Having around 18 miles of scenic coastline allows Adelaide to present itself as a spectacular city with stunning beaches to offer. It won’t take much of your time to explore all the beach options that are filled with crystal-clear waters, windy surf areas, and mellow sand. Plus, your furry friend can also assist you and your family at some of these dazzling beaches to make some wonderful memories with you.
As a visitor exploring the cosmopolitan coastal capital of South Australia, i.e., Adelaide, you will surely enjoy a beach day as an ideal vacation scenario for yourself. Enjoy getting tanned while crafting some sand castles, and see them getting wrecked by the splashes of water. As quoted by many born-and-bred Adelaideans, throwing in some sunscreen and packing your swimwear will totally be worth the experience if you go to the beaches of Adelaide.
Take in the quintessential Australian experience by exploring any of the below-given beaches that are some of the best ones in the city of Adelaide.
1. Glenelg Beach
To see exactly what it feels like to grab an ideal beach view, come to Glenelg Beach. Engage yourself in activities such as swimming and playing sports, or just relax to soak up the sun. This long and sandy shore is quite famous among families as being near the Beach House amusement park. For those looking for some adventure as well as relaxation, this is the go-to option you need to choose for sure.
Here, you can also do snorkelling and scuba diving. Due to its laid-back vibes, this place is also referred to as “The Bay.” This, being one of the oldest beaches in South Australia, offers a lot of shops as well, from which one can easily grab some stuff for themselves. If you are a foodie, this place will be great for you, as there are a lot of restaurants serving palatable food. If you get lucky, you might even spot some dolphins playing in the water.
| Name | Glenelg Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | glenelgbeach.com.au |
| Address | S Esplanade, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | Bar | Cafe | Coach Parking | Food and Refreshments | Kiosk | Lawn / Gardens | Picnic Area | Public Telephone |
| Distance From Adelaide | 11.1 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: If you go via Anzac Hwy, it will take you around 20 mins to reach Glenelg Beach. By Bus: You can take the bus line numbers 167, 265, 265W, or J2G. By Light Rail: Go through Festival Plaza to reach Glenelg Beach. |
| Best Months To Visit | October to April |
2. Semaphore Beach
Known for its historic importance along with having a lively strip as well as a foreshore attraction, comes Semaphore Beach. For those who love to walk over long distances, this place is a must-go, as it’s quite broad in shape and is covered by many sand dunes as well. It’s the most visited beach in the months of summer, as families from all over Australia come to this historic hub.
This place captures the presence of many visitors because it is near various Adelaide-based attractions like the Port Adelaide Lighthouse, the Maritime Museum, and the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary as well. For beach enthusiasts, its grassy picnic spots fused with its sandy coastline make it a must to visit the beach for all. It also hosts a number of pubs nearby where one can go and enjoy themselves and see what exactly Adelaide nightlife feels like.
| Name | Semaphore Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | semaphoresa.com.au |
| Address | Semaphore SA 5019, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | Barbeque | Cafe | Food and Refreshments | Kiosk | Picnic Area | Shop |
| Distance From Adelaide | 21.7 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: By going through the Port Rd, you will reach here in around 29 mins. By Bus: Use the bus line number 157 to reach this beach. By Train: Take the train that will go via Outer Harbor. |
| Best Months To Visit | December to March |
3. Largs Bay Beach
Thanks to the long sweeps of sand, Largs Bay Beach is a great option for many day trippers to experience a beach day. This roughly four-mile stretch allows all visitors to take a boisterous coastal walk after coming here. Its picturesque jetty is also quite famous, making it a drawcard for families as well. A lot of fishing enthusiasts also come here, as it is a sought-after location for them.
The waves and current of the water in here aren’t very reckless, and thus this beach is a child-friendly one. This appealing seaside gem offers a wide range of experiences to all of its visitors. Alongside it, one might also find the Largs Bay playground, where they can get their kids busy for some momentary hours. You can also visit the Largs Pier Hotel, which carries 140 years of pure heritage.
| Name | Largs Bay Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | beachsafe.org.au/beach |
| Address | Largs Bay SA 5016, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | Drinking Taps & Fountain | BBQ & Picnic Facilities | Coastal Park & Playground | Parking Space | Shelters | Picnic Tables | Boat Ramp |
| Distance From Adelaide | 22.6 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: Make your way Grote St., Henley Beach Rd., M2 and Port River Expy/A9 to Jetty Rd., to reach your destination at Largs Bay Beach. Doing so will take around 28 mins of yours. By Bus: Avail the bus service and take the bus number 150B, 157 to reach here. By Train: The train will go via Outer Harbor. |
| Best Months To Visit | January And May |
4. Moana Beach
Visit Moana Beach with your dog, as it’s a dog-friendly beach. Due to that very reason, it’s a well-regarded place among a number of Australian families. Your kids will thank you later, as they will get a wonderful opportunity to swim as well as do other water sports activities. To capture some great moments for yourself, take your car with you to the shore for just $6.
There are a number of activities that you can take part in, such as totem tennis, boogie board, beach cricket, beach ball, board surfing, building sandcastles, and even playing with your furry friend. The sand here is quite firm, which makes it easier for people to build their fantasy castles with ease. One of its main attractions, i.e., the clear water, attracts a lot of surfers, swimmers, and people looking to run, cycle, or stroll through this beach’s long coastal paths.
| Name | Moana Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | moanabeachtouristpark.com.au |
| Address | 404 Esplanade, Moana SA 5169, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | Dog Friendly | Barbeque | Communal Shower |
| Distance From Adelaide | 37.5 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: Start via Grote St, Anzac Hwy and South Rd/A2 to enter M2, then continue your journey the main road to reach your destination in Moana beach. By Bus: Use the bus numbers 745A, 747A, 750A, 750B to reach this beach. By Train: The train will go via Seaford. |
| Best Months To Visit | December to February |
5. Seacliff Beach
Having scenic coastal walking drives and being well-equipped with barbeques, playgrounds, and picnic areas makes Seacliff Beach an amazing option worth visiting for all sorts of families. With time, this place has turned out to be one of the most popular destinations to go on weekends. This beach really has a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe worth experiencing for all age groups.
Making it more captivating comes the Seacliff Beach Hotel, which is renowned for the best sunset views it offers to all visitors. Go there and let the rays of the sun bewitch you while you enjoy sipping beers, wine, or ice cream. Your younger one can swiftly splash in the water of this beach that’s patrolled. While keeping in mind the safety instructions, you can easily go playing in the high tide section present there.
| Name | Seacliff Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | holdfast.sa.gov.au |
| Address | Esplanade, Seacliff SA 5049, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | BBQ facilities | Playgrounds | Public toilets |
| Distance From Adelaide | 17.2 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: Start via Grote St and head over to the West Terrace. Then take Anzac Hwy, South Rd/A2, M2 and Main S Rd/A13 to enter Seacombe Road. Then enter Brighton Rd/A15 and keep on following Wheatland St. to enter Esplanade from where you will finally reach Seacliff. Doing so will cost you around 24 mins or so. By Bus: Make use of the bus service 720H, 734 to reach your destination. By Train: You will go through the Seaford route. |
| Best Months To Visit | December to March |
6. Grange Beach
For those looking to spend some time with their loved ones while remaining involved in activities such as swimming and fishing, Grange Beach is an ideal option. The lovely jetty, peaceful vibes, and the clear sea—all of them are demanding their share of attention from your end. Being easily accessible from the Adelaide CBD, families love coming here with their kids, as they can make their own sandcastles. The shallow waves of this beach, which are calm in nature, are truly admirable for every visitor.
Many visitors come here looking for a tranquil environment away from the busy city life. Despite being one of the quietest beaches, one can find a lot of shade on this beach, making it worth visiting without fearing sunburn. Due to the calm water, it’s one of the most popular spots for beginner and nervous swimmers.
| Name | Grange Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | beachsafe.org.au/beach |
| Address | Grange SA 5022, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | Free parking space | Waterfront café | Picnic tables | Barbecues | Children's Playground |
| Distance From Adelaide | 13 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: First take the Port Rd and enter the Grange Rd to Terminus St in Grange. Continue your way on Terminus St. Drive to Esplanade to reach Grange beach. By Bus: Avail the bus number H30 to reach the Grange Beach. By Train: This way you will be going through the Grange route to reach this beach. |
| Best Months To Visit | December to March |
7. Henley Beach
Another popular option, just like Glenelg Beach, is Henley Beach. Surrounded by a number of well-known cafes and restaurants, it is an excellent option for all those who want to spend a bit more time away from home indulging in some fun. The water here is quite gentle, making it perfect for swimming. The picturesque jetty it has is worth paying a visit to and admiring. Being an exotic location offering a serene atmosphere to all, this needs to be on your bucket list.
The laid-back coastal vibe that this beach has to offer, combined with its flourishing food scene, makes it even more interesting and worth visiting. You can also enjoy walking after coming here into nature. Come with your partner to spend some time in solitude while appreciating its surroundings to make it a lifelong memory.
| Name | Henley Beach |
|---|---|
| Website | southaustralia.com |
| Address | South Australia 5022, Australia |
| Directions | Google Maps |
| Facilities | Bathroom | Changing places | Parking | Beach matting |
| Distance From Adelaide | 11.3 Km |
| How To Reach |
By Car: Begin with Grote St to enter Sir Donald Bradman Dr/A6. From there go to Fulham gardens. Then head over to Cheadle St. and take North St. to Marlborough St. to reach Henley Beach. By Bus: Use the bus line number 287, H30 to reach this beach from Adelaide. By Train: It’ll go from the Grange route. |
| Best Months To Visit | December to March |
Wrapping Up
Plan your trip to any of the best beaches in Adelaide and escape the hustle and bustle of your daily chores. Spend some quality time with Mother Nature and see your nerves being relaxed at the seashore while capturing some scenic beauty with your eyes. The calm and composed waves and current of the water are absolutely clean for swimming. So, without any further ado, pack your bags and leave your home to carve some life-long memories for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
The list is long, but the best ones include Glenelg Beach, Henley Beach, Moana Beach, Semaphore Beach, and more.
The best time to visit the beaches would be from October to March, as the average temperature during these months ranges from 24 °C to 14 °C.The best time to visit the beaches would be from October to March, as the average temperature during these months ranges from 24 °C to 14 °C.
The city of Adelaide has warm, dry summers and mild winters. The general maximum temperature in summer is around 29°C (84.2°F), and in winter it is around 15–16°C (59–60.8°F).
Yes, many beaches in Adelaide are great for swimming. The best one for it is Henley Beach, as it has a very gentle surf that is great for even beginners.
The city of Adelaide is also referred to as the 20-minute city because almost everything from here is available just 20 minutes away from the city centre itself. This includes the beaches as well.
