The False Bay area of the Cape lies on the south side of the Cape Peninsula about 20 km from Table Bay and comprises many lovely and popular holiday resorts due to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean as opposed to the cooler water of the Atlantic Ocean at Table Bay.
Today the suburbs of Cape Town have spread across the Cape Flats reaching False Bay. The Bay itself measures 30 kilometres at its widest point. The northern shore has a very long curved and sandy beach and the eastern and western shores are defined by rocky and mountainous areas with large cliffs plummeting into deep water.
There are a number of resort towns on the Northern shore such as Muizenberg, a mere 20 minute drive from Cape Town. At the beginning of the 20th century Muizenberg became a resort town where wealthy Capetonians built their holiday homes. Today people from all walks of life come to Muizenberg to enjoy the excellent surfing, safe swimming conditions and lovely fine sandy beaches.
Gordons Bay on the eastern edge of False Bay in the wineland area is only about 40 minutes from Cape Town City and is a picturesque little seaside town with lovely beaches including rock pools, calm sea and paddling areas.
Between Gordons Bay and Macassar is the Strand about 50 km southeast of Cape Town and is well known for its 5 km long beach.
There are many other really lovely resorts and places to see in the False Bay area like St James, Glencairn and Fish Hoek and, not to be forgotten, about 40 km from Cape Town city on the way to Cape Point Nature reserve lies the quaint and picturesque historical village of Simonstown. Official residence of the South African Navy, visitors can enjoy viewing the cobbled streets, restored cottages and have coffee or dine at the many charming little coffee shops and restaurants.
