, and other South African cities, as well as international arrivals. By road, Simonstown is roughly 60 kilometres south of the airport. The drive, heading south through Cape Town's suburbs before joining the False Bay coastline, takes between 50 minutes and 90 minutes depending on traffic.
From central Cape Town, the most direct route runs approximately 35 kilometres south along the M3 through Newlands and Wynberg before joining the M4 at Muizenberg. The M4 follows the False Bay shore, passing through St James and Fish Hoek before reaching Simonstown. This coastal stretch is straightforward to drive, though it can narrow in places and sees traffic congestion during summer weekends.
The Simon's Town railway line offers a direct connection from Cape Town Central station. Trains run throughout the day and the journey takes about an hour. The fare is inexpensive, and several of the intermediate stops, including Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, are destinations in their own right. That said, the service has experienced reliability issues in recent years, and checking current timetables before travelling is worthwhile.
Within Simonstown itself, a car gives the most flexibility. Rideshare apps operate in the area, but response times can be longer than in the city, particularly late in the evening.
Simonstown and Surrounding Areas
Simon's Town at 0 kilometres is simply the formal place name for the same town. It appears separately on maps and in some official contexts due to historical convention, but visitors will find no practical distinction.
Fish Hoek, 7 kilometres north, offers one of the safest swimming beaches on the Peninsula. The bay here is well sheltered, with warm False Bay water and a long sandy stretch that suits families. The town is predominantly residential, but there are cafes, a supermarket, and a small commercial centre that makes it a convenient stop for supplies.
Muizenberg, 10 kilometres further along the coast, built its reputation on surfing. The consistent, gentle beach break draws learners year-round, with surf hire shops and schools operating along the beachfront. The row of colourful wooden bathing boxes facing the beach dates to the Victorian era and are widely photographed. The town also has a growing food and arts scene along Main Road.
Kommetjie, 12 kilometres to the southwest on the Atlantic side of the Peninsula, is quieter and windier. Long Beach here attracts kite surfers and experienced wave riders. The Slangkop Lighthouse is visible from the beach. The Imhoff Farm complex nearby hosts a small market and artisan food producers on weekends.
Grassy Park, 17 kilometres away, is a residential suburb with no specific visitor draw. It sits along the main road corridor back toward Cape Town and is useful for orientation.
Hout Bay, 19 kilometres to the north, centres on a working fishing harbour. Short boat trips from the harbour reach Duiker Island, where a large Cape fur seal colony hauls out year-round. Chapman's Peak Drive, which departs from Hout Bay heading north toward Noordhoek, is one of the more dramatic cliff-hugging coastal roads in South Africa, carved into the rock face above the Atlantic.
Planning Your Stay
Booking early is the single most important step when planning a trip to Simonstown. With fewer than ten properties in town, availability during school holidays and peak summer months is limited, and last-minute bookings often leave visitors staying in Fish Hoek or Muizenberg instead. For travel outside peak periods, two to four weeks of lead time is usually sufficient, though popular guest houses fill ahead of the whale season in July and August.
Before confirming a property, check its exact location within the town. The distance from some properties to Boulders Beach or the main street is not always obvious from booking platforms, and the town spreads further than it looks on a map. If you are planning to travel without a car and rely on the train, verify that your accommodation is reachable on foot from Simon's Town station.
Consider whether your accommodation includes breakfast or a kitchen, as the restaurant options in town, while good, are limited in number. If you plan to cook, confirm there is a supermarket within practical reach. The southerly wind can be strong in summer, particularly in afternoons, so factor this in when planning activities that require calm conditions. Checking cancellation policies before booking is practical, as weather can affect plans on any given day.
