Things To Do
in Summerstrand
Summerstrand is a coastal suburb of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) renowned for its long sandy beaches, relaxed seaside vibe and easy access to marine attractions. The area is popular with surfers, families and students from nearby Nelson Mandela University, offering a mix of cafés, eateries and a beachfront promenade. Visitors enjoy warm Indian Ocean waters, Blue Flag beaches and the entertainment complex known as The Boardwalk.
Summerstrand is a convenient base for exploring nearby nature reserves, lighthouses and coastal hiking routes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing morning walk along the stunning Summerstrand beaches, where the ocean breeze and the sound of waves set the perfect tone. Grab breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly made pastries and vibrant, locally sourced smoothies. After your meal, consider renting a bicycle to explore the beachfront promenade, soaking in the early morning sun.
In the afternoon, relax on the sandy shores of the beach with a good book or take advantage of the many water sports available, such as jet skiing or kayaking. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the beachside restaurants, where you can indulge in freshly caught seafood and traditional South African dishes. As the day progresses, take a stroll through the nearby shops and boutiques to discover local crafts and souvenirs.
As the sun begins to set, enjoy a stunning view of the horizon while sipping on cocktails at a beachfront bar. For dinner, treat yourself to a gourmet meal at a highly rated restaurant specializing in local cuisine. Afterward, take a moonlit walk along the beach, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Kick off your second day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for a nature hike at nearby Sardinia Bay. The early morning is the perfect time to appreciate the rich biodiversity and breathtaking views of the coastal nature reserve. Feel the rush of excitement as you explore the various trails, keeping an eye out for unique bird species and wildlife.
After your hike, return to Summerstrand for a leisurely lunch at a seafood shack, enjoying the catch of the day while sitting outside. Spend your afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, where you can immerse yourself in South African art and culture. Engage with the captivating exhibits that showcase the country's rich history and artistic expressions.
For a unique culinary experience, book a table at a fine dining establishment known for its fusion of international and local flavors. As you enjoy your meal, relish the live music performance that often accompanies dining in this lively area. Wind down your evening by exploring the nightlife, perhaps at a local tavern that features traditional music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Beer (domestic, pub) | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range, per night) | $50-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, accessible beaches and coastal scenery
- Relaxed seaside atmosphere with good outdoor activities
- Convenient base for nature reserves, lighthouse walks and short safaris
- More affordable than major South African metros
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Public transport is patchy—reliance on taxis or a car can be necessary
- Some areas suffer from petty crime; need to be security-conscious
- "Molo" - Hello (Xhosa, to one person)
- "Ndiyabulela / Enkosi" - Thank you (Xhosa / common southern phrase)
- "Goeie dag / Hallo" - Good day / Hello (Afrikaans)
- "Dankie" - Thank you (Afrikaans)
- "Howzit / How are you?" - Informal greeting in English commonly used locally
- "Asseblief" - Please (Afrikaans)
Places to Visit in Summerstrand
Visit one of these nice places.
Long sandy beach with sunrise and sunset opportunities, surfers and colorful beach life — great for wide coastal shots and lifestyle images.
Historic reserve with a small stone lighthouse, mosaic park and elevated views over the city and sea — excellent for golden-hour cityscape photographs.
Classic red-and-white lighthouse with dramatic coastal cliffs and waves; ideal for dramatic seascapes and birdlife images.
Expansive dunes and quiet beaches offer minimalist, windswept landscapes and soft light—good for abstract and nature photography.
A lively surf spot with rock formations, pier views and local activity; good for capturing action shots of surfers and shoreline life.
Food in Summerstrand
Summerstrand Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty, sharable sandwich filled with chips, meats or seafood and sauces; widely available in the Eastern Cape and popular as a grab-and-go meal from delis and sandwich shops.
Must-Try!
South African barbecue featuring boerewors (sausage), steak and marinated chicken; many restaurants offer braai-style meals and locals host informal beach or backyard braais.
Grilled fish, calamari and mussels are common on Summerstrand menus; try local catches at beachfront restaurants and informal seafood shacks.
Dried cured meat (similar to jerky) sold at markets and shops—great snack while exploring.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small weekend markets and stalls near Summerstrand and nearby suburbs sell fresh baked goods, coffee, biltong and light meals—ideal for casual bites and local craft.
Periodic markets and food pop-ups at The Boardwalk or adjacent public spaces with artisanal foods, desserts and street-food style options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Gqeberha is culturally diverse—show courtesy, greet people (a simple 'hello' or 'molo' in Xhosa is appreciated), and be mindful when photographing individuals or religious sites; ask permission first.
Relaxed beach culture prevails, but public nudity is not common; keep noise reasonable in residential areas and dispose of litter responsibly.
Tipping is customary for good service; small amounts are appreciated across food service, guides and drivers.
Safety
Tipping in Summerstrand
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is common: around 10–15% at sit-down restaurants if service is not included, small change for café servers, R10–R20 for hotel porters and R30–R50 for taxi drivers for longer trips. For tour guides and safari drivers, tipping per person per day is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops; cash (South African rand) is useful for small vendors and minibus taxis. Contactless payment and mobile wallets are increasing but not universal—notify your bank about travel to avoid blocked cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
November to March: warm to hot conditions with midday beach weather; sea temperatures are pleasant for swimming and surfing. Expect peak tourist numbers and higher prices over the December–January holiday season, plus occasional summer thunderstorms.
April to May: mild, stable weather with fewer crowds; good time for outdoor activities, coastal hikes and photography with softer light.
June to August: cooler, windier and wetter—still mild by many standards but sea temperatures drop and there are fewer beachgoers. Whale season (offshore sightings) can start in winter into spring in this region.
September to October: warming temperatures, wildflowers in nearby reserves and improved sea conditions; pleasant for hiking and outdoor excursions before the summer rush.
Summerstrand at Night
Hiking in Summerstrand
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trails around the Cape Recife lighthouse with dramatic sea views, birdwatching opportunities and relatively easy walks suitable for most fitness levels.
Expansive dune systems and quieter beaches for walking, photography and low-impact hiking—good for sunrise or sunset strolls.
Short trails showcasing indigenous flora (seasonal wildflowers) and a peaceful river valley—best visited in spring for wildflower displays.
A short cultural walk through historic sites and viewpoints in and around the Donkin Reserve—easy and informative for visitors wanting a brief hike with history.
Airports
How to reach Summerstrand by plane.
The main airport serving Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), a short drive from Summerstrand with domestic flights and some regional connections—easy access by taxi or shuttle.
Approximately 150–200 km east of Summerstrand by road; serves domestic flights and is reachable by car or bus for alternative flight options.
Located to the west along the Garden Route (roughly 300–400 km drive), offers domestic flights and is an option for connecting travel if visiting the Garden Route.
Major international hub about 700–800 km to the west—useful if combining Summerstrand with a broader South African itinerary; domestic connections to PLZ are frequent.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Eastern Cape is the heartland of the Xhosa people; Xhosa language and culture are strongly represented in Gqeberha and surrounding areas.
Afrikaans is widely spoken, particularly among long-established families in coastal suburbs and outlying towns.
English is commonly used in business, tourism and on university campuses, and Nelson Mandela University brings a sizable student population to the area.
The city is ethnically diverse, including Black African, Coloured (mixed-race), White and immigrant communities—reflected in cuisine, festivals and everyday life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Surfing is very popular at Summerstrand and nearby breaks; the area caters to beginners and experienced surfers alike with surf schools and rental shops.
Rugby is a major sport in the Eastern Cape with passionate local support; provincial matches and community rugby are widely followed.
Cricket is another popular sport with local clubs and weekend matches drawing families and community support.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Summerstrand.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available at cafés and bistros—look for salads, grilled vegetable dishes, vegetarian burgers and mezze-style platters. Many eateries will adapt dishes on request, but dedicated vegetarian/vegan restaurants are limited; bringing snacks or checking menus online helps.
Vegan choices exist but are fewer than in major metros; order vegetable-based mains, salads and ask restaurants to omit dairy/egg items. Supermarkets carry plant-based milk and frozen options.
Gluten-free options are available in cafés and bakeries with increasing awareness—always inform staff of cross-contamination concerns and check packaged labels when shopping.