Nestled on the east coast of False Bay, is the quaint and charming suburb, Kalk Bay. It is built around a small fishing village but has expanded to be mostly established on the slopes of the mountain perpendicular to it. Kalk Bay offers the perfect escape from the busy Cape Town city with its calm spirit. It is a true charm of the southern suburbs.
Here are some of the must-do things if you are planning to visit Kalk Bay:
Most Capetonians (residents of Cape Town) know Kalk Bay for its iconic tidal pool, Dalebrook Tidal Pool. The tidal pool is small natural pool adjacent to the rocky coast of False Bay that is controlled by the tides. Dalebrook pool is known to be most popular for a sunrise dip. This is a refreshing and energising way to start your morning and offers a perfect view of the rising sun. Even if you aren’t planning to wake up at the crack of dawn for a swim (even though the morning is the best time to visit), the tidal pool is a must visit spot due to its natural beauty and the welcoming community, that regularly go there.
After a dip in the tidal pool, the best thing to do is grab a coffee at the café on road opposite the tidal pool. Chardonnay Deli Kalk Bay is a beautiful café that offers a large variety of baked goods and homemade meals.
If a tidal pool is not your vibe and you prefer to lie on a beach, Danger’s beach is the perfect option. Situated in the suburb next to Kalk Bay, St James, it is quick walk once in Kalk Bay. The beach offers warm water and a long stretch of sand. Even though the sea is sometimes known to be rough in this area, there are always lifeguards on duty that ensure your safety.
Kalk Bay’s main road offers lots of sweet and quirky shops to visit and explore. The shops on the other side of the road are full of gorgeous things. Global beads hold a variety of stunning jewellery and, of course, lots of beads. Big Blue sells very funky and funny shirts, among their other clothes. Gypsy offers a very bohemian range of clothes, perfect for hipsters. Oh So Boho and the Kalk Bay Co-op also sell beautiful clothing and jewellery.
The Kalk bay Trading post is a shop full of hidden treasures. Even if you are not interested in buying vintage and antique items, the shop is a cool place to go and explore through the various items for sale. Another fascinating shop to go explore is the What Not and China Town, which is just up the road that is next to Global Beads. The shop’s entrance is further up the road on your right. You’ll know you are at the right place once you see a small charity shop in a small break of the wall, on the right of the road. Once at the charity shop, walk up the stairs to the shop. What Not and China Shop is filled with collectables and covered head to toe in ceramic plates. The shop is perfect to explore or take some cool photos in.
A little secret spot in Kalk Bay is Memory Lane. The opening to the little path is right next to Noji. The little alleyway is a perfect photo spot with its cool statues and checkerboard flooring. Further up the alleyway is an antique shop that has a variety of authentic South African sweets which are very reasonably priced.
If your feeling hungry after all your adventuring, here are some must visit snack spots:
Bob’s Bagels is a local favourite. Their bagels are exceptional, especially the salmon and cream cheese one. Once you go once, you’ll be craving to go again. The store is quaint and peaceful with an ordering section on one side and a pottery shop on the other side with plenty of room to side down and enjoy your meal. This shop is located on the road next to the Kalk Bay theatre, Rouxville Road. It is just across from the park and has red banisters outside. You can go a bit further up the road of the building to find a small hole in the wall, which is where you can order your food.
Sirocco is a perfectly positioned restaurant in Kalk Bay. It is in the heart of the suburb and allows you to look out onto the people that walk down the beautiful road with a sea view on the other side of the restaurant. The restaurant offers delicious pizzas and drinks. The vibe is perfect for a warm summer’s day. It is open air and often provides live music.
The Ice Café is a must go spot if you’re craving a sweet treat. The shop sells a variety of ice cream flavours, and a lot of them are unique and wonderful, which are all delicious. The shop staff are always friendly, it is a classic must visit spot. The shop itself is simple yet charming and offers a few seats to enjoy your ice cream. Ice cream is perfect to have while strolling down the road and enjoying the seaside view.
Kalk Bay is one of the most scenic and beautiful suburbs of Cape Town. It is often overlooked as a tourist but is enjoyed by the locals. If you’re looking for a peaceful way to spend your day, look no further, Kalk Bay is the place to be.
