Recently appearing in the Time Out top 30 coolest suburbs in the world list, in at number 21 and beating London’s Kings Cross and Paris’s Le Maris, Sea Point thrums with life and is increasingly popular as a residential hub. Although the iconic paved promenade winds around from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point, it is known as the Sea Point Prom, and is enduringly popular, all year round. Grassy and landscaped spaces line one side and rocky,
sandy beaches the other, and it abounds with dog walkers, runners, cyclists and families simply enjoying the fresh air and ocean views.
Property in Sea Point is eclectic. An increasing number of high-rise apartment buildings attract young professionals and investors, whilst the array of two-and-three-storey houses, combining lovingly preserved heritage features with contemporary design flair, are home to families, often resident in the area for generations.
Three parallel main roads offer differing vibes and attractions - Beach Road has proximity to the ocean; Main Road, a panoply of cafes, restaurants, shops and boutiques, and High Level, magnificent views extending over the neighbourhood and out across the ocean. A network of connecting roads join the three, and apartment buildings and houses proliferate across the whole area.
Whilst there are plenty of opportunities to part with your money, Sea Point offers a host of free attractions, many of which are found on the prom.
Outdoor gym for the ultimate workout with a view! Carefully designed, with involvement from Biokenetics South Africa, to include a range or ergonomically correct equipment that can also withstand the weather, the gym is popular with families, sports teams and students.
The Mouille Point Adventure Playground, right next to the lighthouse, is a fabulous, spacious playground with jungle gyms, slides, fortresses and even a mini track for cycling. There is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic, too.
Saunders Rock Beach is a popular meeting point for locals and, increasingly, tourists, who take a dip in the tidal pool and relax on the rocks or beach with coffee, a picnic, friends.
Art can often be considered exclusive and inaccessible. However, following its choice as World Design Capital in 2014, Cape Town launched an initiative to integrate art into the landscape of the city, and the promenade was selected as an ideal gallery space. Along with the giant bronze-framed sunglasses, (a controversial memorial to Nelson Mandela), you will see impressive photograph displays, murals and installations.
There is also a range of very reasonably priced activities.
The beloved Sea Point Pool, with a striking Art Deco frontage, is a huge saltwater pool overlooking the ocean. It is very cheap, and offers not only the Olympic-sized main pool but also two children’s pools and a diving pool. Open 7 to 7 in the summer and 8 until 5, (12 on a Monday), in the winter.
Putt-putt, (or mini golf), is a popular family activity and the promenade course is fun and cheap, with ocean and Lion’s Head views. Expect each round to take around 40 minutes. Open daily, and booking is not normally required.
The bright blue miniature train in Mouille Point is a firm favourite with families and has its own play park with see-saws and a zipline, with plenty of space for picnics and parties.
https://thebluetrainpark.co.za
The Pavilion has an enticing array of stalls offering coffee, ice cream and snacks, all reasonably priced. During the summer there are lively salsa dancing sessions and if you want to cycle along the prom, bike hire is also available here.
Heading away from the ocean and promenade, there is a dazzling array of cafes and restaurants, many situated in Regents Road. To name but a few.
Mojo Market has an eclectic array of food choices – Indonesian, sushi, sticky ribs, fish and chips and more - along with live music, handicrafts and delicious coffee.
Arthurs Mini Super has a chilled diner/mini mart vibe. Fantastic coffee, delicious brunch, cocktails and evening specials, five minutes from the prom.
The Nines is one of Sea Point’s newer venues. With spectacular ocean views, it is perfect for sundowners and offers tasty seasonal food. Do book though.
Kleinskys Deli for the freshest, tastiest bagels you will have the pleasure of tasting. No more needs to be said!
Una Mas offers a modern take on cocktails and Mexican food. Buzzing with vitality, it is exceptional… the food delicious and the margaritas out of this world.
To immerse yourself in an elegant, bygone era, look no further than the Winchester.
Renovated recently, this beautiful Cape Dutch hotel faces the promenade. Sip cocktails on the terrace or enjoy afternoon tea in the tiled, verdant courtyard.
https://newmarkhotels.com/accommodation/the-winchester
For the best restaurants in Sea Point, check out this guide.
The oceanside location and enviable views, great eateries and varied amenities are all factors that make Sea Point enduringly popular, along with its central location. Perhaps more subtle is its urban, local neighbourhood vibe, and the feeling that it really is a living, breathing suburb where people live, work and play.
