Are you looking for the best things to do in Hermanus? Hermanus is a tiny fishing village with a bustling Seaside surrounding. Located just 90-minute drive southeast of Cape Town.

The city has grown into a well-known tourist destination in South Africa.

No need to worry about things to do in Hermanus as the city is thrilling with whale-watching, wine-tasting, beaches, art galleries restaurants, and accommodation.

Harmanus is a gateway for people of all ages as it has everything to keep visitors busy all throughout your stay.

For your perfect trip, here is the list of the best & fun things to do in Hermanus.

Things to do in Hermanus

1 Go Kayaking at Walker Bay

If you’re an outdoors lover especially kayaking be sure to visit Walker Bay. At the Bay, visitors get to enjoy the beautiful coastal views from a different angle and get up close and personal with the bay marine creatures on a sea-kayaking trip.

You will receive safety training before you embark on a two-hour guided trip and then board your ultra-safe kayak to explore the bay with a chance to see seals, penguins, dolphins, and other wildlife.

The kayak is suitable for newbies and experienced paddlers alike. Open daily, 8 am; 10.30 am; 1 pm (summer)
and 9am; 11.30am; 2pm (winter).

2 Go Whale watching with the family

For your visit to Hermanus to be complete, the gentle giants must be mentioned.

In fact, they’re probably the main factor keeping you in the Overberg from June to November. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) lists Hermanus as one of the top 12 places in the world to go whale watching and as a breeding ground for southern right whales.

Make a reservation for a fantastic whale-watching boat tour so you can get up close (without upsetting the lovely animals) and take in the magic.

3 Go Beer Tasting

If you’re a beer freak, Beer tasting should be on your initial of things to do in Hermanus.

Stop at Honingklip Brewery on the R43 as you travel toward Hermanus from Cape Town to sample several beers with Belgian influences.

The tasting menu is totally dependent upon what is on tap that day. You can also buy beer by the bottle to take away, order a light meal or go adventuring along a mountain bike trail on the farm.

Try The Brewery in the Hemel-en-Aarde Village in Hermanus. Get a sampling plate of five different beverages, ranging from lager and light ale to pilsener and stout.

If beer isn’t your thing, you may order from the wine list or pick from a variety of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, and milkshakes. If you ever fill hungry? you can enjoy lunch, including mussels, pig belly, pizza, sushi, and salads.

4 Enjoy the Beautiful Coastline of Cliff-path walk

For a complete view of Walker Bay’s shoreline in all her beauty, take a quick stroll down the cliff path.

As the walk takes you through the Old Harbour, which was named a national monument in 1970, you’ll get a glimpse of the town’s colorful past, which goes back to the mid-19th century and its origins as a small fishing settlement. Naturally, there are several great spots to see whales along the walk.

5 Visit Fernkloof Nature Reserve

For those looking to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy a mountain hike, the 18-square-kilometer Fernkloof Nature Reserve is the ideal location.

Enjoy the clean air, clear sky, and views of the town and the sea. Also, spend some time observing the Cape Fynbos, which is home to six of the seven indigenous plant groups of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

You could even see creatures like dassies, baboons, klipspringers, grysboks, or mongooses. Take advantage of the 60km of trails; stay on the pathways, and avoid picking flowers.

Don’t miss the September Fernkloof Flower Festival, put on by the Hermanus Botanical Society and the Fernkloof Nature Reserve. A plant sale exhibits on the local flora and fauna, and workshops with fynbos as a theme are all to be expected.

6 Visit the Old Harbour Museum

The village of Hermanus was founded in the small cove that is now home to this museum, and for more than a century, Visbaai, as it was known, served as a rocky but safe haven for fishing boats like Debbie, Tunny, Rosebud, and others.

These boats can be seen in the museum’s outdoor area, along with the old sea wall, original brine tanks, and a World War II lifeboat called Nellie II.

You may discover antique fishing equipment, information about the town’s past, and “trophies” belonging to renowned local fishermen and shark hunter Bill Selkirk inside the structure.

The Whale House Museum, a part of the same complex, is located across the street and contains information on marine animals and cetaceans as well as an audiovisual show and a sizable whale skeleton.

7 Hemingways bookshop

Hemingways Bookshop is one of South Africa’s quirkiest bookshops and a reader’s paradise. Get lost in the pages of out-of-print, collectible, and rare books, pick up some classics or nostalgic old comics, or just take in the charm of the unusual décor, knickknacks, and collectibles.

The Visitors’ Book is also worth a look because this shop’s fame has spread far and wide. If you leave Hermanus without a book tucked under your arm, your journey is regarded incomplete.

8 The Tasting Room at Creation

A visit to Creation is a must for any foodie visiting Hermanus. In addition to producing top-notch wines, the estate is famous for its inventive food pairings, the highlight of which is a six-course wine and food combination (with a vegan alternative).

Additionally, there is a six-course summer flexitarian canapé pairing with intriguing flavor and texture combinations, as well as an à la carte breakfast/brunch menu, a daily chalkboard menu, and other options.

The “young adults” meal and cocktail pairing are sure to please children. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the vineyards and the imposing Babylonstoren hill while sitting on the patio.

9 Perlemoen

Hermanus is rich with iconic places therefore choosing things to do in Hermanus won’t be difficult for any traveler visiting the city.

This modest 45-seater had a quiet debut, but despite its modest size and proximity to the Old Harbour’s roaring waves, it surely boasts one of the nicest sea views.

As its name implies, it specializes in the local delicacy abalone (obtained from the nearby marine farm), which is a rare treat given the depletion of wild perlemoen supplies along the coastline.

A variety of abalone dishes, including ceviche, carpaccio, risotto, fishcakes, and pan-seared abalone topped with curry aioli, are available as taster plates on the ever-changing menu. There are other seafood meals, vegetarian selections, and beef dishes available.

Thanks to Jannie and Annabella Malherbe for renovating the old stone fisherman’s shack and bringing it back to life and selling only local Hermanus wines.

10 Visit Voelklip Beach

Voelklip Beach is probably one of the greatest beaches in the Western Cape thanks to its crystal-clear water, fine white sand, and idyllic location.

You can escape the throngs that frequently swarm to Onrus and Grotto Beach at this quiet location. It’s a very well-liked surfing destination, and the nearby meadows make a perfect setting for picnics. Swimming is protected as rocky outcrops surround the sandy section of the beach.

11 Klipgat Cave

The Klipgat Cave near De Kelders is renowned for its natural limestone “window” overlooking breathtaking ocean vistas.

It is also a location of cultural, historical, and global heritage value as a result of the recent discovery of stone tools and human bones going back about 70 000 years.

Follow the walkway and stairs down to the cave from the gate of Walker Bay Nature Reserve in De Kelders. It’s a bit of a climb, but the scenery and ambiance will be worth it.

Visitors are advised to wear good hiking shoes, as the cave can be slippery.

12 The Marine Restaurant

Come for the drinks, get lost in the vistas, and stay for dinner: The Marine is one of those beautiful dame hotels that perfectly captures the glitzy side of the community. Despite its vintage glitz, the interior is unmistakably modern and stylish.

The Sun Lounge & Bar, which has a view of Walker Bay, is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, and its trademark drink, the Whale Watcher, truly lives up to its name.

After that, diners may choose from conventional or vegan cuisine at the Pavilion which features indoor and outdoor dining.
It’s good to know that there is a lighter menu available all day long including wraps, salads, and gourmet sandwiches, as well as baked goods, handcrafted ice creams, and sorbets.

13 The Gallery Cafe & Deli

The Gallery Café & Deli Food Store in Hermanus offers a delightful fusion of cuisine types, including vegan options. The establishment’s ambiance is charming and magical, with beautiful art pieces adorning the walls and a lovely courtyard setting that transports diners to another world.

Located in a quaint street filled with art galleries and bookshops, this fine dining spot is a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

The menu boasts an array of mouth-watering dishes, such as Eggs Benedict on toast, Scrambled Tofu on Sourdough, and Cheese and Tomato Pastry.

The bakery side offers freshly baked croissants, including the famous KitKat, orange-almond, and chocolate croissants. The coffee side serves the best coffee in town, with multiple plant-based milk options available. The wine selection is excellent, with many local wines on offer.

One of the special features of The Gallery Café & Deli Food Store is its outdoor seating area, where diners can enjoy the beautiful garden while savoring their meals.

14 Just Pure Bistro

Head over to the Just Pure Bistro if you’re a foodie lover. Just Pure Bistro serves delicious, quality, nutritious, wholesome food, beautiful, homemade cakes & butter scones, and signature breakfast & lunch dishes using the freshest, seasonal ingredients.

Expect plenty of variety; from poke bowls and fresh juices to Vietnamese coffee and bunless burgers.  The restaurant is known to be open from September to April, it also serves supper every Wednesday through Saturday.

You’ll surely love their quality food and generous portions, served in our cozy restaurant or out on the deck, overlooking the stunning Walker Bay ocean.

15 Mogg’s Country Cookhouse

This family-run country culinary treasure may be found tucked away in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, surrounded by mountains, forests, farms, and vineyards.

It’s the picture of a dreamy farmhouse, where Julia Mogg and her staff continue to serve delicious, ample amounts of healthful cuisine made with ingredients from the garden. This is the place to go if you’re craving slow-roasted lamb shank or beef short ribs; you’ll also find surprising treats like a beetroot fritter and smoked salmon stack or coconut-cashew coated chicken.

Children may choose what they want to eat, play with dogs on the playground, and explore the wonderful farm environment.

16 Theo’s Taverna

Theo’s Taverna is a Greek restaurant serving some of the best traditional Greek dishes The decor, Greek music, and energy will transport you to a TAVERNA in Greece.

A delightful setting for a simple and wonderful meal of classic Greek is provided by old photographs on whitewashed walls and blue-checked tablecloths in the shaded garden.

You may pick from traditional appetizers like dolmades, keftedes, and spanakopita while feeling the festive spirit thanks to a dictionary of basic Greek terms on the menu.

Greek-style grills and seafood main dishes, a vegetarian moussaka, exquisite pitas, souvlaki skewers, and a large assortment of sweets coated in syrup are all available.

17 Bientang’s Cave

Be sure to satisfy your appetite when you visit Hermanus as the city has various destinations to taste both local and continental dishes.

This internationally Award Winning Restaurant is situated on the shores of Walker Bay and is carved into the depths of a century-old cave, in the heart of the best land-based whale-watching area in the world.

The menu features sustainable seafood, plus crowd favorites such as steaks, ribs, burgers, curries, platters to share, and breakfast/brunches on weekends.

18 Hermanus Country Market

The Hermanus Country Market is a gathering place for locals and tourists each Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm.

Arrive early, pick up some freshly baked bread and farm-fresh vegetables, have coffee and breakfast, meet up with friends, drink a glass of wine, listen to live music, and surf for handmade goods while the kids are getting their faces painted or riding the train.

The Hermanus Country Market is a dog and family-friendly marketplace with a focus on locally made items.

19 Visit SkyBar

The view may be the major draw at this glass-fronted, sea-facing establishment, but you have to give the staff credit for coming up with the creative and imaginative cocktails that are presented in a variety of unique containers, jars, and vessels while always having a theatrical flair.

This is a great location to hang out with the atmosphere of being “permanently on vacation” thanks to the menu of local and SA wines, delicious sushi, jazzed-up oysters dressed with tequila and other unexpected ingredients, and satisfying bar snacks.

Create a fun day of drinking with the sharing-size carafes of sangria (prepared with Creation and Raka wines) or a cheeky “High Tea” (with cannabis-infused energy drink).

20 Romantiques

Located in Hermanus, Romantiques is a unique vintage and collectibles shop. It was established in 2006 but quickly outgrown its first home. In 2011, it moved to its current location at 14 Aberdeen Street.

It is not just a business selling antiques and collectibles, it is a living museum in the very heart of Hermanus.

There is also a small movie theater where classic films with a nostalgic spin are shown on Wednesday nights and cult favorites are shown on Saturdays.

Additionally, there are themed nights with canapés or dinner and wine before the play, where you are invited to dress in costume for the film. They occasionally have immersive murder mystery nights as well.

21 Visit the South African National Space Agency

On the last list of things to do in Hermanus is to visit the South African National Space Agency. SANSA was established to promote space scientific research while enhancing cooperation in space-related activities.

Its duties include keeping an eye on Earth’s shifting electromagnetic field and space weather. If all of this excites you, be sure not to miss the free hour-long tour that is offered every Wednesday at 11:00.

Once a week they take visitors around, show them the electronics and weather monitoring, and give a little bit of insight into their research.

Best time to visit Hermanus

The busiest month for tourism visits in Hermanus, South Africa is August followed by August and November, and December. Also Tourist can still visit Hermanus from June to November as it’s the ideal time to view the Southern Right Whales.

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