This Garden Route town is tucked in by the expansive Knysna Lagoon, guarded by the geographic marvel that is The Heads of Knysna.

The two dramatic sandstone columns, appropriately named East Head and West Head, guard the entrance to the lagoon like giant gargoyles covered in moss.

For anyone willing to climb a bit, they also provide incredible views of the ocean and cliffs. We hiked around (what else do we do anymore?!) and easily found small beaches, wooden plank bridges and grassy inlets to explore. 

And, although we didn't take any photos of it, the town was just as charming as the nature surrounding it. We walked around the Waterfront Knysna Kways window shopping and people watching, ate delicious sushi on a dock restaurant surrounded by boats in the water... Basically, it feels like all of Knysna is "on the water" so if you're into that, this is the place for you.