Simon's Town, Naval neighborhood in Cape Town, South Africa
Simon's Town is a harbor town along False Bay, backed by granite mountains that rise behind colonial-era buildings creating shelter for naval vessels. The waterfront connects historic quarters with contemporary spaces, offering views across the bay.
The Dutch East India Company founded Simon's Town in 1680 as a winter anchorage, naming it after Governor Simon van der Stel. The settlement later became a strategic naval base under British control.
The town derives its name from Governor Simon van der Stel, and this identity shapes how the harbor community sees itself today. Maritime traditions remain visible in daily life, from working fishing boats to naval personnel moving through the streets.
The railway station is central and the Southern Line runs hourly to central Cape Town, making it easy to arrive and explore. Parking is available along the coastal road and near the harbor, though it can fill up during peak seasons.
African penguins have settled at Boulders Beach since the 1980s, forming a natural breeding colony among the granite boulders. Visitors can watch these seabirds up close, making the area an unexpected wildlife experience.
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