Perhaps San Jose’s most whimsical treasure is the Winchester Mystery House. The Victorian-crafted mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, the wily heir to the Winchester repeating rifle fortune. As she believed she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by the rifle, Winchester built the house in an effort to thwart the spirits. The labyrinth was constructed and added onto until Winchester’s death, resulting in one of the strangest feats of architecture known to man. Endless stairs, corridors, mazes and secret passageways lead tour guides to instruct guests to stay with the group.

Try your hand at kitesurfing on the sandy beach of Sotavento. A shallow, tidal lagoon makes this a perfect location for kitesurfers of all levels, with courses available for beginners.

The lively waterside area is a breezy spot with several appealing cafes and budget eateries, as well as vendor stalls selling traditional South African crafts and souvenirs. Come here to people-watch and, possibly, join a boat trip along the coastline with one of the several companies offering the service. Visit the nearby Sugar Terminal to learn about the local sugar production industry.

Durban is home to some of South Africa's finest stretches of sand. The Golden Mile in central Durban is a collection of multiple well-kept beaches fit for both swimming and surfing and equipped with all necessary amenities; Umhlanga beaches to the north are known for being cleaner and less crowded.