[Updated November 2020]
No traffic, subtropical weather and endless beach days make East London an unbeatable city for holidaymakers and residents alike. In no particular order, we give you some of the best things to do in and around this balmy river-meets-sea city. They include the best places to grab a tasty snack, top beach spots, where to listen to some good music and more! Check out these fun things to do in East London and the surrounding areas!
1. The best milkshakes in the world at Friesland Milk Bar
Image courtesy of These Walking Boots
The corner shop in Tennyson street sells the best milkshakes in the world as thousands of fans will attest. Ex-East Londoners still make the pilgrimage back to the original store for bottled happiness.
You can find them at 49 Tennyson Street, Quigney, and also at Hemingways Mall.
2. Catch some sun on Gonubie Beach
Image courtesy of Neville Bailey via Flickr
Gonubie Beach is a beautiful Blue Flag beach perfect for boardwalk strolling, kayaking and beach runs. Take a dip in the tidal pool and cool off from the summer heat with this best thing to do in East London.
3. Spot dolphins on the Esplanade
Image courtesy of Tim Abbot via Flickr
No visit to the sunshine coast would be complete without dolphin spotting on Esplanade Street in Quigney.
4. Be wowed by the cliffs at Morgan Bay
Image courtesy of What’s On in and around East London via Facebook
This small hamlet northeast of East London is a favourite for family holidays. From such a vantage point, you’ll have breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean. Head to the cliffs for sundowners in summer and make this one of the most memorable things to do in East London.
5. Drop in at Lavender Blue Organic Market for a farmhouse breakfast
Image courtesy of Lavender Blue Market via Facebook
Order their delicious coffee and indulge in a big farmhouse breakfast, then stock up on fresh flowers and veggies. And make sure to enjoy one of the more relaxing things to do in East London with scenic views all around.
Find them on off Main Road, Quentera North.
Find your ideal flight with flight routes from Cape Town to East London.
6. Visit one of the largest Coca-Cola collections anywhere
Image courtesy of David Schexnaydre via Flickr
Peter Bruton has had a fascination with Coke memorabilia since the 1970s. Name any Coca-Cola related item and he’s got it! Any fan of Coca-Cola will definitely find this to be one of the greatest things to do in East London. He displays the merchandise in a drug store cabinet as a reference to the origins of Coke, sold as a health tonic in Atlanta, Georgia. To see his extensive collection and enjoy a cold one with him on Beacon Bay, give Peter a call on 082 967 8585.
7. Gourmet food with a view at Grazia’s Fine Food and Wine
Image courtesy of @anitaxulu via Instagram
What about linguine and bubbly, or their famous pork belly roasted to perfection and served on polenta with butter applesauce? Find these delicious dishes and plenty more at Grazia.
Upper Esplanade, Aquarium Road, Quigney Beach.
8. Chintsa
Image courtesy of Håkon Thingstad via Flickr
This lovely laidback little village, less than an hour’s drive from East London, has a lot to offer with pristine beaches, swimming, low-cost accommodation and beach walks.
Find accommodation in Chintsa.
9. Listen to jazz at Imbizo African Cuisine and Jazz Café
Image courtesy of Imbizo African Jazz Cafe via Facebook
Set in a miniature castle, this happening spot will have you dancing far into the night. An added bonus to all the entertainment you can enjoy is the chance to indulge in traditional African fare.
22 Curry Street, Quigney, East London.
10. East London claims the last remaining Dodo egg
Image courtesy of The Mad Hat
The East London Museum hosts a 400-year-old dodo egg, the last remaining complete specimen in the world. The celebrated naturalist Dr Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, the discoverer of the Coelacanth and curator of the East London Museum, inherited the egg. There has been some debate as to whether it is real or not. Visit the museum to find out more.
11. Elephant experience at Inkwenkwezi Private Nature Reserve
Malaria-free wildlife reserves in the Eastern Cape are soaring in popularity. Inkwenkwezi offers extensive wildlife experiences. Don’t miss the sunset game drive or walking with elephants encounter.
12. The Beach Break Café at Nahoon Beach
Image courtesy of 14 on Beach
A Nahoon beach institution. Catch a wave then some brekkie. They’re at the bottom of Beach Road in Nahoon, East London.
13. East London nostalgia at the Windmill Roadhouse
Image courtesy of the Windmill Roadhouse via Facebook
Second to Friesland’s, you can’t visit East London without paying your respects to the good old Windmill Roadhouse. You can look forward to a delicious breakfast or brunch and find out why it’s one of the best things to do in East London.
128 Moore Street, Quigney Beach. Call 043 722 9208.
14. Nahoon Footprints – the world’s oldest human trace fossil footprints of their kind
Image courtesy of BC Tourism
Bat’s Cave near Nahoon Reef was the site of this exciting discovery. The child’s footprints were dated to more than 124,000 years ago, making them the oldest human footprints of their kind. Since the roof of the cave collapsed, they have been preserved in the East London Museum.
319 Oxford Street, Selborne. Call 043 743 0686.
15. 3 Silos MTB Adventure Trails
Choose from a 10-, 15- and 20-km track with some tricky descents. For newbies, try Lavender Blue track for an easier route. There’s a small entry fee, use the honesty box system.
16. Surf the Nahoon Reef
The wave quality here is world class with a wave as long as 500 metres on a good day. Some pro-Hawaiian surfers claim that Nahoon Reef is the closest wave to Sunset Beach outside of Hawaii. Rent boards from the Sugarshack (or sign up for lessons from experienced surfers).
17. The Gonubie River picnic spot
Image courtesy of Megan Skelly via Flickr
This is a great place for a riverside picnic under the trees and for bird watching. One of the most relaxing things to do in East London, find the Gonubie River near Main Road in Gonubie.
18. Sundowners and ribs at Buccaneers Sports Bar and Grill
Delicious flame-grilled basted ribs with sea views and cold beers, what more do you need?
Find Buccaneers Sports Bar and Grill at 1 Avocado Street, Westridge.
19. Fish from your tent at Areena River Resort
Image courtesy of What’s On in and around East London via Facebook
Go on a lazy river cruise, fish from your tent on their river campsite, spot wildlife and do a short hike to the beach if you’re feeling energetic. Step away from the busy city scene with one of the amazing things to do in East London.
East Coast Resorts Road, Kwelera.
20. Wild Coast horseback adventures
Image courtesy of What’s On in and around East London via Facebook
What better way to see the wild coast than on horseback? Choose from a variety of adventures – game viewing on horseback, full day beach rides across the Kei River and the 2-day, 1-night Trennery’s Trail. There are also short rides on offer that are easy on the pocket.
21. Sunset cruise in the harbour
Image courtesy of What’s On in and around East London via Facebook
Southern Cross offers river and harbour cruises. Let them ferry you out of the harbour and down the pretty Buffalo River for a one-hour cruise.
Latimers Landing, East London harbour.
22. Igoda Mouth Resort
Image courtesy of What’s On in and around East London via Facebook
Just 10 kilometres from East London Airport, the Igoda Mouth Resort is a tranquil spot near the river mouth You’ll be well-positioned to spot fish eagles, kingfishers, Steppe buzzards, owls, hornbills, African orioles and swallows.
Book a stay at Idoga Mouth Resort.
23. Emerald Vale Brewery
Image courtesy of Emerald Vale Brewery via Facebook
This small craft brewery and restaurant on the Wild Coast Jikeleza Route in the Eastern Cape is waiting to be discovered. Book tours by calling 043 738 5397.
24. Great rock-climbing spots
Image courtesy of What’s On in and around East London via Facebook
The Morgan Bay cliffs offer excellent climbing routes but there are many secret climbing spots around East London known only to the locals. Contact the Eastern Cape section of the Mountain Climbing club to join them.
Contact them by completing the online contact form.
25. Hood Point Light House
Historical Hood Point lighthouse was built in 1895 and has saved many ships from falling foul of that tempestuous sea.
26. Golden Shamrock Pies
Image courtesy of Shamrock Pies via Facebook
An ex-East Londoner let us in on the secret of the flaky-pastry goodness of Shamrock pies. Especially the pepper steak! Manufactured in East London since 1973, the brand is as strong as ever.
27. Enjoy fantastic food at Ginger and Co
Image courtesy of @estiegane via Instagram
Indulge in the amazing service and great coffee at this restaurant. Make sure to taste their carrot cake (it’s been said to be the best in the city and one of the tastiest things to do in East London!).
Find them at 3 Frere road, Vincent.
28. Explore Lock Street Prison
Image courtesy of Holmes Photography
Discover some of the history of East London with a visit to the Lock Street Prison in Quigney Beach. Notable people who have been imprisoned there include Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Daisy de Melker.
29. Have a mouth-watering burger at Sanook Café
Image courtesy of @genraljavape via Instagram
Some visitors to the Sanook Café have claimed the establishment serves some of the best burgers in East London. Try the delicious ‘Porra’ or the ‘Redneck’!
30. East London sunsets
Image courtesy of @pierretilney via Instagram
And who can forget East London’s fiery sunsets? Gaze at the purple, orange and pink streaks as dolphins trace the horizon.
Make the Eastern Cape your next holiday!
Now, you know what to expect when visiting this laidback South Africa destination with these fun things to do in East London.
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Do you know of any more awesome things to do in East London? Let us know in the comments!
All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.
I have visited Windmill Roadhouse, once for a milkshake as Friesland was already closed. But it was a serious disappointment as my bubblegum milkshake had what looked like and tasted like pieces of minced meat in It. That was the first time and the last time I visited Windmill Roadhouse. Good luck.