23. Up the West Coast
Here you will find the charming towns of Yzerfontein, Langebaan, Paternoster and Lambert’s Bay. The West Coast’s vast openness and unique village atmosphere provide a great escape for the city soul. The area is famous for its cray fish dishes – a feast at one of the outdoor seafood restaurants should be on your priority list. For some of the world’s most beautiful flower scenery, be sure to travel up the West Coast during the months of August and September.
Grab your camera and drive up the R27 - famous seafood restaurants, charming fishing villages, unspoiled coastlines and spectacular sunsets await you!
Yzerfontein is internationally renowned for its open air and à la carte restaurants - think delicious cray fish, snoek and mussels. The town, within close proximity of Cape Town, is known as the Jewel of the West Coast and a good introduction to the area. If you are here between August and December, look out for the whales, and if you cannot spot any the well experienced surfers and wind surfers will keep you entertained!
Langebaan, beautifully situated against the Langebaan lagoon is a popular West Coast spot. This is the perfect place to wind down and escape from it all. Do not miss a visit to the world famous Strandloper Seafood restaurant – here you will find the freshest seafood in Langebaan with the sound of the sea in your ears. The West Coast National Park, a nature lover’s dream, is located nearby and becomes a paradise during spring when thousands of wild flowers cover the area. The park’s lagoon is divided in three areas – a water sport zone, windsurfing and sailing area and natural area for walking and exploring.
Paternoster is the most beautiful and cutest fishing village on the West Coast, and if there is one place on this coastline you should see, this is it. Here you will discover the essence of the West Coast – a rich and simple lifestyle. Beautiful white-painted fishing cottages are lined next to the ocean, a local fish market is the town’s official stock exchange and the local Paternoster Hotel keeps everyone entertained. The town is popular among those looking for a different away-from-it-all experience – park your car and walk along the beach and roads. You will feel a million miles away.
From Paternoster take the road through St Helena Bay towards Lambert’s Bay. This road takes you through beautiful coastline and rugged scenery. At Lambert’s Bay do not miss a visit to the Bird Island Nature Reserve. This 3 hectare island shelters the only breeding colony of Cape gannets in the world accessible by foot (you will see hundreds of them) and is home to no less than 80 different bird species, penguins, cormorants and seals. The new visitor’s complex and museum always welcome visitors – there is a coffee and curio shop, aquarium and even a penguin pool. Lambert’s Bay is also famous for its excellent outdoor seafood restaurants.
Getting there
From the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) (corner of Coen Steytler Ave and Buitengracht street) take the N1 highway / Table Way Blvd towards Bellville. Turn left at the Paarden Eiland / Milnerton turnoff into Marine Drive (R27).
The R27 will take you all the way to the Yzerfontein, Langebaan and Vredenburg (for Paternoster) turnoffs. From Paternoster take the gravel road to Stompneusbay and around St Helena Bay towards Lambert’s Bay
Travel Checklist
- Visited the town of Yzerfontein
- Relaxed at the Langebaan lagoon
- Stopped at the Strandloper Restaurant and enjoyed the great seaside atmosphere
- Drove through the West Coast National Park
- Explored beautiful Paternoster
- Drove around St Helena Bay towards Lambert’s Bay
- Spotted the Cape gannets at the Bird Island Nature Reserve
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