Sea Point is easily one of Cape Town’s most vibrant areas, known for its backyard (unsurprisingly) being the seascape.
It’s like a big playground where coastal meets trendy, and beyond the moody weather and the endless orchestra of seagulls, my time as a local there was nothing short of magical.
I’d often become the unofficial guide to Sea Point for my friends and family who only knew our point of the sea for the promenade and epic sunset spots (believe it or not, a lot of people actually don’t know the true wonders of Main Road and beyond) writes Cape {town} Etc’s Ashleigh Nefdt.
Without further ado, here’s your guide to Sea Point, as told by a local:
1.A Naked Coffee stop
Coffee would be the scent of Sea Point if it wasn’t for the sea. While there are dime a dozen spots to get your cuppa joe, there’s one that I gladly return to my older turf to enjoy – Naked Coffee.
Something about the seaside air and soothing tones of Naked, complimented by their unbeatable vanilla-infused cappuccino and generous servings. Unicorn coffee art? They’ve got you covered.
It may sound like a nudist coffee shop, but in reality, it’s a gorgeously dressed diamond of a spot. It’s also incredibly close to the promenade, so if you’d like to take your coffees to go and stroll, that’s a sure way to spend a morning.
- Location: 2 Wisbeach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town
- Website: @nakedcoffee_
2. Have a morning shop, outdoor style
A morning shopping spree was one of my favourite ways to catch some sun (and great deals). While others rush to the mall to find their next outfit, locals know that the gems on our street often do it better. Main and Regent Road boasts gems like Unseen, The Lot, BOA (for gorgeous jewellery and nails) as well as trendy local product spots like blink who have everything from baskets to ceramics.
We may not have a wine farm, but we do have Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar, which is like the Aladdin’s Cave of wine wonders.
- Shopping spree locations: Regeant Road and Main Road
3. Pop into Art Haus Gallery
A vibrant new boutique gallery sparked onto the Sea Point scene in January, and it’s anything but your conventional gallery experience. Drenched in colour and idea (and even LED pieces) it’s also an origami haven (and has the Guinness World Record to prove it, thanks to Jooj Ar). It’s truly one of the most unique experience you’ll have in the art world, and that’s saying a lot.
- Location: 3b Clarens Rd, Sea Point
- Website:www.joojart.co.za
4. Get to Goldie’s Deli for a snack
Like many other locals, a morning featuring Goldie’s makes for a morning well spent. If you’re a lover of freshly baked goods that you know had a lot of love and thought put into them, Goldie’s is worth a visit. Have a sit or simply stop by for a delicious meal or baked good – either way this is a sure x on the local’s map, and it has a ton of diabetic-friendly options.
- Location:176 Main Rd, Sea Point
- Website: goldiesdeli.co.za
5. Get your putt-putt on
There’s been something of a debate as to who the putt-putt course actually belongs to – Moullie Point or Sea Point? Well, Google says it’s Sea Point turf, so although it might look like Moullie Point, it’s still close to home. Not all of us are golfers (I certainly speak for myself) but this joyful activity of golf in mini form is the closest I get to understand the thrill of the big game. Perfect for dates or for the whole family, with the sea as your background and a few holes to sink, putt-putt serves as a certified great day activity – as long as you’re prepared to potentially have a feud with a loved-one over how many swings it actually took them to sink.
- Location: Beach Rd, Sea Point
- Website: @saputtputt
6. Zoom around on an e-bike
Move over traditional cyclists and scooting fiends – the electronic movers and shakers are coming through. E-transport is all the excitement of momentum, minus the fitness you’d need to do it without needing multiple water breaks. While there may be plenty of E-transport tours available in the Mother City, sometimes moving at your own pace is a far more captivating experience. Cape Town Electrek is a wonderful pick, especially if you’re looking to explore the Atlantic Seaboard.
- Location: Queens beach circle, Sea Point
- Website: electrek.co.za
7. Rock up at Rockpool for lunch
There are a ton of lavish lunch spots in Sea Point (The Winchester Hotel, Grand Pavillion and La Pearla, to name a few) but if you’re looking for a spot where you can still see the sea and have a delicious meal for both your tastebuds and wallet, Rockpool understands the assignment.
It’s one of my go-to spots to bring friends and family for a bite because 1. It’s way more affordable for groups 2. The food is really just as good as many high-end spots 3. The vibes are immaculate and 4. You can bring your dogs too and 5. Their fish and chips is divine.
- Location: 205 Beach Rd, Sea Point
- Website:rockpoolct.co.za
8.Treat yourself at Coco Safar
If you didn’t splurge at lunch, you can and should definitely spend a few on a delicious treat.A journey for your pallet – that’s succinctly what a trip to Coco Safar will offer anyone graced by the magic of this treat lover’s kingdom. You may know Coco Safar for its luxury coffee or divine croissants (recognised as the best in the world in 2020).
Now, you’ll come to know the pastry diamond as a twinkle of a global experience as a slice of the Big Apple has come to Cape Town’s doorstep in the form of a new collection! A tried, tested and beloved experience not to be missed in Sea Point, for sure. Pretty soon they’re set to expand from the Artem to St Johns Plazza, so two Coco Safar’s at Sea Point is pretty good confirmation that it’s a fabulous spot for the treat lover.
- Location: Artem Centre, 277 Main Rd, Sea Point
- Website:www.cocosafar.com
9.Move along the promenade however you please
Once you’ve had your fill of some delicious foodie favourites, it might be a good idea to get moving, however you like to do it. The Sea Point Promenade is as famous as it is for good reason – it’s the place where sun and sea meet, and you get to move amongst them. Enjoy the art on the walls, the art of people and the art of the natural landscape all at once at the prom, whether you skate, run, bike or stroll. Don’t forget to treat yourself with an ice cream when your each the end of the prom.
Come on a Monday, and Promenade Mondays set off where all movers and shakers can come together on wheels.
- Location: Sea Point Promenade
10.Saunder’s for a sunset sesh
It’s true that the Mother City has no shortage when it comes to sunset spots, but experiencing the sun go down from Saunder’s Rock/ Rocky Beach still competes with Signal Hill for me. Climbing atop a massive rock where the ocean is so close you feel almost hypnotised by it, it’s an epic destination for a sunset gathering with your people, or even a solo mission. In summer, the tidal pools are fabulous to take a dip in, although they are not exempt from the Cape’s icy water clutches. You feel on top of the world, and incredibly small at the same time, and out of all the sunset spots I’ve experienced, it still sits at the top of the tree for me.
- Location:30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
11. Get down to Mojo Market for dinner and a drink
Of course this list wouldn’t be complete without mention of Mojo, which really does live up to its hype of energy, community, delicious foods for a myriad of cravings and live music that’ll have your toes tapping until you decide to join the massive party that often conspires on the dance floor.
I’ve had my fair share of Mojo adventures, and Monty’s Burgers or the slovakis at Sovlaking Delicious are rule the roost. Pair with a cocktail from the cocktail bar and settle in – it’s going to be a good time and a long time.
- Location: 30 Regent Rd, Sea Point
- Website:
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Picture: Ashleigh Nefdt