Day trippin’

There are plenty of sunny days ahead, and sometimes all you need is a quick escape to recharge.

But not everyone has the luxury of a long weekend or extended time off. That’s why we’ve put together three short road trips near Cape Town that will give you that vacation feeling—without the need to take a day off.

Hermanus

We kick off our list with a family favourite. Just 120 km from Cape Town lies the charming town of Hermanus. While it’s best known for whale watching between September and December—when both local and international visitors flock here to spot southern right and humpback whales—there’s much more to explore beyond the shoreline.

Just above the town is Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a not-so-hidden gem offering free entry and multiple hiking trails, in fact, they boast a 60km network of paths which means you can visit multiple times and walk a different route each time. 

You can choose to visit waterfalls or cliffs, all while taking in breathtaking views of Hermanus, surrounded by indigenous flora and fauna. Our last visit was on a moody, cloudy day which made for a dramatic landscape. So beautiful, I highly recommend. As a bonus, some of the trails are dog friendly.

Franschoek

Franschhoek, known as the Cape’s French Corner, is a picturesque little village in the Cape’s beautiful wine valley just 80 km from Cape Town. Famous for its fine dining, art galleries, tree-lined streets, and natural beauty, this charming town is well worth the drive.

We visited Franschhoek for one of the many literature themed festivals and stayed for brunch, treats, and a meander through its narrow side streets and quaint alleyways. While the village is renowned for its gastronomy, we opted for a budget-friendly yet high-quality spot.

Let’s Frite is a relatively new gem. To get there, you walk through a garden along a stream—yes, it’s magical! While the current menu didn’t feature my tofu scramble brunch burger, they offer plenty of vegan options, and I can’t wait to return and try more. Oh, and don’t even get me started on their THRICE-baked fries—I’m already salivating just thinking about them!

After our delicious meal, we wandered a bit more and discovered another new-ish addition: Get Lost Coffee, a family-run café that serves fresh-baked treats. Their outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching, and it was the best way to end a day of exploring this lovely village.

Paternoster

Oh, darling of darlings 

This charming fishing village on the West Coast is easily our favourite place in the world—no exaggeration! I’ll dedicate a full post to all the love and goodness Paternoster has to offer, but for now, let me say it’s absolutely worth a day trip. Located around 160 km from Cape Town, the drive itself is a treat. In late winter and spring, you’ll be greeted by spectacular wildflowers, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a giraffe along the way!

Paternoster has two main beaches stretching far to either side of town, friendly locals, new trendy coffee shops, wine tasting and tapas spots. Thankfully all the newness hasn’t replaced the beloved staples that have stood the test of time restaurants offering everything from fish and chips to fine dining. The village’s iconic white-washed houses, stunning rock formations, and traditional fishing boats (though harder to find nowadays) make this place truly special. Trust me, once you arrive, you might find it hard to leave.

BONUS: A Journey as Memorable as the Destination

For a day trip that’s as much about the journey as the destination, consider a steam train adventure with the Ceres Rail Company.

This unforgettable experience takes you through the beautiful landscapes that simply can’t be seen from the main highways and roads.

There are trips to small towns like Ceres and Simon’s Town. We were gifted tickets to visit the Elgin Railway Market, and it was such a unique experience. The sights from the train tracks offer a side of Cape Town that’s impossible to see any other way.

For a day trip with a twist the Ceres Rail Company steam train is one for the books!

Thank you so much for reading (mom and Lauren-Leigh 🙂

If you have a favourite day trip around Cape Town, let me know in the comments below.

I hope you’re a little inspired to go out and find something wonderful, adventure doesn’t have to be far away.