East London sits in a sweet spot on South Africa’s coastline – close enough to the Wild Coast, Sunshine Coast, and some of the Eastern Cape’s most beautiful hidden beaches to make incredible day trips possible.
Within a couple of hours’ drive you’ll find quiet river mouths, cliff-top viewpoints, fishing villages, and stretches of coastline that feel almost untouched. The problem is that many of these places don’t show up easily on typical travel guides.
So we put together a list of 15 scenic 1 day outings from East London – perfect for spontaneous coastal adventures, weekend exploring, or simply escaping the city for a few hours.
15 Day trips from East London, South Africa
1. Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
Experience a guided game drive in open vehicles to see the Big 5 and other wildlife in their natural habitat, just a short drive from East London. Pre-booking is recommended, especially for weekends and school holidays .
2. Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve & Dassie Trail
Enjoy a family-friendly walk along the boardwalks and forested trails of the Nahoon River, with excellent birdwatching, picnic spots, and a small beach at the end. Remember the reserve is only open on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM .
3. East London Museum
Discover regional natural and cultural history, including the famous coelacanth and one of the last known dodo eggs, making for an educational and engaging indoor activity .
4. Gonubie Main Beach
Relax on this beautiful, family-friendly beach where the Gonubie River meets the sea, offering shallow waters perfect for young children to play in safely .
5. Tea in the Trees
Enjoy a delightful meal or afternoon tea at this unique venue set in the trees near Chintsa, with a wonderful vibe, delicious food, and a play area for children .
6. Lavender Blue Market, Café & Deli
Visit this popular spot for delicious food with indoor and outdoor seating, featuring a lovely playground to entertain the little ones in a relaxed atmosphere .
7. The Lion Park
Get up close with lions, giraffes, meerkats, and wild dogs; open Thursday to Sunday with lion feeding on Sundays at 12:30 PM, offering affordable family fun .
8. Morgan Bay & Double Mouth Nature Reserve
Take a scenic drive to this secluded coastal gem for dramatic cliff-top hikes, beach walks, and the unique experience of searching for ancient shipwreck beads on Bead Beach .
Planning to explore Morgan Bay properly?
We’ve created a downloadable Morgan Bay Travel Advisory & Planning Kit that includes:
Local travel insights
Safety and planning notes
Coastal travel tips
Printable reference guide
- Printable 9 Card deck featuring Morgan Bay
9. Wild Coast Horse Riding Adventures
Embark on a guided horse riding adventure along the spectacular Wild Coast trails, suitable for various skill levels and a memorable family experience .
10. Hemingways Mall
Spend a rainy day or an afternoon indoors at this large shopping mall with over 200 shops, a movie theatre, bowling, and an arcade for entertainment .
11. Queens Park & Zoo
Let the kids enjoy the playground and visit the small zoo in this beautiful, centrally located park, perfect for a relaxed and inexpensive family outing .
12. Cintsa Beach (Chintsa)
Spend a day at this expansive, Wild Coast beach just 40 minutes from East London, known for its beautiful setting, lagoon, and laid-back vibe .
13. Python Park Mashie Golf Course & Snake Park
Play a family-friendly round of 9-hole mashie golf followed by a visit to the snake park, with a clubhouse for refreshments afterwards .
14. Avalon Country Market at Kidd’s Beach
On the first Sunday of each month, enjoy live music, delicious market food, and kids’ activities like pony rides and face painting in a tranquil setting by the sea .
15. Table 58 Brewing
Parents can relax with excellent craft beer on the spacious deck while kids play in the beautiful garden setting, making for a perfect afternoon out for the whole family .