Good morning, friends. Our latest outing took us to the Greenpoint Lighthouse Cape Town, a spot we were genuinely excited to visit. With the sun shining and a clear plan in mind, we expected a smooth and scenic experience. Sadly, what followed was a series of disappointments that we couldn’t ignore.
The Reality Behind the Greenpoint Lighthouse Cape Town Visit
We arrived shortly after 10 AM, excited to visit the iconic Greenpoint Lighthouse Cape Town. Unfortunately, after struggling to find parking in the bustling area, we discovered the lighthouse was closed. According to Google, it was meant to be open on Saturdays. However, this was clearly not the case.
There were no signs, no staff, and no explanation. It was just closed.
Weekend Public Services – A Missed Opportunity
Sadly, this isn’t the first time we’ve experienced this kind of disappointment when dealing with state-run locations. Whether it’s Greenpoint Lighthouse Cape Town, a local museum, or another historical site, the trend remains the same: outdated online information, minimal communication, and a clear reluctance to operate on weekends. It’s frustrating for locals and even worse for tourists who plan their trips based on public information.
Government-run facilities, like the Iziko Museums and lighthouses across the country, continue to fall short. It feels like there’s no urgency to offer reliable weekend experiences, and this needs to change.
Military Bunkers? Not Quite
In an attempt to save the day, we consulted ChatGPT for alternatives and were pointed toward some military bunkers that sounded intriguing. Yet again, disappointment followed. These sites were not accessible to the public. Another plan down the drain.
Coffee and Calm at Eden on Big Bay
After that string of letdowns, we needed a pick-me-up. Lunch time had passed, so we went straight for a light meal and coffee. Thankfully, this decision did not disappoint. Delicious food, great service, and perfectly brewed coffee lifted our spirits a little.
With the Springbok game fast approaching, we wrapped up our afternoon at our favourite beach hangout: Eden on Big Bay. The peaceful atmosphere, warm sunlight, and gentle waves helped us regroup. It was a perfect reminder of why we keep going back there.
For those who enjoy travel stories like this, we’ve shared plenty more in our Eat and Sleep blog archive. You’ll find more honest reflections, travel tips, and family-friendly outings.
This Week’s Competition – Wine & Reflection
We’ve also updated our giveaway! It’s no longer a lucky draw – it’s now a full competition. To enter, just answer this simple question:
“Why is wine such a perfect adventure companion?”
Send your answer, along with your name and surname, to marinda@eatandsleep.co.za. Once we receive your proof of payment for the R30 entry fee, you’ll be officially entered. Thank you again to Eikehof Wine Estate in Franschhoek for sponsoring our very first competition wine.
Final Thoughts
While our visit to Greenpoint Lighthouse Cape Town didn’t go as planned, the day wasn’t a total loss. It reminded us that not every outing will be picture-perfect, but there’s always value in spending time together, trying new things, and soaking in the beauty when it finally reveals itself.
Here’s to better weekends, better communication from public institutions, and the small joys that turn a frustrating day into a memorable one.







