12 Best Beaches In Adelaide

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

As someone who loves to spend a day at the beach, I have explored countless sandy shores around the world. But let me tell you, nothing compares to the stunning beaches in Adelaide. From pristine white sands to crystal-clear turquoise waters, this city has it all.

Whether you're a sun seeker, a surfer, or simply someone who enjoys long walks by the shore, Adelaide offers an array of beautiful beaches that will leave you in awe. So grab your sunscreen and towel as we dive into the best beaches in Adelaide that are guaranteed to make your summer unforgettable.

1. Glenelg Beach

I have to say that Glenelg Beach is one of the best Adelaide beaches. This beach is located in the popular beach-side suburb of Glenelg, which is just a tram ride away from the Adelaide CBD.

Glenelg Beach has a long stretch of white sand and clear waters that are perfect for swimming. The beach is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along. The Glenelg Jetty is a popular spot for fishing and offers stunning views of the ocean. The foreshore of Glenelg Beach is lined with a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes that offer delicious seafood and wine.

One of the popular attractions at Glenelg Beach is the Moseley Beach Club, which is a perfect spot for a sunset cocktail. The club has a playground for kids and offers a range of food and drinks. The Glenelg Surf Club is also located on the beach and offers a safe swimming area for families.

There is a large car park near the beach, so you don't have to worry about parking. The beach also has a boat ramp, which is perfect for those who want to go out on a boat and explore the sea.

2. Henley Beach

Henley Beach is a popular beach in Adelaide, and for good reason. Located just 15 minutes from the city of Adelaide, it's easily accessible by car or public transport. The beach is family-friendly, making it a great spot for a day trip with kids.

The white sand beach stretches for over a kilometer and is perfect to swim, sunbath, and play beach games. The clear turquoise waters are also great for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach is patrolled by the Henley Surf Life Saving Club, ensuring that it's safe for swimming.

Aside from the beach, Henley Square is a bustling foreshore area that's home to a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. There's also a playground for kids and plenty of picnic spots. Jetty Road is a popular dining and shopping precinct that's just a short walk away.

3. Maslin Beach

Maslin Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Adelaide. Situated just 45 minutes south of the city, this beach is known for its white sand, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. It is also one of the few beaches in Australia where nude sunbathing and swimming is allowed in designated areas.

Maslin Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers and surfers alike. The waves are perfect for beginners and experienced surfers, and there are plenty of spots along the beach for snorkeling and diving. The beach is also home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes in South Australia.

If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Maslin Beach has plenty of picnic areas and cafes. There are also bars and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy some of the best seafood in the region.

4. Semaphore Beach

As one of Adelaide's most popular metropolitan beaches, Semaphore Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun day out by the ocean. With its long stretch of white sand, calm turquoise waters, and family-friendly atmosphere, Semaphore Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Semaphore Beach is located just 14km northwest of Adelaide and is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. The beach is surrounded by a lively esplanade, which is home to a variety of restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops. One of the most popular spots on the esplanade is the Semaphore Beach Hotel, which offers great ocean views and delicious seafood.

The beach is also home to a number of rock pools, which are perfect to explore. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of playgrounds and picnic areas along the foreshore.

One of the best things about Semaphore Beach is its amazing sunsets. As the sun sets over the ocean, the sky turns a beautiful shade of pink and orange, making for a truly magical experience. For those who want to make a day trip out of their visit to Semaphore Beach, the nearby McLaren Vale wine region is a great place to explore.

5. Seacliff Beach

Seacliff Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, making it a safe place to swim. The crystal clear waters are perfect to snorkel and dive, and there is even a marine reserve nearby for those who want to explore the underwater world.

The beach is also family-friendly, with a playground and picnic area located on the foreshore. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars nearby, including the Seacliff Beach Hotel which offers fantastic ocean views and delicious seafood. Jetty Road is a popular shopping and dining destination, just a short walk from the beach.

For those who want to explore the coastline further, Seacliff Beach is a great starting point for a day trip. The Fleurieu Peninsula is home to some of the best beaches in South Australia, including Christies Beach, Noarlunga Beach, and Port Willunga. The McLaren Vale wine region is also nearby, offering a great opportunity to sample some of the region's best wines.

6. Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach is one of the most popular Adelaide beaches due to its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. Located just 45 minutes south of the Adelaide city centre, it is a perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.

One of the highlights of Aldinga Beach is the Great Coastal Trail, which runs along the top of the cliffs above the beach. This trail offers the best views of the coastline and is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. The trail is pretty flat, making it accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels.

If you're looking for a family-friendly beach, Aldinga Beach is a great choice. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and there are plenty of activities to keep kids entertained. The nearby playground and skate park are popular with children of all ages.

7. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Adelaide. It is located just 20 minutes away from the heart of the city, making it a favorite among locals and tourists visiting Adelaide.

One of the unique features of Brighton Beach is the Brighton Jetty, which is a popular spot for fishing and strolling. The jetty is over 500 meters long and offers great views of the Australian coastline. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the views.

The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, making it a safe option for families with children. There are also several amenities available, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms.

If you're looking for some adventure, Brighton Beach is also a great spot for water sports like surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can rent equipment from several vendors located along the beach.

8. Christies Beach

Christies Beach is one of the best beaches in Adelaide for swimming and family fun. It is located just 24 km south of Adelaide, making it easily accessible from the city. The beach has excellent facilities, including showers, toilets, and changing rooms. There are also picnic areas and barbecues, making it a great spot for a family day out.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Christies Beach, including fishing, snorkeling, and surfing. The beach is also home to the Christies Beach Surf Life Saving Club, which offers surf lessons and other activities.

This Adelaide beach is also surrounded by stunning scenery, including the Onkaparinga River mouth and the cliffs of Port Noarlunga. It's a great spot for a walk or a bike ride along the Esplanade.

9. Moana Beach

Moana Beach is a popular beach destination for tourists and locals. Located just 40 minutes south of Adelaide, it is easily accessible by car and offers a unique car park experience, allowing visitors to park their cars on the beach itself.

This beach is perfect for families with young children, as it has all the necessary facilities such as toilets, chairs, and walking trails. The walking trail to Noarlunga is especially popular, offering a chance to explore the local area.

For those looking for a more active day out, Moana Beach is also a great spot for surfing and swimming. The waves are perfect for beginners, and there are plenty of surf schools in the area offering lessons.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are several cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Moana, offering a range of cuisines to suit all tastes. And for those who want to make a day of it, there are plenty of accommodation options in the area, including the Moana Beach Tourist Park and the Moana Beachfront Apartments.

10. Port Noarlunga Beach

Noarlunga Beach is one of the most iconic diving destinations in South Australia. Located just 30 kilometres south of Adelaide, this picturesque seaside village is surrounded by famous red sandstone cliffs, a long jetty, and an enclosed reef.

The beach is perfect for snorkelers and divers, as there is an abundance of marine life to discover in the clear waters. The reef is home to a variety of fish species, including the popular Blue Groper.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Noarlunga Beach also offers a long stretch of pristine sand where you can relax and soak up the sun. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring that it is a safe place to swim and enjoy water activities.

In addition to the beach, the village of Port Noarlunga has plenty to offer visitors. There are several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat, as well as a range of shops selling souvenirs and beach gear.

11. Sellicks Beach

Sellicks Beach is situated approximately 50 kilometers south of Adelaide and is known for its incredible views of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Sellicks Beach is a popular destination for driving and fishing, but is not recommended for swimming due to strong currents.

The beach is also home to several local cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in the beautiful scenery. Additionally, there are several accommodation options available nearby, including camping grounds and holiday homes.

12. Grange Beach

Grange Beach is a 2.57km stretch of sand located in Adelaide. It is a clothing optional beach, and when it's not crowded, it is a pretty paradisical place. The beach has clear water and friendly locals.

One of the unique things about Grange Beach is that it has remnants of the dunes still visible, giving it a natural and unspoiled feel. The beachfront is less developed, which adds to the relaxed and refined atmosphere.

Grange Beach is a great spot for families, with plenty of space for children to play and explore. The beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer months, making it a safe place to swim.