Things to Do
Discover Gordon’s Bay & Beyond
Just a short drive or pleasant walk from the house, you’ll find the heart of Gordon’s Bay. This charming coastal town is loved for its relaxed holiday feel, friendly atmosphere, and excellent selection of cafés, restaurants, and local shops. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, fine dining, or casual beachfront eateries, there’s something for everyone.
Gordon’s Bay
Eating Out Near Gordon’s Bay
Gordon’s Bay and the surrounding Helderberg area offer a wonderful variety of dining options, from relaxed beachfront cafés to well-regarded restaurants just a short drive away. Below are some of our personal recommendations for guests.
Zest Restaurant
A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, known for its relaxed atmosphere and quality food. Ideal for a leisurely start to the day or a light meal after a beach walk.
On The Go
A long-standing local favourite offering casual dining with a varied menu. Well known for seafood options and a friendly, welcoming vibe.
Strand
La Brasserie
One of our personal favourites. La Brasserie offers refined yet comfortable dining with a focus on quality ingredients and well-prepared dishes. Well worth the short drive to Strand.
Somerset West
Henri’s Restaurant
A well-regarded local restaurant known for excellent food and attentive service. Ideal for a relaxed but special meal. Website: https://henrisrestaurant.co.za/
Millhouse Kitchen – Lourensford Wine Estate
A favourite for casual dining set within Lourensford Wine Estate. Millhouse Kitchen offers relaxed breakfasts and lunches in a beautiful estate setting, making it perfect for an easy, informal outing.
Local Beaches: Gordon’s Bay to Pringle Bay
Bikini Beach – Gordon’s Bay
±5 minutes - Sheltered, Blue Flag beach good for swimming and families and close to cafés and restaurants. Bikini Beach is only a 10–15 minute walk from our home, is one of the area’s most popular and picturesque beaches. Known for its clear waters and sheltered setting, it’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind with the sound of the waves.
Gordon’s Bay Main Beach
±5–10 minutes - Long sandy beach along the promenade. Ideal for families and great for walks, scenery, and relaxed seaside time with lots of cafés and restaurants and ice cream parlours.
Rooiels / Harold Porter Coastal Area
±20 minutes (Clarence Drive) - Rugged coastline with rock pools and dramatic scenery. Best for exploring and photography.
Kogel Bay Beach
±25 minutes - Wide sandy beach between mountains and ocean. Excellent for walks and picnics; swimming conditions vary.
Betty’s Bay Main Beach (Silversands)
±35 minutes - Quiet, scenic beach with mountain views. Ideal for peaceful walks and nature lovers.
Stony Point Penguin Colony – Betty’s Bay
±35 minutes - Home to African penguins. Boardwalk viewing area; not suitable for swimming.
Pringle Bay Beach
±40 minutes - Long beach near the village. Good for walking and swimming on calm days, with cafés nearby. Beach conditions can change quickly. Water temperatures are cold year-round. Guests are advised to swim only in safe conditions and observe local warnings.
Local Walks
Danie Miller Hiking Trail (Mayor’s Walk)
Mountainside, Gordon’s Bay
Just a short distance from the house, the Danie Miller Hiking Trail is a beautiful and easy mountainside walk with breathtaking views over False Bay.
This scenic contour path winds through natural fynbos above Gordon’s Bay, offering peaceful surroundings, fresh sea air, and panoramic views across the bay — perfect for a relaxed morning stroll or a late afternoon walk as the sun begins to set.
Distance: 2.7 km (one way)
Time: Around 1.5–2 hours
Level: Easy to moderate
You can access the trail from Suikerbossie Drive or Aurora Drive in Mountainside, with informal roadside parking available (please be mindful of residents).
There are no facilities along the route, so we recommend bringing water, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and taking sun protection.
It’s one of our favourite local walks – simple, scenic, and wonderfully peaceful.
Steenbras Lookout Walk
Steenbras Dam Road, Gordon’s Bay
If you’re looking for incredible views with very little effort, the Steenbras Lookout Walk is perfect. Just a short drive from the house, this easy stroll rewards you with sweeping views over Gordon’s Bay, the harbour, and the beautiful False Bay coastline.
It’s a gentle walk along a clear footpath leading to a scenic lookout point — ideal for a quick morning outing, stretching your legs at sunset, or simply soaking in the mountain and ocean scenery.
Distance: Around 1 km (return)
Time: 30–45 minutes
Level: Easy
Parking is available at designated lookout areas along Steenbras Dam Road. From there, simply follow the visible footpath up to the viewpoint and return the same way.
There are no facilities, and the area can be exposed to sun and wind, so we recommend bringing water and sun protection. For the very best experience, visit on a clear day when the views stretch for miles.
A simple walk with truly spectacular rewards.
Local Sightseeing & Day Trips
Our home at 5 Suikerbossie Drive, Gordon’s Bay is ideally located for exploring some of the Western Cape’s most famous attractions. Below are recommended sightseeing destinations, all easily accessible as half-day or full-day trips.
Cape Town City Centre
Approx. 45–60 minutes’ drive.
Cape Town offers world-class attractions including the V&A Waterfront, Company’s Garden, museums, restaurants, shopping and historic landmarks.
Tourist information: https://www.capetown.travel
Table Mountain
Approx. 50–60 minutes’ drive.
One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain can be accessed by cable car or hiking routes.
Cableway information: https://www.tablemountain.net
Stellenbosch & Winelands
Approx. 30–40 minutes’ drive.
Stellenbosch is the heart of the Cape Winelands, offering wine estates, fine dining and historic charm.
Tourist information: https://www.visitstellenbosch.org
Hermanus (Whale Route)
Approx. 1–1.25 hours’ drive.
Gordon’s Bay marks the start of the Whale Route. Hermanus is famous for land-based whale watching.
Tourist information: https://www.hermanus.co.za
Simon’s Town
Approx. 1–1.25 hours’ drive.
A historic naval town known for Boulders Beach and its African penguin colony.
Tourist information: https://www.simons-town.info
Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Approx. 1.5 hours’ drive.
Located within Table Mountain National Park, offering dramatic coastal scenery.
Park information: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table-mountain
Kalk Bay
Approx. 1–1.25 hours’ drive.
A lively seaside village with a working harbour, tidal pool and seafood restaurants.
Tourist information: https://www.capetown.travel/places/kalk-bay