Adelaide’s Best Beaches & Where to Eat & Drink After a Dip

South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide is known for its laid-back vibes, artistic culture and stunning coastline dotted with white-sand beaches lapped by crystalline waters. Weekends and balmy evenings here are all about chilling out by the shore and in the local bars and restaurants, so here’s our pick of the top five beaches in Adelaide and where to head for a bite to eat or cocktail after a few hours on the sand.

Image credit: Michael Waterhouse Photography

Henley

With a seemingly neverending shoreline, Henley is perfect for long walks or lazy days relaxing by the water. Make an evening of your beach visit and head down to the shorefront to watch the sunset before eating at one of Henley’s high-end seafood restaurants.

Where to eat & drink: SeaSalt, Melt or Stella Restaurant

Image credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Glenelg

The most popular beach in Adelaide, Glenelg is the perfect place to roll out a towel and hang out with the kids on the weekend. Just jump off the tram at Moseley Square, walk a few steps and you’ll find this family friendly hangout with its clear waters and relaxed vibes.

Come lunchtime, you’ll find plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite in, while stylish boutiques and sun-kissed beer gardens are a huge attraction for adults.

Where to eat & drink: The Moseley Beach Club, The Grand Bar and Marina Sunset Bar

Image credit: City of Holdfast Bay

Brighton

If you fancy a day of beach hopping, Brighton and Glenelg are just a ten-minute drive apart making for an easy change of scenery. Expect laid-back vibes with locals grabbing some takeaway fish and chips for lunch or a drink with ocean views at the popular Esplanade Hotel.

Where to eat & drink: Esplanade Hotel

Image credit: Michael Waterhouse Photography

Semaphore

Stroll beside rolling sand dunes at Semaphore Beach, with its white sand, shallow water and nostalgic 1920s carousel. It’s all about experiencing a heart-warming blast from the past at this iconic beach where the Semaphore and Fort Glanville Tourist Railway departs daily from the 1860 jetty and antique shops and vintage buildings provide the perfect backdrop for a family day out.

Where to drink: Palais Hotel

Image credit: Elise Cook

Port Noarlunga, Christies Beach and Moana

Pack a picnic hamper and head away from the city for these three beaches that are famous for their stunning scenery, surfing and body boarding. There’s a popular reef at the end of the long boardwalk at Port Noarlunga, so bring your snorkelling gear for a chance to catch a glimpse of hundreds of fish and maybe even the odd giant stingray.

Where to eat & drink: Hortas Restaurant and Star of Greece

For more information on the best beaches in Adelaide visit southaustralia.com. Images courtesy of the South Australia Tourism Commission.