The best beaches in Adelaide in 2026 are Glenelg for its jetty and tram, Henley Beach for cafés and sunset, Brighton for its jetty and swimming, Semaphore for a family day, Port Willunga's cliffs and caves on the Fleurieu, and Second Valley's clear water for snorkelling.
Adelaide's metropolitan beaches face west across Gulf St Vincent, so the water is generally calm and every one has a sunset. Most have a jetty and a strip of cafés. South of the city, the Fleurieu Peninsula's beaches are wilder and more scenic. Summer (December to March) brings warm water and long evenings. See also our best attractions in Adelaide.
Adelaide's classic beach, a tram ride from the city.
Glenelg has a long sandy beach, a jetty and Jetty Road's shops and cafés. The tram from the city stops at Moseley Square, a minute from the sand.
Dolphin cruises leave from the marina at Holdfast Shores.
Good to know: Stay for sunset over the gulf from the jetty.
Moseley Square, Glenelg SA 5045
A relaxed beach with a jetty and a lively square.
Henley Beach has a wide beach, a jetty and Henley Square, with restaurants and gelato shops facing the sea.
It's a favourite for a summer evening swim and dinner.
Good to know: Get a gelato in Henley Square and walk the jetty at sunset.
Henley Square, Henley Beach SA 5022
A family beach with a jetty and a strip of cafés.
Brighton has a sandy, patrolled beach with a long jetty and a row of cafés along the Esplanade. It's popular with families and swimmers.
The train from the city stops close by.
Good to know: Swim near the jetty, where the water is deeper.
Esplanade, Brighton SA 5048
A heritage beach suburb with a carousel and calm water.
Semaphore has a calm beach, a jetty, a historic foreshore with a carousel and a water slide in summer, and Semaphore Road's cafés.
It suits a family day near Port Adelaide.
Good to know: Ride the foreshore carousel with children in summer.
Semaphore Rd, Semaphore SA 5019
Ochre cliffs, old jetty pylons and caves cut into the cliffs.
Port Willunga has a long beach under ochre cliffs, with the remains of an old jetty and caves dug into the cliffs by fishermen. It's one of the most photographed beaches near Adelaide.
It's about 45 minutes south of the city, near McLaren Vale's wineries.
Good to know: Pair a swim with lunch at a McLaren Vale winery.
Esplanade, Port Willunga SA 5173
A tiny cove with clear water, rocks and a jetty for snorkelling.
Second Valley is a small, sheltered cove with clear water, rock formations and a jetty, popular with snorkellers and divers.
It's about 90 minutes south of Adelaide.
Good to know: Bring snorkel gear; the water around the jetty and rocks is clear.
Second Valley SA 5204
A reef with an underwater snorkel trail off the jetty.
Port Noarlunga has a beach, a river mouth and a reef offshore with a marked underwater trail for snorkellers and divers, reached from the jetty.
It's about 40 minutes south of the city.
Good to know: Snorkel the reef trail at high tide on a calm day.
Esplanade, Port Noarlunga SA 5167
A wide beach where you can drive on the sand.
Moana is a long, wide beach south of the city with gentle surf and sections where cars can drive onto the sand. It's popular with families and beginner surfers.
It has a surf lifesaving club.
Good to know: Swim between the flags near the surf club.
Nashwauk Cres, Moana SA 5169
Glenelg is the best known, with its jetty, Moseley Square and the tram from the city. Henley Beach is quieter and great for sunset.
Generally yes: the gulf is usually calm. Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches in summer and be careful of seagrass and jellyfish at times.
Glenelg, Henley Beach, Brighton, Semaphore, Grange and Port Noarlunga all have jetties, popular for walking, fishing and jumping off in summer.
Port Noarlunga's reef has a marked underwater trail, and Second Valley on the Fleurieu has clear water and rocks.
Take the tram from the city, about 30 minutes, to Moseley Square, a minute from the beach.