Glencairn was originally a coastal farm called Elsebaai that was purchased 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 lovely beach has a large tidal pool and ideal waves for surfing.

Tiger's Eye

A Semi-Precious Stone That Glows

Topstones (Mineral World) is situated on the Dido Valley Road and is the world's largest gem-tumbling plant. Operations can be viewed from an observation deck and there is a factory shop with exquisite ornaments and jewelry.