St Francis Bay is a tranquil little spot with gorgeous homes and endless beaches.
It is an hour from Port Elizabeth and only 20 minutes from Jeffrey’s Bay, but has a character and vibe of its own. This little village is a surfer’s paradise, but is also a fantastic destination for just about everyone that needs a little sun, sand and sea in their lives.
Here are some of our favourite picks for places to stay, eat and see while you’re in the gorgeous St Francis Bay ~ Eat, Sleep, Do St Francis Bay
SLEEP ST FRANCIS BAY
FOR A SPOIL
Dune Ridge Country House
This country house has a distinct African farm vibe to it, along with spacious gardens and a private swimming pool. Enjoy breakfast on the patio, lunch around the pool and dinner in the elegant dining room for a bit of a treat. The suites are understated and a little “szhoosh” at the same time.
Milkwood Country Cottage
Pitched thatch ceilings, four bedrooms with private entrances, tranquil gardens, and the Indian Ocean on your doorstep…this is the Milkwood charm. There are views of the golf course, as well as a patio and swimming pool for endless summer days. The fireplace is the ideal spot for cooler evenings.
Sandals Guesthouse
Timeless elegance and charming thatch combine to create a space of serenity and style. There are spacious timber decks and a glittering swimming pool. All of this is only 150 metres from the beach. Bliss.
St Francis Golf Lodge
It’s hard to beat views of the rolling greens and fairways, with the blue of the ocean and the rugged mountains in the distance. But, this 4-star hotel combines this gorgeous setting with equally beautiful accommodation. Heated floors, en-suite bathrooms and a swimming pool all seal the deal on a really memorable stay.
BUDGET FRIENDLY
River Kaya
These charming self-catering cottages are on the Kromme River and sleep between six and nine people. The river is stunning for kayaking, stand-up paddling and fishing, and there are hiking and walking trails all around. Breath-taking views and the use of natural stone and timber make these cottages extra-special.
The Tin Shack
This is actually neither a shack nor made out of tin, but a comfy guesthouse with three units and lovely amenities. Each unit is elegant and has access to a braai area. They’re on the canals and close to the beach, making them perfect for families or couples that love watersports.
Summerhill
Although chic, Summerhill has a homely feel. It is a short walk from the beach and right in the midst of the village of St Francis Bay, making it a convenient base for beach-lovers and surfers. There is a braai area (with free wood), a garden for the little ones, and a babysitting service for couples that want to have a date night.
Anchor Drift
This affordable thatched cottage has four bedrooms and sleeps nine guests. It’s in the picturesque heart of the village, which means that it’s close to the restaurants and shops. But, it’s also right on the doorstep of the beach. The St Francis Bay Golf Club is less than a kilometre away.
EAT ST FRANCIS BAY
To experience a destination to the full, you simply have to eat there! St Francis Bay is a small village, but is home to some awesome eateries. The Big Time Taverna is right on the canals and has an impressive variety of Greek dishes on its comprehensive menu. The Full Stop Café and the Joe Fish Restaurant and Bar are relaxed spots with moreish food (think gourmet pizzas, burgers and vegetarian dishes) and plenty of space for the kids to play. The St Francis Brewing Company is a laid-back venue with a skate-ramp for children, excellent food and a real dedication to awesome beers.
DO ST FRANCIS BAY
St Francis Bay has exquisite beaches and consistent surf, which means that it’s a really popular beach destination for the best summer vacation. Of course, this extends beyond swimming and surfing – these waters are great for canoeing, kite-surfing, stand-up paddling, snorkelling and hydrofoiling too.
The dolphins are around throughout the year, while the whales are usually spotted between July and November. Go on a whale- and dolphin-watching tour or spot them and their playful antics from the shore.
Visit Penguin Rescue & Rehabilitation to watch these cute marine birds during various stages of their rehab or explore the Chokka Trail. This trail takes four days and covers 58 kilometres of this incredible coastline. It includes spectacular beaches, Khoisan fish traps, shell middens from ancient tribes, and much more.
Stay St Francis Bay
All of the St Francis Bay accommodation spots listed above (and many more) are available via instant-booking on the SA-Venues.com St Francis Bay accommodation page. We also list local and nearby attractions, things to do and destinations so that you can plan your whole stay on one convenient platform.
