St James, False Bay
The little seaside village of St James lies just past Muizenberg en route to Kalk Bay, set against the mountain with incredible sea views and one of the prettiest little beaches.
St James' beach - of the colourful beach huts - also has a large tidal pool, is very popular with locals, and in summer holidays is packed with a variety of people and their children. This is largely because the beach is so well sheltered from the notorious winds of Cape Town, but also because it offers safe swimming and is conveniently close to the Simons Town train line.
The residential suburb, very close to Rhodes' cottage, is much sought after and many of the homes date back to the time when the Cape was a colony of the Victorian empire. St James is named after the St James Roman Catholic Church, built in 1858 for the Filipino fishermen of Kalk Bay, just up the road.
Boyes Drive, which runs up above St James, offers further magnificent views over False Bay and is a wonderful spot from which to spot whales in season.
Travellers' Reviews
2 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Charming village, but not much going on here. Great to stay and then visit and explore all the surrounding towns. We do love staying here because it’s quiet, views are amazing, and people are friendly.
Venetia (London)
Verified review
Had a great time at the beach. Photographed the famous Victorian bathing huts. A wonderful place for family leisure. The protected tidal pool combines the feel of ocean swimming with the safety and calm of an enclosed pool. Collect shells, investigate interesting rock formations, or relax on the nearby lawn. Refreshments, cafes and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Thomas Harding (Los Angeles)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Blue On Blue Bed & Breakfast
Perched on a quiet mountainside cul-de-sac overlooking the Indian Ocean and Cape Peninsula, Blue on Blue Bed & Breakfast offers 180° sea views an...
Oceanfront Apartment
Oceanfront Apartment is a modern, tastefully furnished apartment in St James. Ideally located within walking distance of a tidal pool and eaterie...
St James Manor
The St James Manor House, built a hundred years ago, has an aura of grandeur and old world charm. The large suites are individually decorated to ...
Sonnekus Guest House
Sonnekus Guest House, gracious old lady of a bygone era, circa 1926, sits at the base of the mountains in St James with the waters of False Bay a...
Things to do in the area
Cape Town Water Bikes
The beauty of False Bay really is something to behold. The chilly blue of the Atlantic Ocean is lined with the quaint little towns of Fishhoek, K...
St James Beach and Tidal Pool
St James Beach and tidal pool is the subject of postcard perfect holidays. The epitome of shore side charm with a chorus line of brightly coloure...
Muizenberg Catwalk
Walking along the Muizenberg catwalk is just about the best thing you could begin or end your day with. The catwalk hugs the coastline for 3km; s...
Kalk Bay to the Amphitheatre Hike
Cape Town is known for its stunning vistas and magnificent landscape. A rather different side to the Mother City is showcased on the walk from Ka...
Danger Beach
Just outside the hustle and bustle of Cape Town are little towns that are bursting at the seams with charm and character. St James and Kalk Bay a...
Dalebrook Tidal Pool
The main road of Kalk Bay is flanked on one side by its guesthouses and self-catering apartments, and on the other by its beautiful beaches. And ...
Tartarus Cave
Right on the doorstep of your Muizenberg accommodation lies a world of adventure and natural beauty. And the Tartarus Cave is, without a doubt, o...
Noteworthy attractions
Cape Town Beaches
The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one ...
Long Beach Mall
An outing to one of the most beautiful areas in the Cape would not be complete without a visit to the Longbeach Mall. Take a trip out this way an...
Cape Point
Bartholomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, was the first to sail around the Cape. This was in 1488. On his return voyage, which must have been pa...
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Part of the Table Mountain National Park that extends from Signal Hill in the north all the way to Cape Point in the south, the Cape of Good Hope...
Silvermine Nature Reserve
The park straddles the mountain, from the winding Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) on the Tokai, Constantia and Westlake side of the mountain, over ...
Clovelly Golf Club
Clovelly was designed to be secluded from the everyday noises of passing cars and local railway tracks to truly entrench your senses into your ga...
Westlake Golf Club
Against the amethyst slopes of the Silvermine mountains lies one of Cape Town's Premier Courses - Westlake. This easy to walk, 18 hole Par 72 gol...
False Bay Coast Beaches
Where? The western coast of False Bay, from Cape Point to start of Helderberg. Includes: Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Boulders. Go there for swimming, ...
Cape Point Wine Route
It was only in 1998 that the new Cape Point Wine District was declared and the Cape Point Vineyards are still relatively new on the tourist itine...
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