Onrus Beach Hermanus
A stunning Blue Flag beach with beautiful sand, great surf, and a sheltered lagoon perfect for families. Enjoy the coastal charm of Hermanus.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Onrus Beach Hermanus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Blue Flag beach with beautiful sand, great surf, and a sheltered lagoon perfect for families. Enjoy the coastal charm of Hermanus.
"This has to be our favorite beach for the kids! They get to play on the rocks, beach, and in the waves. "
🚗 Parking Pointers
Minimal parking at the beach itself; use the nearby area or bays across the road.
🌊 Rip Tide Awareness
Be cautious of rip tides; they can be strong and catch you off guard.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lagoon's Calm Waters
Onrus Beach
A sheltered lagoon offering a safe, warm haven for families and swimmers, perfect for a relaxed dip.
Surfing & Beach Vibes
Onrus Beach
Experience the thrill of the waves or simply soak up the sun on this popular Blue Flag beach.
Elephant Seal Sightings
Near Onrus Beach
Occasionally, visitors are treated to the incredible sight of elephant seals, adding a wild element to the beach experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Summer Crowds
Lagoon vs. Ocean Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pointers
Minimal parking at the beach itself; use the nearby area or bays across the road.
🌊 Rip Tide Awareness
Be cautious of rip tides; they can be strong and catch you off guard.
🍦 Treat Yourself
Enjoy a soft-serve ice cream after a day of beach fun!
🍽️ Beachside Bites
Grab a bite at the convenient, though slightly pricey, beach cafe.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
Minimal parking at the beach itself; use the nearby area or bays across the road.
🌊 Rip Tide Awareness
Be cautious of rip tides; they can be strong and catch you off guard.
🍦 Treat Yourself
Enjoy a soft-serve ice cream after a day of beach fun!
🍽️ Beachside Bites
Grab a bite at the convenient, though slightly pricey, beach cafe.
♻️ Keep it Clean
Plenty of bins available to keep this beautiful beach tidy.
🎲 Family Fun
Kids love playing on the rocks, beach, waves, and lagoon.
🏐 Beach Volleyball
Catch or join a beach volleyball tournament for some energetic fun.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Onrus Beach is a beloved Blue Flag beach praised for its beautiful sand, surf, and family-friendly lagoon. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and the convenience of a beachside cafe. While it can get very busy during peak seasons and parking is limited, the overall experience is highly positive, especially for families.
"A Blue flag beach boasting great sand and surf. It can get very busy during the holidays and summer. It also features a river and a lagoon.
There are showers to wash off, toilets as well as a restaurant. There is minimal parking at the beach, but there is a parking area a short distance away, as well as parking bays on the other side."
Warwick (The Saucy Mare)
"A beautiful beach but bit exposed to the summer SE wind. The lagoon is sheltered & fabulous for swimming."
Ann Price
"This has to be our favorite beach for the kids! They get to play on the rocks. They get to play on the beach and in the waves. They get to relax in the lagoon. And then you get to end the day with a soft serve ice cream!"
Lorretta Alley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Onrus Beach is a short drive from Hermanus. You can take a taxi or drive yourself. Many visitors enjoy the scenic coastal route.
Parking at Onrus Beach can be limited, especially during peak season. There's a main parking area a short walk away, and additional parking bays are available on the other side of the beach.
Cycling is a great way to explore the area. There are scenic routes that lead to Onrus Beach, offering beautiful coastal views.
While direct public transport might be limited, local bus services may connect Hermanus to Onrus. It's advisable to check local schedules or consider ride-sharing options.
Onrus Beach is about a 1.5-hour drive from Cape Town, making it a popular day trip destination. Renting a car offers the most flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Onrus Beach is a public beach and generally does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty freely.
Onrus Beach is accessible at all times, though facilities like restaurants and toilets will have specific operating hours.
No, tickets are not required for general access to Onrus Beach. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
While generally open, access to the lagoon might be restricted at times due to health concerns. Always check local advisories.
Specific dog policies can vary. It's best to check local regulations or signage at the beach regarding pet access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and playing on the sand. The lagoon is great for calmer waters, and beach volleyball is a popular activity.
Absolutely! Kids love the rocks, beach, waves, and especially the sheltered lagoon.
Yes, Onrus Beach offers facilities including showers to wash off and toilets for convenience.
The lagoon is often suitable for swimming, especially when ocean waters are chilly. However, it can sometimes be off-limits due to health issues.
Onrus Beach boasts beautiful, clean sand, making it a pleasant spot for relaxing and playing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a convenient cafe/restaurant right at the beach, offering food and drinks. It's noted as being a little pricey but convenient.
Milk on The Beach offers a relaxed vibe with snacks and drinks. They also have board games, dominoes, and cards for entertainment.
Picnicking is a great option. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the beach, or grab something from the local cafe.
Yes, the nearby town of Hermanus offers a variety of restaurants and eateries, including Ficks, known for its desserts and great vibe.
You can enjoy local wines, such as those from Hamilton Russel Vineyards and Bouchard Finlayson, often paired with fresh seafood like calamari.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself, the lagoon, and the rocky outcrops offer beautiful backdrops. Sunrises and sunsets can be particularly stunning here.
Yes, Onrus Beach is a popular location for family photoshoots, with its diverse scenery providing a lovely setting.
Besides family portraits, beach life, surfing, and landscape photography are popular. Keep an eye out for wildlife like elephant seals.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Hermanus Tourism office before flying a drone.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the vibrant beach scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along beach toys and perhaps some board games if you visit spots like Milk on The Beach, which is known for its relaxed atmosphere and entertainment options.
The variety of activities ensures that even the most energetic kids will find something to enjoy.🏄♀️ Surfers and Beach Lovers
+1 The Blue Flag status of the beach indicates good water quality and facilities, making it a pleasant spot to spend the day catching waves or simply soaking up the sun. Even if you're not surfing, the wide sandy expanse is perfect for sunbathing, beach games, or long walks. The beach can get busy during peak times, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday can offer a more relaxed experience.
📸 Photographers
Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as the occasional elephant seal, which can add a unique subject to your shots. Family photoshoots are also very popular here, with the beach offering a beautiful and natural setting. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Onrus Beach
Beyond the main beach, Onrus features a river and a lagoon, which provides a sheltered and often warmer alternative for swimming, making it particularly appealing for families. However, it's important to note that the lagoon's accessibility can sometimes be affected by health advisories.
Despite its popularity, especially during holidays and summer, visitors can still find moments of tranquility by visiting on weekdays or during the shoulder seasons. The beach's exposure to the summer Southeast wind can be a factor, but the lagoon offers a pleasant respite.
Family Fun at Onrus Beach
The presence of a convenient cafe or restaurant at the beach adds to the family-friendly appeal, offering easy access to refreshments and meals. While some find it a bit pricey, the convenience is undeniable, especially when managing young children.
For those looking for a more active family outing, the beach also hosts events like volleyball tournaments, adding an element of excitement and community engagement.
Coastal Charm and Activities
+1The area is also known for its natural beauty, with opportunities for scenic drives and exploration. Nearby, you can find places like Milk on The Beach, which offers a great vibe and entertainment like board games, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon.
For those interested in marine life, there's even a chance to spot elephant seals, adding a unique wildlife encounter to your beach visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit