The Western Cape is blessed with a wide array of small towns – everything from coastal charms to Klein Karoo diamonds in the rough.
With so many of these historic, scenic small towns only a short 1-2-hour drive from Cape Town, they are ideal for a fun day trip or weekend escape.
In this post, we focus on a special Sunday day trip to beautiful Betty’s Bay, a small Overberg coastal town with a lot of heart.
Distance from Cape Town: Roughly 1.5 hours
Interesting Stops Along the Way:
If you drive from Cape Town to Betty’s Bay via the N2, you can enjoy seeing some local towns, like Strand and Gordon’s Bay, or exploring some of the Helderberg wine region in Somerset West.
These all offer plenty of great experiences – everything from wine tastings and garden tours to cute restaurants, city beaches and much, much more.
Attractions in the Region:
Clarence Drive
One of the best attractions leading to Betty’s Bay is undoubtedly Clarence Drive, a stunning mountain pass and coastal drive along the R44.
It starts outside Gordon’s Bay and ends in Rooi Els, passing through Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay in the process.
This scenic drive is free (unlike its Chapman’s Peak counterpart) to enjoy and twists and turns along some 21 kilometers of a breathtaking cliff- and coastal terrain.
Along the way, you can stop for some sightseeing and photos and uncover some history, pop into popular Pitstop Lodge, visit Kogel Bay beach, and much more.
During whale season, you may even see some whales along the coastline!
Bonus tip: If you travel near sunset or sundown, you are also in for a treat as sunsets here are quite a spectacular sky display!
Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous experience for the whole family.
With safe, sheltered nature walks, picnic spots, wonderful garden spaces, rich Cape flora and fauna, amber rock pools, waterfalls and even some great hiking trails, there is no shortage of things to do and see here.
With mountains on one side and the sea in the distance, this botanical garden is spectacularly located.
There is an entrance fee to explore the garden and hikes require separately paid permits.
For opening times, garden information and entrance fees, please visit www.sanbi.org.
Betty’s Bay Main Beach
Betty’s Bay main beach is a stunning, dog-friendly beach that has the most mesmerising ocean- and mountain views.
It offers everything from swimming and surfing to fishing in some parts of the beach and long, peaceful walks along bone-white sands, edged by tranquil white dunes.
There is secure on-site parking and some rough but usable ablution facilities if needed. This beach is also free to visit.
Stony Point Penguin Colony
Everyone knows about Boulders Beach and its penguin colony – but did you know Stony Point has its own tuxedoed little dudes?
Stony Point Penguin Colony is one of the Overberg’s true natural gems. The colony is home to adorable African penguins and the best part is, for a small conservation fee, the public can stroll along boardwalks and see them up close.
Other birds you may spot include the Crowned cormorant, Cape cormorant and Bank cormorant, who nest on the outer rocks. Dassies (rock hyraxes) and gulls are also frequently sighted here.
For opening hours, nature reserve information and entrance fees, please visit: www.capenature.co.za.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Last but by no means least on our list is the spellbinding Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Many (myself included) consider Kogelberg one of the Cape’s most beautiful reserves and for good reason!
Situated between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond, this rich nature reserve offers eco-friendly accommodation, MTB trails, river swims (along the Palmiet River Walk), nature walks, white water rafting and of course, unique hikes in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom.
The nature fee has a conservation entry fee and hikes and permits must be purchased separately for certain activities, including hiking and mountain biking.
For more information on the reserve, opening times, activities and accommodation, please visit: www.capenature.co.za.
These are just some of the best experiences and activities to enjoy on a Sunday day trip to bountiful Betty’s Bay!
Please note: Sometimes, both Clarence Drive/R44 road and Kogelberg’s hiking trails may be closed due to repairs/maintenance and/or after heavy rains, so always check ahead before visiting these attractions.
Written by Tamlyn Ryan for travel opulent box
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