Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach which includes a park and a city as well as a large group of people
Adelaide which includes general coastal views and cycling as well as a large group of people
Glenelg Beach which includes a sunset, general coastal views and views
Glenelg Beach featuring night scenes, street scenes and railway items
Glenelg Beach which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views


This historic settlement is a thriving cultural destination, right on the beach.

The coastal town of Glenelg is a local favorite, 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 centerpiece of Glenelg Beach. At 705 feet (215 meters) 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 5.6 miles (nine kilometers) from central Adelaide and can be accessed by tram, car or bicycle via one of two dedicated bike paths.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Stamford Grand Adelaide

Stamford Grand Adelaide

5 out of 5
2 Jetty Road Moseley Square, Glenelg, SA
Stamford Grand Adelaide
Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites

Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites

4.5 out of 5
16 Holdfast Promenade Glenelg, Glenelg, SA
Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites
Durham Serviced Apartments

Durham Serviced Apartments

3.5 out of 5
4 - 8 Durham Street, Glenelg, SA
Durham Serviced Apartments
The George

The George

3 out of 5
1 Colley Terrace, Glenelg, SA
The George
Atlantic Tower Motor Inn

Atlantic Tower Motor Inn

3.5 out of 5
760 Anzac Highway, Glenelg, SA
Atlantic Tower Motor Inn
Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites

Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites

4.5 out of 5
25-29 Colley Terrace, Glenelg, SA
Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites
Haven Marina Motel

Haven Marina Motel

3.5 out of 5
6-10 Adelphi Terrace, Glenelg North, SA
Haven Marina Motel
Nightcap at Watermark Glenelg

Nightcap at Watermark Glenelg

3.5 out of 5
631 Anzac Highway, Glenelg North, SA
Nightcap at Watermark Glenelg
Econo Lodge Dockside Glenelg

Econo Lodge Dockside Glenelg

2 out of 5
766 Anzac Highway, Glenelg, SA
Econo Lodge Dockside Glenelg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Glenelg Beach

At Glenelg Beach, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including shopping at local boutiques and indulging in sports. For a bit of fun, try your hand at dodgem cars, a thrilling activity that promises excitement for all ages. With its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful coastline, Glenelg Beach offers a delightful mix of leisure and entertainment for tourists.

Shopping

For shopping in Glenelg Beach, visit Harbour Town Adelaide, just 1.2km away, offering a variety of entertainment and family-friendly shops. Westfield Marion Shopping Centre, 1.9km away, features a vibrant mix of businesses. If you're up for a drive, explore the bustling Adelaide Central Market, located 3.7km from Glenelg.

Recreation

Experience the SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre for family-friendly swimming and wellness activities just 1.9km from Glenelg Beach. Enjoy a round of golf at West Beach Parks Golf, located 1.2km away, or challenge yourself at West Beach Mini Golf, perfect for adventure and family fun, also 1.2km distant.

Adventure

Embark on the River Torrens Linear Park Trailhead, a scenic 3-mile hike with beautiful outdoor vibes. For a splash of fun, visit the Semaphore Waterslide Complex, a thrilling 10-mile waterpark perfect for families. Alternatively, explore the Stage 1 Loop Trail Trailhead, a delightful 6-mile hiking experience.

Nightlife

Experience the fun at The Beachhouse, an arcade adventure zone just 62m from the beach, perfect for families. For a cultural evening, visit the Adelaide Festival Centre or Her Majesty's Theater, both 3.7km away, offering captivating performances in a romantic setting.

Find the best attractions near Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions for visitors, including its stunning shoreline, vibrant urban park, and nearby modern university. Explore the iconic Glenelg Pier, discover local gems just metres from the beach, and immerse yourself in the area's cultural offerings. Whether you're after outdoor activities or urban experiences, Glenelg is sure to provide an enjoyable holiday filled with memorable experiences.

  • Adelaide Convention Centre: Located 3.7km from Glenelg Beach, this modern venue is perfect for conferences and events, exuding a professional atmosphere. Its state-of-the-art facilities make it a hub for business activities and networking.
  • Brighton Beach: Just 1.9km away, Brighton Beach offers a stunning stretch of golden sand and clear waters. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade, indulge in local cafes, or simply relax under the sun in a quintessential beach setting.
  • Adelaide Entertainment Centre: Also situated 3.7km from Glenelg Beach, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of shows and concerts, making it a fantastic destination for family-friendly entertainment and memorable experiences.

Best time to go to Glenelg Beach

The best time to visit Glenelg Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January71.4°F (21.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
February70.5°F (21.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
March67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April63.1°F (17.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
August52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September55.4°F (13.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October59.5°F (15.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
November63.9°F (17.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December67.8°F (19.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Glenelg Beach

For a budget-friendly trip to Glenelg Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of June to August when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, as Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to compare prices and find eco-friendly hotel options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities to save even more. Finally, take advantage of public transport for affordable travel around Adelaide and enjoy free activities at the beach.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Glenelg Beach are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Glenelg Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Glenelg Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Glenelg Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.