St. James

Cape Town
Cape Town featuring a coastal town
Visit this laid-back beach village on Cape Town’s False Bay coastline for scenic walks, hikes in the Silvermine Nature Reserve and wildlife spotting.

Set against a mountain backdrop and affording uninterrupted views of False Bay is the pretty seaside village of St. James. First inhabited by shipwrecked sailors, St. James attracts visitors with its family-friendly beach and colonial architecture, wildlife spotting, coastal walks and hikes to viewpoints.

The small beach is a focal point of the village and its colorful Victorian beach huts make a beautiful photograph with the mountain in the background. A tidal pool toward the south end of the beach offers a safe swimming environment and generally warmer water than the surrounding ocean. Kids can enjoy exploring the rock pools and looking for sea creatures. From June to November it’s possible to spot southern right whales from the beach.

Walk north from the village along a coastal pathway to the beachside suburb Muizenberg. Watch surfers and fisherman and spot seals playing on the rocks. Keep an eye out for colonial-era houses, including the 19th-century St. James Cottage. It’s said that during the Anglo-Boer War, the cottage’s owner hid prisoners of war in the loft and then aided in their escape across the bay.

Along St. James main road you’ll find a handful of bars, restaurants and galleries. Stop by the Artvark Gallery to see sculpture, ceramic and steelwork displays as well as photography and painting exhibitions. Continue walking until you reach Kalk Bay, a village known for its cafés, bookstores and antique shops. Go to the harbor to arrange a boat trip to Seal Island, home to a large colony of seals. From April to August you might also see great white sharks.

For more views of False Bay, follow the hiking trails that lead from Boyes Drive into the Silvermine Nature Reserve. The trails pass forest and orchards, waterfalls and interesting rock formations. Visit the official website of Table Mountain National Park for more information

St. James is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town’s city center. Street parking is free. A fun way to get here is on the Atlantic Rail steam train that travels between Cape Town and Simon’s Town. Find full details on the train’s official website.


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Things to do


St. James Hotel Deals

Taj Cape Town
Taj Cape Town
5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $127 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$127
includes taxes & fees
$110 per night
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Great Hotel!
"Great Staff, acomodation and food!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2024

Taj Cape Town
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
4 out of 5
Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is $184 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
$184
includes taxes & fees
$160 per night
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (428 reviews)
"Nice breakfast buffet and hotel staff was good. The location is "clean" industrial, with train track right out front and shipping docks across the street. I think that the property is a good deal with the included meals."

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024

AC Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
3 out of 5
Adjoining BP Service & Filling Station, at Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is $50 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
$50
includes taxes & fees
$43 per night
Aug 11 - Aug 12
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Athlone Stadium and GrandWest ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Easy stay,great dinner and clean rooms"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2024

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
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 $188 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$188
includes taxes & fees
$164 per night
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal ...
9/10 Wonderful! (447 reviews)
Convenient Tourist Walking, no need for a car!
"Mainly I would like to say, is my visit to CapeTown was safe and wonderful at this hotel."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2024

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Hyatt Regency Cape Town
5 out of 5
BUITENGRACHT STREET, CAPE TOWN CITY, CENTRE, 126, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is $118 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$118
includes taxes & fees
$103 per night
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Cruise ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (528 reviews)
"The property was well maintained and secure."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2024

Hyatt Regency Cape Town
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
4 out of 5
15 Michigan Street, Airport Industria, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is $111 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
$111
includes taxes & fees
$95 per night
Aug 9 - Aug 10
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the comfy rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"What a fantastic hotel for a night stay awaiting a delayed flight. The breakfast was outstanding. The most choices I’ve ever been offered including a juice bar. The service was amazing. I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
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 neighborhoods around St. James

Fish Hoek

Fish Hoek

Fish Hoek is a destination travelers like for its seaside views, and you might hop aboard the metro at Fish Hoek Station or Sunny Cove Station to explore sights like Table Mountain National Park.

Fish Hoek
Simon\'s Town

Simon's Town

Seaside views and waterfront views are highlights of Simon's Town. Make a stop by Boulders Beach or Table Mountain National Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Simonstown Station to get around town.

Simon's Town
Groot Constantia Winery

Constantia

5/5(7 area reviews)

Unique features of Constantia include the wineries and gardens. Make a stop by Groot Constantia Winery or Constantia Village while you're exploring the area.

Constantia
Hout Bay Beach which includes landscape views, hiking or walking and general coastal views

Hout Bay

3.5/5(9 area reviews)

Seafood restaurants, seaside views, and waterfront views are some highlights of Hout Bay. Make a stop by Llandudno Beach or Hout Bay Beach while you're exploring.

Hout Bay
Simon\'s Town featuring boating, mountains and general coastal views

Cape Peninsula

5/5(11 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Cape Peninsula, check out sights like Boulders Beach or Table Mountain National Park and hop on the metro to see more the city at Simonstown Station or Glencairn Station.

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

Camps Bay

4.5/5(61 area reviews)

Affluent suburb with a picturesque bay, Camps Bay offers a variety of beaches, including the popular Camps Bay Beach and Glen Beach for surfing. Explore the open-air curio market at Koeël Bay and enjoy picnics at Oudekraal, all near hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Camps Bay

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