Cape Town is world-famous for iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and the Camps Bay strip. These locations are celebrated for a reason, and well worth your time, but what if we told you that beyond the well-trodden tourist path lies a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered?

If you’re staying at Ocean View House and are looking for lesser-known beaches, cocktail spots or outdoorsy things to do, allow us to present you with a few nearby options that will give you a taste of the Mother City as locals know it.

Nearby Beaches That Locals Love

Cape Town’s coastline is one long dreamscape, with world-class beaches that seem to appear around every bend of the many passes that intersect our mountain-hugging city.

Skip the crowds and try these smaller beaches that locals love instead:

Beta Beach – Nestled between the more famous beaches of Camps Bay and Bakoven, and just 500m from Ocean View House, Beta Beach is a serene and secluded spot. With calm waters and stunning mountain views, this beach is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Arrive early to secure a prime spot.

Bali Beach – A small, rocky cove tucked away on Bakoven; perfect for a sunrise swim or sunset views. Bali Beach is just a 15-minute walk from our front door.

Cosy Bay – En route to the busier Llandudno, Cosy Bay (or Sandy Cove) is a small, sheltered cove with clear, inviting waters. It’s a fantastic spot for a peaceful swim.

Lesser-Known Scenic Hikes

Cape Town is known for its spectacular hiking trails, many of which offer breathtaking views of the city.m Here are some local favourites near us:

Pipe Track – Starting in Camps Bay, the Pipe Track is an easy, scenic walk along Table Mountain’s lower slopes, offering panoramic views of the coastline, Twelve Apostles, and the city.

Lions Head to Signal Hill – This lesser-known trail connects Lions Head and Signal Hill, offering beautiful views of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the city. It’s a good alternative to the busier Lion’s Head hike.

Kasteelspoort Trail – Starting in Camps Bay, the Kasteelspoort Trail is a moderately challenging hike up Table Mountain. Again, the views will take your breath away! (As well as the climb…) It’s a quieter, local favourite compared to the busy Platteklip Gorge ascent. We suggest you do this with a local guide, whom we can recommend.

Coffee Culture

Just like our city’s people, Cape Town’s café scene is vibrant and eclectic. Coffee is no small matter in this city, with excellent outlets available on nearly every street.

Where do Capetonians go for their coffee fix?

Truth Coffee Roasting – A steampunk-inspired café that serves some of the best coffee in the world, roasted in-house, Truth is in the CBD on Buitenkant St.

Our Local – Nestled on Kloof Street, this charming café blends Mediterranean flavours with a cosy, vintage-inspired setting. Perfect for coffee, brunch, and laid-back dining in the heart of Cape Town.

The 41 – A stylish café with fantastic coffee and beautiful views of Camps Bay beach, offering a laid-back vibe for coffee lovers.

Ground Art Caffé – A fusion of coffee and creativity, this stylish café also doubles as an art gallery.

Coffee Truck – Look out for the coffee truck on your way to Hout Bay about 1 km from Ocean View House. As we say in South Africa, ‘Local is lekker!’

Cocktail Hour

Camps Bay is known for its unbeatable sunsets – many of which you will enjoy from Ocean View House’s elevated vantage point.

If you do feel like heading out for drinks, however, you’re in luck! The strip is packed with bars where you can enjoy a good sundowner. Local favourites:

Chinchilla – A slightly more understated beachside bar with a casual atmosphere and creative cocktails, perfect for those who want a quieter evening by the sea.

The Bungalow (Clifton) – This iconic spot is to Cape Town what Freddy Mercury House is to Zanzibar. It’s rather upscale, but this also means you’re in for more of a relaxed night away from the bustling crowd.

Other Local Activities To Try

If you ever wondered what activities Capetonians fit into their week, here’s an idea:

Bakoven Beach – Many Capetonians head for the rocks on Bakoven Beach after work to watch the sunset or to cold water plunge in the icy waters of the Atlantic. Luckily for guests, it’s just a stone’s throw from Ocean View House.

Labia Theatre – This vintage, independent cinema is where Capetonians go to watch movies. No blockbusters here – mostly indie films, classics and international releases. It also has a liquor license.

Secret Sunrise – Start your day with a silent, disco-style dance session at breathtaking locations around the city. (It’s best to follow @secretsunrisecpt for updates.)

Cape Town FreeDiving – Explore the magical kelp forests of Camps Bay and surrounds with expert guides – no scuba gear required.

Oranjezicht Market – Locals love to buy their fresh produce here on weekends.

Prom Walks – The Seapoint Promenade features on most locals’ weekly schedule. Few know that you can actually access it from Camps Bay’s side – aim for Bantry Bay and just keep walking!

Explore Cape Town Your Way

Every explorer knows that a city’s soul resides in its people. Therefore, to truly know Cape Town, you must do as the Capetonians do, tasting a little bit of the lifestyle for which the Mother City is famous.

After a day of discovery, Ocean View House provides the perfect retreat, where breathtaking ocean views await!

We look forward to seeing what Cape Town has in store for you.

Image credits:
Pipe Track – Tamlyn Amber Wanderlust
Chinchilla Rooftop Bar – The Kove Collection
Oranjezicht City Market
Sea Point Promenade – Pexels Athraa Voterson