Atlantic Seaboard Cycle Route: From Cape Town to Hout Bay Along the Edge of the Sea

Atlantic Seaboard Cycle Route

Distance: 25 Miles

Route Map

The Atlantic Seaboard Cycle Route runs about 25 miles along one of South Africa’s most dramatic coastlines, from central Cape Town through Sea Point and Camps Bay to Hout Bay and Noordhoek. It’s a ride that combines city, ocean, and mountains — one moment weaving past cafés and surf breaks, the next pedaling beneath towering cliffs. The route follows a mix of dedicated bike lanes and scenic roads, offering smooth pavement and spectacular views.

Starting from Cape Town’s city center, the first section follows the Sea Point Promenade, a wide coastal path that runs beside the Atlantic. Early in the morning, locals walk dogs and jog along the seawall, and the light off the water is hard to beat. The path stays close to the shoreline, curving gently toward Bantry Bay and Clifton, where waves crash against granite boulders. The transition from city to coast happens gradually — the hum of traffic fades as the ocean takes over, and Table Mountain looms behind you.

A South African cycling route with a view

The climb begins as you leave Camps Bay, a lively beach district lined with palm trees, open-air restaurants, and small shops. Once you turn onto Chapman’s Peak Drive, the ride becomes iconic. The road, cut into the cliffside above the sea, offers continuous views across the Atlantic, with every turn revealing another stretch of coastline. There are several pullouts where riders can stop to take in the view. Traffic is usually light during off-peak hours, but weekends can draw sightseers.

Descending into Hout Bay, the road widens. The small harbor town is a good place to pause for food or coffee before looping back or continuing south toward Noordhoek. The harbor area has a market, several seafood stands, and the smell of salt and grilled fish in the air. For riders looking to explore further, a side trip up to the Hout Bay Harbour Market offers a mix of food, art, and live music in a converted warehouse right by the docks.

Be ready for wind, limited shade

The surface is well maintained, with long stretches of smooth asphalt and clear markings. Cape Town’s coastal wind can be a factor — calm early mornings often turn blustery by midday, especially near Chapman’s Peak. In winter, occasional road maintenance or weather closures may affect the upper sections, so it’s wise to check local updates before setting out. While much of the route feels open and relaxed, the climb from Camps Bay to Chapman’s Peak demands some effort, and there’s limited shade on hot afternoons. Water and café stops are plentiful in town but sparse beyond Hout Bay.

From the Sea Point Promenade to the cliffs above the ocean, this route shows Cape Town at its best — urban, coastal, and scenic. Few rides offer such a blend of beach views, mountain backdrop, and smooth tarmac in a single morning’s ride.

Get this South Africa cap and relax post-ride!

Cycling in South Africa: Spectacular vistas of a beautiful city.