At quaint Boulders Beach near Simon's Town, you'll find an interesting symbiotic relationship: here it's the penguins who rule and the people who make way for their diminutive neighbours. You'll often spot the distinctive black and white jackass penguins strolling the streets around the beach, almost like an old couple out for their constitutional. You also need to keep a wary eye out for birds that have chosen to rest in the shade of your car. But for a truly memorable view of the penguins, take to the boardwalks that lead you over the dunes and vegetation and thread their way through the noisy, bustling colony of birds. Watch them come in from the sea, be raucously greeted by those they left behind, or simply preen and sun themselves. If you get to the beach early on a summer day you may be able to get yourself a spot on the beach where the public can picnic, build sandcastles and possibly even catch a wave with one of the Boulders' most famous residents. Boulders Beach is on the False Bay coast so the water is a little warmer and the pretty setting is perfect for a family day out.