Tucked along the rugged False Bay coastline lies the irresistible blend of history, culture and natural allure of Kalk Bay.
Dubbed one of ‘the 12 coolest neighbourhoods around the world‘ by Forbes magazine in 2018, its cobbled streets and eclectic boutiques lead to a bustling fishing harbour – its coastal charm captivating both locals and wanderers along the way.
Whether the product of an afternoon drive or a sea-front getaway destination, Kalk Bay promises a treasure trove of hidden gems ready to be discovered. Here are 10 things to do in Kalk Bay:
1. Discover cultural delights at Kalk Bay Theatre
The Kalk Bay Theatre is a cultural gem that adds a touch of theatrical magic to the community. Initially, a 78-seater theatre housed in the old Kalk Bay DR church built in 1876 with a restaurant on the upper floor, the cultural hub spot was forced to close its doors in 2020 due to the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thankfully, a silver lining saw the theatre establish a new home later that year within another well-known Kalk Bay location – the Brass Bell Bikini Bar. Since the move, audience members have been treated not only to dinner, drinks and Kalk Bay Theatre’s signature pizazz but also to some of the seaside town’s most sensational views.
From dramas and musicals to comedy shows and cabaret acts, the intimate venue combines live performances, delicious food and a cosy ambience that make for a unique experience perfect for romantic dates and friends’ night outs. If you’re thinking of a trip outside of Cape Town, also check out things to do in Sasolburg.
- Location: Brass Bell Bikini Bar, Main Road, Kalk Bay
- Contact: 021 788 5455
2. Grab a bite at Olympia Café and Bakery
Amid Kalk Bay’s natural beauty, quirky shops and quaint eateries, Olympia Café has stood as a beacon of culinary wonder since November 1997.
What started as Kenneth McClarty’s mission to establish a local spot within the coffee-deprived South Peninsula of the nineties has since flourished into the legendary corner cafe synonymous with simple, spontaneous and passionately prepared dishes.
This must-visit café and bakery offers a glimpse of the harbour and distant False Bay horizon, as well as speciality coffee, freshly baked bread, pastries and a chalkboard showcasing the day’s enticing menu. You might also be interested in 5 top Italian restaurants in Cape Town.
- Location: 134 Main Road, c/o Windsor and Main Roads, Kalk Bay
- Deli restaurant times: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 10pm
- Bakery times: Monday to Sunday, 6:30am to 7pm
- Contact: 021 788 6396
3. Browse through a bookworm’s haven at Kalk Bay Books
Kalk Bay Books is an independent store that is a book lover’s dream come true: High ceilings, wooden floors, comfy couches, and shelves and tables filled with (reasonably priced) gateways to new worlds – both fictional and real.
Beyond the appeal of being surrounded by books of all sizes, forms and colours, both locals and visitors flock to the store to partake in discussions, book launches and author meet-and-greets.
Some would argue that a trip to Kalk Bay without popping in at Kalk Bay Books is incomplete.
- Location: 62 Main Road, Kalk Bay
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
- Contact: 021 788 2266
4. Dip into Mother Nature’s embrace at Dalebrook Tidal Pool
The Dalebrook Tidal Pool, nestled between St James and Kalk Bay, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a refreshing seaside experience. Carved into the natural rocks, Dalebrook has been deemed one of the most beautiful tidal pools along the False Bay coastline by many sunrise chasers and early bird swimmers who frequent it.
The low wall between the tidal pool and the ocean allows for a constant flow of water, resulting in crystal-clear waters for leisurely swims and a great opportunity to get up close and personal with small marine life. Not to mention the giant granite boulders that make for ideal sunbathing spots.
- Location: Off Main Road, Dalebrook
5. Get ‘art and about’ at Kalk Bay Modern Gallery
Kalk Bay Modern is a contemporary art gallery and craft shop situated above the famed Olympia Bakery we mentioned earlier. Housing quality crafts from developing community groups and local designer products, the gallery also boasts incredible views of Kalk Bay Harbour and the False Bay coastline.
The contemporary art space offers an eclectic setting to browse the work of some of South Africa’s best contemporary and emerging art talents. Discover diverse collections of works covering a wide range of mediums and styles, from paintings and ceramics to photography, mixed-media installations and more.
Ps: Kalk Bay Modern Gallery also holds the largest collections of contemporary art from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
- Location: Olympia Building, 136 Main Road, Kalk Bay
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5pm
- Contact: 021 788 6571
6. Fuel up and cool down at Ice Café
Whether you need an ice-cold refresh before continuing your Kalk Bay expedition or something sweet to refuel you for the drive back home, the Ice Café is a must. Using a secret family recipe, the ice cream shop offers all-natural sorbets and milk ice cream made with no eggs or gelatine, which makes for a true flavour-filled and melt-in-your-mouth experience.
And fear not, a trip to the Ice Café need not be a once-in-a-lifetime activity. The gelateria is known for keeping things fresh by changing flavours daily so there’ll always be something new to try. Plus, they’re pretty generous with their scoops, giving you the ultimate opportunity to fully indulge in your favourite flavours.
Did we mention it’s gotten a thumbs-up from none other than Jamie Oliver?
- Location: 92 Main Road, Kalk Bay
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
- Contact: 021 788 1995
7. Explore porcelain treasure troves at Whatnot & Chinatown
If you’re an avid admirer of all things porcelain, or if you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to be ‘a bull in a china shop’, as the saying goes, then a visit to Whatnot & Chinatown is mandatory.
Located just up from the main road, the yellow brick road painted on the sidewalk will lead you to the front porch of what some may call a hoarder’s dream: A converted house filled to the brim with collections of antique porcelain and china.
Think dainty Chinese blue tea sets, golden-gilded teacups with matching hand-painted saucers and an extensive array of cat-shaped ornaments shelved in narrow rows from floor to ceiling.
Be warned though: Whatnot & Chinatown is not for the faint-hearted… or the clumsy.
- Location: 70 Main Road, Kalk Bay
- Times: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 4pm
- Contact: 021 788 1823
8. Grab a cocktail or three at Cape to Cuba
Inspired by Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, with a few nods to rum-drinking American novelist Ernest Hemingway on the side, the allure of Panama hats, cigars and evocative Catholic imagery transports you to the lively atmosphere of Cuba as you enter the iconic Kalk Bay gem.
Cape to Cuba offers an extensive culinary selection ranging from Mexican tapas and sharing platters to seafood, steak and pizzas prepared in an outdoor pizza oven, as well as an array of classic cocktails and unique concoctions to perfectly complement your experience.
Sip on classic margaritas at Cape to Cuba’s inside bar, which also serves stunning views of the harbour and ocean; indulge in delectable chocolate cake mojitos in the intimate restaurant space; or brave a manic mai tai while dipping your toes in the sand of Cape to Cuba’s beach-themed outside area overlooking the Kalk Bay harbour.
- Location: 165 Main Road, Kalk Bay
- Times: Monday to Thursday, 11am to 11pm | Friday to Sunday, 11am to 12am
- Contact: 021 788 1566
9. Hike your way from Kalk Bay to the Amphitheatre
For avid hikers and eager explorers looking to see a different side of the Mother City’s beloved landscapes, hiking from Kalk Bay to the Amphitheatre is certainly a must-do activity. The trail starts on Boyes Drive, just above St James, and covers approximately six kilometres, which generally takes around three to four hours to complete.
While it does require a moderate level of fitness to make it through the many uphill wooden and stone steps, the effort is well rewarded with panoramas of Kalk Bay, the False Bay coastline and the distant Hottentots Holland Mountain Range when you reach the Amphitheatre.
The trail also offers hikers an enchanting immersion, trekking through sections of old yellowwood, Cape beech and assegai in the Spes Bona Forest, as well as the Amazon Forest, also known as Kroon se Bos, located in the Echo Valley.
- Location: Boyes Drive, False Bay
10. Discover history at Kalk Bay Lighthouse
Make sure you visit Kalk Bay’s famous red-and-white-striped lighthouse – situated on the pier off the main road – when going to the harbour. The Kalk Bay harbour is not just a bustling landmark; it has a rich history, too.
The seaside town along the False Bay coast was first established in 1742 as a mini-port for Dutch sailors. Since then, fishing has become a way of life for many of its residents over the centuries, and while the area has seen many changes over the decades, one mainstay is its iconic lighthouse and harbour.
According to the Kalk Bay Historical Association, construction on the formal harbour began in 1913, with the lighthouse being built in 1919. Beyond its history, it’s the perfect spot to send salutations to sunrises and to behold the majesty of Mother Nature when huge waves come crashing against the lighthouse.
- Location: Main Road, Kalk Bay Harbour, Kalk Bay
- Contact: 021 487 6800 | [email protected] (Cape Town Tourism)
Also read:
Picture: Shelby Hunt / Unsplash
