The coastal town of Glenelg is a local favourite, ideal for swimming, dining and entertainment. When Europeans first settled in South Australia in 1836, they chose the sandy white shores of Holdfast Bay to build their homes. Almost 180 years later, the town they formed, Glenelg, remains one of the most popular coastal regions in the state. Take the last remaining tram in Adelaide from the CBD and you’ll be dropped at the Glenelg shore in just 20 minutes. This centrally located spot at the end of Jetty Road is the perfect starting point to explore the streets and beach with ease. Glenelg is perfect for all kinds of beach lovers. Find a quiet spot to relax with a book, entertain the kids at The Beachouse amusement park, or simply refresh yourself in the calm blue water. Glenelg’s Surf Life Saving Club provides peace of mind with supervised swimming available between the red-and-yellow flags. Further down the beach you’ll find a number of spots to surf. Take a swim in Holdfast Bay and you may find you have the company of the local dolphins. There are a number of chartered trips available from town. Dry off as you take a walk down the historic Glenelg jetty. While the original was destroyed by storms in 1948, its replacement remains the centrepiece of Glenelg Beach. At 215 metres (705 feet) it’s the perfect length to work up an appetite so that when you return to land you’ll be ready to try one of Glenelg’s culinary hot spots.Bustling Jetty Road is Glenelg’s shopping and cultural precinct. By day, this area is perfect for a boutique shopping experience. Take in a gallery or two, and grab a coffee at one of the many cafés. As night falls, the mood changes and the street comes alive with the excited chatter of diners at Glenelg’s premier restaurants. The sounds of live music drift from the doors of Jetty Road’s many bars.Glenelg is located nine kilometres (5.6 miles) from central Adelaide and can be accessed by tram, car or bicycle via one of two dedicated bike paths.
Glenelg Beach
Visit Glenelg Beach
Tours & day trips
See all 155 activitiesOpens in new tabBarossa Valley Premium Wine Tour with Lunch from Adelaide
Private & custom tours
See all 35 activitiesOpens in new tab8-13 People Personal Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tabCraft Brewery Tour Experience
Cruises & boat tours
See all 12 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Goolwa: Half-Day Coorong Experience
Shopping & fashion
See all 10 activitiesOpens in new tabSouth Australia: Guided Full-Day Highlights Tour
Reviews of Glenelg Beach
5/5 - Excellent
lots of cafes and shops.
4/5 - Good
Weather unpredictable ranging from boiling hot to cold and very windy so bring bikinis and hoodies!
Popular places to visit
The Beachhouse
Ferris wheels, water slides and fairy floss add up to hours of fun for all ages at this beachside amusement park.
Glenelg Jetty
Iridescent blue waters surround the historic structure that juts out from one of Adelaide’s most popular beaches and into the beautiful Gulf St Vincent.
Glenelg Town Hall
Glenelg Town Hall is just one of the places to see in Adelaide, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Moseley Square
Learn about the local history of Adelaide when you take a trip to Moseley Square. Visit the casinos and lively bars in this walkable area.
Holdfast Marina
Shop, drink, dine and enjoy the sunshine in Glenelg’s leisure precinct, a scenic marina and departure point for sailboat trips and dolphin-spotting tours.
Jetty Road
During your trip to Adelaide, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Jetty Road. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Top Glenelg Beach Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Glenelg Beach
- Holidays and getaways similar to Glenelg Beach
- Hotels Near Glenelg Beach
- Hotels near other Attractions
- More Hotel Options in Glenelg Beach
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Hotels near Rundle Mall
- Hotels near Adelaide Entertainment Centre
- Hotels near Adelaide Convention Centre
- Hotels near University of Adelaide
- Hotels near Adelaide Central Market
- Hotels near Henley Beach
- Hotels near Flinders University
- Hotels near Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
- Hotels near National Wine Centre of Australia
- Hotels near Women's and Children's Hospital