A Weekend in Dwarskersbos: Beach Days, West Coast Sunsets & Doing Absolutely Nothing

A weekend in Dwarskersbos does not need a packed itinerary.

One of the nicest things about spending a weekend in Dwarskersbos is that you don’t have to do much at all.

The beach is right on your doorstep. Velddrif and the Berg River are just a short drive away, and there are enough places to explore when you feel like getting out and about. But there is also something to be said for staying close to home, walking along the beach, lighting the braai and watching the sun disappear over the Atlantic.

If you are planning a weekend on the West Coast, this is how I would spend it.

Friday afternoon: Arrive, unpack and slow down

There is no reason to rush when you arrive in Dwarskersbos.

Check in, unpack your bags and give yourself a little time to settle into your holiday home. If you have driven from Cape Town or further afield, you have already done enough traveling for one day.

Then head down to the beach.

Take off your shoes, feel the sand under your feet and have a look at the ocean. You might spot dolphins offshore, and at certain times of the year, depending on the season, you may spot whales passing along the coast.

As the afternoon turns into evening, head out for something to eat at one of the local spots, such as Deli on Main or Die See Kaia. Soverby Lapa, between Laaiplek and Dwarskersbos, is another option if you feel like going for a short drive.

Or stay home.

Light the braai, pour yourself something cold and let dinner take as long as it needs to.

And when the sun starts going down, make sure you are outside.

West Coast sunsets are worth slowing down for.

Saturday: Start with the beach

Saturday is the perfect day to explore — but there is no need to start early or follow a strict plan.

Take a morning walk along the beach. Look for shells, watch the waves and see what the tide has left behind.

If you enjoy fishing, you can also spend some time on the beach with your fishing gear. Just remember that the necessary permit and fishing regulations apply.

Afterwards, find somewhere for breakfast or coffee, or head back to your accommodation for a slow breakfast at home.

Shop local

One of the nicest ways to experience a small West Coast town is to support the local businesses while you are here.

Take your time browsing the local shops, stop for coffee or lunch, and see what catches your eye. Supporting local businesses is part of what makes a visit to a small West Coast town special.

Deli on Main is a lovely local stop, with something to eat and a selection of deli treats to enjoy back at your accommodation.

You never know what little local find you might come across, and sometimes these small discoveries become part of what makes a weekend away special.

Head towards Velddrif when you feel like exploring

If you have had enough of the beach for a while, jump in the car and head towards Velddrif.

Spend some time around Bokkomlaan, where the old fishing traditions of the area are still part of the landscape. Take a walk, browse the small shops and galleries, and keep an eye out for the bird life around the river. Pelicans and ducks are often seen around the river.

And if you have never tried a traditional West Coast bokkom, this is a good opportunity to discover one of the area’s oldest fishing traditions.

Then head back to Dwarskersbos when you feel like it.

You do not need to spend the whole day sightseeing.

Bringing the kids?

Dwarskersbos is particularly easy with children because some of the best entertainment costs nothing at all.

Give them a beach, a bucket and spade and a few hours of freedom, and you may be surprised by how little else they need.

Build sandcastles, collect shells, look for interesting stones or pack a picnic and spend the morning beside the sea.

If you feel like exploring further, Rocherpan Nature Reserve is another option for families and nature lovers. After good winter rains, the landscape can be particularly beautiful, and the pan attracts a variety of bird life.

For something with a little more history, the SA Fisheries Museum in Laaiplek offers an interesting look at the fishing heritage of the West Coast.

But honestly, there is a good chance the children will remember the beach more than anything else.

Sunday in Dwarskersbos: One last walk before home

Sunday morning is a good time to slow down again.

Have breakfast at home, pack your bags and take one last walk on the beach before you leave.

If you have a little extra time, stop somewhere for coffee or an early lunch instead of trying to squeeze another activity into the day.

And before you head home, take a moment to look back at the ocean.

You probably did not see everything. You probably did not visit every place on your list.

And that is perfectly fine.

Dwarskersbos will still be here next time.

Where to stay in Dwarskersbos

Where you stay can make a big difference to this kind of weekend.

If your idea of a perfect getaway starts with walking straight down to the beach, look for a beachfront property. If you are traveling with family or friends, a spacious self-catering home gives everyone room to relax. And if your four-legged family member is coming along, there are pet-friendly options too.

At Dwarskersbos Accommodation, I manage a selection of holiday homes in Dwarskersbos, each with its own character and setting.

The aim is simple: to give you a comfortable place to stay while you enjoy the best part of a West Coast break — having the time and space to slow down.

You don’t need a long itinerary

A good weekend in Dwarskersbos can be as simple as this:

• Walk on the beach.
• Have a good meal.
• Explore a little.
• Buy something local.
• Watch the sunset.
• Light the braai.
• Spend time with the people you came with.

And leave a little space in your plans for doing absolutely nothing.

Because sometimes, that is exactly what you came to the West Coast for.

Planning your stay?

Browse Dwarskersbos Accommodation and find a holiday home for your next West Coast weekend.