Gordon's Bay is the small harbour village at the eastern end of the Helderberg, where the mountains come right down to the sea. It's about ten minutes' drive from Green Gables along Beach Road, and it feels quite different from Strand: steeper, quieter, and built around two harbours.
It's an easy half-day on its own, or the first stop on a drive along Clarence Drive. Here's what we suggest to guests.
Swim at Bikini Beach or Main Beach
Bikini Beach is a Blue Flag beach, tucked below the mountain next to the harbour. The City of Cape Town has lifeguards on duty during the Blue Flag season, from December to March. It's popular with paddleboarders and kayakers, and gets busy on summer weekends.
Main Beach, along Beach Road, is the calmer choice for families with young children, with shallow water. The reef just offshore makes it a good spot for snorkelling. A brick walkway runs along the front between the two beaches, so you can park once and walk.
Walk the old harbour
The old harbour has fishing boats, a slipway where dive boats launch, and a waterfront restaurant or two. Next to it, the Harbour Island marina has yachts, apartments and restaurants. Both are good for an evening stroll as the light goes.
Find the GB anchor
Look up at the mountain above the village and you'll see a large anchor and the letters "GB" laid out in painted stones. Most people assume they stand for Gordon's Bay. They actually stand for General Botha, the old naval training ship that was moored here and gave its name to the training base. The anchor became the town's emblem in 1987, with the permission of the South African Navy.
Hike above the village
The Danie Miller trail follows the slopes above the village, with views across False Bay. There's no shade, a little scrambling and a few small streams to cross, so it's best for sure-footed walkers on a cool or cloudy day.
In summer, the Crystal Pools hike in the Steenbras River Gorge starts just outside the village on Clarence Drive. It leads to a string of rock pools you can swim in. It's open from November to April only, and you need a permit booked in advance. See our Crystal Pools guide for how to book.
Drive Clarence Drive
Gordon's Bay is where Clarence Drive begins: the R44 coastal road towards Rooi-Els, Pringle Bay and Betty's Bay, between the mountains and the sea. It has pull-offs all the way along for photos, and for whale watching from about June to November. Our Clarence Drive guide covers the stops.
Where to eat in Gordon's Bay
The Thirsty Oyster Tavern at the old harbour is a local institution for a beer and seafood by the water. Café Zest on the beachfront is a family-run Mediterranean grill with views over the bay. The Grille Shack, a 1950s pump-diner-style restaurant at the start of Clarence Drive, is a favourite with road-trippers and families. Krystal Beach Hotel has several restaurants and a cocktail bar on the beachfront.
Restaurants change hands, so check opening hours before you go, and book for sunset in summer.
Things to do in Gordon's Bay with kids
Main Beach is the safest bet for little ones, with calm, shallow water. Rock pools along the front are good for exploring at low tide. Cheetah Outreach in Somerset West is about 20 minutes away by car.
Getting to Gordon's Bay from Green Gables
Follow Beach Road east out of Strand. Gordon's Bay is about ten minutes away. Parking near Bikini Beach fills up fast on summer weekends, so arrive early or park on Main Beach and walk along the front.
