Legend has it that Struisbaai derived it's name from the Dutch word "struis" ( meaning "huge" ) which was used to describe the size of the beach. Another story tells of it being named after "vogelstruise" (ostriches ) found in the area.

Struisbaai boasts the longest continuous stretch of sandy beach in the southern hemisphere. It's 14 kilometers of white sand and turquoise seas offers unparalleled safe bathing, watersports, boating and excellent boat and surf angling.

The coastline at L'Agulhas is known as the graveyard of ships and boasts the country's second oldest working lighthouse, erected in 1848 and restored in 1988. The actual southernmost tip of Africa is situated approximately 1 km west of the lighthouse and is marked by a cairn.

There are many restaurants, guest houses and shops to cater for all tourist needs at affordable prices and fresh fish is available daily at the quaint harbour. Annual festivals include the Trans Agulhas Rubber Duck race, the Yellowtail Derby and the Calamari Festival.

"Boat charters are available for great white shark viewing, fishing, whale watching and wreck diving and there are several hiking and mountain bike trails in the region. For the sports lover, there are tennis courts at Struisbaai, a bowling green at Agulhas and a 9 hole golf course at nearby Bredasdorp.

The limewashed Hotagterklip cottages built by early fishermen are well known landmarks, as is the small thatched church which is much sought after for small weddings and services. These houses and the church are National Monuments.