Cape Town’s got no shortage of places to stay.
You could park yourself in a vineyard in Constantia, opt for a surfer’s seaside backpackers in Muizenberg, rent a villa in Clifton, or live it up in a penthouse near the V&A Waterfront.
But if you’re after that sweet spot where local energy meets holiday ease, where beach meets city, and flip-flops live in harmony with flat whites, then Sea Point wins. Every time.
We recently spent a few days exploring our favourite Atlantic Seaboard neighbourhood from the comfort of the President Hotel, and it just confirmed what we already suspected: this part of Cape Town is the perfect place to base yourself in the city, whether you’re a first-timer or a local playing tourist, like us.
But let me explain why.
It’s the Kind of Place That Feels Like a Holiday, Even if You Live Down the Road
There’s something about Sea Point that feels like it’s not trying too hard. It’s not pretentious.
It’s got moms in activewear, guys in suits, tourists in sunhats, and barefoot kids chasing pigeons; all happily co-existing on a long stretch of pavement called the Promenade, which might be the most democratic piece of real estate in the city.
We walked it every morning. Wind in our faces. Running after a child on a bicycle. Waves crashing on one side, mountain looming on the other.
Dogs bounding past. One guy doing squats on a rock. One toddler feeding seagulls. And I couldn’t think of a better place to start your day.
Base Yourself Right, and You Won’t Have to Get in the Car Every Two Seconds
Cape Town is not a walkable city.
A car is an absolute essential when visiting, but the thought of getting kids plugged in and out of car seats and packing and unpacking nappy bags every time I want to go somewhere is enough to make me just want to stay in bed.
Thankfully, the beds at the President Hotel are super comfortable, but the location also meant our car stayed put for long periods of time in the secure parking lot!
Perched up on the Bantry Bay end of Sea Point, from the hotel, we could walk to the Prom, pop into cafés, do an early-morning Woolies dash, and get back before the baby needed a nap.
When we needed dinner, there was everything from sushi to schnitzels within a 10-minute radius.
When the weather was good enough for a beach day, a number of smaller beaches with secluded, family-friendly, and swimmable (if you don’t mind the cold) tidal pools are just around the corner.
And when we wanted, or needed, to keep the kids busy, there were at least four playgrounds between the hotel and Mouille Point — we counted.
Plus, there’s an adorable miniature train ride, bikes and scooters to hire, and Green Point Park all within walking distance.
And when we did need to go further (think the Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront or a trip up Table Mountain), it was a 7-minute drive. No mission. No stress.
Best Cape Town Tours & Excursions
The Food and Coffee Game Is Strong
Sea Point’s food scene isn’t trying to be fancy. It’s just good. Think bagels and shakshuka, buttery pastries and ridiculously smooth flat whites.
There’s sushi with sea views, old-school authentic Italian, and plenty of places to sip Negronis in sunglasses.
There’s even vegan food, Lebanese grills, and the extensive Mojo market if everyone in your group has a hankering for something different.
And if you’re staying at the President, you don’t even have to leave for a bite.
The hotel’s breakfast spread is genuinely impressive; one of those buffets where you can have fruit and granola and feel virtuous, or a stack of flapjacks with chocolate sauce and whipped cream and a pastry tower and feel like you’re really on holiday.
And if you’re travelling with kids?
There’s often special buffets arranged for events like Easter or Father’s Day, with a mini VIP buffet just for little ones, plus additional activities like pizza making or face painting. (Why don’t all hotels do this?)
It’s Beachy, But Not “Beach Resort” Beachy
Unlike Camps Bay, where everything feels like a photoshoot waiting to happen, Sea Point is far more laid back.
The beaches here are smaller, more rugged, often framed by rocks and little coves that feel like secret spots.
You won’t find umbrella service or rosé on tap, but you will find salty locals taking a post-work dip in the tidal pool, or groups of friends doing yoga on the rocks.
Saunders Rock Beach, just around the bend from the President, is a favourite. It’s safe, calm, and generally uncrowded, especially on weekday mornings.
You’ll find brave swimmers leaping into the cold Atlantic, kids collecting shells, and a few families with cooler bags. And if you do want more of that Instagram-worthy beach scene, you’re 5 minutes from Clifton.
Sea Point is the middle child of the coast — close to the action, but not trying too hard.
The President Hotel Really Gets Families
When I’m travelling with kids, I want space, a pool where I can also relax while the little ones splash safely, and room service at 5:17 pm when everyone’s too tired to go out and the wheels are starting to fall off.
The President delivers on all counts.
Our two-bedroom suite gave us a proper living room, fridge, and enough space to stash prams, toys, and keep some sanity.
The pool was a daily ritual, surrounded by comfy loungers and even a jungle gym (cue actual moments of relaxation).
There was even a VIP gift bag and snacks (yes, please) on arrival and a colouring-in station at check-in.
There’s Plenty to Do Nearby — Without Planning a Thing
Some Cape Town stays require a car, a spreadsheet, and three WhatsApp groups. Sea Point doesn’t. It’s the kind of place you can just wake up and decide what you’re in the mood for.
Want to walk to the Green Point Park and let the kids run wild on the jungle gyms while you have a sneaky coffee? Done.
Fancy a round of putt-putt or a ride on the big wheel at the V&A? That’s minutes away. Craving a hike? Lions Head trailhead is just up the hill.
Want to see seals, art, and street performers? No problem. You can even rent a bike or join a guided walking tour.
And the beauty of staying in Sea Point is that, after all that, you can come back and just be. Watch the sunset. Order a cocktail. Let the city buzz carry on around you while you tuck into bed.
The Sunsets Are Ridiculous
Let’s not pretend this doesn’t matter. At golden hour, the Sea Point sky goes full pastel. The ocean catches fire. The mountains blush.
People stop mid-walk to just stare, or they drive from miles around just to line up on the Promenade and watch the sun sink below the horizon.
Thankfully, you don’t have to; at the President from your hotel room window, if you’re lucky enough to have a sea view, you can catch the show in your slippers, with a sleepy child on your hip.
No make-up. No filter. Just Cape Town doing its thing.
So… Why Sea Point?
Because, as a local, what I love most is that it’s Cape Town at its most liveable. It’s beachy but urban. Scenic but convenient. It’s for runners, eaters, parents, honeymooners, freelancers, and genuine residents.
It’s got supermarkets and sushi bars and smoothie counters and spur-of-the-moment sundowners. It’s got playgrounds and tidal pools, leafy streets and high-rise hotels.
And when you base yourself here, you’re in the middle of it all.
Book Your Stay at the President Hotel
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- A Tale of Two Cities: Johannesburg and Cape Town
- Cape Town’s Unique Experiences for the Curious Traveller
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
- How Pet Sitting Can Help You Travel: Exploring Free Accommodation Through Trusted Housesitters - December 13, 2025
- Why Sea Point Is THE Spot to Stay in Cape Town - October 18, 2025
- Slow and Steady Wins the Holiday: Why England’s Canal Boats Are the Ultimate Antidote to Modern Life - September 20, 2025