Route 420 South: The Cape Peninsula Coastal Route
Route 420 takes you from the city all the way to the Deep South, following one of Cape Town’s most stunning coastal roads.
Writer: Andrew Macfarlane
One of the best things about Cape Town is the huge mountain right in the middle of the city.
It might make crossing the city a bit less direct, but it also gives us one of the world’s best coastal road-trip routes.
Of course, you could just leave the city centre and drive straight south.
But that wouldn’t be nearly as fun.
We recommend taking the scenic route around the Cape Peninsula instead.
Route 420 South is about taking your time, following the coastline, stopping at interesting places, and enjoying everything along the way.
On your journey, you’ll find Rolling Stoner Authenticated spots, tasty food, mountain passes, ocean views, local beer, baked treats, and if you plan well, maybe even catch a live show.
Start In The City At The Alibi
The journey begins at The Alibi on Bree Street.
The Alibi Café is a premium, private members’ cannabis café and has been earmarked as one of Route 420’s luxury departure lounges. Its central Cape Town location makes it a natural departure point for the Southern Route.
During the day, the Alibi offers ample workspace where members can order food, coffee and indulge in premium cannabis culture.
Additionally, its membership connects with Nirvana, making the next stop particularly convenient.
Next Stop: Nirvana Sea Point
Overlooking Regent Road and offering views over the Sea Point swimming pools from the top-floor balconies, members at Nirvana are treated to the Sea Point lifestyle.
Like the Alibi, this is a premium private club where members can make themselves at home, book well-equipped meeting rooms, and indulge their taste buds with the incredible in-house menu.
If you want to walk the promenade or swim at the Sea Point Pavilion pools, Nirvana Sea Point is a great choice for any Rolling Stoner.
Continuing the journey from Sea Point, the road begins to curve around one of South Africa’s most recognisable stretches of coastline.
Follow The Atlantic To Camps Bay
From Sea Point, carry on past Bantry Bay and Clifton towards Camps Bay.
If you want to treat yourself, stop for lunch with an Atlantic view at Bilboa.
Or, if you prefer, pack your own lunch instead.
A little further along the coast, Oudekraal offers one of Cape Town’s most spectacular places to stop for a braai or picnic.
Tucked between Camps Bay and Llandudno, the secluded coastal site has designated braai facilities, a small beach, and calm water for swimming.
Bring what you need, arrive early during busy periods and remember that alcohol is not permitted at the picnic site.
Slow Things Down At Nature’s Oasis
Leaving Llandudno behind, the road begins climbing towards Suikerbossie, with sweeping views back across the coastline and the Atlantic stretching out below.
Next, you’ll reach one of the best reveals on the route.
As you reach the top of Suikerbossie and start heading down into Hout Bay, the whole valley opens up. You’ll see the harbour, beach, mountains, and neighbourhoods all at once, showing just how perfectly Hout Bay fits into the landscape.
It’s the kind of view that makes you want to slow down and take it all in.
If you have the time, take a small detour towards the harbour. You can wander through the Bay Harbour Market for food, local crafts and a bit of atmosphere, or keep things classic with fish and chips from Snoekies.
Once you have had your fill of Hout Bay, make Nature’s Oasis your next Route 420 stop.
Nature’s Oasis leans into the wellness side of cannabis culture, with a quieter approach centred around CBD, plant-based wellness products and considered guidance.
Take The Long Way Over Chapman’s Peak
Don’t cut inland. Take Chapman’s Peak Drive if conditions allow, as the road can close during poor weather.
The famous coastal road connects Hout Bay with Noordhoek, winding along the mountainside above the Atlantic.
Stop at one of the viewpoints if you can, and take in the views back to Hout Bay or ahead to the wide stretch of Noordhoek Beach.
Then keep heading south.
Because waiting on the other side of the mountain is one of the most interesting little Route 420 clusters on the trip.
Find The Rolling Nymphs Under The Milkwoods
Once you descend into Noordhoek, head towards the Red Herring precinct and make Rolling Nymphs your next stop.
The wellness destination fits neatly into the slower pace of Noordhoek, where there is every reason to hang around for a while rather than rush straight through.
Relax in the shade of old milkwood trees, explore the area, and enjoy the village atmosphere.
When you’re ready for a cold drink, visit Aegir Project Brewery nearby.
The local taproom offers its own craft beers, plus food, coffee, and other drinks, so it’s an easy next stop after Rolling Nymphs.
Sit under the trees, enjoy a local beer, and take your time before heading out again.
If you want to stretch your legs, Noordhoek Beach is a great detour. Its wide, sandy stretch is popular with dog walkers and horse riders, and the views are among the best on this part of the route.
One important Route 420 rule: if you’re drinking or using cannabis, the driver must stay completely sober.
Cross Over To Kalk Bay
From Noordhoek, the Southern Route begins turning back towards Cape Town.
Instead of going straight to Lakeside, take a detour through Kalk Bay.
This harbour village is always worth exploring, especially if you like browsing antique shops, second-hand stores, and the eclectic mix of independent businesses along the main road.
Kalk Bay is also home to a second Rolling Nymphs location, giving you another Route 420 stop before continuing north along the False Bay coast.
From there, make your way towards Lakeside, where the final stop brings together food, coffee, cannabis culture, and live entertainment.
Finish At Roasted + Toasted Lakeside
The final Route 420 stop brings you to Roasted + Toasted Lakeside, but this one deserves more than a quick coffee before heading home.
The Lakeside venue is one of Roasted + Toasted’s main creative hubs, combining cannabis culture with coffee, fresh pastries, food, music and a space designed for hanging around rather than rushing off.
There is plenty happening beyond the counter too.
You’ll find pool tables, arcade games, skating and regular community events, plus live music, which is a big part of Lakeside’s vibe.
One event worth looking out for is The Round, Roasted + Toasted’s recurring live-music gathering.
Past events have featured local bands, jam sessions, and DJs, creating afternoons and evenings full of new music and community spirit.
You could end your Route 420 South trip with a coffee and a fresh pastry.
Or, if you time it right, you can stay for The Round and let your road trip continue into the evening.
Planning Your Route 420 South Journey
Route 420 South is a trip best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
You could drive the main route in a few hours, but with stops for coffee, food, beaches, viewpoints, markets, breweries, and Rolling Stoner Authenticated spots, it easily turns into a full-day adventure.
The distances listed below are approximate, and the suggested stop times are just a guide.
You might want to spend extra time at any stop, especially if you’re planning a braai at Oudekraal, lunch in Hout Bay, or a relaxed afternoon in Noordhoek.
Route 420 stop | Approx. distance from previous stop | Suggested stop time | What to allow time for |
The Alibi, Bree Street | Starting point | 45–90 min | Coffee, food, settling in and exploring the club |
Nirvana, Sea Point | ~3 km | 45–90 min | Coffee, food, promenade walk or Sea Point swim |
Camps Bay / Oudekraal | ~5 km | 1–3 hrs | Lunch, beach time, braai or picnic |
Hout Bay / Nature’s Oasis | ~10 km | 1–2 hrs | Nature’s Oasis, harbour, Bay Harbour Market or Snoekies |
Noordhoek via Chapman’s Peak | ~9–14 km to Noordhoek | 30–60 min | Viewpoints, photographs and the drive itself |
Noordhoek / Rolling Nymphs / Aegir | Included in Chapman’s Peak leg | 1–3 hrs | Rolling Nymphs, beer garden, beach, dog walk or horse riding |
Kalk Bay | ~11 km | 1–2 hrs | Rolling Nymphs, antiques, harbour and wandering the main road |
Roasted + Toasted, Lakeside | ~6 km | 1–3+ hrs | Coffee, baked goods, games, music or The Round |
Can You Do Route 420 South By MyCiTi?
For much of the journey, yes, you can.
MyCiTi services make the Atlantic Seaboard section particularly easy to navigate, connecting central Cape Town with Sea Point, Camps Bay, Oudekraal, Llandudno and Hout Bay.
This means you can leave your car behind and do most of the first half of Route 420 South by bus, stopping along the way without worrying about parking or driving.
However, public transport options become more limited after Hout Bay.
MyCiTi buses don’t go past Chapman’s Peak to Noordhoek, Kalk Bay, or Lakeside, so you’ll need another way to finish the southern half of the trip.
If you’re only doing the city-to-Hout Bay section, the bus is a practical choice, especially if you want to enjoy a drink along the way.
Make Route 420 South Your Own
In the end, make the journey your own. If you find any great spots to share with other Rolling Stoners, don’t forget to drop a Smoke Signal on our app.