Woodcutters once toiled on the forested slopes above Hout Bay ('wood bay').  Lying in the shadows of the Karbonkelberg, Chapman's Peak and Noordhoek mountain, this lush valley is now a prime residential area.

Bustling Hout Bay harbour is the headquarters of an export crayfishing industry and processing plant.  A highlight of the winter months is the landing and auctioning of enormous catches of silvery snoek.  Mariner's Wharf is a tourist complex comprising a restaurant and fresh fish market.  Places of historical interest include the old mining jetty, the Gordon Battery and the west battery.

Local history is depicted in the Hout Bay Museum, which also has an unusual wild food and herb garden.

Accommodation in and around Hout Bay