If you are looking for things to do in Milnerton, you are in the right place. Milnerton is situated along the Western Cape’s Atlantic coast and is 11km north of Cape Town’s city centre. It is conveniently located between Blouberg and the city centre so you are not far from anywhere. For tourists, there is public transport that can get you to the beaches for an affordable price.
Perhaps its most notable landmark is the lagoon which connects the Diep River to the Atlantic ocean and as adorned with palm trees. For the Western Seaboard, Milnerton is a central hub that connects to the city. There are beautiful homes situated along the canal, that rive a breathtaking view of Table Mountain.
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Getting Around
If you are touring through Milnerton as a visitor, you can either rent a car from well-known companies like AVIS, or use the Express bus system that connects Milnerton to the city centre. Alternately, you can use the shared vehicle services like the global Uber or the local Bolt App which is slightly cheaper.
Our List Of Things To Do In Milnerton
While it is not as much of a draw as other suburbs in Cape Town, it is worth a visit to get the full sense of the city. If you are in town, there is certainly a fair bit that you can get up to and enjoy.
Canal Walk
No visit to the Milnerton area is complete without a visit to Canal Walk. First opened in 2000, the shipping centre, as the name suggests, is built around a canal and boasts over 400 stores, a refreshing outdoor scenery and an emphasis on the lavish lifestyle. It is also one of the last malls in South Africa with a video game arcade, which is excellent for the kids (or even adults who young at heart) to get lost in a world of neon lights, games and prize machines for all people of all ages. There is also a go-kart destinations for the speed freaks to safely go as fast as possible.
Canal Walk is noted for its Venetian inspired architecture, which coupled with the canal is reminiscent of Venice. It is the largest shopping centre in Cape Town, and the 3rd largest in Africa, after Gateway in Durban and Sandton City in Johannesburg. The shopping centre is open between 9am and 9pm everyday so if you are looking for the best fashion, retail, and entertainment for the whole family under one roof, Canal Walk is the place to go.
Milnerton Beach
When you are at the coast, a visit to the beach goes without saying. Milnerton Beach is a firm favourite of things to do in Milnerton and has what is undoubtedly the best views of Table Mountain in all of Cape Town. From sea level, the view is uninterrupted and is on many post cards. Be sure to bring your camera along. Being along the Atlantic ocean, the water here is freezing cold but it is still safe for swimming for the daring. The beach is popular with surfers and sunbathers. During the peak season there are lifeguards on duty to watch over vacationers. Your other needs are nearby, with a good selection of cafes and beach restaurants in close proximity.
Table Bay Nature Reserve
The Table Bay Nature Reserve covers an 880-hectare area that is ideal for a green getaway for the day. There is plenty for you to enjoy in terms of natural environment, indigenous wildlife and leisurely activities. There is plenty to do here, with an environmental education centre to clue you up on the biodiversity. Popular activities here include hiking, picnics and general nature watching. The reserve is laden with paths and walkways, and designated picnic areas for a lax day in the sun.
Table Bay Nature Reserve consists of 7 smaller parts: the Rietvlei Wetlands, Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Beach, Milnerton Racecourse, Zoarvlei Wetlands, Diep River, and the Parklands Fynbos Corridor. The central feature of the reserve is the Rietvlei wetland system which hosts the Rietvlei Wetlands and Milnerton Lagoon which is one of the most notable landmarks of the area.
The reserve is managed by the city of Cape Town to ensure that it is well-kept and to preserve many of the endangered species that are endemic to the area. It’s open daily, from 7:30 to 17:30 during the week and from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekends. The hours for water sport activities are 10:00 to 17:00. Entry into the reserve is very affordable at only R16 per adult and an additional R25 per car. For more information, you can visit the official website.
Milnerton Playhouse
If you like the performing arts, Milnerton Playhouse is one to check out. It’s a small and intimate theatre that presents dramas, musicals, comedy and other on stage entertainment. The theatre specializes in amateur stage productions many of which have received nominations and awards at the annual Cape Amateur Theatre awards. There is a variety on different shows that are running throughout the year.
Along with the shows, the Playhouse hosts social evening for members on the first Friday of the months when there is no major production on stage. The social evenings consist of talent showcasings for members and opportunities for artistic experimentation. To see what is showing, check out their website for current and upcoming shows.
Milnerton Flea Market
Only a short distance from Lagoon beach, you will find Milnerton Flea Market. It is a unique place to shop for arts and crafts. If you are in Cape Town as a visitors and are looking for pieces to take home with you, there is a large array from you to choose from at the flea market and you will definitely find something that tickles your fancy. Another popular offering at the flea market is the food. The market is a great place if not the best in the suburb for you to try the assorted variants of South African street food.
The market is animal friendly and you can bring along pets for your visit. If you are looking for relaxing Saturday or Sunday morning stroll, while shopping for some goodies, Milnerton flea market is a good choice. Locals congregate at this spot every weekend to buy some trinkets. Whether you are going there to seek some nice deals on items or to spend the day enjoying some snacks, there is plenty for you to enjoy at the flea market.
Milnerton Aquatic Club
Water sports enthusiasts can find their adequate romp of water sports at the Milnerton Aquatic Club. Situated along the edges of the Rietvlie Nature Reserve, this destination has a sail section where you can engage in some maritime fun. For beginners, there is a Learn To Sail course that is 4 days long and ideal for a new learning experience while at the coast.
But you don’t have to get your feet wet to find your fun at MAC. There is Wet Start Bar where you can enjoy drinks in a marvelous setting with views of Table Mountain from every window. The bar is open on most weekends and public holidays, as well as on Wednesdays for a Quiz evening or lucky draw. The bar is complimented by MAC gallery, which serves light meals at affordable prices.
Lunch at Maestros on the Beach
Located right on Milnerton Beach, Maestro’s On The Beach is a popular restaurant with locals and tourists alike. The layout of the deck is purposefully designed in to resemble a cruise ship, with the Atlantic right at your feet and excellent views. The 180 degree view encompasses Cape Town, Table Mountain and Robben Island, and all the way up the west coast.
The menu is varied and you have a selection from that is ideal for a casual meal and includes pizzas and pastas to burgers and veal dishes. Being a beach restaurant, you can also expect a full selection of fresh seafood on the menu. The deck area remains open daily as long as the weather permits. The restaurant is open daily from 9am to 12am during the week, and 10am to 12am on Saturday and Sunday.
Milnerton Golf Club
A little but further up the canal, you will find Milnerton Golf Club, which is a great place to unwind with friends and catch a round of golf. Milnerton Golf Course is an 18-hole course that is flat with few trees. Most holes are bordered by the sea or lagoon so it is just as much as sensory experience as a fun activity.
You can typically play the first 9 holes, enjoy a light meal at the halfway house, and then play through the remaining 9 holes while making our way back to the clubhouse. When your round of golf is done, you can enjoy a drink or two at the Sunset lounge at the clubhouse, where you can relax and luxuriate in the views over the ocean.
Camelot Spa at Lagoon Beach Hotel
Sometimes you just want to take a break from the sightseeing and unwind. A spa treatment at Camelot Spa at Lagoon Beach Hotel is the perfect way to slow thing down and recharge yourself after some busy sightseeing. The spa offers a holistic wellness experience through select health, skin and body treatments. The signature Camelot Universal Signature Massage is a popular choice.
The 60-minute treatment is a combination of Hot Stone, Kahuna, Balinese and Indian head massage techniques for those who want to experience various types of massage. Camelot Spa also offers a complimentary wellness assessment, the Body Composition Analysis, when you have booked one of the other treatments. Camelot Spa is open daily from 8m to 8pm.