The Seaside Resort of St. James was located on False Bay, some 26 km South of Cape Town, the Suburb derived its name from the Church of St. James, built there in 1874. The railway line from Muizenburg only reached St. James Station, on 5 May 1883. Across the road is the 'Star of the Sea Convent.. The school has the Historical St James Catholic Church on its grounds.
The little Seaside Village of St. James, lies just past Muizenberg on route to Kalk Bay. Set against the Mountain with incredible Sea Views and one of the prettiest little Beaches. St. James Beach with a few colourful Beach Huts, (similar to Muizenberg beach.) There is also a large tidal pool, which is very popular with Locals and in 'Summer Holidays' it is packed with beachgoers. This is largely because the beach is so well sheltered from the notorious 'South-Easter of Cape Town'. This Beach also protection from the notorious Cape South-Easter and offers safe swimming. This is also, conveniently close to the Simons Town Railway Line.
The Suburb is also very close to Rhodes’ Cottage.
St James is named after the St James, the Roman Catholic Church, built for the Filipino Fishermen of Kalk Bay. Just up the road is 'Danger beach'-the other little beach of St. James. This was used in the whaling industry during the early 1800's as a place to haul the carcasses ashore.
Kalk Bay is within walking distance and offers a further delightful ambling opportunity, through cobbled Streets and a Main road lined with an Eclectic mix of Antique and Bookshops, Restaurants, Coffee Bistros and Clothing Boutiques. Boyes Drive, which runs along the Mountain above St James, offers further magnificent Views over False Bay. This is a wonderful spot from which to spot Whales, in season and there is also a corrugated hut used for shark spotting.
"St James Beach and Tidal Pool, is the subject of postcard perfect holiday. The epitome of shore side charm with a chorus line of brightly coloured wooden Beach Huts featuring primary coloured roofs and doors deliberately mismatched to their frame."
Crustaceans frolic side by side in the Natural Rock Pools, which Kids scurry to discover with delight. In the Centre of the Natural Rock Pools, is a large Man-Made Tidal Pool. The Tidal Pool is warmer than the False Bay Ocean and has calmer waters, unaffected by the seas-currents. "This salty Ocean Pool is fantastic for Kids to splash around in, without waves crashing around them.There is also a cute Beach stretch with washing waves and shells for those wanting a Beach experience without the Surfers. This sandy gem, is sheltered from the Westerly Winds, so bring your Beach Toys and make a Day of it! There are NO refreshments or amenities available on the actual beach, so come well stocked with refreshments and supplies."
A collection of Bars, Cafés and Restaurants are in the vicinity for lazy Summer Lunches and Sundowners. The Beach is not very big so it can get rather crowded during the Summer. "During high tide, the big waves break against the Tidal Pool Wall, so it’s not advisable to get too close to the Wall, when this happens!"
Across the Road from the Railway Station is the old Hotel, now it has been converted into a Retirement Hotel.
In Cape Town areas affected by the Group Areas Act of 1950 include: 'District Six, Claremont, Constantia, Harfield Village, Steurof, Diep River, Kalk Bay, St James, Millers Point, Simonstown,Kirstenbosch, Mowbray, Plumstead, Newlands, Sea Point, Windemere and Wingfield (all Cape Town).'
References
https://www.sa-venues.com/things-to-do/westerncape/dip-in-an-ocean-pool/
https://www.sa-venues.com/attractionswc/st-james.php