Green Point Lighthouse
About
Green Point Lighthouse offers a perfect blend of history and outdoor fun along Cape Town's stunning Atlantic coastline. Kids can explore the iconic red and white striped lighthouse while enjoying the nearby promenade perfect for scooters and bikes, plus grassy areas ideal for picnicking with Table Mountain as your backdrop.
Highlights
- ✓The striking red and white lighthouse itself, one of Cape Town's most photographed landmarks
- ✓Scenic coastal promenade perfect for family walks, cycling, or scootering
- ✓Picnic spots with panoramic ocean views and potential whale watching (July to November)
- ✓Close proximity to tidal pools at Mouille Point where kids can spot sea creatures
- ✓Photo opportunities with Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and Robben Island in view
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (10:00 AM opening) to avoid the famous Cape Doctor winds that pick up in the afternoon, especially during summer months.
- 2.Bring sun protection (hats, sunscreen, sunglasses) as there's limited shade along the promenade. The African sun is intense year-round.
- 3.Park at the nearby Green Point Urban Park (free parking available) and walk the 5 minutes to the lighthouse to avoid limited street parking.
- 4.Combine your visit with the adjacent Green Point Urban Park which has a biodiversity garden, labyrinth, and playgrounds for extended family fun.
- 5.Note that weekday visits only are possible (closed weekends). Plan accordingly as most international families visit Cape Town on longer trips.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM when the weather is calm and the light is perfect for photos. Autumn (March to May) offers the most pleasant temperatures with less wind than summer, though Cape Town's winter (June to August) can be rainy.
What to Know
Entrance to the lighthouse grounds is free, though guided tours (if available) may have a small fee. Limited food options directly at the site, so pack snacks and water. The promenade is fully paved and wheelchair/stroller friendly.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round on weekdays only (closed weekends). Winter months (June to August) can be wet and windy. Whale watching season (July to November) adds extra excitement for families. Summer (December to February) brings warm weather but strong afternoon winds.
Nearby Eats
Try Posticino Restaurant (Italian family-friendly spot 5 minutes away on Beach Road) or The Sweetest Thing Bakery and Cafe in nearby Green Point for child-friendly meals and treats. The V&A Waterfront (10 minutes away) offers extensive dining options.
More Activities Near Cape Town
Castle of Good Hope
The Castle of Good Hope brings history to life for young explorers with its imposing stone walls, mysterious dungeons, and vast courtyards where kids can imagine life in colonial times. Built in the 1660s, this star-shaped fortress offers child-friendly museum exhibits, ceremonial key ceremonies, and plenty of open space for children to roam safely while learning about South African history in an engaging, hands-on way.
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is Cape Town's premier family destination, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, dining, and exploration along the stunning harbor. With street performers, boat tours to see seals, the Two Oceans Aquarium, interactive museums, and wide open spaces for kids to roam, families can easily spend an entire day here enjoying both free and paid attractions in a safe, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Castle of Good Hope
Step back in time at Africa's oldest surviving colonial building, where kids can explore authentic dungeons, climb ramparts for harbor views, and discover fascinating military history through interactive exhibits. The spacious central courtyard provides plenty of room for children to stretch their legs between museum visits, while the William Fehr Collection showcases historical artifacts that bring South Africa's past to life.
Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is one of Cape Town's most stunning family beaches, nestled between granite boulders that create natural windbreaks and calm, shallow waters perfect for little ones. With on-duty lifeguards, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters protected from strong currents, this Blue Flag beach offers peace of mind for parents while kids splash and play in safety.