Top 5 Beaches Near Adelaide

With summer fast approaching it is finally beginning to warm up. Time to discover the best beaches near Adelaide! Why not plan your next SA Weekend Escape and embrace the warmer weather? Adelaide is known for its vibrant city life, fantastic food, and proximity to premium wine regions. However not far from the city you will find some of SA’s best beaches. Read on to discover some of Adelaide’s best beaches.

Pack your swimmers and get ready to soak up the sun. During your next getaway to Adelaide, enjoy a day by the sea. Below we have listed our top 5 beaches near Adelaide, all of which are under an hour from the CBD – perfect for a day trip from the city!

1. Glenelg beach

A quick 20 minute ride on the tram from Adelaide you will find the sea side town of Glenelg. A perfect place to spend the day relaxing on the beach and cooling off with a dip in the sea. This seaside suburb also has many restaurants and bars to grab a bite to eat and lots of boutique shops to check out. During the summer months ‘The Moseley Beach Club’ is open directly on the beach, so you won’t even need to leave the sand! This is a great place to sip on cocktails and watch the sun go down.

2. Henley beach

One of the most popular beaches near Adelaide and known as a spot to watch incredible sunsets is Henley beach. Just 15 minutes from the city it is a must-see destination on your next visit to Adelaide. Henley is a cosmopolitan coastal spot, with Henley Square at its centre; a lovely location to sit and have a glass of wine. Many of the bars and restaurants here offer spectacular sea views. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, which can often be spotted splashing around just off the coast!

3. Brighton Beach

Another fantastic beach near Adelaide is Brighton Beach, located a little south of Glenelg. Stretch your legs and take the coastal path from Glenelg all the way down to Brighton – it is an easy stroll which provides some stunning scenery along the way. Brighton is a family friendly beach town with a jetty for fishing and water activities and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to explore.

4. Port Noarlunga

Located 30km from Adelaide, Port Noarlunga is certainly worth a trip. This picturesque sea side town is one of the most visited beaches near Adelaide due to the Port Noarlunga Reef and Aquatic Reserve; one of SA’s most frequented places for divers and snorkelers. The area is home to more than 50 species of fish and 200 species of marine plants and animals. Spend the day exploring the reef and follow the aquatic reserve under water trail which is marked with 12 plaques around the reef. Each plaque details various parts of the reef’s ecosystem and the different marine plants and animals you might come across. It’s hard to believe this all just 45 minutes drive from Adelaide CBD.

5. Port Willunga

Situated less than 20 minutes South of Port Noarlunga you will find the lovely town of Port Willunga. It is one of the most photographed beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula and it’s easy to see why. The soft white sand beach and crystal-clear waters are overlooked by golden cliffs. It’s the perfect place for a summer stroll. When the tide is low keep an eye out for the remains of the ‘Star of Greece’ Shipwreck which washed up in 1888. Sitting on top of the cliffs is ‘The Star of Greece’ Restaurant (named after the shipwreck). Treat yourselves to a delicious lunch on the deck with stunning views out to the ocean.

SA Weekend Escapes Top Hotel Pick!

Quality Apartments Adelaide Central is situated in a prime location in the CBD with easy access to public transport so you can explore the nearby beaches. Accommodation consists of one- or two- bedroom stylish apartments with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay.

More Things to Do in Adelaide

Looking for even more inspiration for your next trip to Adelaide? Check out our Ultimate Guide.