Originally a fishing town, Hermanus has now developed into the best known tourism hub of the Overberg with suburbs stretching out along the coast. Especially in season, Hermanus is so popular with both South African and overseas tourists that parking becomes the same challenge as in big cities. If you like shopping, Hermanus is the place to be in the Overberg and there are various bars and splendid restaurants as well as a cinema.

On the parking place on the cliffs at the ocean, there is a gentleman that blows his horn when he spots a whale. This "whale crier" in a rather funny dress is a recently invented Hermanus-tradition and probably the most photographed person in the Western Cape.

Below the cliffs is the Bintang Cave; once the home of Khoisan people, it is now a restaurant. The Klein River Mountains to the North of Hermanus are what botanist's dreams are made of. An abundance of plant-species, deep gorges and rare and localized beauties on isolated mountain tops. The Fernkloof Reserve is a short distance from town and offers stunning hikes.