5 Best Sights in Simon's Town, South Africa

Part of Table Mountain National Park, a cove sits between giant granite boulders toward the southern outskirts of Simon's Town that's been set aside to protect one of the world's last colonies of African penguins. Here they strut, waddle, swim, flex, parade, primp, preen, breed, nest, snuggle, squawk, and bray like donkeys (hence their nickname, jackass penguins). You can visit the colony via a series of wooden boardwalks, but come early to avoid the frequent busloads of tourists. If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, there are a few penguins on Boulders Beach (which also charges a fee, but is an absolutely glorious and pristine little swimming beach) or on Seaforth Beach. Remember to obey all signs requesting that you leave the penguins in peace, and don't step over fences or try to touch the penguins—they can bite. That said, don't be surprised if a wandering bird comes waddling up to your beach blanket to take a closer look, as they are innately curious.

At Scratch Patch, a gemstone factory about 1 km (½ mile) north of Simon's Town, you can buy and fill a bag (you pay according to the size of the bag) with gemstones that you pick from a garden filled ankle-deep with semiprecious stones, such as tiger’s eye, rose quartz, amethyst, jasper, agates, and crystals. Obviously this is a winner with children, and since 1970, when Scratch Patch opened, the owners claim it has been copied around the world. If you’re lucky, you might find the rare Blue Lace Agate, which has a really interesting story linking it to mineral-rich Namibia and South Africa's little town of Springbok. Attached is Mineral World, a store that sells gemstone jewelry. Another branch of both is found at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

The historical exhibits at this rustic museum can feel like artifacts themselves; however, a section with numerous photographs and memorabilia from former Black residents who were removed to the townships of the Cape Flats in the 1960s makes it worthwhile. The museum is currently by appointment only; email to book. 

The naval museum is filled with model ships, old navigational equipment, old South African navy divers' equipment, a few real, life-size boats, and, oddly enough, a helicopter. You can also climb to the top of the building's clock tower. The newer "Transformation" section includes a display about the SS Mendi and information about how the navy has changed in democratic South Africa. It's staffed by naval personnel and volunteers.

Dinky Toys, boats, trains, soldiers, airplanes, some 4,000 model cars, and 500 dolls—what's not to like about this toy museum that is equally enjoyable for both kids and adults? It's packed with hundreds of models of all things locomotive: from cars to trains and tanks, these miniature vehicles date from the 1920s to the present. Some are on sale at the attached collectibles shop.