St. James Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Cape Town showing a coastal town
St. James showing general coastal views, a beach and swimming
St. James
St. James which includes rugged coastline and general coastal views 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 colourful 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 harbour 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 centre. 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.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best 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
The price is AU$272 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
AU$272
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & 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 ...
Taj Cape Town
Hotel Sky Cape Town

Hotel Sky Cape Town

3.5 out of 5
Lower Long St, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is AU$145 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$145
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Cape Town Cruise Terminal and Long Street are ...
Hotel Sky 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 AU$201 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$201
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cape Town. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK

4 out of 5
57 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is AU$213 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
AU$213
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & 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 ...
The Onyx Apartment Hotel by NEWMARK
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Lagoon Beach, Cape Town, Western Cape
The price is AU$155 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
AU$155
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & 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. ...
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa
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 AU$223 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
AU$223
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & 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. ...
Radisson RED V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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 neighbourhoods 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(1 area review)

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 showing a coastal town, general coastal views and rocky coastline

Hout Bay

Seafood restaurants, seaside views and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Hout Bay. Make a stop by Llandudno Beach or Hout Bay Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Hout Bay
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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 showing mountains, general coastal views and a coastal town

Camps Bay

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

The beaches and picture-perfect mountain views are top of the list for many visitors to Camps Bay. A stop by Camps Bay Beach or Table Mountain National Park might round out your trip.

Camps Bay
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Gardens

The picture-perfect mountain views and lively bars are top of the list for many visitors to Gardens. A stop by Kloof Street or Bree Street might round out your trip.

Gardens

St. James Travel Guide

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