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Though most of our travel days are carefully planned, I try to leave a day or two open for spontaneous activities.

As we have nothing scheduled post our Paragliding adventure, we hop on the Hop On Hop Off Bus for a self-guided Cape Town Beach Tour.

Hout Bay

During our tours earlier in the week, having fish and chips at Hout Bay, is recommended several times.

First, we do a little seal watching.

We hang out by the docks and witness several seals playing in the water and on the boats.

Soon, people start approaching us, offering to lure the seals to land with food, if we give them money. We politely decline. One woman is quite insistent, so it seems like a good time to end our seal viewing and take a walk on the beach.

The Hout Bay beach is smooth and sprawling.

The views, like all views in Cape Town, are lovely.

There are joyous children and dogs running about on the sand. Other people amble slowly, their faces marked with a look of contemplation that comes with taking a solo walk by the water.

It’s a nice, relaxing, respite, that could only be terminated by our rumbling stomachs.

Everyone recommended going to Hout Bay for fish and chips, but when we arrive, we discover that there are multiple fish and chips establishments. Normally I’m an obsessive researcher, but as this was an unplanned activity, I have no idea which place is the place to partake of the fishy fried delight. We end up going with The Seafood Bistro, because I like the seating area.

Picnic tables, filled with satisfied looking customers, dot the covered patio. There is live music playing and an overall animated vibe.

The fish and chips are good, but not the best we’ve had. The fish is a little soggy, but I think the chips/fries are excellent. They are extra crispy on the outside, and light and fluffy on the inside. Even when I am full, I can’t stop shoving them into my face.

The portion size is huge, so if you are going to get fish and chips, you might want to think about sharing one box.

One thing we find interesting is that the vinegar they serve with the fish and chips, is regular white vinegar, instead of malt vinegar. I give it a try and it isn’t bad, though I think I’ll stick to malt vinegar when available.

Lunch scarfed, we hop back on the bus to our next location.

Camps Bay

Passing through Camps Bay several times earlier in the week, I make a mental note that if we have time, it would be fun to check out the pretty beach, cool looking shops, and restaurants.

Facing the water, we first make our way to the left.

The left side of the beach is rocky, with a few little patches of sand here and there.

We have a great time scrambling around the rocks, attempting to get perfectly timed splash up shots.

I am amazed by the crystal clear water.

Of course the views are amazing.

Feeling we got a pretty good leg work out on the rocks, we think a leisurely meander on the right, sandy side of the beach, would be pleasant.

Clear of the rocky area, touts start to approach us. We firmly walk away from one after trying to politely decline, only to be approached immediately by the next, this goes on and on until we finally give up on a quiet, romantic, beach walk.

Refuge is found across the street in the shopping area, where we investigate the shops, lament that there will not be enough time later in the week to try some of the lovely restaurants, and indulge in a few scoops of ice cream.

Not loving Camps Bay as much as we thought we would, we board the bus back to the serenity of our beloved Sea Point.

Sea Point

Staying in Sea Point during our visit to Cape Town is one of the best decisions we have made in our travels. We are fortunate to stay at The Peninsula All-Suites Hotel, which is directly across from the Sea Point Promenade and beach.

Sea Point’s beach is covered in thousands of shells.

There are some interesting spots along the beach, as well as little swimming areas.

We take full advantage during our stay, walking along the promenade every day.

Some days we walk in the morning while sipping coffee.

There are days when we only walk until we reach the food court.

On other days, we wander all the way to Moullie Point (and sometimes beyond).

There are always joggers and a plentiful amount of dogs being walked. Families and children bounce around the play areas that seem to pop up every few feet. Each has its own cool theme and unique playground equipment. Our favorite is the playground with the train.

One day parts of the promenade are closed off for a movie shoot.

With the sea, mountains, and art scattered about, each walk offers inspiration.

In the evenings we linger, waiting for the sun to entertain us with its colorful disappearing act.

On our last evening, there is a fire in the distance, awashing the sunset in thick, dark, smoke.

When I’m home, and having a rough day, I close my eyes and escape to a place in my past travels. The Sea Point Promenade has been added to that list of places.

There were a few other beaches that we didn’t get to during our stay in Cape Town, but I’m happy we were able to experience three of the major spots. If you are visiting Cape Town, I highly recommend taking time out to complete your own beach tour.

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