The best Adelaide beaches

With so many exceptional beaches so close to the city centre, Adelaide's sand and surf are virtually inescapable.

South Australia is home to an abundance of pristine beaches (in fact it’s our worst kept secret) but the trove of utopian shores isn’t exclusive to regional areas.  With promises of golden shores and sun-kissed skin just moments from the bustling Adelaide CBD, simply take the tram, a taxi, or car if you have one and chuck on your bathers. In under an hour you could be sprawled out on a towel on the sandy shores of Glenelg, or perfecting your backstroke at Henley Beach, enjoying all that our coastlines have to offer.  Whether you’ve only got time for a quick dip in the water, or can devote your day to sea, there’s one thing you’ll never be short on—choice. Consider the sand and the surf, plus some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever bear witness to, your home away from home with our guide to the best beaches in Adelaide.

Glenelg

At the last stop on the line—if you’re catching the tram from the city centre that is—you’ll find Glenelg, one of Adelaide’s most popular metropolitan beaches and a family-friendly haven for kids and adults alike. 

In summer, Moseley Square is transformed into a hive of buzzing beachgoers who are all in search of that crisp coastal breeze, and a front row view of one of the best beaches in Adelaide. Once you’ve reached your Vitamin D quota for the day, immerse yourself in the mix of cafes, clothing boutiques and restaurants that line the main strip, Jetty Road. End your day taking in the sunset with a toast at Coast or kick back on the sand at the Moseley Beach Club—the only one of its kind in Australia.

Brighton

Take a left along the coastline and you’ll find yourself at Brighton, an Adelaide beach that is perhaps better known for its own ‘Jetty Road’ (yes, there are a few of them!) thanks to its collection of eclectic boutiques, stores and foodie haunts. Before taking a dip, start at the street’s peak with a bite at Alimentary or C.R.E.A.M before you mosey on down the strip and indulge in the beachfront views at the Esplanade Hotel. So, you’ve taken a dip, had a lick of ice cream, absorbed some sunshine - what’s left to do you might wonder? If you’re up for a little more, you can cast a reel off the jetty, and your mind to absolute bliss, while you take in a cinematic masterpiece otherwise known as the sunset. Writer's tip: If you’re up for a stroll and are looking to check off two Adelaide beaches in one, put your walking shoes on and take a cruisy hour-long saunter along the esplanade from Glenelg to Brighton. Consider a post-walk frolic your reward.

Henley

Henley Beach has long made the best Adelaide beaches shortlist (for good reason) and is a cosmopolitan seaside paradise that hums with locals even on its quietest days. Only 15 minutes from the CBD, this Adelaide beach boasts a huge offering of eateries - from luxury to more laid-back options. Feel like taking your palate on a trip to Greece? Pull up a chair at Estia on the square. Ocean views while you feast more your style? Henley House is for you. Writer's tip: Want to get up close and personal with the sea, but not a huge fan of eating on the sand? Henley Square has ample grassy areas which makes for some of the best seats in the house for ocean-gazing. Grab your fish and chips, meander down to the foreshore and enjoy a spot of people watching.

Semaphore

Take it from us—if you’re looking for a beach with a lot to do and see, then Semaphore is for you. Just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, the seaside town of Semaphore doubles as a year-round carnival - where the fun isn’t just tied to the sand and sea. When you’ve finished wading through its turquoise waters or running between its famously white sandy dunes, you can hit the foreshore for some sideshow action, with mini golf and a merry-go-round at your disposal. For culture fiends, Semaphore boasts a boulevard dotted with preserved Art Deco buildings, plus a main strip bordered by historic pubs, restaurants, boutiques and a treasure-trove of op shops.

Semaphore Road, just metres away, is bordered by historic pubs, restaurants, awesome boutiques and a treasure-trove of op shops.

West Beach

Sandwiched between Henley and Glenelg you’ll find West Beach. This gem is an unbelievably close 10 minute drive from Adelaide airport, so why not pack your bathers in your carry-on luggage and make this your first stop in Adelaide? West Beach is also a great spot for family escapes, offering a classic holiday park experience without having to trail far from the city lights. Let the kids run wild at the West Beach Adventure just metres from the campgrounds and treat yourself to a little retail therapy at Harbour Town outlet centre just across the way.

Port Noarlunga, Christies Beach and Moana

Okay okay, hear us out here. We know that Port Noarlunga, Christies Beach and Moana are a bit further out of the Adelaide city centre, but they’re not so far that you can’t make a day of it and be back for dinner!
These three Adelaide beaches are a surfer and body boarder’s paradise, whilst equally a perfect string of spots for a mini family escape. Bring your towel and a beach umbrella and pull up a sandy seat, but make sure you leave time to explore the Port Noarlunga boardwalk which leads to a hidden gem—a reef worth packing your snorkel for. If you want to make more than just a day of it, shack-up at the beautifully appointed Coast Motel and Apartments.

No matter how or where you choose to beach, you’ll always be farewelled by a fiery horizon at the days end. As the sun dips down and transforms the water’s reflection into a vibrant canvas of fiery oranges, soft pinks, and deep purples, all we can say is we told you so.

LOOKING FOR MORE BEACHSIDE BESTS?

Lucky for you, it doesn’t end with the best beaches in Adelaide. South Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal delights, so if you’re looking to travel a little further out, then discover our top five Fleurieu Peninsula beaches.

STAYING SAFE at the beach

For your safety, surf lifesavers patrol many beaches throughout Adelaide and South Australia. Check out these safety tips for more information.