The Atlantic Seaboard between the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point has much to offer tourists and residents alike.
If you enjoy city living with a tang of salty sea air, an outdoor lifestyle with an urban vibe, the best sunset views, plenty of cafes and amenities within walking distance, the Atlantic Seaboard between the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point has it all.
Being a top tourist destination with its gorgeous mountain and harbour views and so much to see, taste and do, people often forget that the V&A Waterfront is also a place to live. It’s close to the CBD and year-round residents love the excellent security, kilometres of running trails and an endless choice of shops and restaurants on their doorstep. The new Silo District has added a funky urban vibe, with several residential and o¬ffice developments, two hotels and a cluster of shops and restaurants grouped around the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
Following the curve of the shore around Granger Bay (where local foodies flock on Saturdays for the Oranjezicht City Farm market), Mouille Point has the best views of the ocean. “It’s like living on a ship because you just look out at the sea all the time,” says resident, Robyn Bing. “We love the promenade for cycling and there are a few surf breaks right there, so you can easily pop out for a few quick waves.” Made up mostly of apartment buildings, it’s an old, established neighbourhood backing onto the Cape Town Stadium, the Metropolitan Golf Club and the Green Point Urban Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy the green open spaces.
Bordering stylish De Waterkant and climbing the side of Signal Hill, Green Point has a secluded village feel and is bordered by a clutch of coffee shops and grocery stores along Main Road, including the local institution of Giovanni’s Deli. With a good collection of sports clubs and a Virgin Active, and Lion’s Head behind it for weekend hikes and runs, residents get the best of city amenities and nature. The CBD is only a short drive or MyCiTi bus ride away.
The Atlantic Seaboard spills onto vibrant Sea Point, which despite the rising tide of gentrification and development is home to people from all walks of life, who can be seen enjoying the promenade and the seawater swimming pools. “There’s a real sense of community,” says resident, Emma Wright. “You know your neighbours, there are running and cycling groups and I love that everything is within walking distance. Whether I’m going to the hairdresser, the gym, the dentist or coffee shops, I never have to get into my car.”
I love the ‘prom’ life. Everybody is out and about running, walking, swimming in the sea or plunge pools, eating ice cream, or salsa dancing. I love that this includes locals, foreigners, dogs, kids and ‘suburbans’. Everybody pulls in at some stage and there’s always a buzz.
-Emma Wright, resident.
Where to eat on the Atlantic Seaboard:
- Col'Cacchio: for great pizza and pasta dishes
- Si Cantina Sociale: for delicious artisan fare
- Grand Africa Cafe and Beach: for lazy beach lunches and sundowners
- Lily’s Restaurant: for fresh contemporary fare
- Manga: for excellent sushi
- The Mess: for tasty sharing plates
- Sundoo: for South Indian cuisine
- Mojo Market: for get-togethers with friends over good food
- La Mouette: for fine dining at affordable prices
Things to do on the Atlantic Seaboard:
- Picnic, exercise and play in the Green Point Urban Park.
- Walk, run or cycle on the Sea Point promenade.
- Visit the Zeitz MOCAA to see quality African art.
- Shop for fresh food at Oranjezicht City Farm market at Granger Bay on Saturdays.
- Swim in the seawater swimming pools at the Sea Point Pavilion.
- Go for a trail run or enjoy a hike on Lion’s Head.
Schools on the Atlantic Seaboard:
- Reddam House Atlantic Seaboard
- Herzlia Weizmann Primary School
- Sea Point Primary School
- Sea Point High School
- Cape Town French School
- Camps Bay High School
What we love about the V&A Waterfront:
What’s there not to love about a mall where you can shop for designer labels and affordable high street fashion, then take a break from shopping and enjoy sushi or gelato, burgers or fi ne dining, with the best views of Table Mountain and the harbour? The Victoria Wharf mall at the V&A Waterfront is a favourite destination for overseas visitors, and with homeware and grocery stores, pet shops, and health care services, among others, the mall also caters well for locals. With the Market on The Wharf for artisan food products, a wellness centre and curated local design at the Watershed, and Cinema Nouveau and Nu Metro theatres for movies, families can be entertained for the whole day.
Find out more at waterfront.co.za.
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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