Best Things to Do In Plettenberg Bay | Touring the Garden Route
Planning a trip up the Garden Route? Be sure to enjoy all that Plettenberg Bay has to offer. From world-class Blue Flag beaches, to scenic hiking trails, wine farms, boutique shopping, the Mungo textile weaving mill and much more…
Old Nick Village | A Landmark Shopping Destination
More than a landmark stop-over destination on the N2, Old Nick Village is a creative shopping location that provides visitors the chance to relax and change pace. Centred around a historic homestead, Old Nick Village offers a unique mix of shops, galleries, abundant gardens, and a nursery. Their restaurant, aptly named Nice Neighbour, serves up tasty fare indoors or under the trees. Play areas and lawns make it the perfect all-ages destination, and whilst many local spots close early on the weekends, Old Nick Village stays open 7 days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Dogs on leads are welcome too.
The Mungo Mill | Observe the Art of Textile Weaving
Old Nick Village is also home to the Mungo Mill, where all Mungo textiles are designed, woven and made. Visitors can observe the full production process, right from the warping of threads, through to weaving, CMT (cut, make, trim), pressing, packing and dispatch. The weaving floor offers a unique cross-section of weaving techniques and technology that span over 150 years, with a mix of both pre-industrial shuttle looms that date as far back at the late 19th century, to more modern rapier machines custom-built in 2024. At the mill entrance you’ll also find a museum space that documents the story of weaving and textile making through the ages – right from the earliest discovered flax fibres, to contemporary cloth production. Be sure to pay a visit to Mungo’s flagship store next door, where you can feel and shop the finished cloth – 100% natural fibre homeware textiles for bed, bath, kitchen and table.
Self-guided tours can be done daily, or for a guided tour with a Mungo staff member, contact the team via retail@mungo.co.za.
The Mungo Mill is also South Africa’s first, and only, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified mill.
Seakrit | Plett’s Favourite Coffee Spot
May or may not be the best coffee in Plett. And the almond croissants are pretty darn good too.
Bramon, Kay and Monty, Newstead | Scenic Wine Tasting
Plettenberg Bay is home to some award-winning boutique wine farms. Stop for a wine tasting at Bramon, Kay and Monty or Newstead to enjoy a glass of something special, or to enjoy a light lunch or alfresco afternoon.
Wednesday Market | Old Nick Village
The Wednesday Market at Old Nick is the perfect destination to find fresh fare, tasty eats and local craft – all in a friendly, open-air atmosphere. The market emphasizes locally produced, grown and made products, making it the perfect spot to connect directly with farmers and makers. Open every Wednesday from 9am until 2pm.
Kayak Up the Keurbooms
Just outside Plettenberg Bay’s central stripe, the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is a hidden gem offering pristine natural beauty and a peaceful escape. Named after the Western Keurboom tree, the reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including vervet monkeys, leopards, and vibrant bird species like the Knysna turaco (or loerie). A highlight is the Whiskey Creek Canoe Trail, easily suited for anyone, regardless of fitness level. Canoes can be rented on-site, and the trail winds through a tranquil section of the river. Picnic spots and secluded beaches up the river add to the charm.
Complete the adventure with an overnight stay at the Whiskey Creek cabin – situated 7km upstream from the main entrance. The cabin sleeps 10 people, with an open-air kitchen and spacious deck with braai area. Bedding and food must be brought along, and advanced booking is advised.
Robberg Nature Reserve | Breathtakingly Beautiful Hiking
An iconic Garden Route destination, Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most traversed peninsulas in the world. With its incredibly beautiful and dramatic rocky coastlines, and a wealth of ingenious flora and fauna to spot along the way, the reserve is a must-visit for locals and travellers. The route offers various trails, each with differing levels of difficulty, but all with unique and beautiful vistas. The Fountain Shack, an overnight hut, is also available for those looking to spend a night or two on the reserve. Visit CapeNature to book. Permits required on entry.
Image source: Hiking South Africa
Ice Dream Land | The Best Pizza and Gelato
Authentic Italian-style pizzas, cheeses and gelato. May or may not be the best pizza you ever have. A pleasant way to spend a leisurely afternoon, with a playground to keep the kids entertained.
Hobie Beach | Sunrise Swim
If you’ve taken to the trend of an early morning swim, Plett’s Hobie Beach offers a secluded, sheltered spot for a dawn (or dusk) swim.
Mungo Swim Club
Every year we host a five-day early morning swim challenge, with the shared goal to reconnect, revive and raise funds for a worthy cause. It’s a great way to kick off the summer season and connect with the Plettenberg Bay community. If you’d like to join the Mungo Swim Club, sign up to the Mungo newsletter here.
Market Off Main | Drinks & Dinner in the Open Air
Perched on a scenic Plett hillside, Market Off Main offers stunning views of the lagoon, beach, and Tsitsikamma mountains. A lively marketplace bustling with locals and visitors, MOM is perfect for looking to grab a coffee, browse for a locally crafted ware, or enjoy a delicious meal in a laid-back atmosphere. This historical setting (a former wagon stop) has become a hub loved by locals, with vendors like Sanga (their burger is a definite hit), Rumours coffee (sister to Seakrit), and the much-loved Bao Wow restaurant.
The Space Between | Yoga with a View
With an unparalleled view of the veld and sea, each class feels like a mini retreat. In addition to the regular offerings of yoga and pilates, the Space Between hosts a number of specialist classes and workshops well worth visiting. Pre-book via the Mindbody app.
Swim with Seals or Watch the Whales | Adventure Tourism in Plett
For those with an adventurous spirit, Plettenberg Bay has much to offer – from swimming with the seals, to whale watching boat cruises, bungee jumping and more. Pay a visit to the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, or visit one of the many animal parks if you’re up for a close encounter…
Arch Rock | A Wondrous Walk
Approximately 2 kilometres, this is an enjoyable family-friendly walk commencing from Keurboomstrand. The route takes you along a scenic coastal path, ending in an immense arched rock, officially named Cathedral Rock. Time your trip with a stop over to one of Plettenberg Bay’s most renowned restaurants, Enricos.
Bread and Brew | The Best Pie in Plett
For one of the best pie’s in town, make a turn at Bread and Brew in the Crags. With its garden setting, and small touch farm, it’s also a great stop-over when you’ve got kids in tow. Pet friendly (on leashes). The sweet and sour chicken pie goes highly recommended.
Villa Villakula | Fantastic Farm-style Food
Fantastic food with a tasty, farm-style menu that changes daily. Dinners are served up buffet-style from Wednesday to Saturday in a cosy, eclectic setting. Pre-booking for Villa Villakula is essential.
The Quarter Club | Cocktail Lounge & Club
Plettenberg Bay’s sophisticated nightlife venue, the Quarter Club is a lounge and bar serving up classic cocktails and tapas in an intimate setting. Follow @thequarterclub for updates and event details.
The Wreck | Secluded Swims
In peak season, Plett’s beaches gather big crowds. For a secluded swim, take a trip to the Wreck. A great spot to enjoy an afternoon swim or a sundown picnic.
Salt River | Terrific Trails
Enter a lush, wondrous forest, which makes way to a pebbled beach, a dramatic mountain backdrop and a rugged coastline. A looped, lightly trafficked trail that is great for a leisurely walk, hike or run.
Fairview House | Breakfast with a View
Fairview is a family-owned boutique hotel situated on 68-acres of scenic countryside – taking its name from the incredible views over the fynbos-rich valley and surrounding Tsitsikamma Mountains. Stay a night at the hotel, or just enjoy the surrounds over breakfast. Booking essential.
Cairnbrogie | For the Adventure Lovers
Covering over 100 hectares of coastal fynbos, Cairnbrogie is a playground for the avid mountain biker, trailer, horse rider or family looking to enjoy the best of the outdoors. With secret coves, tracks, trails and a cafe to boot.
Kranshoek | Beautiful Hiking
A steep and fairly challenging route that rewards with incredible views and diverse terrains. Start at the picnic site at the top of a waterfall, meander your way down through a forest following the waterfall’s stream, and arrive at a rocky coastline. There’s an optional shortcut up to the Kranshoek viewpoint and back to the picnic spot for those that find the full 9kms too challenging. Permits required.
Nature’s Way Farmstall | Delightful Deli
A family-run farm and working dairy, situated just beyond Plettenberg Bay in Nature’s Valley. Try out their selection of homemade and imported cheeses, best paired with a preserve from the well-stocked deli offering.
Thyme and Again | Delicious Food & Pantry Staples
A well-stocked farmstall and restaurant located just outside Plettenberg Bay on your way to the Crags. Shop from their selection of local wines, stock up up pantry staples and fresh goods, or take home something tasty from their on-site bakery. The chickpea fudge or almond cake are firm favourites.
Saturday Market | Harkerville
A laidback, open-air farmer’s and craft market, located midway between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna on the N2. Enjoy a delicious brekkie, pick up some freshly grown produce, baked treat, coffee or craft. Family friendly, with outdoor seating available. The Harkerville Market is open weekly, 8am to 12noon. Locals tip? Join for the weekly 8am Parkrun, and peruse the market thereafter.
Day Trip to Nature’s Valley
A day trip to Nature’s Valley offers a peaceful escape just a short drive from Plettenberg Bay. Nestled between lush forests and pristine coastline, it’s the perfect spot for nature lovers. Hike through dense, green trails, paddle along the quiet lagoon, or simply relax on the secluded Nature’s Valley Beach. The untouched beauty and tranquil setting make it an unforgettable, and largely untapped, addition to your Plettenberg Bay bucket list.
Did we miss any of your favourite stops? Let us know in the comments below.
