Glencairn was originally a coastal farm called Elsebaai which was bought in 1901, by a group of Scots businessmen who formed the Glencairn Syndicate, named after the pile of stones, a "cairn", at the upper end of the glen.

The beach is pleasant and has a large tidal pool. The waves are ideal for surfing and in spring and summertime the local fishermen can be seen trekking for haarders and yellowtail.

Topstones (Mineral World) is situated on the Dido Valley Road and is the world's largest gem-tumbling plant which can be viewed from an observation deck. A "scratch-patch" allows visitors the enjoyment of sifting through piles of gemstones and selecting the best to take away.

[Fish Hoek | Glencairn | Simon's Town | Noordhoek | Scarborough & Kommetjie | Clovelly | Sun Valley, Milkwood Park, Capri & Sunnydale]