One day trips from Cape Town
- Nov 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Cape Town is incredible on its own — but some of the most beautiful experiences lie just outside the city center. If you have extra time in your itinerary, planning a few one day trips from Cape Town is the best way to explore dramatic coastlines, scenic hikes, vineyards, and even safari experiences.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with kids, these day trips near Cape Town offer unforgettable views and a completely different perspective of South Africa.
Let’s start with one of the most iconic coastal escapes.
Camps Bay – Beach Views & Lion’s Head Hike
Have you ever seen photos of Californian beaches lined with palm trees and scenic coastal roads? Camps Bay might feel like a little California in South Africa.
This long, white-sand beach with palm trees, turquoise water, and the Twelve Apostles mountains in the background is one of the most beautiful coastal spots near the city. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a relaxed Cape Town day trip without driving too far.
But here’s a small warning: the water is from the Atlantic Ocean — and it is cold. Not just refreshing. Really cold.
Also, when the wind starts blowing down from the mountains, it can get intense. Think sandblasting, umbrellas flying away, and people packing up quickly. Out of the two days we planned at the beach, only one was truly perfect weather-wise — so check the forecast before you go.
Where to Eat in Camps Bay
If you're looking for healthy and fresh options, try KAUAI — great even for vegans.
For a more relaxed sit-down meal with beautiful beach views, Bilboa Restaurant (right above the main strip) offers a fantastic setting for lunch or sunset dinner.
Combine Camps Bay with Lion’s Head
If the wind gets too strong, don’t give up on the day. Instead, drive a few minutes and hike up Lion’s Head.
The hike takes about 45 minutes depending on your pace and offers some of the best panoramic views in Cape Town — completely free, unlike Table Mountain, which requires a ticket. Though you can take some Sunset or Sunrise Hiking tours.
However, we don’t recommend Lion’s Head for:
small children
people with a fear of heights
travelers with mobility limitations
Some sections require climbing and holding chains, so proper shoes are essential.
Who wouldn’t love beautiful beaches and adorable wildlife in one place?
If this sounds a little unexpected in a list of one-day trips from Cape Town, stay with me. Boulders Beach is one of the most unique and unforgettable day trips near Cape Town — especially if you’re travelling with kids.
This beach is famous for its African penguin colony. Yes, real penguins — living freely in their natural habitat. No zoo, no cages. They come and go as they please.
You walk through the protected beach area on wooden boardwalks, where you can watch penguins:
coming out of the ocean
nesting and sitting on eggs
resting on the sand
interacting and playing with each other
It’s a rare opportunity to observe wildlife up close while still respecting their environment.
The Second Entrance – A Hidden Paradise
A little further down the road, there’s a second entrance — and this is where the scenery truly feels magical.
The beach here looks almost like the Seychelles: white sand, massive granite boulders, turquoise water, and penguins wandering around. You can relax on the beach while a penguin casually walks past you. It’s one of those travel moments that feels almost unreal.
Being that close to wildlife in such a beautiful setting is truly priceless.
Just remember: you are a visitor in their home. Keep your distance, don’t touch the penguins, and respect the rules of the park.
Hermanus – Whale Watching & Coastal Charm
If you’re looking for one of the most scenic one day trips from Cape Town, Hermanus should absolutely be on your list.
This charming seaside town is world-famous for whale watching in South Africa. During whale season (June to December), you can often spot Southern Right Whales directly from the coastline — no boat required.
Yes, you can sometimes see them from land. And that’s what makes Hermanus so special.
What to Do in Hermanus
Beyond whale watching, Hermanus offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere with plenty to explore:
The Old Harbour
A traditional fisherman’s village
The Whale House Museum (where you can see real whale bones and truly understand the massive size of these creatures)
If you want a closer encounter, you can book a whale-watching cruise or even rent a kayak during the season for a more adventurous experience.
Markets & Local Food
After exploring the coastline, stop by one of the local markets for handmade crafts and local products — it’s a great way to support small South African businesses.
And when it comes to food, there is one spot we absolutely loved:
This restaurant is built directly into a cave on the cliff, right above the ocean. The setting alone is unforgettable — waves crashing below you while you enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.
The food is fresh, beautifully prepared, and the atmosphere is something you won’t easily forget. For us, it was one of the highlights of our Hermanus day trip.
Cape Point – Dramatic Cliffs at the Edge of Africa
If you’re planning the ultimate Cape Peninsula day trip, Cape Point is a must.
Often described as the most south-western point of Africa (technically Cape Agulhas holds that title, but Cape Point feels far more dramatic), this place is wild, windy, and absolutely breathtaking.
And yes — it might also be the windiest place you’ll ever stand on.
Cape Point is part of the Table Mountain National Park, so there is an entrance fee. But once you’re inside, the scenery makes it worth every rand.
What to See at Cape Point
From the main area, you can:
Take the Flying Dutchman funicular up to the lighthouse
Visit the small museum with historical facts and legends
Walk up to the old lighthouse ruins at the very tip
Hike down the wooden boardwalk to Dias Beach
The legend of the Flying Dutchman — a ghost ship said to still wander these waters — adds a mystical touch to the dramatic coastline. With the mist rolling in and waves crashing below, it’s easy to see how the story was born.
Dias Beach – A Hidden Gem
If you’re up for a short walk, take the wooden path down to Dias Beach.
It’s one of the most beautiful beaches near Cape Town — almost white sand, steep cliffs, powerful Atlantic waves, and very few people. Many visitors skip it because of the walk, which means you might have this spectacular beach almost to yourself.
It feels remote, wild, and untouched.
Just be careful — swimming here is not recommended due to strong currents and rough sea conditions.
Watch Out for the Baboons
One more thing: baboons.
They are clever, fast, and absolutely fearless when it comes to stealing food. Keep your windows closed, don’t carry visible snacks, and never feed them.
Wine Routes Near Cape Town
If you enjoy good wine and beautiful scenery, exploring the wine routes near Cape Town is one of the best day trips you can plan.
There are dozens of wine estates in the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions, and you could easily dedicate an entire trip just to wine tasting.
We visited many different estates where each has it´s own speciality. But that is on another blog post.
→ Read our full guide to the best wine routes near Cape Town here.
→ Planning a wine tasting day?
Read our full guide to the Best Wine Routes Near Cape Town (Stellenbosch & Paarl)
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