Road Tripping the West Coast

South Africa has some of the most scenic routes and roads in the world – and the Western Cape’s West Coast is a must for anyone who loves a good old-fashioned road trip. All you need is a reliable car, good company, and a fully charged camera to capture all the memorable moments.

You could witness the wildflower blooms in spring, surf the Atlantic Ocean in summer, or visit some of the finest restaurants in the country. No matter what you end up doing, you’ll fall in love with this stretch of coastline. As they say, the West Coast is the best coast! Let’s take a look at some of the best attractions along the way.

Sour figs bloom at Elands Bay in South Africa. Photo: Getty

Surf the West Coast at Eland’s Bay

Once you leave Cape Town and head west, a host of surf spots await, including the famous Elands Bay. It’s so famous, in fact, that it’s been featured in several films and magazines, being dubbed by Wavescape as the J-Bay of the West Coast. Elands Bay Beach has left-breaking waves and never really gets too crowded, aside from the regular surfers and crayfish divers.

Other attractions in the area include the Elands Bay Cave, a National Heritage Site that features ancient San rock art. You can also visit Verlorenvlei, a wetland bird sanctuary that stretches from the town to nearby Redelinghuis where you can see birds like pelicans, flamingos, and cormorants.

Kite surfers riding in formation at West Coast National Park. Photo: Unsplash

Langebaan Lagoon at the West Coast National Park

Drive just under two hours from Cape Town and you’ll find yourself at the West Coast National Park, home to indigenous wildlife, stunning beaches, and the seasonal Postberg Nature Reserve. Each summer, huge crowds gather along the sandy shores of the Langebaan Lagoon to enjoy the balmy, azure water and beautiful surroundings. If you visit in spring, you’ll get to access Postberg Nature Reserve, a special section that protects some of the most spectacular wildflower blooms in the world!

Enjoy wine tastings along the Darling Wine Route. Photo: Unsplash

Wine Tasting Along the Darling Wine Route

Located about an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Darling is known for its distinct cool climate, which allows for the production of unique wines, particularly Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyards benefit from the Atlantic Ocean’s cooling breeze, creating ideal conditions for wine with crisp, refreshing qualities and well-rounded flavours. Wine farms along the route offer tastings and tours, each providing insight into the region’s viticulture and showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Beyond wine, the Darling Wine Route offers a cultural experience rich in art, history, and culinary delights. Visitors can enjoy local olive oil tastings, sample artisanal cheeses, and explore the town’s charming galleries and markets. The Darling Wildflower Show, held annually in spring, attracts nature lovers with its vibrant displays of indigenous blooms, adding an extra layer of appeal to a visit.

The lighthouse in Paternoster, South Africa. Photo: Unsplash

Take a Break in Paternoster

This charming fishing village is the perfect place for a weekend break. In summer, it can become quite busy with holidaymakers, but during the winter months it’s quiet, tranquil, and chilly – but also clear and beautiful. The town has many accommodation facilities, including small hotels, guesthouses, and beach houses.

You can also visit some of South Africa’s most highly rated restaurants here, including Wolfgat, which was voted Best Restaurant of the Year at the 2019 World Restaurant Awards. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a kayak tour and explore the Atlantic Ocean – you might even spot dolphins!

Fishing out at sea near Saldanha Bay. Photo: Unsplash

Go Fishing in Saldanha Bay

Fishing is a way of life on the West Coast and who doesn’t love a good old fishing road trip. Saldanha Bay has the biggest natural bay in the country, making it a crucial part of South Africa’s commercial fishing industry. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no place for recreational fishing. Grab your rod and reel and park off along the coast or book a boat charter and try your hand at some deep sea fishing.

When you’re done, you can take your catch to the nearby West Coast National Park and braai it right on the beach. Or, if you’re just in it for the thrill, enjoy a traditional West Coast meal in Langebaan.

A fish fossil at West Coast Fossil Park. Photo: Unsplash

Visit the West Coast Fossil Park

Time can move very slowly on the West Coast, so it’s no surprise that researchers have unearthed some remarkable fossils in the area. At the West Coast Fossil Park, you can learn all about the prehistoric animals that once roamed the region and see these biological relics up close. Some fossils are as much as five million years old, making this a real window into the ancient past.

It’s just an hour and a half from Cape Town, making it an ideal destination for a day trip with the kids. The recently renovated visitors centre also features a restaurant, shop, and amphitheatre.

A whale breaches off the West Coast. Photo: Unsplash

Whale Watching

If you plan your West Coast road trip adventure correctly, you could get the opportunity to see southern right whales and humpback whales migrating from their breeding grounds off the coast of Namibia and Angola. The best areas for whale watching on the West Coast are Melkbosstrand, Bok Point, Yzerfontein, Rocherpan Nature Reserve near Dwarskersbos, Lamberts Bay, and Saldanha Bay.

The West Coast isn’t as popular as Hermanus when it comes to whale watching, but it has its own unique twist: if you visit in spring, you might capture some spectacular photographs of wildflowers with whales crashing in the distance.

The iconic bronze statue of Vasco da Gama in St Helena Bay. Photo: Supplied

Vasco Da Gama Statue in St Helena Bay

No real road trip is complete without a bit of a history lesson. Situated near the site where Vasco da Gama and his crew first landed in 1497, this statue marks a significant moment in the Age of Exploration, as it was his initial contact with southern Africa on his pioneering journey to find a sea route to India. The statue, a life-size bronze figure atop a granite pedestal, faces the ocean, symbolising the spirit of discovery and the challenges faced by early explorers along the treacherous Cape coast.

St Helena Bay, known for its tranquil waters and abundant marine life, provides a fitting backdrop for this historic landmark. The bay itself, named by da Gama after Saint Helena, remains a central part of local heritage and tourism. Visitors to the statue can enjoy not only a glimpse into maritime history but also the scenic beauty of the area, with opportunities for whale watching, fishing, and exploring the nearby fishing villages that still reflect the bay’s rich seafaring tradition.

One end of 16-Mile Beach in Yzerfontein. Photo: Unsplash

Visit 16-Mile Beach in Yzerfontein

Yzerfontein, the self-proclaimed “Jewel of the West Coast”, has many wonderful attractions, but one of the most famous is 16-Mile Beach. The name isn’t a gimmick – this is one of the longest stretches of continuous beach in South Africa. The beach runs northward from Yzerfontein and travels all the way to the West Coast National Park, boasting wide open sands, gentle waves, and abundant birdlife. Its remote feel and expansive views make it an ideal spot for beach walks, sunbathing, and photography, while the ocean draws anglers and surfers alike. The beach is particularly captivating at sunrise and sunset, with the sun casting beautiful hues over the ocean and sand.

Beyond its natural beauty, Sixteen Mile Beach holds ecological importance as part of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, which protects coastal biodiversity. The surrounding dunes and salt marshes support various bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Dolphins are frequently seen offshore, and southern right whales visit seasonally.

Zebras stare at the camera at !Khwa ttu on the West Coast. Photo: Unsplash

Spend a Night or Two at !Khwa ttu

Get a real cultural experience and learn more about one of the oldest recorded civilisations on the planet. !Khwa ttu, located on the West Coast near Yzerfontein, is a unique cultural and heritage centre dedicated to celebrating and preserving the traditions of the San people. This centre offers visitors an immersive experience into the ancient knowledge, language, and lifestyle of one of southern Africa’s oldest indigenous communities. Guided by San guides, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, traditional skills demonstrations, and guided nature walks that reveal the San’s deep connection to the environment. Through these activities, !Khwa ttu aims to foster understanding and respect for the San culture, blending education with a memorable, interactive experience.

The centre also offers a scenic escape, with views stretching over the Atlantic Ocean and fynbos-covered landscapes. Trails wind through the natural surroundings, where visitors can encounter diverse birdlife and learn about indigenous plants used by the San for medicinal purposes.

A typical West Coast scene. You’ll see plenty of this on your road trip! Photo: Unsplash

Ready to plan your own West Coast road trip? There’s plenty to do and see here, and it’s easy to understand why it’s one of South Africa’s most beloved holiday destinations. Whether you’re visiting from abroad or simply from another province, it’s definitely worth your while to spend a few days meandering between its sleepy villages and natural wonders. Make sure to browse through all our vehicle rental listings to find the right car, SUV, camper, or 4×4 for your self-drive adventure.