With its bustling high street and a flourishing sense of community, Sea Point is close to the city centre yet has a strong identity of its own.
About the area
Multicultural, cosmopolitan and vibey, the suburb welcomes people from all walks of life and, despite the rising tide of gentrification, the new developments and affluent apartment buildings lining the beachfront, it retains a down-to-earth, urban atmosphere. Generations of families still live in neighbouring streets, and shops and family businesses that have been going for 30 years or more line the high street alongside the latest trendy eateries and glossy new business hubs.
Sea Point’s jewel in the crown is its promenade stretching all the way from Bantry Bay to Mouille Point, with wide grassy stretches for impromptu soccer games, play areas, outdoor gyms and public art installations. Here you meet the whole community on an evening out for a run, a family stroll, cycling, skateboarding or dog-walking, with the scent of the ocean breeze to freshen even the hottest summer day. The four open-air salt water pools at the Pavilion are another huge drawcard, in winter patronised by the intrepid few doing their daily lengths, in summer attracting people from all over Cape Town to enjoy the seaside holiday vibe.
What residents love most about Sea Point is its urban village feel. Everything is within walking distance, from a huge choice of cafes and restaurants to shopping, sports and entertainment facilities. Walk to Cape Town Stadium for concerts and big matches, to Green Point Urban Park for green open spaces, and all the sports clubs and golf on the Green Point Common. The city centre is easily accessible by MyCiTi bus or car as are the beaches at Clifton and Camps Bay. And everywhere you go, mountain views and ocean vistas breathe fresh energy into the city streets.
I love taking my bike and cycling to the Sea Point pools, which visually take my breath away every time. I love the shared public space of the promenade and that Sea Point is multicultural, multi-income, and pedestrian. Everyone walks, runs or cycles around here.
Lucie Demoyencourt, artist and resident
Best in food:
- La Mouette Restaurant for affordable fine dining
- Sundoo for excellent Indian food
- My Sugar for artisan chocolate and decadent treats
- Kleinsky’s Delicatessen for breakfast
- Engruna Eatery for pizzas and gourmet burgers
Things to do:
- Run, walk, skate along the promenade.
- Swim in one of four salt water pools at the Pavilion.
- Enjoy sundowners on Saunders Rock Beach.
- Hunt for second-hand book bargains at Cafda Books.
- Take the kids to Green Point Urban Park.
Top schools nearby:
- Herzlia Weizmann Primary
- Sea Point Primary School
- Sea Point High School
- Camps Bay High School
- Cape Town French School
- Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
Take a spectacular journey through the Atlantic Seaboard here:
