"Arniston" is one of the two places in this area proudly carrying two names. Its other (and older) name is "Waenhuiskrans", named after the cave that is so big that a fully-fledged ox-wagon could easily turn around in the cave. The word Waenhuiskrans means something like "Ox-wagon-circle". This cave is a small distance from town in the Waenhuiskrans Nature Reserve. The cave is open for the public but access without getting wet is only possible at low tide.

Waenhuiskrans is now generally known as Arniston after the ship that wrecked in the bay in 1815. The Arniston was not the only ship to wreck around Arniston. Another 31 shipwrecks are mapped between Die Mond Reserve to the south of Arniston and De Hoop Reserve to its north.

The nucleus of Arniston, "Kassiesbaai" is still an unspoilt fishing town with traditional thatched fishing cottages. A restaurant in Kassiesbaai serves traditional fish dishes. Arniston is the only place between Stanford and De Hoop reserve with a true hotel, but there are guesthouses as well.