Yzerfontein is known for its natural beauty and boasts the 16 Mile Beach, the longest uninterrupted beach on the South African coastline, with a spectacular view all the way to Table Mountain. It’s the perfect choice for a quick getaway with family or friends.
If you are a birdwatcher, beach lover, surfer or appreciate nature and fynbos, Yzerfontein is the place to visit. There’s such an abundance of beautiful accommodations to pick from in the seaside village that’s perfect for the whole family.
Here are ten things you can enjoy or do to make your stay more memorable:
1. Rosemead Artisan Bakery:
This is a must-stop on your way to stock up on sourdough bread, baguettes or pastries for your weekend or holiday, or on your way back home.
Browse the Farm Deli while you’re there for a selection of local products like cheese, exotic mushrooms and pomegranates.

- Open hours: Wednesdays to Saturday: 8.30am – 3pm; Sundays 08.30am – 2pm
- Location: Cnr of Park and, Volstruis Street, Yzerfontein
2. Walk along the 16 Mile Beach:
This spectacular beach offers a myriad of activities for the whole family, including surfing and kite surfing as the long stretch of beach makes it ideal for beginners.
Or simply pack a beach bag, towels, and picnic and head to the beach for the day.

- Location: Yzerfontein
3. Strandkombuis:
Strandkombuis is an authentic West Coast seafood buffet restaurant situated on the famous 16 Mile Beach, in Yzerfontein.
They pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their dishes. After a lazy Sunday lunch, take a long walk on the beach.

- Location: 16 Mile Beach, Strandkombuis Road, Yzerfontein
4. Dassen Island:
Learn more about the African penguins on Dassen Island. Visit South Africa’s second largest Island after Robben Island it’s about 10km west of Yzerfontein in the Atlantic Ocean and is home to the African penguin.

- Location: 10 km offshore from 16 Mile Beach, Yzerfontein
5. Take a hike:
The 2 km Schaap Island Hiking trail starts on the main beach and runs in a southerly direction towards the harbour.
Just follow the well-maintained footpath covered in crushed mussel shells that is clearly signposted with white footprints to show the way.

- Start location: 16 Mile Beach (Main beach), Yzerfontein
6. Water sports lovers:
Water sports enthusiasts from as far as Europe visit Yzerfontein on a regular basis.
The small–craft harbour allows the launching of boats and jet skis in restricted areas, while the wide shallow bay is popular with bodyboarders, kite surfers and windsurfers – weather conditions are ideal for water sports throughout the year.

7. Yzerfontein Vishuis:
Visit the oldest building in Yzerfontein which was built with stones, cement and a thatched roof. The unique thatched roofed building was used to store fish and salt back in the day.
Now, it’s open to the public during weekdays, as Yzerfontein’s Tourism office.

- Location: 50 Main Road, Yzerfontein
8. Admire the spring flowers:
During September and October, an abundance of spring flowers such as Arum Lilies, Wild Cinerarias, and dazzling white and orange Daisies can be seen in Yzerfontein.
The seaside town also boasts three indigenous gardens that can be visited throughout the year. The indigenous garden on Dassen Island Drive even has a maze.

9. Watch the whales:
The bay is the annual springtime destination for Southern Right whales (August to November) who find their way down from the cold Antarctic to calve. Visitors can view these magnificent mammals frolicking close to shore, from a number of vantage points.

10. West Coast Farm Stall
For a great afternoon out and the best farm stall experience ever, get to the West Coast Farm Stall. There’s a beautiful bird sanctuary you can wander through with the kids and admire the many species.
If the family gets hungry, simply tuck into the restaurant’s delicious dishes including traditional bobotie, farm-style trotters and tripe, fish and chips, calamari and a selection of toasties and pies.

- Location: Cnr of R27 West Coast Road and the R315 Darling cross, Yzerfontein
This is a unique destination because of the spectacular seascapes, wild fynbos and wildflowers; the entire town is a designated conservancy where residents and nature live in harmony.
Raised walkways, well-defined walking paths and accessible beaches allow visitors to explore almost every inch of this magnificent coastline.
Also read:
If heaven is a place on earth, it may just be in Yzerfontein
Picture: 16 Mile Beach/Facebook