The 7 best day trips from Johannesburg

Hartebeespoort Dam, known fondly as Harties, is situated an easy 1-hour drive from Johannesburg and has long been a favourite for a quick city escape. Harties does get a little touristy in parts, but lean into the charm and you’ll find a surprisingly fun and easy-going day out.  Start your day with coffee and croissants at French Toast Coffee Café (Also known as Little Paris), home to that now-iconic mini Eiffel Tower or catch a hearty breakfast at the family-friendly Windmill restaurant.

The Upside-Down House and Chameleon Village are a huge hit with families. The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway is also a must if you’re in town. Harties is a very popular escape with lots to do, so if you’re planning to go, it's better to arrive earlier, as some of the locations can get quite busy.

The Cradle of Humankind is technically still considered part of the greater Johannesburg area, but because it’s roughly a 30-minute drive from the city, it’s a popular escape for those seeking reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Joburg. The cradle is full of amazing things to do in almost every category of entertainment. For animal lovers, the Lion & Safari Park and the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Reserve, which is also home to the Wonder Caves, are great.

If picture-perfect vibes and good food are on your agenda, The Cradle Restaurant at the Cradle Boutique Hotel, and And then there was Fire inside the Nirox Sculpture Park are a must. That being said, the Cadle is home to many amazing restaurants and cafés, and part of the fun is getting out there to discover them all. For lovers of history and culture, there’s Maropeng and the Malapa Museum Experience.

One of my favourite city escapes, Magaliesberg, is only an hour and a bit from Johannesburg, but it feels like a whole different world. This scenic countryside gem is packed with charm and offers something for every kind of traveller. Hop aboard a vintage steam train with Reefsteamers, which departs from Joburg and chugs its way through the Highveld to Magaliesburg Station, complete with old-school whistles and countryside views. The journey is an easy, enriching escape that’s as good for the soul as it is for the 'gram.

Animal lovers and families will love a visit to the Donkey Dairy, where you can cuddle rescued donkeys, sample artisanal cheeses and soaps, and enjoy farm-style treats in a rustic setting. For nature and history buffs, the Plumari Private Reserve, set on the grounds of Askari Lodge, is home to free-roaming game and ancient rock art sites, making it perfect for a peaceful bush walk or a guided safari.

Opened in 1979, Sun City has been a classic day trip and weekend getaway for Joburgers for a good reason.  Roughly two hours from Johannesburg, this iconic resort is a one-stop destination for fun-seekers of all kinds. Cool off at the Valley of Waves, a palm-fringed water park with a wave pool and lazy river, or test your luck at the casino while the kids enjoy supervised activities at the Kamp Kwena kids’ club.

For foodies, the resort offers a wide selection of restaurants and cocktail spots, while golfers can tee off on one of two championship courses. Sun City borders the Pilanesberg National Park, meaning you can top off your day with a Big Five game drive before heading back to the city.

Just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, Vanderbijlpark is an underrated riverside gem that’s perfect for a relaxing day trip. Nestled along the banks of the Vaal River, it offers a refreshing break from the city buzz with tranquil views, water-based activities, and laid-back dining spots. The most popular attraction is Emerald Resort and Casino. Apart from the standard gaming, dining and entertainment options, Emerald also has an indoor, climate-controlled water park, known as the Aquadome, a zoo and a variety of other activities that make it worth a day trip all on its own.

If you’re a water lover, you should take a leisurely boat cruise or try your hand at kayaking, jet-skiing, or stand-up paddleboarding. If you’d rather stay on dry land, picnic at one of the lush riverfront resorts or enjoy lunch with a view at a waterfront restaurant like Stonehaven on Vaal. The area is also home to art galleries, golf courses, and peaceful nature trails for those wanting to keep things mellow

With its arty energy, antique stores, and riverside charm, Parys is the perfect blend of laid-back and lovely. Just over an hour from Johannesburg, this Free State town is perched on the banks of the Vaal River and offers an ideal mix of shopping, sipping, and scenery. Wander through quirky boutiques, grab a coffee at a local café, and explore the many galleries and vintage shops dotted along the main road.

For a truly indulgent experience, book a long lunch or wine tasting at Pont de Val, a stunning French-inspired estate with riverside dining, live music, and an atmosphere that feels like a mini escape to the South of France. The surrounding area is also great for river rafting, quad biking and ziplining.

Just a short 30-minute drive from Joburg lies Irene, a picturesque day‑trip destination perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone craving a taste of country life. Irene is a charming village with leafy streets, heritage architecture, and a welcoming country ambience. A major highlight for families is Irene Farm, a rustic retreat with a playground, pony rides, a petting farm, and a walking trail around a scenic dam. The friendly on-site restaurant serves wholesome, farm-fresh fare, while the weekend market is packed with local produce, crafts, and delicious treats.

The Big Red Barn is a sprawling farm precinct set in eucalyptus woodland and open fields, and is another favourite for a family day out. It blends laid-back charm with adrenaline-packed activities for all ages, think Acrobranch treetop courses, 40 km of MTB and hiking trails, electric go-karts, trampoline parks, tree mazes, and a giant pirate-ship playground. Cap it off with a meal at the on-site Red Barn Café, where wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and refreshing cocktails await.