Top Picnic Spots in Cape Town

From parks and beaches to vineyards with packaged picnics

Last updated: Wednesday, 20 November 

The Mother City and her surroundings are home to plenty of mountainside picnic spots that offer built-in braai facilities/fireplaces, picnic tables, and seating or ready-made picnic baskets. We just made it easier for you with a list of the most scenic picnic spots across Cape Town. 

PALM HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL 

In the southern suburbs you’ll find this luxurious hotel where you can spend an afternoon picnicking on the lawns, overlooking lush palm trees. Besides the classic cheeses and bread, there’s also items like a Malay spiced chicken noodle bowl with limoncello cheesecake. Plus, there’s also restaurants, a spa and sauna at this luxury accommodation spot.

10 Oxford Street | Wynberg | @palmhousespa | Image: Palm House Boutique Hotel

PARADISE PARK

Paradise Park is one of the lesser-known parks in Cape Town, even though it is home to the city's largest treehouse. You can find this hidden garden between Newlands and Claremont, and besides the treehouse, there are also ladders, bridges. platforms, swings and slides for the kids to play on and explore.  

Paradise Road | Newlands

BORDJIESCRIF PICNIC AREA (+ TIDAL POOL)

Picnic spots and braai areas can be found on a long stretch alongside the water at Cape Point reserve. You get to see a lot of seagulls and a fairly stony beach. Get your picnic basket, sit down and enjoy the picturesque setting.  It’s open from 6am to 6pm, and entry costs R75 for adults and R10 for children under 12.

Cape Point Nature Reserve | @capepointsa | Image: @isratsultana45

RATANGA PARK

This former amusement park not only offers fun water and land-based activities, it’s also the “green lung” of Century City. You can enjoy a day outdoors while admiring rich bird life and indigenous vegetation as you listen to the sounds of a (mini) waterfall. Plus, kids can run free at the playground or hop on the Century City Tramway for a 20-minute tram ride around Century City at the cost of R70.

4 Conference Lane | Century City | Image: capetownkids.com

CAPE POINT VINEYARDS

Spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxed picnic at Cape Point Vineyards accompanied by breathtaking views. It offers picnic baskets for two and costs R350. There’s also a vegan option for R400. The picnic set-up includes a cosy blanket and prism-shaped pillows that can be used during your stay: a perfect prop against which to recline and soak in the sea, mountain and vineyard views. Although there are umbrellas, please bring a sun hat.

Silvermine Road | Noordhoek | @capepointvineyards | Image: @kaylaexplores_cpt

LITTLE STREAM FARMHOUSE DELI

Little Stream is one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. This elegant and rustic venue offers the perfect getaway from the buzz of the city. Situated on the foothills of Constantia between two wine farms, you can enjoy a magical garden picnic, surrounded by greenery from the picturesque forest setting. Pack your own picnic basket or enjoy a meal from the artisan-style menu at the tea garden and cafe. Little ones eat for free on Wednesdays and Fridays. 

Klein Constantia Road | Constantia | @littlestreamconstantia

HAROLD PORTER BOTANICAL GARDENS

Pack a picnic basket and drive out to Betty’s Bay where you’ll find this hidden gem with hiking trails and a beautiful garden. Some sections lead you down a shady pathway for respite from the sun, and there are wooden benches placed throughout for moments of contemplation beneath trees. Entry is R50 for adults and R20 for children. You can hike mountain paths or swim underneath a clear coloured waterfall.

Corner Clarence Drive & Broadwith Road | Betty’s Bay | Image: Sheri Haw

MAYNARDVILLE PARK 

A little patch of paradise nestled in the busy suburb of Wynberg. You might even spot some geese. You can also enjoy dinner and a show as you experience the magic of Maynardville Open-Air Festival. This takes place every year between January and February. Pack your own picnic or just bring a blanket along and purchase your food and drinks at the evening market.

27 Piers Road | Wynberg |@maynardville | Image: Maynardville Open-Air Theatre

OUDEKRAAL BEACH

Situated between Camps Bay and Llandudno and set against the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range lies a gorgeous picnic area. This small cove is surrounded by boulders making it a sheltered spot and great for little ones to potter and splash around. There are a number of grassy picnic sites under milkwood trees where you can braai and have alfresco meals with family and friends. An entry cost of R40 is charged for private zones whether you swim, braai or picnic.

Table Mountain National Park Head Office | Image: @weekendwarriors_za

GREEN POINT URBAN PARK

It remains one of the most treasured picnic spots in Cape Town, with its scenic mountain and city views (plus it’s free to enter). The park has three playgrounds that cater to children of all ages, as well as a biodiversity garden and outdoor labyrinth. There’s several picnic areas with tables and benches. You'll also find a dog-friendly cafe at Green Point Park.

1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road | Green Point | @greenpointparkcapetown | Image: Lara van Zyl

WYNBERG PARK

Based at the start of the Krakeelwater river, this 26-hectare park boasts an attractive conifer garden, a kids’ play area and a selection of lawns ideal for picnics with family and friends. There is also a duck pond and an attractive display of hydrangeas in the summer months. The garden is open daily between 8am and 6pm.

58 Avenue Corner Klaassens | Wynberg | Image: Craig Mario Roman

JONKERSHOEK NATURE RESERVE 

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, lies near the town of Stellenbosch and is about a forty-five minute drive from Cape Town. The reserve boasts astounding botanical beauty, a garden, grassy lawns, a picnic and braai area, parking and toilets. Entrance is R50 for adults and R30 for children between six and 16 years old. You can also hike to a waterfall and spend the day swimming.

Jonkershoek Road | Stellenbosch | 021 866 1560 | Image: Neil Burger  

DE WAAL PARK

Right in the heart of the CBD lies this public park and heritage site of the Oranjezicht neighbourhood. With plenty of shady spots and green trees, the park is perfect for having a picnic, walking the dogs, letting the kids play or just sitting on a bench and enjoying the sounds of the Victorian fountain. Other activities that come and go in the park include yoga, fundraisers, slacklining and playing chess.

Molteno Road | CBD | Image: @preston_cpt

SILVERMINE NATURE RESERVE 

Part of the Table Mountain National Park, the breathtaking Silvermine Nature Reserve claims a large reservoir that just begs Capetonians to picnic along its pretty banks. Other activities in the area include mountain biking, bird watching, rock climbing and hiking to the popular Elephant’s Eye cave. 

Table Mountain National Park Head Office | 021 712 7471 |  Image: ​​Tamzin Glass 

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