Hout Bay

Cape Town

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Hout Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town
Hout Bay
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Hout Bay Beach featuring a marina

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 MountainOpens in a new window 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 NoordhoekOpens in a new window 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Hout Bay

Future Found Sanctuary, Luxury Boutique Hotel By NEWMARK
Future Found Sanctuary, Luxury Boutique Hotel By NEWMARK
10 Hunters Way, Hout Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is P17,623 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P17,623
P20,266 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Table Mountain and Camps Bay Beach are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
"Absolutely stunning, extremely well maintained property and surrounding grounds. We also experienced exceptional levels of guest service from every single member of the team. Outstanding all round 4 night stay."

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2025

Future Found Sanctuary, Luxury Boutique Hotel By NEWMARK
Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is P9,552 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
P9,552
P11,095 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Taj Cape Town
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 P7,039 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
P7,039
P8,176 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (637 reviews)
"Good location and very friendly satff"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is P5,561 per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
P5,561
P6,395 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (515 reviews)
"We stayed at the Onyx for 6 days and enjoyed it very much. Staff were very helpful and housekeeping were very good. It is in a good location, felt quite safe and the Concierge was very helpful in organising additional tours. Close to Big Red Bus stop, which allowed us to take in Cape Town. Also visited ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,368 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
P6,368
P7,397 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Lovely hotel"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Hotel Sky Cape Town
Hotel Sky Cape Town
3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is P4,634 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P4,634
P5,382 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Long Street are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (262 reviews)
"Great stay at a super convenient hotel. Great breakfast options."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2025

Hotel Sky 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

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
Incredible scenic route

Bakoven

Bakoven is popular for its beautiful seaside views, and you might make a stop by Table Mountain National Park, a top place to visit in the area.

Bakoven
Camps Bay which includes a coastal town, landscape views and mountains

Camps Bay

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 coastal town and a beach

Clifton

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Clifton. You might want to make time for a stop at Clifton 2nd Beach or Clifton Bay Beach.

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

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

Hout Bay