Do your upcoming travel plans include going to Gordon’s Bay? This beautiful town provides a peaceful, romantic beach retreat and one of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see. This location is about slowing down, avoiding the crowds, and spending quality time exploring one of the Western Cape’s best-kept secrets. But these are secrets you’ll want to uncover if you’re looking for things to do in Gordon’s Bay.
It is also the only town in South Africa with two fully operational harbours. This includes the Old Harbour, which houses the Gordon’s Bay Yacht Club, and Harbour Island, a marina development with yacht moorings and the Gordon’s Bay Boat Angling Club. Many activities and attractions await you in Gordon’s Bay. There are beaches to suntan on, nature reserves to discover, and dining experiences at vibrant restaurants. So, are you ready to find out what this town has to offer?
Planning to visit Gordon’s Bay? Check out the pages below:
Top 8 Things to Do in Gordon’s Bay
1. Gordon’s Bay Main Beach
First, we start with Gordon’s Bay Main Beach, the biggest beach in the area. Thanks to its offshore reefs, there are no big waves. Because of this, this beach is ideal for the entire family, small children included! In addition, you’ll find sheltered rock pools offering an invitation for marine explorers. Gordon’s Bay Main Beach is busiest during December and early January if you’d rather skip the crowds.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free unless you visit for scuba diving.
Address: Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay
2. Danie Miller Hiking Trail
Our second item on this list of things to do in Gordon’s Bay is the Danie Miller Hiking Trail. This trail offers spectacular scenery of Gordon’s Bay, the harbour, False Bay, and the Helderberg area. Also, the trail is part of the area’s history. To clarify, Danie Miller was Mayor of Gordon’s Bay in the late 1980s, and he, along with his two daughters, built the trail. It provides a reasonably straightforward, accessible route for various fitness levels. Keep an eye out to catch glimpses of different flowers and animals, such as white pincushion proteas, dassies, and chacma baboons.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Address: 37 Aurora Drive, Mountainside, Gordon’s Bay
3. Gordon’s Bay Mall
This compact and charming shopping centre features shops in a square around an open atrium with a beautiful water feature. When you’ve done with all your shopping, recline on one of the seats set around the atrium’s centre and enjoy the soothing sounds of the splashing water. Gordon’s Bay Mall is home to a variety of retail outlets.
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 21h00, Saturday from 08h00 to 20h00, and Sunday from 08h00 to 19h00
Address: 59 Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, admirals Park, Gordon’s Bay
4. Bikini Beach
Number 4 of our things to do in Gordon’s Bay is one of the City of Cape Town’s Blue Flag beaches. Bikini Beach is a popular venue among locals and tourists. Thanks to its safe and clean conditions, the beach enjoys Blue Flag status. As a result, many visitors flock to Bikini Beach to enjoy swimming, suntanning, and surfing. In addition, various beachfront restaurants and cafés add to the beach’s already enticing appeal.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Address: Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay
5. Mountain Streams Nursery
Discover this quaint garden centre on the outskirts of Gordon’s Bay. Visit Mountain Streams Nursery to browse their extensive plant selection – and leave feeling revitalised and refreshed by their beautiful green space. Purchase plants for every garden and season. While you shop, unwind with a cup of coffee and a delicious meal. Every Sunday, treat yourself to their coffee shop’s lunch special.
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00 and Saturday to Sunday from 09h00 to 16h00
Address: Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Gordon’s Bay
6. Mukda Thai Spa
The next one of our things to do in Gordon’s Bay offers an exotic Thai way to relax your body and soul. Indulge in the enchantment of the Thai massage touch, the unique aromas of essential oils, and the services of Mukda Thai Spa’s professional staff. The spa has created a concept of Thai traditional soothing signature treatments, where guests can experience all of the pleasures of a Thai spa.
Opening times: The spa is open from Tuesdays to Fridays from 09h00 to 17h00 and Saturday to Sunday from 09h00 to 18h00. For public holidays, it’s from 09h00 to 17h00.
Cost: Prices vary for the different treatments and products.
Address: 2 Watermill Road, Gordon’s Bay
7. Thirsty Oyster Tavern Gordon’s Bay
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern is on Beach Road, next to Bikini Beach, in Gordons Bay’s old harbour. With live music at the tavern, this restaurant/tavern is ideal for a great meal and a drink with friends. So drop anchor at Thirsty Oyster for a while and slip into their relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether it’s in the cool breezes of summer or by the warm, cosy fires during winter – you’re bound to enjoy your visit.
Opening times: Sunday to Monday from 11h00 to 21h30, Tuesday from 12h00 to 02h00, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12h00 to 21h30, and Thursday from 09h00 to 21h30
Menu: Thirsty Oyster Tavern Gordon’s Bay Menu
Address: 155 Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay Central, Gordon’s Bay
8. Steenbras Lookout Point
This item on our list of things to do in Gordon’s Bay entails a short drive up the mountain overlooking Gordon’s Bay. Following this, take a walk along a narrow ridge (if you’re steady enough) to a clearing with a fantastic view of the treatment plant itself and an even better view of Gordon’s Bay. The view from Steenbras Dam over this coastline is stunning, with Gordons Bay’s housing hugging the steep slopes and the flat lands of Somerset West beyond. This view over the vast expanse of aqua blue, deepening to the ultramarine waters of False Bay, is calming and tranquil – a spectacular experience from a single vantage point!
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Address: Unnamed Road, Mountainside, Gordon’s Bay
More Things to Do Outside of Gordon’s Bay
9. Sir Lowry’s Pass
Now to continue our exploration of things to do in Gordon’s Bay. This time, we look a bit beyond the borders of the town. First, we have Sir Lowry’s Pass, a mountain pass on the N2 national road. Crossing the Hottentots Holland Mountains between Somerset West and the Elgin valley, Sir Lowry’s is a famous tourist spot. This high-altitude road will give you panoramic views of peaks. It is also a popular paragliding location which offers native baboon sightings.
Opening times: 24 hours
Address: N2, Somerset West
10. Blue Rock Cable Waterski Resort
Blue Rock is a tranquil piece of pure nature located on Sir Lowry’s Pass on the Hottentots-Holland mountainside. The park has a beautiful freshwater lake with cable systems, allowing organisers to offer exciting water-based activities. Blue Rock is ideal for commercial, sports, and freediving diving, thanks to the lake’s approximately 60-metre depth. In addition, you can indulge in zip-lining, paintball, rock jumping, camping, and accommodation.
Opening times: September to October – Tuesday to Sunday – 08h00 – 18h00, November to April – Monday to Sunday – 10h00 to 18h00, May to September – Closed
Entry fee: Adults – R110 and Children under 6 – R80*
Address: Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West
*This excludes the prices for accommodation and activities.
11. Steenbras River Gorge
Situated in the Steenbras Nature Reserve is the next item for things to do in Gordon’s Bay. The location features an impressive hiking trail that leads you through the rocky gorge to waterfalls and natural swimming pools. Adventure seekers can look forward to kloof jumping, swimming and abseiling activities. Out in the greater Steenbras Nature Reserve, you can enjoy whale watching, coastal fishing, and scenic drives.
Opening times: Daylight hours (1 November to 30 April – Bookings open from 1 October)
Cost: Entry to the Steenbras River Gorge is R80 per person, and for the hiking trail, it’s R25 per person.
Address: Kogelberg Nature Reserve Trail, Helderberg Rural
12. Helderberg Nature Reserve
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is in Somerset West on the slopes of the magnificent Helderberg Mountain overlooking False Bay. Teeming with life, the latest highlight from the list of things to do in Gorgon’s Bay is an ideal exploring ground and offers a true escape from the city rush. Among the activities you can enjoy, there are several trails to explore in the reserve, picnic spots, a variety of animal and plant life, and a restaurant.
Opening times: 1 December to 28 February – 07h30 to 20h00, March and November – 07h30 to 19h00, and 1 April to 31 October – 07h30 to 17h30
Cost: R20 per vehicle, R250 per bus* (less than 25) and R412 (more than 25), Adults pay R30, Children (3-17), Students (valid student card required) and Pensioners pay R20. Children under 3 can enter free of charge.
Address: Corner of Helderberg Nature Reserve Road and Verster Avenue, Somerset West
13. Kogel Bay Beach
Our exploration of things to do in Gordon’s Bay takes us outside the town to Kogel Bay Beach. This 1.9-kilometre sandy stretch features three beaches where visitors can swim, fish, and picnic. The main resort, Klippies Bay Day Camp Beach, is situated on a beautiful stretch of coastline surrounded by high mountains. The seaside resort is part of the Kogel Bay Resort, a gorgeous piece of coast surrounded by high mountains.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free unless you choose accommodation or one of the campsites in Kogel Bay.
Address: Helderberg Rural, Sir Lowry’s Pass
14. Dappat se Gat
Dappat se Gat is a famous surfing beach and scenic spot with warm water, rocky cliffs, and small caves that provide wind protection. While the site is ideal for picnics, it’s not safe to swim due to the strong rip current. Make sure when entering the main cave to go during low tide. There are also three small sandy coves with shallow caves. Wear appropriate shoes for the walk down to the beach since the path has a few rocky sections.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Address: R44, Helderberg Rural
15. Helderberg Farm
This next item on our guide to things to do in Gordon’s Bay combines traditional South African charm with a family-friendly environment. The Helderberg Farm offers various activities, including mountain biking trails, hiking trails, strawberry picking, and 4×4 and viewpoint routes. Are you taking a rest from all the fun? Relax with a beverage at the Tea Garden or satisfy your appetite with braai and picnic facilities.
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 08h00 to 17h00*
Cost: Prices vary
Address: Klein Helderberg Road off, R44, Somerset West, Raithby
*The farm is closed on Good Friday and Christmas
16. Waterworld Strand
Waterworld Strand, also known as Wild Waters Fun Park, is a family-friendly water park located directly next to the beach in Strand, Western Cape’s Cape Helderberg region. The park has a variety of water slides for all ages, ranging from super tubes and speed slides to kiddie slides. Waterworld Strand also features a kiddie paddle pool, trampolines, jungle gyms, and a foefie slide.
Opening times: September to April – Monday to Sunday – 09h00 to 18h00 (During school and public holidays, as well as term weekends), School Term Weekdays – Tuesday to Friday – 13h00 to 18h00
Cost: Prices vary
Address: Beach Road (opposite No. 195), Strand
17. Monkey Town
This highlight from our exploration of things to do in Gordon’s Bay is on the N2 in Somerset West. There are over 250 primates and 26 exotic species of monkeys and apes to discover. You can observe the monkeys from caged walkways that allow them to roam freely on the outside. Please refrain from feeding any of the primates or animals because each has its unique, well-balanced diet.
Opening times: Daily from 08h00 to 17h00
Cost: Prices vary
Address: Mondeor Rd (Off N2 highway towards Sir Lowry’s Pass), Somerset West
18. Vergelegen Wine Estate
Consider Vergelegen as a place to spend quality time alone, with family and friends, or with business associates – wine tasting centre and cellar tours, Camphors at Vergelegen Signature Restaurant, Stables at Vergelegen Bistro Restaurant, and the picnic are just a few of the many enjoyable activities available at Vergelegen.
Opening times: Daily from 08h30 to 17h00 (last entry at 16h00)
Cost: Prices vary between services and products
Address: Lourensford Road, Somerset West
19. Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
The penultimate item on our list of things to do in Gordon’s Bay is in the breathtaking Hottentots Holland Mountains. The World Heritage Site stretches from Elgin to Villiersdorp and the Stellenbosch Mountains to the Groenland Mountains. The nature reserve is the perfect venue for many outdoor adventures. For example, explore hiking and mountain biking trails, swim in clear natural pools, and experience the exhilaration of kloofing.
Opening times: 24 hours
Cost: Day access – Adults pay R50 and Children pay R30. Overnight access – Adults pay R40 and Children pay R20)
Address: Suicide Gorge, Grabouw
20. Cape Canopy Tour
The Cape Canopy Tour is located in the Elgin Valley near Grabouw and scales the rugged Hottentots Holland mountains in the same-named Cape Nature reserve. Lonely Planet describes it as “vertigo-tinged fun” with “an exciting aerial perspective.”
Image source: Unsplash
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