My friend and I decided it was time to hit the beach as soon as the temperatures hit 30 degrees Celsius in Cape Town. Unfortunately the wind hit about 35 kilometres per hour, but we refused to be blown home! We travelled along Ou Kaapse Weg heading towards False Bay, winding our way along the mountains and admiring the beautiful scenic route the road takes you on. This is about a 45 minute journey from the southern suburbs or Cape Town, and an hour’s journey from the northern suburbs.

We parked at the harbour and then made our way across the main road to a charming breakfast nook upstairs called ‘The Meeting Place’ and sat on the sheltered balcony. It has a stunning view of the mountains and the yachts bobbing up and down on the choppy waters. A hearty breakfast was in order and I highly recommend their ‘Eggs Florentine’ – a toasted croissant topped with bacon, mushrooms, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce (R65.00). Creamy Cappuccinos washed it all down and we were well-fuelled for the rest of our journey. Breakfast is only served until 12h00 so be sure to get there in time. Lunches are served from 12h00 till 16h00 during the week and they are open from 09h00 to 21h00 on weekends. The restaurant is quaintly and colourfully decorated with items available for you to purchase.

We then crossed over the road to the Simon’s Town Waterfront Centre and were greeted with sights and smells from the shops and restaurants. Traders were selling their wares along the harbour wall with trinkets to tantalise any traveller. Activities include canoeing, and there are boat trips that take you out to see the whales, or shark cage diving. Occasionally you may spot a chunky seal or two, but one is warned not to get too close as they are wild animals and can bite! There is a very modern shopping mall to browse through or purchase gifts from.

Further along the harbour you can walk up the steps to Jubilee Square where you are surrounded by a hive of activity from more traders to live music, dancing and singing (usually on the weekends). We were treated to a rendition of ‘Shosholoza’ by a group of dancers and singers, promoting their CD. Another restaurant allows you to sit outside and order a ‘cold one’ while watching the yachts sail in and out of the harbour. Along the main road there are lots of interesting little shops, museums and places to stay.

It was time to make tracks to Boulder’s Beach, so we left Simonstown behind and travelled further along the coast. Within a few minutes we were at Boulder’s Beach and because of the sunny day, there were many holiday-makers and locals filling up the parking areas. We managed to find parking further down right near a little gate where we could enter the beach area. We walked along (or were blown along) a little pathway that lead us down to the rocks onto the white sandy beach and some shelter where we could sit and enjoy the view and take some still photographs of the blue-blue ocean. One could quite easily pack a picnic and enjoy the spray from the ocean, but my advice is to choose a calmer, less windy day!

We then decided it was time to do some penguin-spotting, as this was the main reason I wanted to go to Boulder’s Beach which is well-known for its penguin population. We climbed some more boulders and headed along a narrow pathway and not before long we came across a small colony of penguins basking in the sun, just happily lying on the rocks. One or two wobbled their way towards us, no doubt to see what we were looking at! There is nothing that compares to the awkward hilarity of a penguin walk, as they are naturally sea animals and very inept on land. Their little black and white butler suites, added to their charm and we found ourselves totally amused by these small sea creatures.

Further along this path is the ‘Boulder’s Beach Restaurant’ where you can enjoy fine dining with loads of seafood in a vibey atmosphere.

Boulder’s Beach is another one of Cape Town’s great beaches and places to visit. I highly recommend it – the beach is clean and the views are beautiful. Just what you need to blow the cobwebs away!