St James Beach

The Cape Town suburb of St James is located on the western side of False Bay, at the base of the Cape Peninsula. The name relates to the Roman Catholic churhc of St James which was built here in the 19th century for the Filipino fishermen who worked from adjoining Kalk Bay. With the coming of the railway the area flourished, bcoming something of a seaside resort.

St James is perhaps best known for its colourful Victorian-style beach huts which line the beach. The beach is also home to a large, protected tidal pool which makes it particularly popular with families, or more precisely, younger children. There are also a number of rockpools to explore and any number of shells to collect.

The beach itself is a fairly short stretch of white sand with a rocky shoreline. Pretty enough but what really makes the view here is the mountainous backdrop of the Cape.

During the summer months the beach at St James is particularly popular. Not only is it easy to get to but the east-facing aspect and bulk of the cape behind means the beach is sheltered from the notorious prevailing westerly winds.