St. James

Cape Town

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Cape Town featuring a coastal town
St. James showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and swimming
St. James which includes mountains, a beach and landscape views
St. James featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline as well as a small group of people

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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St. James Hotel Deals

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
$53 nightly
The price is $62 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$62 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,032 reviews)
"Booked as we were flying in late at night and this was just the job. Great price, straight to bed within an hour of landing."

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2025

Road Lodge Cape Town International Airport
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
$147 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$171 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and 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! (534 reviews)
"Good service"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2025

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
$121 nightly
The price is $139 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$139 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Long Street and Cape Town Stadium are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (285 reviews)
"Stayed for 1 night - great location if you're going to the CTICC, which I was - it's right across the road. The room was small but great, bed very comfy."

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2025

Hotel Sky 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$159 nightly
The price is $183 total per night from Oct 31 to Nov 1
$183 total
Oct 31 - Nov 1
Total with taxes and 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! (690 reviews)
"Proximity to Tours,shops,food. No negatives"

Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025

Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Taj Cape Town

Taj Cape Town

5 out of 5
1 Wale Street, corner St Georges Mall, Cape Town, Western Cape
$221 nightly
The price is $254 total per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
$254 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
Total with taxes and 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Wunderschönes Hotel in einer tollen Lage. Das Frühstücksbüffet war sehr umfangreich und lecker. Das Personal freundlich und professionell. Alles Top!"

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2025

Taj Cape Town
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, Western Cape
$107 nightly
The price is $126 total per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
$126 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (757 reviews)
"Not walkable and they only need more free shuttle accommodations. Transportation quite expensive even from the airport. Other than that it’s an amazing place"

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2025

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa
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

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
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

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


St. James

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