Where to Stay for Youth Day Weekend: Long Weekend Ideas

Posted on May 28, 2025

Are you looking for the perfect staycation for Youth Day Weekend? Whether you're in Cape Town or elsewhere in South Africa, these top destinations offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, and family-friendly fun.

Coastal Escapes

If you are a lover of seafood, the beach, and chilled vibes, these destinations are the perfect place to stay for the long weekend:

Muizenberg

You can enjoy the perfect weekend getaway in the laid-back coastal town of Muizenberg just outside of Cape Town. Known for its colourful beach cottages, surfing, beachcombing, and bustling local food scene, Muizenberg offers a fun, family-friendly escape that blends the beach charm with Cape culture. There are plenty of things to do in Muizenberg. You can learn to surf the waves at Muizenberg Beach or just spend the day soaking up the sun.

Looking for an ideal getaway to relax and unwind with your loved ones?

17 Mullet Close is a cosy, three-bedroom home in Muizenberg that comfortably accommodates up to six guests. Ideally located, everything is within a short distance from the property.

Hout Bay

This picturesque bay is framed by dramatic mountains and boasts one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak. This is perfect for road trips as it winds along the cliffs and offers absolutely stunning views. Hout Bay Harbour is a bustling, working fishing port with daily fresh catches, laid-back fish markets, excellent seafood restaurants, and the occasional seal popping in to say hello.

Planning to visit Hout Bay? Hout & About Guest House is a lovely guesthouse in Hout Bay and is ideally situated for visitors looking to explore Cape Town.

Camps Bay

Camps Bay is renowned for its postcard-perfect beach and the Twelve Apostles Mountain range as its dramatic backdrop. This seaside suburb of Cape Town is also iconic for the strip along Victoria Road, boasting upscale restaurants, cocktail bars, and cafés.

Bay Reflections Garden Suite is a 5-star rated luxury villa in Camps Bay. Its unique features are the villa’s stunning panoramic views, its friendly, relaxed, and accommodating atmosphere.

Simon’s Town

Come for the penguins, stay for the charm. Simon’s Town offers a slower pace, rich history, and natural beauty, just an hour from Cape Town. Home to one of the few mainland colonies of endangered African penguins, which can be found at Boulders Beach. You can walk along the boardwalks to observe them up close, or even swim just meters away from them!

Tintswalo at Boulders is the ideal place to stay when visiting Simon’s Town.

The villa offers luxurious seaside accommodation in this charming suburb of Cape Town, and guests can enjoy 180-degree vistas of the ocean as well as unobstructed views of the world-famous colony of African penguins on the famed Boulders Beach below.

Mountain & Countryside Retreats

Clarens

Clarens, often called the “Jewel of the Free State,” is a small town tucked away in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, the perfect escape for nature lovers, artists, or anyone looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.


 

Nestled in the heart of the Maluti Mountains, Castle in Clarens offers a royal experience for up to four guests, with beautiful views of Mount Horeb. The Castle is situated on a farm on the outskirts of Clarens, and at night, the lights of Clarens look like fallen stars. If you are seeking a relaxing getaway to escape the everyday, this is the perfect spot. 

Cederberg

If you are looking for a remote, rugged, and richly rewarding journey, you should most likely head to Cederberg. Cederberg is famous for its surreal, weather-sculpted sandstone formations. Book a stay in the Cederberg for silence, stars, ancient stories, and raw wilderness.

Mount Ceder offers an ideal self-catering weekend destination and is situated in the Cederberg Mountains, offering guests a host of exciting accommodation and activity options. Located in a valley surrounded by rugged and interestingly dramatic mountains, Mount Ceder is found on the main route through the Cederberg range.

Hogsback

Tucked away in the Amathole Mountains of the Eastern Cape, it feels like a place pulled from a storybook. If you’re after fresh air, fairytale forests, and a slower, more soulful pace for the long weekend, this is your kind of magic.

Maple Grove, tucked away behind an avenue of Maple Trees, offers rustic luxury, self-catering accommodation. Unwind in the peaceful surroundings punctuated only by the sounds of nature. Spend quality time with your loved ones and do as much or as little as you desire.

Wine & Food Destinations

Stellenbosch           

The beating heart of the South African wine country, with over a hundred wine estates, is famously known for top-tier reds and historic wine farms. The town of Stellenbosch is buzzing with students, art galleries, boutiques, and cafés.

If you are a wine connoisseur, a foodie, or someone who enjoys a lively culture, Stellenbosch is a must-visit destination.

Bush Lodge at Hidden Valley is situated on a boutique wine farm, hidden on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain in Stellenbosch.

Franschhoek

Franschhoek, known for its French flair and luxury, is renowned as the food and wine capital of South Africa. Home to the Franschhoek Wine Tram, it is an easy and fun way to visit multiple estates in the area.

If you are looking for the perfect spot to stay while visiting Franschhoek, book your stay at La Roche Estate.

This beautiful estate is nestled in the tranquil Robertsvlei Valley in Franschhoek, offering picturesque views, located a few kilometres from the town’s centre, and is completely surrounded by vineyards.

South Africa offers the perfect escape for Youth Day Weekend, from the coastal charm of Muizenberg and Hout Bay to the magic of Hogsback and the wine-soaked elegance of Franschhoek, there is something for every kind of traveller.

Ready to book your Youth Day getaway? Our friendly team of reservationists at BookNow.co.za is here to help you find the perfect spot. We’ll take care of the details, so you can simply enjoy the escape.

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