Most people think they’ve “done” Cape Point after one visit. Hopping on the funicular, a quick photo near the lighthouse and the iconic wooden sign and then back to the city.
Why Cape Point Is Still One of the Best Day Trips in Cape Town
Most people think they’ve “done” Cape Point after one visit. Hopping on the funicular, a quick photo near the lighthouse and the iconic wooden sign and then back to the city. But the truth is, most visitors barely scratch the surface.
Cape Point is one of the few places in Cape Town where you can spot wildlife, walk through one of the richest floral regions on Earth, see whales in season, stand above dramatic ocean cliffs, and still sit down for lunch with panoramic sea views, and all in a single day.
The Drive to Cape Point Is Part of the Experience
One of the best things about visiting Cape Point is that the day starts long before you reach the gates. Whether you drive through Simon’s Town, cruise along Chapman’s Peak, or stop at little roadside viewpoints along the way, the journey itself already feels like an adventure.
Once you enter the 7 750-hectare, you’ll likely spot ostriches wandering near the road, baboons relaxing in the distance, or antelope moving quietly through the fynbos.
Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the Lighthouse
One of the most popular things to do at Cape Point is riding the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the old lighthouse viewing point. The short ride takes only a few minutes, but the views from the top are some of the best in Cape Town. From up there, you can look out over False Bay, dramatic cliffs, and endless stretches of ocean in every direction.
If you’re feeling active, you can also hike up instead of taking the funicular. The walk is steep in parts, but worth it for the scenery along the way.
Why visitors love the Flying Dutchman Funicular:
- Quick and scenic ride to the lighthouse
- Great for families and older visitors
- Wheelchair friendly
- A fun alternative to hiking
- One of Africa’s only commercial funicular
Whale Watching Season Makes Cape Point Even More Special
While Cape Point is beautiful all year round, whale season adds something extra. Every year, Southern Right Whales migrate thousands of kilometres from Antarctica to the warmer Cape waters to mate and calve. During the season, they’re often spotted between Cape Point and False Bay, sometimes surprisingly close to shore. If you’re lucky, you may even spot whales directly from the viewpoints near the lighthouse.
Hidden Beaches, Walking Trails and Incredible Viewpoints
Beyond the main lighthouse area, there are scenic walking trails, quieter lookout points, and beautiful hidden beaches that make the reserve feel much bigger than most people expect. Dias Beach is one of the most breathtaking spots to visit. Tucked beneath the cliffs, it feels completely untouched.
Some of the best things to explore at Cape Point:
- Scenic coastal viewpoints
- Lighthouse walking trails
- Shipwreck viewpoints
- Ocean photography spots
- Indigenous fynbos
One of the Richest Natural Areas in the World
Cape Point forms part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the richest floral regions on Earth. The reserve is home to more than 1 100 indigenous plant species, many found nowhere else in the world. Depending on the season, the landscape bursts into colour with flowering proteas, ericas, and other fynbos species that make this part of the Cape so unique.
Wildlife sightings are also part of the experience here. One of the best parts of visiting Cape Point is that you never fully know what you’re going to see around the next bend.
Keep an eye out for:
- Cape mountain zebra
- Bontebok
- Eland
- Ostriches
- Baboons
- Birdlife along the coastline
Stop for Lunch With One of the Best Views in Cape Town
After a morning of exploring, there’s a good chance you’ll want to sit down and have something to eat while at Cape Point. Two Oceans Restaurant is known for its spectacular views overlooking False Bay. Fresh local ingredients, ocean views, and a relaxed atmosphere make it easy to spend longer here than planned. For a quicker, more casual lunch with a view, grab a bite at The Food Shop.
Make a Weekend of It
Most visitors only spend a few hours at Cape Point, but staying overnight inside the reserve is a completely different experience. There are self-catering cottages available within the Cape of Good Hope section of the park, including Eland Cottage, Duiker Cottage, and a secluded beach cottage tucked deep within the reserve.
Expect fireplaces, braai areas, star-filled skies, and the kind of quiet you rarely get near a major city. For families, couples, or anyone wanting to properly disconnect for a few days, it’s one of the most unique accommodation experiences in Cape Town.
Why Cape Point Keeps Pulling People Back
There’s a reason Cape Point stays on every Cape Town itinerary. Some people visit for famous views from the lighthouse, while others come for whale watching, hiking, photography, or the scenic drive. But most leave already planning when they’ll return.
Cape Point Operating Hours (April – September)
- Park Entry: 07h00 – 17h00
- Funicular: 09h00 – 17h00
- Two Oceans Restaurant: 11h00 – 17h00
- Food Shop: 09h00 – 17h00
- Gift Store: 09h00 – 17h00
ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.