Posted on: Monday, 1 November 2010

I ♥ Sea Point because...

Posted to: Visitorials: We Love South Africa, Western Cape, Western Cape Visitorials

I ♥ Sea Point

Hi, I’m Candy. I’ve lived in Sea Point for the past 20 years and so know it very well.

SEA POINT IS BEST KNOWN FOR its bustling 24-hour cosmopolitan vibe and just about everything you need is found in this part of the city. Sea Point seems to hum with non-stop activity. Sea Point is also known for the Sea Point Beachfront Promenade. This is a wonderful paved walkway stretching from the Lighthouse in Mouille Point / Green Point to the far end of Sea Point at Bantry Bay.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN on Signal Hill or jogging along the Sea Point Promenade.

THE BEST SWIMMINING PICTURES can be taken at Sea Point Pavilion (swimming pools) on the top diving board. (its an olympic sized seawater swimming pool). The view from the pools out over the Atlantic Ocean is spectacular.

I ♥ Sea Point

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS CAN BE TAKEN AT Saunders Beach, Rocklands Beach, along the Promenade or on one of the swings at the playgrounds.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO walk my dog along the beachfront.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO stop for a coffee at one of the many coffee shops on Main Road. You'll always find a friendly face to chat to.

I THINK THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SEA POINT IS from October through to April, because the weather is great, the sunsets are spectacular and the vibe in Sea Point is one long holiday vibe.

MY FAVOURITE BREAFAST SPOT IS New York Bagels at 51 Regent Road or Miss K’s in Green Point. Fabulous coffee, great breakfasts and her cupcakes are to die for!

I ♥ Sea Point

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Posticino in Main Road Sea Point. Try any one of the Pizzas or try the Atlantic Express on Regent Road. It's an old Train Carriage converted to a Restaurant. The food is good and its fun to "people watch" from the carriage windows over a good coffee.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN SEA POINT IS La Perla on Beach Road (opposite the Pavilion). It’s a fantastic Italian Sea Food and Pasta restaurant that’s been going for as long as I can remember. Try the sole in creamy white wine and prawn sauce. In fact, try any seafood dish — they are all good! But it doesn't stop at La Perla. Sea Point has many of excellent restaurants so be adventurous, try a few! Another personal favourite is La Mouette Restaurant.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Sauls Saloon on Main Road. (Steers is not too bad either if you're looking for a quick burger and slap-chips fix).

I ♥ Sea Point

MY FAVOURITE "SUNSET VIEWING" SPOT IS from Ocean View Drive or head up to signal hill in the evening to watch the sun set.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN, TRY club hopping. There are numerous clubs, pubs and late-night venues in Sea Point or head into the city centre for a night of fun.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Cape Towns' best loved foodie institutions. For example, hang out at Giovanni's Deli (on the Main Road in the neighbouring suburb of Green Point) for all day coffee or lunch in trendy Italian-style. It’s a favourite with the locals! Also try Newport Deli in Sea Point or Caturra.

SEA POINT’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS the amazing view from Ocean View Drive (although I'm not too sure how much of a secret that is!).

I ♥ Sea Point

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS an early morning jog or brisk walk along the promenade or head up to signal hill in the evening to watch the sun set with a picnic basket!

FOR SOME CULTURE OR LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO the Winchester Mansions on a Sunday Morning for some live Jazz at the Mansions — this is a ritual for many Capetonians. Brunch and live jazz can be enjoyed every Sunday from 11 to 2 at the Winchester Mansions Hotel.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO go to the Ginkgo Health and Wellness Spa, also at Winchester Mansions. They offer a full range of treatments composed of traditional, Asian and global accents. But there are other notble spas in the area. Exquisite Skin Therapy in Bantry Bay is excellent — it's an owner-run boutique Skin Salon with 180 degree uninterrupted views! Very relaxing.

I ♥ Sea Point

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY paragliding from Signal Hill. There are a number of official paragliding sites located in and around Cape Town – two of which are Lion’s Head and Signal Hill. Signal Hill offers two launch sites including Signal Hill Bench. This site overlooks Sea Point and Green Point, with stunning views accross Table Bay to Robben Island and beyond. Good views of Table Mountain and down the Peninsula. For experienced pilots crossings to Lion's Head, Table Mountain and The Twelve Apostles are possible. (I recommend Para Taxi for this adventure — see details below).

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS along the Sea Point Promenade.

MY FAVOURITE HEALTH SHOP is the Healing Tree Health Shop in Adelphi Centre. Its a unique and authentic health shop offering top quality natural products and is run by professional friendly staff.

I ♥ Sea Point

MY FAVOURITE ‘people-watching’ SPOT IS from the big balcony at the Sea Point Pavilion. You'll see all types, shapes and sizes here ...

IF YOU'RE HERE IN DECEMBER, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Festival of Chariots. The Festival of Chariots is an ast-meets-West cultural experience that takes place every year on 26 December and everyone is welcome (or you might want to avoid Sea Point altogether on this day as the traffic and activity on Main Road can be a bit overwhelming).

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the Mouille Point Light House, which is the oldest active lighthouse in the Country. (since 1824).

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to take the kids to the kiddies Blue Train in neighbouring Mouille Point. There is also a putt putt (minigolf) course along the beach front which makes for cheap and easy fun for the whole family.

I ♥ Sea Point

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS ... again, head to the beachfront promenade. Jogging or walking is free, or stop off at Woolies on the main road before you go and pick up a all you need for a picnic on the lawns at the beachfront. There are two playgrounds for the kids to play on and it makes for an enjoyable afternoon. Sundays can be very busy, so be fore-warned!

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the people! They come in all sizes, shapes and types. You name it, you’ll fimd them hanging out in Sea Point!

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS to the countryside. I love heading out to one of the charming villages in the Karoo or Overberg which are only an hour or two drive away. Favourites include Greyton, McGregor, Montagu and Robertson. Oh and of course the Cape Winelands ... although those are easy day trips!

I ♥ Sea Point because like the hustle and bustle of this vibrant seaside town — its feels like you're permanently on holiday!

Desirable Digits

Sea Point Pavilion +27 (0)21 434‑3341
New York Bagels +27 (0)21 439‑7523
Miss K's +27 (0)21 439‑9559
Posticino +27 (0)21 449‑4014
Atlantic Express +27 (0)21 439‑3038
La Perla +27 (0)21 439‑9538
La Mouette Restaurant +27 (0)21 433‑0856
Sauls Saloon and i-Cafe +27 (0)21 434‑5404
Giovanni's Deliworld +27 (0)21 434‑6893
Newport Deli +27 (0)21 439‑1538
Caturra +27 (0)21 434‑5160
Winchester Mansions +27 (0)21 434 –2351
Exquisite Skin Therapy +27 (0)72 921‑9870
Para Taxi +27 (0)82 966‑2047
Healing Tree Health Shop +27 (0)21 439 8147
Mouille Point Light House +27 (0)21 449‑5172
Mouille Point Putt Putt +27 (0)21 552‑1242
Kiddies Blue Train in Mouille Point + 27 (0)21 434‑4297 or +27 (0)72 383‑8195