Opening times, prices and access can change from year to year. Please check before you go, especially over Christmas and New Year.
Beaches and tidal pools
Hermanus has a beach for every mood, from wide open sand to small coves below the cliffs. The sea here is chilly even in summer, so little ones often prefer tidal pools and lagoons.
Grotto Beach
A long, wide beach with soft white sand and lots of space, even on busy days. Great for sandcastles, paddling and a long walk. Swim only where it's calm and where lifeguards are on duty.
Dutchies, the restaurant right on the beach, makes it easy to stay the whole day. Grab lunch or an ice cream while the kids play in the sand nearby.
Local tip: Dutchies gets very busy in December, so book a table if you want lunch at a set time.
Voëlklip and Kammabaai
Smaller beaches just before Grotto, popular with families and surfers. There's grass to picnic on and plenty to watch.
Local tip: get there early in December. Parking fills up fast.
Langbaai
A small, pretty cove tucked below the cliffs, just along from Voëlklip. Lovely on a still morning. There are steps down, so a baby carrier is easier than a pram.
Onrus beach and tidal pool
A friendly local beach with a tidal pool, and a lagoon where the river meets the sea. The lagoon is often calmer and warmer for small children. It changes with the tides, so take a look before the kids run in.
Klein River lagoon
Calm, shallow water at the eastern end of Grotto Beach. Good for paddling, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. A few local places hire out gear in season.
Walks, gardens and nature
The Cliff Path
This path follows the coast for about 12 km, from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach. You don't need to do it all. Pick a short stretch, look out for dassies sunning on the rocks, and stop at a bench to watch the sea. Parts of it work with a sturdy pram.
Fernkloof Nature Reserve
Just a few minutes from town, and there's something here for everyone. The gardens at the entrance have a jungle gym and plenty of room to spread out a picnic blanket, so it's an easy outing with little ones.
For older kids and keen walkers, there are fynbos trails from short and easy to long and steep, including a hike up to a waterfall. Children love spotting flowers, birds and lizards along the way.
Local tip: go early before it gets hot, and take water and hats. The waterfall hike is best in the cool of the morning.
Gearing's Point and the Old Harbour
Right in the middle of town, with rock pools, benches and sea views. The Old Harbour Museum is close by, and so is ice cream. An easy outing when you only have an hour.
Markets, food and wine
Hermanus Country Market
A Saturday morning favourite, with local food, coffee, crafts and space for kids to wander.
In December and January there are evening markets too, and they're such a lovely way to spend a summer evening: food, music, and children running around on the grass while the sun goes down. Dates are usually confirmed closer to the time, and we'll add them here.
Local tip: go early on Saturday mornings for the best choice.
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
The wine valley on Hermanus's doorstep. A few farms and restaurants welcome families, with lawns, shade and room for children to play while the grown-ups have lunch.
Local tip: book ahead in December, and ask if there's space for kids to play.
Stanford village
A pretty village with cafés, a Saturday market and boat trips on the Klein River. A slower, quieter morning out when Hermanus is busy.
Day trips under an hour away
Stony Point penguin colony
A boardwalk right alongside a colony of African penguins. Children can't get enough of it. There's a small entry fee.
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
Gardens at the foot of the mountains, with lawns for a picnic and a shaded walk up to a waterfall. Pairs well with the penguins for a full day out.
Kleinmond
A relaxed seaside town with a long beach, a lagoon and a small harbour with spots for lunch.
Gansbaai and De Kelders
Cliff walks, sea caves and marine boat trips. Older children may love a shark cage dive from Kleinbaai. Check the age limits before you book.
When the wind blows
December often brings the south-easter, and some afternoons the beach is just too much. Here's where to go instead.
Whale of a Time play park
A great bet on a bad-weather day. It's at the bottom of the Hemel-en-Aarde area, by the estate and village, just outside town. With play areas inside and out, the kids can burn off energy whatever the weather is doing.
A long lunch at Mogg's
Mogg's Country Cookhouse, up in the valley, is a real gem. The food is incredible, and the menu changes with the seasons, so there's always something new. Relaxed, family-friendly and tucked away from the coast, it's perfect for a long, slow lunch when the wind is howling in town.
Local tip: book well ahead in December.
A few more ideas:
- Head inland. Stanford or the wine valley can feel calmer than the coast.
- Go out in the morning. The wind often picks up later in the day, so plan beach time early.
- A museum morning at the Old Harbour.
- Stay home and make something. Bake, paint shells from the beach, or set up a treasure hunt.
What's on this summer
This summer's markets, carols, kids' mornings and evenings out now have their own page, sorted by date. It's kept up to date through December and January, and past dates drop off by themselves.
What's on in Hermanus this summerFilter by kids, evenings out or free, and add anything to your calendar in one tap.See what's on →
Local tips for the busy season
- Book early. Restaurants, wine farms and boat trips fill up fast between mid-December and New Year.
- Start early. Beaches and parking are quietest before 10am, and mornings are often calmer.
- Respect the sun. It's strong even when the wind makes it feel cool. Hats, sunscreen and water, every time.
- Leave the car at home for short trips. Main Road gets busy, and many spots are easier on foot.
- Plan a quiet day or two. Holidays are full on for little ones. A slow day at home helps everyone.
Need an extra pair of hands this summer?
Whether you're here for a few weeks or all season, you can book a nanny or babysitter other families vouch for, so the holidays feel like a holiday for you too.
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