Top 5 places to visit on the Cape West Coast
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while, there is no better place than the beautiful Cape West Coast to do just that. Charming fishing villages, sensational sea views, white sandy beaches and some of the best seafood in the world are just some of the incredible treats the West Coast has in store for you. And that’s merely scratching the Cape West Coast surface! Considered somewhat of a Cape Town hidden gem, the Cape West Coast is jam-packed with unapologetic natural beauty, a treasure chest of secret spots and hidden treasures and some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. It will almost feel like you’ve escaped to a whole new world entirely all without really leaving the city at all.
Not to mention the fact that the west coast of Cape Town is widely known for its sensational fresh seafood. In fact, one of the top seafood restaurants in the world, Wolfgat, is found right here in the heart of the Cape west coast. Voted the Best Off-Map Destination & Restaurant of the Year in the internationally acclaimed 2019 World Restaurant Awards, Wolfgat is a tiny beach restaurant that opened their doors just 2 years ago in a 130-year-old cottage and cave on the beach at Paternoster.
But besides sensational seafood, a road trip up the Cape West Coast promises to be filled with tons of beauty, adventure, exciting experiences and hidden gems all the way through. Here are our top 5 places to visit on the Cape West Coast. However, in addition to these 5 west coast gems, there is so much more just waiting to be explored, discovered and experienced by you. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go on the ultimate Cape West Coast roadtrip!
#1 ELANDS BAY
The beautiful and charismatic Cape West Coast is one of the most tranquil destinations in Cape Town for whenever you just need to break away from the hustle and hype of the city. And just have some time to yourself to relax, reset, reflect and recharge. Plus, the fact that the unapologetic beauty and serenity of the Cape west coast is truly unparalleled, just makes it all the more magical. Not to mention that it’s only a short drive from the Cape Town city centre. Which means you can easily enjoy a daytrip or choose to spend the night, the choice is yours. By far one of the top 5 places to visit on the Cape west coast is the sleepy fishing village of Elands Bay. Undoubtedly one of the best things about the west coast gem of Elands Bay is the fact that it is still relatively undiscovered by the masses and large crowds. Making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the ideal picturesque beachy retreat to soak up all the magic and beauty the Cape west coast has to offer.
Surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches and sensational ocean views, Elands Bay is a tranquil and serene beach oasis in every way. It also boasts some diverse wildlife, stunning natural surroundings and some of the best swimming spots in Cape Town. Not to mention the fact that it is considered a true local surfing paradise as well as somewhat of a local surfing hidden gem. So, if you’re an avid surfer at heart, be sure to take your surfboard along for some epic Cape Town surfing fun. In addition, if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, by travelling a little further inland you will find a few incredible caves with enchanting rock art. This is believed to be the work of the Bushmen who wandered this land for thousands of years. Thereby adding a bit of culture and history to your Cape west coast escape.
Another not to be missed gem found in Elands Bay is Baboon Point, which is known for the distinctive way in which the mountain cuts into the ocean. Baboon Point was recently declared a provincial heritage site and is the only place in Africa where rock art has been discovered so close to the coast. In addition, if you’re an avid bird watcher, exploring the Verlorenvlei wetlands should most definitely be on your Elands Bay to-do list. Home to over 189 bird species including around 75 waterbirds, it is a pretty spectacular experience for a head-over-heels bird lover at heart.
#2 PATERNOSTER
The charming coastal town of Paternoster is the picture-perfect west coast escape to get away from the hustle and hype of the city, sit back, relax and recharge. With rows of whitewashed fishermen’s cottages, long stretches of white sand and an old dock where boats still pull up every day to deliver fresh hauls, this authentic fishing village truly is a West Coast gem in every way. Not to mention that it is the ultimate seafood mecca boasting some of the very best fresh seafood in the entire Western Cape.
Besides down-right delicious seafood, magnificent beaches, sensational scenery and a real fisherman’s village charm, Paternoster also has an endless variety of natural gems to discover and explore. Nature lovers should definitely spend a day or two exploring the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, a vast stretch of beautiful coastline with plenty of secluded beaches and hidden coves. You will also be able to enjoy amazing bird life and marine life sightings, with whales and dolphins often visible right from the shore. It’s therefore safe to say that the beautiful fishing village of Paternoster is without a doubt one of the top 5 places to visit on the Cape west coast. Providing visitors with a picturesque escape to just appreciate all the beauty, wander and serenity the west coast of Cape Town has to offer.
#3 LANGEBAAN
White sandy beaches, turquoise ocean waters, breath-taking ocean views, a laid-back beach vibe and pure unapologetic natural beauty around every twist and turn is just some of what you can expect from this beautiful and charismatic West Coast beach town. Located approximately 100km from Cape Town’s city centre, Langebaan is undoubtedly one of the top 5 places to visit on the Cape West Coast. Offering the perfect picturesque beach oasis for a quick escape from the hustle of the city.
In addition to the white Caribbean like beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, the charming coastal town of Langebaan has a variety of hidden gems, natural wonders and sought-after attractions just waiting to be explored and experienced by you. Langebaan has also become a top hub for water sports along the west coast with local and international surfers, kite-surfers, kite-boarders and wind-surfers travelling from far and wide to experience its windy ways and cool water sport status. In addition, Langebaan is a great place for yachting, angling and various fishing opportunities.
Not to mention the variety of hiking trails, nature walks, adventure experiences and unapologetic natural beauty this captivating west coast town has to offer. It is home to the renowned West Coast National Park after all. Which has undoubtedly established itself as one of Cape Town’s main and most sought-after attractions, especially during Cape Town’s beautiful flower season when the whole West Coast National Park comes to life with vibrant colours as stunning wildflowers stretch as far as the eye can see. In addition to its natural beauty, authentic fauna and flora and range of wildlife, the West Coast National Park is also home to a few spectacular secret beaches. Including the renowned ‘Preekstoel’ which is absolutely worth a visit.
#4 YZERFONTEIN
Situated just 80km north of Cape Town’s city centre, you’ll discover the most serene and tranquil sea-side village known as Yzerfontein. Boasting endless stretches of white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, it will almost feel like you’ve escaped to a whole new world entirely all without really leaving the city at all. Known for its natural beauty, vast stretches of beach and pure sense and serenity and tranquillity, the beautiful Yzerfontein is a true west coast gem. Boasting a stunning unspoilt coastline with both rocky and sandy beaches including the famous sixteen-mile beach which stretches all the way to Postberg Nature Reserve within the West Coast National Park, Yzerfontein is any beach and nature lover’s dream come true. Undoubtedly making it one of the top 5 places to visit on the Cape west coast.
In addition to its natural unapologetic beauty, Yzerfontein boasts beautiful year-round sunshine and a mild winter climate, making it the perfect getaway and holiday destination for locals and travellers alike. This captivating west coast town is also home to a small craft harbour which is any anglers dream come true, well known for its snoek and crayfish. In fact about 60% of all line fish caught on the West Coast happens right here in Yzerfontein.
In addition to its scenic beauty and stunning surroundings, Yzerfontein boasts an endless variety of exciting adventures and amazing experiences. From mountain biking, whale and dolphin watching, bird watching and scenic drives to several hiking trails and water sports such as skiing, sailing, surfing and angling. Yzerfontein has something for everyone to enjoy!
#5 BLOUBERGSTRAND
Boasting one of the most beautiful views of the majestic Table Mountain in the entire city, Bloubergstrand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town as well as one of the top places to visit on the Cape west coast. Located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre, the beloved Bloubergstrand is a scenic treasure trove perfect for a fun-filled beach day with the whole family. Besides stunning views of Table Mountain, the glorious ocean, Robben Island and the city of Cape Town. Bloubergstrand is home to a beautiful long white sandy beach, a vibrant boardwalk and a lively beachfront lined with cool bars, restaurants, laid-back hangouts and sundowner spots.
In addition to being one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches, Bloubergstrand is also one of the coolest surfing spots in the city. However, being the renowned windy wavemaker of the Cape west coast, means Bloubergstrand is not only a top Cape Town surfing hotspot. But the ultimate global kitesurfing destination too. Establishing itself as one of best kitesurfing beaches in the world. Bloubergstrand is therefore known to attract quite the local and international kitesurfing and surfing crowd. Sitting on the Bloubergstrand beachfront and seeing the sky light up with a vibrant array of colours as avid kite-surfers take to the water to show off all their cool skills, is quite a spectacular sight.
In addition to the main Bloubergstrand beachfront, Big Bay and Little Bay are another two of Bloubergstrand’s top beaches. Big Bay boasts a cool laid-back swimming beach, making it the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back beach day. Big Bay is also a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. Not to mention its lush lawns and vibrant strip of beachfront restaurants, bars and sundowner spots. Little Bay, the smaller counterpart of the surfers’ Big Bay, is a more secluded beach escape. It’s quitter beach setting and lovely rockpools scattered about makes it the perfect place to enjoy a fun and relaxing beach day with the whole family.
