Stretching along the southern coast of South Africa, the Garden Route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, diverse ecosystems and pristine beaches. To be honest, this is one of my favourite areas in South Africa. From secluded coves to bustling seaside towns, the Garden Route offers a beach experience for every traveller. Some are great for long strolls along the beach at sunset, others are great for surfing, tanning, or just admiring the ocean from a distance.
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The best beaches to visit on the Garden Route
Here is a list of my favourite beaches to visit on the Garden Route:
I’ll add the beaches starting from Cape Town all the way down to Storms River.
Dana Bay | Mossel Bay
Let’s kickstart this beach adventure with (📍) Dana Bay. Its untouched natural beauty and tranquil ambience are great for a leisurely stroll along the sand.
The Point | Mossel Bay
At the heart of Mossel Bay lies (📍) Mossel Bay Point, a popular destination for beach enthusiasts and water lovers. Here, visitors can enjoy not only the golden sands and scenic views but also the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water at the rock pools. Mossel Bay Point boasts safe swimming conditions, thanks to its sheltered location within the bay.
This charming little coastal harbour town is great for enjoying fish and chips at the harbour and is famous for the Bartolomeu Dias Museum and Cape St Blaize Lighthouse.
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Diaz Beach | Mossel Bay
Named after the famous Portuguese explorer, Bartolomeu Dias, (📍) Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay holds historical significance while offering a stunning coastal experience. This expansive beach boasts pristine white sands and azure waters. It invites visitors to relax and unwind amidst breathtaking scenery. Diaz Beach is not only ideal for swimming but also popular among surfers, bodyboarders, and sunbathers alike.
Hartenbos Beach | Mossel Bay
(📍) Hartenbos is a family-friendly haven with safe swimming waters and an array of recreational activities. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids or enjoying a beachfront picnic, Hartenbos offers endless opportunities for relaxation and fun.
It is also possible to walk back and forth between Hartenbos Beach and Diaz Beach.
Glentana Beach | Grootbrak
Nestled between Mossel Bay and George, (📍) Glentana Beach is a hidden gem known for its rugged beauty and panoramic ocean views. This unspoiled stretch of coastline is ideal for long walks, beachcombing, and birdwatching, providing a serene retreat for nature lovers.
Don’t miss a stroll along the beach to the Glentana Shipwreck during low tide.
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Herolds Bay
For the quintessential seaside escape, look no further than (📍) Herolds Bay. This picturesque beach, framed by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, offers pristine sands and inviting waters for swimming and surfing. Make sure to grab an ice cream at the vendor located right on the beach.
The closest town with shopping facilities is George which is about a 6.4km drive.
Victoria Bay
(📍) Victoria Bay is another hidden gem that is surrounded by cliffs and rolling hills. This is a surfer’s paradise renowned for its consistent waves and laid-back atmosphere.
This small cove is situated between George and Wilderness. Since Victoria Bay is located between two mountains, the sun sets a bit earlier.
Wilderness
Continuing our journey, we arrive at Wilderness, a coastal village known for its stunning beaches and tranquil lagoons. This blue flag beach seems endless, so you can walk for miles on end.
There are three different areas where you can park your car and enjoy your day at the beach:
- The (📍) Main Beach on the western side has lifeguards on duty, so if you are planning to go swimming, this is the beach for you. Here you can also walk to the bottom of the railway bridge while being surrounded by some rocky surfaces.
- (📍) Kleinkrantz Beach on the eastern beach has no lifeguards on duty, which also means that this area is very quiet. So, this is perfect for those sunset walks. And let me tell you, Wilderness does not disappoint with its sunsets.
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Swartvlei Beach | Sedgefield
Nestled along the shores of the Swartvlei Lake, (📍) Swartvlei Beach offers a unique coastal experience with its calm waters and scenic surroundings. Ideal for swimming and fishing.
The mountainous backdrop creates the ideal atmosphere but it also means that it can get quite cold here in the afternoon.
Take a walk to Gericke’s Point during low tide and climb to the top to enjoy a spectacular view.
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Buffels Bay
(📍) Buffels Bay is a secluded gem known for its untouched wilderness. We used to visit this beach when I was younger, so when we drove past, I said we just had to stop here.
And I was so happy we did, as this was probably one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen.
Coney Glen | Knysna
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The Wreck Beach | Plettenberg Bay
(📍) Plettenberg Bay, also known as Plett, is especially busy during the December holiday, as you’ll find many matriculants having fun at the annual Plett Rage.
Robberg Nature Reserve | Plettenberg Bay
(📍) Robberg Nature Reserve is a protected area renowned for its rugged coastline. Whether you’re hiking along the scenic trails or basking in the sun on the secluded beach.
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Keurboom Beach
Situated between Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley, (📍) Keurboom Beach offers a tranquil escape. Keurboomstrand is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It got its name from the Keurboom tree that grows in the area, as well as the Keurboom River. The main attraction here is the famous Arch Rock.
Park your car at the parking area next to Ristorante Enrico and walk along the wooden boardwalk until you reach the beach. Continue straight for about 2 km and then you’ll reach the rock formation.
Natures Valley | Tsitsikamma
Tucked away within the Tsitsikamma National Park, (📍) Nature’s Valley boasts a pristine beach framed by ancient forests. This secluded paradise is perfect for swimming, birdwatching and spotting marine life along its unspoiled shoreline.
It is also the final stop on the world-renowned Otter Trail and tends to be less busy.
Garden Route National Park | Tsitsikamma
Spanning across diverse ecosystems, the (📍) Garden Route National Park offers access to some of the region’s most breathtaking beaches. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastline of the Tsitsikamma section or unwinding on the shores of Storms River Mouth, the park’s beaches showcase the natural beauty of the Garden Route.
My all-time favourite beach is the pebble beach located at the Storms River suspension bridge. If you listen carefully, you’ll hear what sounds like thunder as the pebbles roll up and down the shore. It is a short 30-minute hike on a wooden walkway to get to this beach.
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