Need a change of scenery without going too far? Cape Town and its surrounds are packed with beautiful spots for spreading out a blanket, unpacking lunch, and spending a few slow hours outdoors.
Pack the picnic basket and pick a spot. From mountain views to leafy gardens and Winelands scenery, these are seven pretty places near Cape Town for a leisurely day outdoors.
Green Point Urban Park
Best for: A family picnic close to the city
Cost: Free
You don't need to leave Cape Town for a scenic picnic. Green Point Urban Park has expansive lawns, walking paths and biodiversity gardens, making it an easy spot for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
It's particularly handy for families, with plenty of open space to walk, play and explore before settling down for a picnic.
Why go: Green lawns, gardens and a convenient city location.
Arderne Gardens
Best for: A quiet garden escape
Cost: Free.
Tucked away in Claremont, Arderne Gardens offers a more peaceful alternative to some of Cape Town's busier outdoor spots.
The 4.5-hectare public garden is a provincial heritage site, with mature trees, landscaped gardens and plenty of tranquil corners to sit and enjoy the outdoors.
Why go: A peaceful, leafy escape that's still close to the city.
Signal Hill
Best for: Sunset picnics
Cost: Free.
For a picnic with a view, Signal Hill is difficult to beat. The elevated location offers sweeping views over Cape Town, Table Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
Pack your own snacks and a blanket, find a spot and settle in for sunset. Just remember that parking can be limited, particularly around busy periods.
Why go: Big city and ocean views without leaving Cape Town.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Best for: A picnic surrounded by nature
Cost: R270 for international adults; R110 for SA residents/SADC nationals; R150 for other African nationals. Children 6–17: R40; under-6s: free.
Kirstenbosch is one of Cape Town's classic picnic destinations, and its setting explains why. With Table Mountain rising behind the gardens, there are lawns, shaded areas and beautiful corners to explore before or after lunch.
You can bring your own picnic and make a full day of your visit.
Why go: Incredible gardens with Table Mountain as your backdrop.
Boschendal Wine Estate
Best for: A Winelands picnic
Surrounded by the mountains of the Franschhoek Valley, Boschendal offers a beautiful setting for a leisurely picnic on the estate.
The picnic experience is designed for relaxed afternoons on the lawns, making it a good option for a special outing with friends, family, or your partner.
Cost: Picnic prices vary; booking is recommended.
Why go: Mountain scenery, sprawling lawns and a classic Winelands setting.
Spier Wine Farm
Best for: A ready-made farm picnic
Cost: From R425 per person; R200 for children under 12.
Spier takes the effort out of planning a picnic. You can pre-book a curated basket packed with seasonal treats from the farm and local producers, complete with blankets, cutlery and glasses.
Choose your spot beneath the ancient oaks or beside the Riverside picnic area and settle in for a leisurely afternoon.
Why go: Beautiful farm scenery and a picnic that's already sorted.
Good to know: Spier does not allow visitors to bring their own food or drinks onto the farm.
Cape Point Vineyards
Best for: Ocean views
Cost: Picnic options and prices vary.
Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek is a strong choice when the scenery is just as important as the food. The estate looks out over the Noordhoek Valley and Atlantic coastline, creating a beautiful backdrop for a relaxed afternoon.
It's a particularly good option for a date or a long catch-up with friends.
Why go: Sweeping ocean, valley and mountain views.
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