Stretch of Sand
With a two-kilometre stretch of sand at the Strand, there's a piece of beach for everyone. If you're of an age when you're not sure if you like waves, there's the tidal pool. If you're just beginning to find waves exciting, you'll want to be a little further north at Milk Bay, where the swimming is very safe.
As you get taller, you'll migrate further up the beach until you can grab a board and join the surfers' section, just next to a birding haven. Other popular water sports include sailing, power boating, paddle skiing and boardsailing. The nearby Dune Park has a supertube and mini-golf, bound to keep the kids entertained, and the adjacent Harmony Park features a huge tidal pool.
A wide variety of organised sport is available, including an internationally rated golf course, tennis courts, rugby fields and squash clubs. The coast between the Lourens River mouth and up to Rooi Els is very popular with beach fishermen and rock anglers, whilst organised and social diving activities beckon the more adventurous.
Gordons Bay
When in Strand, make sure to head over to the neighbouring town of Gordons Bay. It offers a quiet, romantic beach retreat and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. It’s all about slowing down, skipping the crowds, and spending quality time exploring the area.
There are two fully operational harbours, namely the Old Harbour where you will find the Gordons Bay Yacht Club and Harbour Island, a marina development with mooring for yachts and home of the Gordons Bay Boat Angling Club. For the wine lover, don’t miss the Helderberg Wine Route, which is steeped in history and celebrates a rich wine culture from vine to table.
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Helderberg Nature Reserve is in close proximity to Strand and is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town with the support of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The peaks above the reserve are managed by CapeNature. The reserve offers visitors an array of activities, which includes hiking and walking trails.
There are five routes to follow that allow you to take in the splendid indigenous fynbos vegetation and scenic views of the Strand and Gordons Bay coastline. It is also a great spot for bird watching enthusiasts, as the reserve is home to around 169 bird species.
By David Bristow