Sea Point
Just a stone’s throw from the city centre of Cape Town sits a beautiful neighbourhood called Sea Point. This largely affluent area filled with high rise buildings is something a little bit different as Cape Town is not home to many bigger apartment blocks. The suburb is home to many working professionals from the city, with Green Point Park and the new sports stadium, this place has much to offer in the future. Home to South Africa’s oldest lighthouse, most locals will think of great ice cream and walks along the promenade by the ocean on hot summer days.
How did Sea Point get its Name?
Sea Point only got its name in 1767, when Sam Willis serving under Captain Cook camped here with his men hiding from a smallpox outbreak named it. The area started to get populated in the 1800s and today is a bustling part of Cape Town. This place’s popularity has exploded in recent years, and it is a much sought after neighbourhood to live in.
The Mouille Point Shipwreck
Just off the promenade, you will see the engine block of an old shipwreck. The RMS Athens was a royal mail ship for the British fleet which sank not far from the coastline off Mouille Point in 1865. Although so close to shore, it was said all the crew died except for a single pig which was rescued. Cape Town was previously known as the Cape of Storms, and with thousands of shipwrecks off our coast, it’s easy to see why massive storms shaped the travel of years gone by.
History of the Mouille Point Lighthouse – The Oldest Running Lighthouse in South Africa
First lit in 1824, this majestic lighthouse is the oldest running and first of its kind in South Africa. The Lighthouse cost approximately £6,420 and was commissioned by the acting Cape governor at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin. Any walk along the promenade should bring you to this beautiful piece of South African history.
Sea Point’s many historical buildings and stories aside, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite things about why so many choose to live or stay in Sea Point:
10 reasons to stay in Sea Point:
- It’s close to the City Centre, just around the bend
- There are many great deli’s for brunch and lunch
- Sea Point has a popular public pool and a world-class beach for swimming
- Views of the Atlantic Ocean very often include dolphins, seals and whales
- Walks on the Promenade on a warm day, with many ice cream spots to choose from
- Green Point Park offers some respite from the city bustle
- The Metropolitan Golf Club is a great place for a round of golf
- You are able to go sea kayaking to get even closer to the dolphins
- Visit the Mojo Market for local made goods, delicious choices in food and live music
- The V&A Waterfront is but a stunning walk along the promenade away
