Fun Things to do in East London

NNo traffic, subtropical weather and endless beach days make East London an unbeatable city for holidaymakers and residents alike. In no particular order, here are 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 area!

The best milkshakes in the world at Friesland Milk Bar
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. Call 043 722 3260 / 043 721 2809.

Catch some sun on Gonubie beach
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 yourself off from the summer heat with one of the best things to do in East London.

Watch out for dolphins on the Esplanade
No visit to the sunshine coast would be complete without dolphin spotting on Esplanade Street in Quigney.

Be wowed by the cliffs at Morgan Bay
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 one of the most memorable things to do in East London.

Drop in on Lavender Blue Organic Market for a farmhouse breakfast
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, or call 043 732 1172. Open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 15:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 07:30 to 14:00.

Visit one of the largest Coca-Cola collections anywhere
Peter Bruton has had a fascination with Coke memorabilia for many years. 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 just give Peter a call on 082 967 8585.

Gourmet food with a view at Grazia’s Fine Food and Wine
What about linguine and bubbly, or their famous pork belly roasted to perfection and served on polenta with butter applesauce? 

Find these delicious dishes at Grazia.Upper Esplanade, Aquarium Road, Quigney Beach. Call 043 722 2009.

Chintsa
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.

Listen to jazz at Imbizo African Cuisine and Jazz Café
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. Call 043 722 0155.

Take note that the Imbizo restaurant is currently closed, but will be open in November. Check back here around then for the update!

East London claims the last remaining Dodo egg
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, 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.
319 Oxford Street, Selborne. Call 043 743 0686.

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 a walking with elephant’s encounter.
Schafli Road, Chintsa West. Call 043 734 3234.

The Beach Break Café at Nahoon beachA Nahoon beach institution. Catch a wave then some brekkie. They’re at the bottom of Beach Road in Nahoon, East London. Call 076 787 1136.

Surf the Nahoon Reef
The wave quality here is world class with a wave as long as 500m on a good day. Some pro-Hawaiian surfers claim that the 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; get a group lesson from R300).

East London nostalgia at the Windmill Roadhouse
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.

Nahoon Footprints – The world’s oldest human trace fossil footprints of their kind
Bat’s Cave near Nahoon Reef was the site of this exciting discovery. The child 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.