The best artistic small towns near Durban

Ballito may be best known for its beaches and holiday atmosphere, but the Dolphin Coast town has also developed a growing creative scene.

What to see and do

Start at The Gallery Lifestyle at Ballito Lifestyle Centre, a permanent creative space showcasing paintings, drawings, prints, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics and woven work by local artists. The gallery regularly changes its exhibitions, giving you a reason to return.

For something more hands-on, head to The Pottery, where you can choose and paint your own ceramic piece before it is glazed and fired in-house. It's an easy creative outing for families, friends, or a relaxed date.

You can also book an art class at Nat’s Art Studio in nearby Umhlali, adding another reason to make a creative day of your visit.

Distance from Durban

Ballito is approximately a 40-minute drive from Durban, making it an easy option for a day trip or relaxed overnight escape.

Accommodation: Book here.

St Lucia is famous for its wildlife and proximity to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, but its creative side is another reason to spend time in this small town.

What to see and do

The Gallery on McKenzie Street showcases work by established and emerging artists, while the St Lucia Arts and Crafts Market is a good place to browse locally made pieces, including traditional crafts and handmade gifts.

The town's craft markets allow visitors to take home something made in KwaZulu-Natal rather than another generic souvenir. For a more eclectic experience, visit the Sugar Loaf Market, where you will find everything from handbags, ornaments, and tablecloths to jewellery and hand-carved wooden bowls.  And when you've had your fill of galleries and crafts, the surrounding wetlands and wildlife offer a very different kind of inspiration.

Distance from Durban

St Lucia is approximately 238km from Durban, making it better suited to a weekend escape than a quick day trip.

Find it: McKenzie Street and the town centre, St Lucia.

Accommodation: Book here.

Also read: Where to find the wild ones near Durban

Howick has long been one of the Midlands' most popular day-trip destinations, but there is more to its creative appeal than the famous waterfall.

What to see and do:

Start at Zulu Lulu Arthouse at the Piggly Wiggly Centre, where you'll find African-inspired art and creative work in a setting surrounded by other Midlands attractions.

The wider Howick and Midlands area is also home to a collection of galleries, studios and craft outlets, making it easy to combine an art stop with a leisurely country drive.

And, of course, Howick Falls remains one of the area's most dramatic natural attractions. Nearby, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site adds an important historical dimension to a trip through the Midlands.

Distance from Durban:

Howick is approximately 99km from Durban, or around a 1-hour-15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Accommodation: Book here.

If you want to explore KwaZulu-Natal's cultural history through art and objects, Empangeni is worth putting on your list.

What to see and do:

The Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum is the town's standout cultural attraction. Its collection focuses on objects of artistic, cultural and historical significance, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the region's heritage and traditional Zulu culture.

The museum is open Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings, making it an easy stop to build into a North Coast road trip.

Rather than trying to cram a long list of attractions into one visit, use Empangeni as a cultural stop on a wider trip through the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.

Distance from Durban:

Empangeni is approximately 162km from Durban, around a 1-hour-45-minute drive.

Accommodation: Book here.

Port Shepstone is a worthwhile South Coast stop, but we're keeping this one for its heritage and quirky creative attractions rather than trying to sell it as an established art town.

What to see and do:

The Port Shepstone Maritime Museum offers a glimpse into the area's maritime history through its exhibitions and collections. It's a useful stop if you're interested in the stories that shaped this part of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

For something considerably more playful, Upside Down House offers a wonderfully unusual photo opportunity, while the town's historic lighthouse provides another reminder of its coastal past.

If you're travelling down the South Coast, Port Shepstone makes a good cultural detour rather than a destination you need to spend an entire weekend exploring.

Distance from Durban

Port Shepstone is approximately 124km from Durban, around a 1-hour-25-minute drive.

Accommodation: Book here.