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Glenelg
Things to Do in Glenelg
Glenelg Beach
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Glenelg Beach

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See all things to do
Glenelg Beach
4.5
648 reviews
#1 of 20 things to do in Glenelg
Beaches
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
Glenelg is a popular beach-side suburb of the South Australian capital of Adelaide. Located on the shore of Holdfast Bay in Gulf St Vincent, it has become a popular tourist destination due to its beach and many attractions, home to several hotels and dozens of restaurants.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Glenelg Beach and nearby attractions

The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
253 within 3 miles
SheShells Restaurant Pty Ltd
185
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • International • Australian
Cardone's
898
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Australian
Zest Cafe Gallery
315
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Indian Spice Authentic Cuisine
168
449 ft$$ - $$$ • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
The Wharf
503
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club Bar & Restaurant
248
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Bar • Australian
Bracegirdle's Glenelg
283
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Australian
Europa at the Bay
468
412 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Cafe • European
Green Tea House
225
516 ft$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vietnamese • Vegetarian Friendly
The Moseley Bar & Kitchen
459
429 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
109 within 6 miles
Glenelg Pier
870
9.5 ftPiers & Boardwalks
The Moseley Beach Club
52
164 ftBeach & Pool Clubs
Glenelg Tram
4,055
194 ftTrams
Bay Discovery Centre
116
331 ftSpeciality Museums
Pioneer Memorial
13
319 ftMonuments & Statues
Jimmy Melrose Park
10
437 ftParks
Colley Reserve
23
0.1 miParks
St Peter's Anglican Church
7
0.3 miChurches & Cathedrals
Moseley Square
43
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Marina Pier
2
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Piers & Boardwalks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
648 reviews
Excellent
394
Very good
222
Average
25
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Azrael J
9 contributions
Lovelier than Anse Vata!
Jan 2023
If you are catching a tram from North Terrace, you will eventually notice gum trees giving way to tall Norfolk pines. The Yorke Peninsula some hundred miles upstream soften the currents, making the waters of Glenelg perfect for families and inexperienced swimmers. Glenelg is not a museum to the body beautiful and surfers give this beach a wide berth, however, Glenelg is the perfect location for ice creams, paddle boating, sandcastles, aeroplane watching or long walks on the beach. There's plenty to do for free- there’s the jetty that juts out to the gulf, a kid friendly playground, a small museum, and a large field for those looking to kick a footy. Those that incline to pay, there’s a theme park with mini golf, water slides, and arcade games. A ride on the ferris wheel might cost a little but it affords a grand view of the gulf and the hills. For those rumbling tummies there’s plenty to graze at while in Glenelg. Penny pinchers can lookout for KFC while the gastronome can look forward to Stamford-their dining patio faces the gulf, making that high tea for one especially memorable. For al fresco dining, head towards Sammys at the marina. Stamford and Sammys not only offer the perfect luncheon opportunities, but also a "window" into the quintessential Southern lifestyle.
Written January 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tony W
Sydney, Australia4,511 contributions
Sunsets over the beach
Sep 2022
Glenelg has a lot to offer visitors, the pier, the restaurants and the bars and coffee shops as well as the shopping on Jetty Road. The area tops this off with a fantastic and easily accessible beach. Then there is the sunsets in the afternoon over the beach - brilliant and make sure you have a camera.
Written November 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
garry
Canberra, Australia13 contributions
Worth a visit - Wont disappoint
Sep 2022
Must visit whilst in Glenleg and even if in Adelaide, short and convenient tram ride drops you right at the beach.

Jetty is great to walk along and plenty of clean sand to walk as far as the eye can see

Sunset is worth the wait if you can.

Plenty of places to have a beer and watch sun go down as well
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
westy54
Sydney, Australia8,728 contributions
Attractive beach with lots of white sand, a jetty, lots of hotel and apartment development and very few waves.
May 2021
We took a tram for the very pleasant 30 minute trip from the city to within just over 100 metres from the beach at Glenelg.

The beach, from headland to headland, was quite wide with white sand and quite a long jetty and the surf, on the day that we visited, was very flat with no waves at all to speak of. As a result it was not difficult to see why this beach was so popular being close to the city with a number of activities for families (including a good number of beach volley ball courts) and lots of cafes and restaurants and a beach promenade to walk or cycle along.

I thought that one of the downsides was the substantial amount of development that had been allowed to be constructed along the beach front.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisM
Adelaide, Australia3 contributions
Some beautiful sea viws
Apr 2022
The Glenelg Jetty juts out from the one of the most beautiful beaches in South Australia. Glenelg is the most popular beach suburbs located at the end of the Glenelg tram line that snakes from central Adelaide through the western suburbs of Adelaide. Built now of concrete after a devastating loss some years ago, it provides visitors with panoramic views of St Vincent Gulf and the Fleurieu peninsula. It is a good place for plane-spotting from the nearby Adelaide airport. Perhaps the best view though is to turn around back to the shore and see the broader panorama of the Adelaide Hills and the sweep of nearby buildings. Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore this area with its many cafes by foot. Highly recommended.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathryn O
Melbourne, Australia42 contributions
Beautiful Beach
Dec 2019
Glenelg was beautiful! Lovely beach, nice sand, Ferris wheel, restaurants/bars, ice cream, pier. We had a pleasant time eating fish and chips on the beach watching the most beautiful sunset. Lovely location to visit.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
joolz
Melbourne, Australia30 contributions
Holidaying in Glenelg
Jan 2020 • Family
We have holidayed in Glenelg about 4 times & absolutely love it.
Its is our favorite holiday destination in Australia. Very relaxed feeling, the beaches are so nice to swim in & beaches are clean. Love the carnival atmosphere with the giant ferris wheel & lively night life.
The kids love going for walks around the beach & taking photos of the stunning sunsets.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia16,942 contributions
Great beach with plenty to do
Apr 2021
This pleasant, safe for children beach is easy to reach from the Adelaide CBD by the frequent Adelaide Metro's Glenelg tram. I purchased a Metrocard prior to travel and loaded it with $10.

The pier doesn't end in a cafe, which is a bit disappointing, but it's still OK.

Sand seemed clean and free of glass shards.

I love how the Glenelg shops are adjacent. Easy to walk to lunch!
Written April 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pete
Sydney, Australia12 contributions
Australia's Best
Mar 2020
Firstly, the tram ride to Glenelg is tedious and SLOW stopping frequently at tram stops and traffic lights.
But suffering the tram ride is worth it when you step off and visit one of the most beautiful areas in Australia. Although high rise may threaten it's overall appeal.
A walk along the pier is a must as it gives a 360 view of this stunning coastline.
Walking along the Esplanade on a sunny Sunday afternoon eradicates all built up stress levels.
People of all ages enjoying themselves, walking, running, riding bikes, splashing in the water, laying down under a shady tree or sitting on a bench watching the world go by.
Unlike the popular beachside suburbs in other states, this beach is not overcrowded.
Along the Esplanade is the Broadway Kiosk which serves up a nice plate of fish and chips to cap off an enjoyable walk.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel Lin
United Kingdom78 contributions
Perfect seaside day
Feb 2020 • Couples
Visited Glenelg for the day whilst visiting Adelaide. Took the tram from the city - lovely gentle way to start the day. Went to the Visitor Centre to get a map and some ideas. Walked along the seafront taking in the beautiful beach and the lovely old buildings. Strolled along the pier, wandered around the marina and spent a couple of hours lounging on deck chairs at the Mosely Beach Club (free deck chairs in the shade & great cocktails). Beautiful!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Glenelg Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Glenelg Beach
Glenelg Beach is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Glenelg Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Glenelg Beach tours on Tripadvisor