At first, he was just a nuisance to sailors, but he would soon become one of the most famous dogs in the world ─ this Great Dane hopped on trains, guided his drunken sailor friends back to their base and even got married! Although he never went to sea, Just Nuisance was enlisted into the British Royal Navy and was promptly promoted to ‘Able Seaman’. This human-pooch hybrid was dearly loved by sailors and today his legend lives on in Simon’s Town. The statue of Just Nuisance in Jubilee Square and his gravestone on top of Red Hill, are only two of the many reasons why Simon’s Town is worth a visit.

And with seven more reasons, it is no surprise why the popularity of this sleepy seaside village skyrocketed in 2016!

1. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

With its giant granite boulders, Boulders Beach is probably the most famous beach in Simon’s Town and the ideal place to spend a lazy summer’s day. This beach hosts a large colony of African Penguins. It is also one of the few places on earth where you get the chance to take a dip near these cute birds. This nature reserve requires a small entry fee and a boardwalk leads to the beach. With its azure waters and lovely picnic spots, it is truly a magical experience to watch these adorable feathery balls waddling around in their natural habitat. Just keep in mind that they are endangered and may not be touched or harassed.

There are also a bunch of other beaches along the Simon’s Town shore, such as:
* Long Beach ─ a dog-friendly and scuba hotspot,
* Glencairn Beach ─ ideal for kitesurfing, paddling and family time,
* Seaforth Beach ─ also boasting a number of penguins near the navy wall and a restaurant,
* Water’s Edge ─ a tiny beach and ideal when looking for a quiet spot,
* Windmill Beach ─ a real hidden treasure just off the Simon’s Town Golf Course,
* Fisherman’s Beach ─ a small secluded beach offering grassy slopes and sandy shores, and
* Miller’s Point ─ with a tidal pool for kids and a braai area for family and friends.

2. Admiral’s Waterfall

The hike to Admiral’s Waterfall is an easy three kilometers, will take you about 90 minutes, and it is ideal for nature lovers. The secluded nature of this waterfall walk does wonders for the soul and is indeed a hidden gem in the South. This hike will take you past a few lovely houses followed by a winding path leading to a little waterfall where you can spend an awesome afternoon in the company of dassies! There is a pool if you need to cool off and the more adventurous at heart can explore the mountainside. This is also a really cool spot to spend a warm summer’s day as there is not a lot of direct sunlight.

Simon’s Town also offers hikes and trails to:
* Elsie’s Peak,
* Kleinplaas Dam,
* Red Hill,
* Willis Walk, and
* The Farmers Cliffs Trail from Smitswinkel Viewpoint to Buffels Bay.

3. The Historical Mile

If you love history, architecture and antiques, Simon’s Town is the place to be. The Historical Mile starts at the station next to St George’s Street and ends at the East Dockyard Gates. This will keep you entertained for half a day and is a great way to explore the town’s rich history.

This walk includes:
* The historical station building,
* Admiralty House,
* The Studland building,
* The beautiful St Francis Church,
* The Simon’s Town Museum,
* St George’s Church,
* Lankester Building,
* Lord Nelson Hotel,
* The Prince Alfred Building,
* The De Beers Building,
* The British Hotel, and
* The Central Hotel.

4. Excellent restaurants

Simon’s Town offers a great variety of restaurants and cafés, most of them boast splendid views of the bay.

* Eat a delicious breakfast at The Meeting Place while relaxing on their comfy couches.
* Treat yourself to to the best coffee in town at Monocle and Mermaid.
* Visit The Black Marlin Restaurant for divine seafood and an award-winning glass of wine.
* Pop into Seaworth Restaurant on the white sands of Seaforth Beach and enjoy a light lunch with a view of the penguins.
* Head to Saveur on a Wednesday evening to indulge in their gourmet burger special, or simply enjoy a laid back afternoon with a drink and stunning views.

5. Spectacular views

Simon’s Town is surrounded by magnificent mountains and the endless ocean ─ there’s no escaping the beauty that is Mother Nature in this harbour town! You don’t even have to head up the mountain for breathtaking views, as most of the restaurants have spectacular views of False Bay and the harbour. However if you do brave a hiking trail, you will be rewarded with astonishing views, especially from the top of Red Hill and from Elsie’s Peak overlooking Simon’s Town and Glencairn ─ prepare to be amazed!

6. South African Naval Museum

If tales of relentless battles on high seas, heroism, and a peek inside a real submarine peak your interest, the South African Naval Museum should definitely be on your to-do list. This museum is housed in the original Dockyard Storehouse that dates back to the early 1800’s and was created to preserve South Africa’s Naval Heritage. The building was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 1997. With exhibits such as ship and submarine models, torpedoes, mine-sweeping equipment, photographs, uniforms and even Just Nuisance’s collar, this museum is absolutely worth a visit!

Visit the South African Naval Museum in St George’s Street, Simon’s Town, or call them on 021 787 4686.

You can also explore:
* The Simon’s Town Museum ─ Court Road, Simon’s Town, 021 786 3046,
* The Heritage Museum ─ Amlay House, King George Way, Simon’s Town, 021 786 2302,
* The Warrior Toy Museum ─ St George’s Street, Simon’s Town, 021 786 1395.

7. Amazing accommodation options

We offer loads of accommodation options in Simon’s Town, from budget overnight stays, superb self-catering holiday homes, luxurious B&B’s to a 4-star hotel on the False Bay coastline with views of the Simon’s Kloof Mountains ─ simply click here and book your next breakaway!

So, if you haven’t been to Simon’s Town lately, why not spoil yourself with a day trip or even a well-deserved weekend getaway? Capetonians, pack a picnic basket, grab your bags and hop on the Southern Suburbs’ train to Simon’s Town, a la Just Nuisance. And for the rest of you, be sure to include this special town on your next visit to the Mother City!

Feature image: Simon’s Town (Pieter Wolhüter)