Activities
Love a relaxing walk on the beach?
Want to play on stunning golf courses or simply explore nature?
Southern Cross Guesthouse is perfectly situated to offer you all of this and so much more!
Restaurants
It is almost impossible to offer just a handful of recommendations! Dining out in our area offers everything from laid-back, casual spots to world-class fine dining, all showcasing incredible quality.
We love sharing our favorite hidden gems with our guests and are always happy to help you book a table - which is highly recommended during our busy peak season. Just drop us an email or give us a call, let us know what you feel like eating, and we will gladly take care of the rest!
Beaches
Frankly speaking, swimming in False Bay isn't the main attraction for most guests because the Atlantic water can be quite chilly! However, you will find spectacular coastal spots to enjoy from the shore.
- Strand Beach: Offers a long, clean coastline perfect for scenic walks or renting surfing and kiteboarding gear.
- Gordon’s Bay: Just a few minutes further down the coast, featuring beautiful, sheltered beaches ideal for sunbathing.
Best of all, the False Bay coastline is blissfully uncrowded, meaning you will always find a quiet spot to enjoy the clean sand and blue skies.
Safari
While you won't find a classic "bush safari" directly inside Somerset West, there is an incredible amount of wildlife to explore right on our doorstep!
- Penguin Watching: Take a beautiful day trip to Betty’s Bay to visit a massive, thriving penguin colony that is wonderfully peaceful and free of massive tourist crowds.
- Local Wildlife: Visit nearby conservation sanctuaries to see adorable and endangered mammals like cheetahs and jackals.
- Day-Trip Safaris & Shark Diving: We can easily recommend fantastic day-safari reserves nearby if you don’t have the time or budget for an overnight bush stay. You can even plan a day trip to Gansbaai for world-famous shark-viewing experiences!
Vineyards and wine-tastings
It is no exaggeration to say that the Western Cape is home to hundreds of world-class wine estates. Many of the very best are located just minutes from Southern Cross Guesthouse along the famous Helderberg, Stellenbosch, Simonsberg, and Bottelary Hills wine routes.
Come and explore their gorgeous vineyards, historic cellars, and a relaxed atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Even if you aren't a wine lover, the estates are well worth a visit! You are warmly welcomed to explore their historic Cape Dutch homesteads, modern architecture, and eco-friendly farms without ever needing to do a tasting. Most offer dining experiences so a good meal is always an excuse to visit!
Golf
The Western Cape is a true paradise for golfers, boasting an enormous selection of top-tier golf courses.
Don't forget to pack your clubs, and be sure to book your tee times well in advance - especially during peak season (December to March) when spots fill up fast. We are always happy to assist our guests with bookings. Plus, we can arrange exclusive specials at the Somerset West Driving Range if you want to perfect your swing with a professional lesson!
Other Sports
If golf isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other ways to stay active:
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails and guided mountain walks at the nearby Helderberg Nature Reserve.
- Water Sports: Rent top-quality equipment for surfing, kayaking, or windsurfing in Strand and Gordon’s Bay.
- Motorcycling: If you love the open road, we can point you toward local rental agencies where you can hire a motorbike for a day or two to cruise the coastal passes.
