Escape the city and discover these top 10 places to visit when in Cape Town

Beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife, our gorgeous Table Mountain, Winelands, award-winning restaurants and more, make Cape Town the place to be. Tourist stream into the Mother City on a daily basis to come and enjoy all that the city has to offer. In December 2017, The Telegraph ran a poll with their 90,000 readers who voted the Mother City as the greatest city on Earth! Who could argue with that?

With all that the city has to offer, you may miss out on the outlying areas, like the Cape West Coast, that offers so much more. So, escape the city and discover these top 10 places to visit when in Cape Town.

1. !Khwa Ttu – San Spirit Shared

!Khwa ttu builds a bridge between past and present. !Khwa ttu combines adventure, relaxation and education to leave a lasting impression and a new understanding of the phrase “San Spirit Shared”. Visitors to !Khw ttu can enjoy authentic interactions, inspiring San guided tours, good food, compelling art and photography exhibitions, and professional friendly hospitality.

!Khwa ttu’s mountain bike trail on the Cape West Coast offers variety, fun, relaxation and spectacular views, at a great family venue perfect for weekend getaways. !Khwa ttu’s walking trails are a lovely way to view a game, explore the unique plants of the area and the waterholes near their guesthouses and campsites make for wonderful birding.

Visit their restaurant for good wholesome food, stunning scenery, a unique location in a rustic farmhouse restaurant overlooking the fynbos and distant ocean. Share their passion for good freshly prepared food, including a selection of meat dishes using their very own free-range, reared game and taste a selection of the best of local wines.

Find !Khwa ttu San on the West Coast Way Culture Route

Open 7 days a week| Free entry
Distance from Cape Town: 74km
Where: Grootwater Farm, R27
Coordinates: 33°21’44.55” S 18°16’14.12” E
Contact: (c) +27 (0)22 492 2998 |[email protected] | www.khwattu.org

2. Darling – The Creative Heartbeat Of The West Coast

Darling is the heartbeat of the West Coast region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Darling Tourism is open 7 days a week and they are located in the Darling Museum, where you can view the history of the area. Founded in 1978 by the Darling Women’s Agricultural Association as a Butter Museum, one section contains a unique collection of artefacts depicting the beginnings of the butter-making industry in Darling which was famous for its creamery.

The Museum recreates life in a bygone era with fascinating displays of Victorian clothing, china, and household furniture, rooms partitioned depicting daily life such as a shop, a laundry room, school and buttery. From the museum you can take a self-guided historic walking tour – maps can be purchased for a mere R2 at the museum. Should you want a little more excitement than on your walk, then ask for the Darling Mystery Tour instead and challenge your mind on this innovative treasure hunt.

Feeling peckish? Then head on over to The Marmalade Cat for delicious, locally made food. Darling also boasts their own craft brewery: Darling Brew is a favourite among the locals and the city folk. Bring the family to the Groote Post which is open 7 days a week.

Find Darling on the West Coast Way Culture and Tractor Routes 

Darling Tourism Bureau

Open 7 Days a week | Booking Not Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 76km
Where: Pastorie Street, Darling
Contact: +27 (0)22 492 3361 | [email protected] | www.darlingtourism.co.za

3. Yzerfontein – A Beach Town Rich In Nature

Plan the ultimate beach getaway with Yzerfontein Accommodation and enjoy the natural attractions like whale spotting from September until November (calving season) and the self-guided and free walking trail called the Yzerfontein Schaapeiland: follow an easy meander along the coast, with its breath-taking views over the Atlantic Ocean, starting at the tidal pool and ending at Schaapeiland “sheeps island”.

Book at one of the many self-catering holiday apartments with Yzerfontein Accommodation and you can add wonderful activities to your stay: like horse riding, a photoshoot, a delicious picnic or a skydiving experience. Yzerfontein Accommodation is a family business built on openness, consistency and loyalty. They cultivate personal, intimate relationships with the locals enabling them to personalize your experience by offering self-catering accommodation and holiday packages.

Open 7 days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 80km
Where: Unit 3, Yzerfontein Business Park, Yzerfontein
Contact: +27 (0)22 451 2210 | +27 (0)83 453 2336  | [email protected]

4. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort – Gateway To The Cederberg

Overlooking the Cederberg Mountains’ western slopes is the award-winning Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort with arguably the best inland views to be found on the Cape West Coast. Wake up to beautiful views of the Cederberg mountains and fill your days with a variety of activities and sightseeing.

The resort has everything you’ll expect from a 4-star attraction including famous Kloof Restaurant, indoor heated pool and health & wellness centre. Take your pick from scenic mountain hiking trails, zip-lining (the resort is famous for its zip lines), target shooting or go on a guided citrus tour in the town of Citrusdal close by.

Find Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort on the West Coast Way Berg Route and Wild Route.

Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Distance from Cape Town: 169km
Where: N7 Piekenierskloof Pass, Citrusdal, 7340
Contact: +27 (0)22 921 3574  [email protected] / [email protected] (Hotel Reservations)
+27 (0)11 267 8500 [email protected] (Chalet Reservations) | www.piekenierskloof.co.za

5. Kardoesie N7 Countrystop – Connecting Cape Town And Namibia On The N7

While you are in Citrusdal, pop in at Kardoesie N7 Countrystop where an extensive breakfast menu is served all day – always a plus for those en route somewhere whether it’s near or far – or choose between a wide selection of burgers, pizzas or toasted sandwiches including a dagwood, light meals such as homemade pies and filled pancakes, hake and/or calamari as well as scrumptious cakes.

Whilst you wait – but you will have to hurry as the service is brisk and friendly – browse the deli shop or Mengelmoes with its delightful mishmash of merchandise from leather products to imported clothes, from books to sunglasses.

Kardoesie N7 Countrystop is your connection between Cape Town and Namibia and also offers camping and self-catering accommodation, making it the perfect rest stop on your journey. While you are there, enjoy a heart-racing game of paintball or take a refreshing dip in their pool

Find Kardoesie N7 Countrystop on the West Coast Way  Berg Route.

6. Bokkomlaan in Velddrif

Velddrif is the heart of the fishing industry on the West Coast. Many visitors go there and miss this undiscovered gem. Until now. Cross the Carinus Bridge and take a right along Voortrekker Road between St Helena Bay and Aurora. Stop at the view site beneath tall palm trees and watch ample waders in the waterway. Continue a little further and take a right into Bokkomlaan. Time seems to stands still as fishing boats bob in the wake next to numerous jetties. Fishermen can be seen preparing fish for sale as they did in the fishing heyday. Bokkomlaan is the first road to have been built in Velddrif. It was granted heritage status one year ago.

Find Bokkomlaan In Velddrif on the West Coast Way Berg Route

Open: 7 days a week

Distance from Cape Town: 146 km

Where: Bokkom Ave, Velddrif

Contact: Dagbreek Visserye: 072 226 1678.
River Studio: 083 415 9524, [email protected]
Ek & Djy Vissery: 082 781 3878   082 600 1889.
Columbine & Co: 061 771 7518.
Die Vishuis: 022 783 1183.

7. Shelley Point Hotel and Spa- Five Star Family Retreat

Shelley Point Hotel offers access to a variety of restaurants that cater to all tastes. Try lunch at Dorothea’s and then a romantic dinner at the Cattle Baron, both have panoramic views across the peninsula. Cattle Baron also has a Sunday buffet from 12h00 to 15h00 at only R200 each.

Shelley Point Hotel and Spa is surrounded by three bays: Stompneus, Shell and Britannia. Watch whales frolic as you explore long stretches of deserted beaches. You may spy a shy bokkie in the extensive grounds.

Shelley Point Hotel and Spa allows guests to choose from elegantly decorated suites with an emphasis on comfort and privacy. All accommodation includes buffet breakfast and children under six years stay for free. And all rooms have en-suite bathrooms with fresh fluffy towels, bathrobes and slippers. Among the accommodation are 31 luxury suites, three of them disabled-friendly, two honeymoon suites and 48 duplexes for four guests in each.

Find Shelley Point Hotel and Spa on the West Coast Way Foodie Route

Open: 7 days a week

Distance from Cape Town: 157 km
Where: R27, in an exclusive security peninsula resort of Shelley Point, on Golden Mile Boulevard,
Contact: +27 (0) 22 742 1065 or email [email protected]    shelleypointhotel.com

8. Club Mykonos – Fun For The Whole Family

Club Mykonos resort is a family-friendly gateway to endless fun in the sun. Sample the beauty of Langebaan on the West Coast, with the best of Mediterranean hospitality.

Wet your water wings with activities ranging from fishing trips to wet bike rides to a relaxing cruise. While the kids enjoy a fun day out with Chester the Donkey and the bubbly staff at Club Onos, indulge yourself at the Health & Leisure Centre or play a round of Mini Golf. Dance and dine the night away at any number of restaurants and bars across the resort. Sample the beauty of Langebaan on the West Coast, with the best of Mediterranean hospitality.

Find Club Mykonos in Langebaan on the West Coast Way Tractor Route and Foodie Route

Open 7 days a week | Booking Essential
Distance from Cape Town: 116 km
Where: R27, Mykonos Access Road, Langebaan
Contact: +27 (0) 22 707 7000 |  [email protected] |  www.clubmykonos.co.za

9. Russells On The Port – It’s For foodies

Russells on the Port is located on the doorstep of the Port Owen Marina with stunning views of the Berg River basin, close to Velddrif. As you drive over the bridge over the Berg River, keep an eye out for the resident flock of flamingoes, keep left into Port Owen and head straight to the marina.

Russells on the Port restaurant is Upmarket Dining all the way, using locally sourced produce and herbs, fruit and vegetables are grown in their own garden, you know that your meal is going to be special.

The newly renovated guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with a tranquil atmosphere and includes a 6 suite Guest House and the new 9 suite Guest Lodge with an ultra-romantic Honeymoon Suite.

Find Russells on the Port on the West Coast Way Foodie Route and Berg Route

Opening hours and to book your table for Upmarket Dining at Russells on the Port

Tuesday to Saturday: 08:00 until 21:30

Sundays: 08:00 until 19:00 

Opening hours of the Guest House

7 Days a week

Distance from Cape Town: 158 km
Where: 1 Bronwen Avenue, Port Owen, Velddrif
Contact: +27 22 783 0158 | [email protected] | russellsontheport.co.za

10. Thali Thali Game Lodge – Glamping, Game Drives & Nature

Take time out and relax at Thali Thali offering a laid-back West Coast style break-away – complete with game drives, self-guided nature trails, archery lessons and sundowners on the deck of their restaurant and bar. They boast a wide range of game-like kudu, oryx, giraffe, sable antelope, eland, zebra, springbok, black wildebeest, duiker, bontebok, steenbok, ostrich, dromedary camel and emu.

Get close to the flora in the game reserve and discover the 3 different kinds of vegetation types: Strandveld, Renosterveld and Weskus Savannah. The reserve is also home to many different bird species and guests are welcome to enjoy one of the 3 new self-guided nature trails.

Find Thali Thali Game Lodge in Langebaan on the West Coast Way Foodie Route and Tractor Route

Open 7 days a week | Free entry
Distance from Cape Town: 117km
Where: R27
Contact: (c) +27 (0)82 372 8637 / +27 (0)83 275 2825 | [email protected] |  www.thalithali.co.za

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.