Scenic Walks from Ocean View House

Waking up at Ocean View House in Camps Bay is a reminder of why Cape Town feels so effortlessly alive. Below, the Atlantic shimmers in the sun, waves catching the light as the quiet rhythm of the seaboard hums around you.

With us, stepping out doesn’t have to mean reaching for your car keys, but rather, lacing up your shoes and setting off on foot. For the eco-minded traveller, there is a particular joy in moving slowly, noticing the details, and letting the city reveal itself to you one step at a time.

A walking tour, Cape Town style, is not just sightseeing, it’s an invitation to connect with the Mother City on your own terms. (And feet!)

Below we’ll explore a few route options for you to take when staying at Ocean View House.

Start your day with a gentle stroll in Camps Bay, where white sand meets the Atlantic’s turquoise edge. Camps Bay is one of Cape Town’s most photographed beaches and it’s easy to see why: Palm trees lining the street, Beverley Hills-style, with dozens of cafés and restaurants ready to ply you with coffee, cocktails, and fantastic food – not to mention the views you’ll enjoy over the ocean! It’s lively, but relaxed, in a way only oceanside locations can be.

While walking, you’ll also pass boutique shops, art galleries, and swimmers coming for their pre-work dip in the Camps Bay tidal pool. Will you join them? Above, the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range comes into its own as the sun sets and illuminates its many crags; a backdrop so vivid it feels surreal.

A walking tour of Cape Town often begins right here, where the vibey beachfront atmosphere sets the tone for the day.

Duration: 30 – 60 min
Distance: +- 3 km round trip
Highlight: Sunrise, cafés, boutique shopping, beach vibes

Just a short walk north, the Sea Point Promenade stretches along the coastline, linking to Bantry Bay, which you can access from Camps Bay. (Although, it’s preferable to drive to Sea Point and enjoy the promenade walk from there.) This iconic pathway is perfect for a morning jog or a leisurely stroll, with the ocean at your side and Table Mountain looming in the distance.

It’s popular among Capetonians, too, who gather here at all hours of the day – to meet friends, look at art installations, walk their dogs and have post-run swims. You’ll also see paragliders coming in to land on the grass strip beside the cement walkway; as well as kids playing on the many jungle gyms and climbing structures.

In Cape Town, the Sea Point Promenade is a hub around which daily life in this pocket of the city revolves; a wonderful place for visitors to get a real taste for what living here is really like.

Duration: 60 – 90 min
Distance: +- 5 km one way
Highlight: Coastal path, public art, ocean views, daily city life

For those seeking a touch of elevation, Signal Hill and the foothills of Lion’s Head (not to mention the summit) offer accessible loops with panoramic views. And, with a city twisted around oceanside mountains, nowhere does panoramic views quite like Cape Town! You’ll soon see what we mean.

There are many parking lots around the base of these two popular locations, with paths being ideal for early mornings, when the city is still quiet and the air carries a crisp Atlantic tang.

Depending on where you climb from, walkers will soon be rewarded with views over Camps Bay, the city centre, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.

Carry a light picnic or a bottle of water from Ocean View House, and pause often to enjoy the view and snap some pics.

Duration: 60 – 120 min
Distance: +- 4 km loop (optional summit extension: + 2 km)
Highlight: Panoramic city and ocean vistas, wildflowers in spring

Tafelberg Road Walk: Starting from the boom gate on the tarred section of Tafelberg Road, this peaceful, traffic-free walk offers sweeping views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. The route curves gently around the base of Table Mountain, with occasional waterfalls cascading down the rock face after the rain. It’s an easy, scenic amble that beautifully captures the city’s contrasts, where mountain air meets urban energy. ±6 km return.

Historic Bo-Kaap Stroll: For a cultural twist, wander the cobbled streets of Bo-Kaap, where brightly painted houses and rich history meet at every corner. Photography enthusiasts will delight in the vibrant façades, and mindful walkers will appreciate the quiet respect owed to a living, breathing neighbourhood. A walking tour Cape Town style is incomplete without these pockets of history and colour, where the story of the city is told on the street.

St James to Muizenberg Coastal Walk: If you’re happy to venture a little further afield, the St James to Muizenberg coastal path is a special route worth the short drive. (About 35 minutes (30 km) from Ocean View House.) The walkway traces the curve of False Bay between the colourful bathing huts of Muizenberg and the tidal pool at St James, with waves lapping at the shore just metres away from you. It’s an easy, scenic stroll of around 2,5 km (5 km return), where you can watch surfers and swimmers and pause for coffee or ice cream along the way. It’s one of those walks that captures a different side of the Cape’s seaside charm. You’ll soon come to see that each of the city’s pockets has an energy all its own!

Trendy Streets: For a more urban twist, Bree Street and Loop Street offer compact stretches of Cape Town’s trendiest cafés, design shops, and galleries. While these streets are better suited for a short wander than a full walking tour Cape Town adventure, they provide a delightful pause between longer seaside or mountain routes. Sip a locally roasted coffee, admire street art, and watch the city wake around you, a short drive from Ocean View House.

Note: For guests who want to immerse themselves fully, guided walking tours offer insight into Cape Town’s flora, fauna, and history. We can organise you a tour that starts at Ocean View House, or elsewhere in the city, as a gentle and informative alternative to other touring options. On walking tours you’ll hear stories and anecdotes from locals that really transform a simple stroll into a memorable discovery. Chat to our friendly team at reception for recommendations.

It’s our belief that Cape Town is a city best felt at human pace and that walking opens up its subtleties in a way that driving simply can’t achieve on its own. Whether you set out directly from our gate or drive somewhere and then walk, we hope you spend a significant amount of time on your feet while in our city. It’s so worth it.

Ocean View House places you right at the centre of things, with the scent of sea salt, the hush of early morning streets and the interplay of sunlight on the ocean right at your feet. For eco-conscious travellers seeking an intimate connection with Cape Town, this is more than a hotel stay, it’s your launchpad for discovery!

If you’re ready to book your stay, get in touch with our reservations team at info@oceanview-house.com. Alternatively, browse our stay options and secure your own dates on our online booking platform.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Cape Town!