Travel Blog

Winter Attractions near the West Coast 2017

Bloubergstrand is one of Cape Town’s most stunning suburbs, beautifully located to offer some of the most spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and iconic Table Mountain that will sweep any visitors off their feet. A winter holiday provides an array of attractions for tourists to enjoy and once the summer sun peeks out from the clouds (usually around midday); walks along Bloubergstrand’s famously breathtaking shores are very popular, enjoyed by couples and families with pets.

In the winter months, the wind conditions on the West Coast are actually considerably calmer than during the summer and because of this the ocean water’s temperatures are warmer meaning that surfing and kite-surfing activities persist.
Besides the undeniably gorgeous natural assets of Blouberg and surrounding areas in Cape Town during winter, there are a variety of attractions only a short drive away that can also be discovered and enjoyed while on holiday here with your loved ones. For a wonderful vacation spent in Blouberg or one of the coastal areas nearby, visit our Blouberg Holiday Rentals website by clicking here.


 

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront- A day spent exploring the luxurious and welcoming V & A Waterfront’s numerous attractions is a memorable experience for all guests, and is guaranteed to keep you thoroughly entertained. Whether you are looking for a romantic restaurant to enjoy with your significant other or whether you have small children in tow and are seeking a family friendly activity, this shopping mall caters to everyone’s interests.
Located only minutes from the serene coast of Cape Town’s city centre, The Waterfront is a modern shopping centre that stands out for its gorgeous structure and is surrounded by a charming and historical harbour. The Waterfront is considered Cape Town’s premier shopping and entertainment destination and it is easy to see why as you explore its unique boutique stores, bustling and flavourful food markets, fine dining and casual restaurants, cinema facilities that boast the countries first 4DX cinema and beautiful spaces both inside and out.
As you explore the best features of The V & A Waterfront be sure to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, which houses some mesmerizing sea life such as sharks, turtles, fish and penguins. The ‘Wheel of Excellence’, a 50m high ferries wheel that is a thrilling 20 minute long adventure, will provide guests with captivating views of the Mother city, Table Mountain and endless azure seas. From The Waterfront tourists can visit the unique Robben Island Information Centre and catch a ferry to visit the iconic and famous Robben Island. There are a variation of wonderful bout tours and sunset cruises departing from the harbour, which can be enjoyed by couples over a glass of champagne or by families for a lovely lunchtime treat.


 

Rush Indoor Trampoline Park – Get in touch with your inner child and experience the exciting adventure that is Rush Trampoline Park, situated in the lovely Claremont area of Cape Town, which is about a 30 minute drive away from Bloubergstrand. Featuring a large hall that is literally made up of interconnected trampolines where young and old can all join in and be part of the fun, Rush is the perfect outing when its rainy outside and you still want to keep active and have a blast.
The only facility of its kind in Cape Town, Rush has grown increasingly more popular and is regularly enjoyed by local youngsters and even the older generations who want to get back in touch with their inner child. Show off some amazing tricks as you jump to your heart’s content, the rush trampolines cover 1700 square meters and also include a battle beam and dodge-ball courts, as well as other popular features like the 18000 cube foam pit, hydraulic slam dunk basketball hoops and a 4 meter high performance wall to perfect your skills.
If you don’t like the idea of spending all day jumping, take a break and enjoy some imported coffee and fresh cakes at the parks Cake Bar which also serves healthy snacks to keep you energized. While you relax you can also make use of the free Wi-Fi available here, before getting back to the fun. Dress comfortably and bring your camera along to capture some amazing memories during your visiting to the Rush Indoor Trampoline Park, before enjoying the scenic route back to your self-catering accommodation in Bloubergstrand.


 

Iziko Planetarium & Museums –  A wonderful sensory discovery about out of space that displays the most advanced digital visualization technology to Cape Town, the recently renovated Planetarium is an amazing world-class dome theatre found in Cape Town’s lovely city centre, which promises to provide visitors with immersive and captivating edutainment experiences. Sit back and make the virtual trip to exploring the universe, the inner workings of the human body, as well as the intricate and interesting atomic and chemical structures existing in life. While in the city centre, there are a few other Iziko Museums worth visiting. The small Bo-Kaap Museum, established in 1978, is situated in the fascinating and colourful Bo-Kaap section of Cape Town which is regularly visited as a tourist attraction. This museum looks into the history of this area, which underwent many tragedies and triumphs and also provides guests with information on the resident Islamic community and also its history and culture.
The Castle of Good Hope is definitely a Must-See as far as discovering Cape Town’s historical beginnings is concerned. Built in 1666 The Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building which was built by Jan van Riebeek. Originally, this amazing castle was built on the beach with the ocean alongside it, however now the castle stands a couple of kilometres from the ocean. The Castle of Good Hope was built as a defense fort and also a replenishment station of the Dutch East Indian company to protect its logistic and financial interests along the ‘spice route’. Knowledgeable tour guides will lead you through the castle and afterwards you can enjoy lunch at the restaurant.


 

GrandWest Casino – Offering a variety of family friendly activities, the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World is the largest of its kind in South Africa and is a favourite not only among the many locals who enjoy this Vegas inspired casino but also to tourists who want to get caught up in the fun and games while on vacation. This large GrandWest Casino is situated in Goodwood, about a half an hour away from Bloubergstrand and is easily accessible, with plenty of secure parking. Bring the entire family along, as kids can enjoy some exciting activities within the Casino’s entertainment facilities, such as the Olympic sized ice-skating rink that also provides a supervised smaller ice rink for children under 5 years old. Another fun activity for all ages is Magic Bowling, an interactive and funky 12 lane bowling area with music in the background and colourful lighting. Adults can head into the gambling facilities to try their luck at poker, black jack and the slots as well as various other games as kids engage in their own adventures, which could also include movies at the Nu Metro cinema, thrilling laser tag wars or the modern game arcade.
There is also a fast food court to grab quick meals or treats from, as well as the lovely and more upmarket restaurant village area with a ceiling resembling the night sky glittering with stars. Some divine restaurants are situated here, with a wonderful selection of cuisines that cater to everyone’s tastes. Many of these restaurants feature live music and a warm ambiance among their many attributes, to provide guests with an unforgettable experience.


 

Eden on the Bay –   The sophisticated and attractive Eden on the Bay mall and promenade is located on the West Coast, forming part of the Blouberg beachfront area. Apart from providing some picturesque and breathtaking views of the ocean and beach, Table Mountain sets a striking background and Robben Island can be seen from across the vast Atlantic Ocean – Be sure to bring your camera along to capture some special memories and revisit this stunning area of Cape Town. The beach here is popular among surfers and kite-surfers, even in the cooler winter months. The Eden on the Bay promenade features an amazing and mouth watering selection of restaurants such as Moyo, Saints Burger Joint and Izabella’s where guests can feast on their cuisine of choice and enjoy sun-downers with the perfect views of those famous Cape Town sunsets – these restaurants offer outdoor and indoor seating and picnics can also be enjoyed on the lawn, so that guests can keep warm while still soaking up the summer sun of brighter days. The Eden on the Bay mall features a few essential grocery stores, as well as some lovely boutiques to browse through displaying jewelry, clothing and more. This really is a family friendly attraction in Blouberg, even allowing pets to tag along while you dine or shop. Many of Blouberg Holiday Rentals stunning self-catering apartments are situated at Eden on the Bay’s estate, to ensure that guests have every opportunity to visit Eden on the Bays various attractions at their own pace.


 

Darling Brew Craft Beer – If you are enjoying a vacation in Blouberg or one of the gorgeous seaside villages along the West Coast, why not enjoy a scenic drive a little further up into the quieter area of Darling, home to Darling Brewery, one of South Africa’s first well established and award winning microbreweries.
For a memorable and educational day out that involves drinking some amazing local craft beers and learning all about the inner workings that go into producing these beers, Darling Brewery has you covered. Friends can enjoy a lunch or early supper here from a food menu inspired by fresh local produce and flavours that perfectly compliment the beers themselves – each beer is unique and has an interesting background story that is inspired by endangered creatures, while donations are regularly made to this cause. Choose your favourite beer on tap, from inspired traditional lagers and a range of IPA’s, pale ales, oat ales, wheat beers and exotic dark beers. Enjoy these by the glass or experience a variety by enjoying tasters. The tasting area and bar overlooks the working microbrewery, while the restaurant offers beautiful gardens. The Darling Brewery experience offers guests unique insight into the Craft Beer phenomenon which has become increasingly popular in Cape Town.


 

Durbanville Wine Valley – A visit to Bloubergstrand is not complete without discovering the popular and fabulous wine estates and vineyards of Cape Town that have become an incredibly appealing attraction to tourists. The Durbanville Wine Valley is nestled in the Tygerberg Hills and is one of the most alluring wine routes in Cape Town. Each wine estate on this wine route is unique, with flourishing vineyards and settings where guests can enjoy outdoor family picnics, stunning restaurants and unique wine tasting experiences where the surrounding clean mountain air and friendly, passionate wine-makers come together to create a welcoming and memorable outing. Celebrations and festivals are regular occurrences at these wonderful wine estates and an atmosphere of lighthearted sophistication is to be expected.
Some of the most renowned wine farms guests can explore along these scenic routes include Durbanville Hills which is known for its amazing views and intensely flavoured fruit wines, D’Aria Winery which is one of Cape Town’s oldest and most significant wine estates, the beautiful Hillcrest Boutique Winery, Nitida Estate which is a small and intimate family owned wine farm, the grand and elegant Meerendal Wine Estate and the popular and rustic Altydgedacht Estate.


 

Woodbridge Island – A place where natural beauty and casual fun meets stylish dining, Woodbridge Island can be found on Milnerton’s lovely beachfront where plenty of locals, tourists and guests frequently visit to enjoy the bustling atmosphere as the fresh ocean air compliments the surroundings.
Woodbridge Island is home to three casual restaurants, of which Ilha is a favourite among locals for affordable food and great on-tap beers. The Beach Tavern is well known for its amazing pizzas and burgers and also for their alluring ‘Beer Bible’, and Woody’s restaurant serves some scrumptious grills. Milnerton is also the destination where many of our self-catering holiday apartments and homes are situated, meaning that Woodbridge Island is easily accessible and can quickly become one of your favourite places to hang out while enjoying a winter holiday along the West Coast. The beach is a few feet away from the restaurants, where many families spend late afternoons admiring the sunset before enjoying dinner.
The Maestros restaurant is Woodbridge Islands most upper-class and stylish restaurant and offers the most gorgeous ocean views from large glass windows, with luxury modern decor and a cosmopolitan ambiance. This restaurant is perfect for a cold evening dinner date, where guests can enjoy amazing views while keeping warm and cozy in this renowned restaurant.