Attractions

The Foundation

The Foundation is a creative collective retail space featuring a specialty coffee bar, fresh juice and smoothie station, and an Asian-inspired eatery, Bao Wow.

Butterfly Blu Restaurant @Brenton On Sea

Brenton-on-Sea offers stunning views and a long, white, sandy beach just 12km from Knysna. Popular for long walks and sunbathing, especially in summer. End your day at Butterfly Blu with a unique dining experience.

The Knysna Heads viewpoint

The Knysna Heads are dramatic sandstone cliffs where the lagoon meets the sea—offering stunning views, beach access, and ferry trips to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. It's the perfect spot for unforgettable photo moments.

The Knysna Distillery & Gin Bar

Knysna Gin Distillery offers award-winning small-batch gin, tastings, informal tours, and daily Happy Hour from 4–6pm. Try the Buffelsbaai—gin, elderflower, and litchi, a crowd favorite.

Maillard Baking Company

Artisanal bakery next to Knysna Gin Distillery. Coffee, pastries from 10AM, woodfired pizzas 12–6PM, plus daily fresh sourdough and breads.

Salt & Petal

Salt & Petal is a beloved restaurant in Knysna, offering beautifully crafted dishes, warm service, and a relaxed atmosphere—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

Buffelsbaai

Buffelsbaai (Buffalo Bay) features one of the safest swimming beaches on the Garden Route, with white sandy beaches, 20 minutes from Knysna.

Ocean Sailing Charters

Experience luxury sailing through the iconic Knysna Heads aboard a premium catamaran. Sip on bubbly, savour delicious snacks, and soak in the breathtaking views—an unforgettable journey of elegance and serenity.

île de païn

île de païn is a lively café/patisserie on Thesen Island, well renowned for their authentic breads, and creative pastries. 

The Nest

Nest is Knysna’s top waterside spot, known for its lively vibe, great cocktails, tasty snacks, fresh salads, and hearty meals.

Tapas

Tapas and Oysters is a vibrant waterside restaurant on Thesen Island with views over the Knysna Lagoon towards the iconic Knysna Heads. Often providing live music.

Sirocco

Sirocco, in Knysna’s Thesen Harbour Town, is a stylish spot for lunch and dinner—offering relaxed sophistication, great food, and friendly service next to the water.

Sanparks Knysna Seahorses

Knysna has a unique seahorse, indigenous  to this area. There is a little aquarium at the SanParks offices on Thesen Island for info on local hiking routes and marine life.

Caffe Mario

A great little Italian restaurant

34 South

A waterside spot open all day for food, drinks, and fun—part restaurant, part deli, wine shop, bakery, and more. Not just a place, an experience.