As part as my visit to Adelaide, South Australia after driving along the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide recently I took a day trip from Adelaide to Glenelg Beach. As it was a hot day and the beach only being 9km (6 miles) from Adelaide’s CBD I thought, why not? So I got my beach wear for a day at the beach and off I went. And I discovered that Glenelg is more than beach. Yep! There are plenty of fun things to do at Glenelg Beach no matter if you are visiting Glenelg solo like I was, in a couple, with friends or visiting Glenelg with kids. Let me explain some of the best things to see and do in Glenelg.

About Glenelg

Glenelg was founded in 1836 and named after Lord Glenelg, a British Cabinet member and Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. So if you are visiting from the United Kingdom, yes, you are right, it might remind you of the Glenelg near the Isle of Skye in Scotland. 

Glenelg is located a mere 9km (6 miles) from Adelaide’s CBD making it easy to reach by tram, bus or car in around 30 minutes or so. As it is so close to Adelaide visiting Glenelg is a great Adelaide day trip option, particularly if you are visiting Adelaide on a 7 day itinerary. But you can go to Glenelg for as long as you like, maybe the morning, afternoon or the whole day.

Getting to Glenelg from Adelaide

To get to Glenelg from Adelaide you have a few options. Trams leave Adelaide every 15 minutes with a number of stops you can alight and disembark. I caught it from the Rundle tram stop which is just around the corner by Rundle Mall, Adelaide’s main shopping street and alighted at Glenelg. You can also catch the 263 bus or drive yourself between Adelaide and Glenelg. 

Fun Things to Do at Glenelg Beach

Walk to the End of Glenelg Jetty

As you arrive in Glenelg you cannot help but notice the jetty. The current jetty was built in 1969 and is 215 metres (705 feet) long. The first Glenelg Jetty was 381 metres (1250 feet) long but was destroyed by fire in 1873. Still, it is long! And definitely worth a stroll to the end of the pier for the view back over Glenelg. And if you think the water is inviting and are contemplating cooling off well, jetty jumping is officially banned at Glenelg.

Spend time on Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach is Adelaide’s most popular city beach, and it is easy to see why. The beach is wide with white sand lapped by small waves making it an extremely safe beach. Yes, it was a beautiful sunny day for my second visit to Glenelg Beach, unlike the first time I visited and it was a grey, wet and bleak day! And a beach attracts everyone. From families with kids playing in the sand, young people watchers sunbathing to serious salt-water swimmers! And if you stay until the end of the day you may be treated to a fabulous and colourful sunset.

spend time on Glenelg Beach

Enjoy a Sensational Sunset

Many go to Glenelg Beach in the late afternoon to enjoy a meal and sit and watch the sensational sunsets. I sat by the beach on my trip and was treated to a gorgeous golden and orange fireball sunset. If you want to see the sunset from the water, you can, book a twilight cruise with drinks. Check out this catamaran sunset cruise.

The Bay Discovery Centre

Most come to Glenelg for the beach, shopping and eating however, if you’d like to do something indoors, particularly if it is hot or wet outside, then a visit to The Bay Discovery Centre should be on your list of things to do in Glenelg. The centre is a place to discover more about South Australia’s proclamation and settlement. This is backed up with some incredible community contributions showcasing the timeline of events that make Glenelg the thriving hotspot it is today. 

Go on a Self-Guided Walk of Glenelg

Glenelg is located on Holdfast Bay, which as mentioned is South Australia’s first mainland settlement. And there are two historic walks you can go on to gain an insight into the history and heritage of this area. I didn’t know about them before my visit to Glenelg so alas, did not do them, plus it was really hot and I wanted to spend my time at the beach. But they sound really interesting and I hope to walk them on another visit to Glenelg.

Historic Glenelg Self-Guided Walk

This 45 minute self-guided walk challenges you to uncover Glenelg’s unique past and understand more about its historical importance as South Australia’s first settlement and how it developed over the years.

Mansions of Glenelg Self-Guided Walk

This 45 minute self-guided walk of Glenelg’s historic mansions that are still situated along the esplanade and beyond. Understand how style and architectural trends developed morphing Glenelg’s streets into a suburb of character and charm.

Download a walking brochure or visit the Glenelg Visitor Information Outlet.

Art Lovers Rejoice at The Glenelg Art and Gift Gallery

Another indoor activity is to visit is The Glenelg Art and Gift Gallery. Here you will find plenty of indigenous art and other gifts. And yes, they can be shipped interstate and around the world.

Have Fun at The Beachouse

The Beachouse is one of Glenelg’s most popular family friendly attractions. If visiting Glenelg with kids, The Beachouse can keep them, and you, entertained for many hours. It is basically an entertainment zone where you will find arcades, cafes, mini golf, a play castle, dodgem cars and some cool waterslides. And all right by Glenelg Beach.

waterslides and other fun stuff

Shop till you drop in Glenelg

I discovered that Glenelg’s famed Jetty Road boasts dozens of exclusive stores so make time to shop till you drop! There are bookstores, crafted homewares, op shops and plenty of fashion stores. If there at the right time, you might even catch the Glenelg Sunset Markets where stall holders sell trinkets, treasures and fashion items. The markets are usually monthly during the summer months and located in the iconic Moseley Square. Get details of market opening times here.

Eating and Drinking Glenelg

Glenelg is home to a huge selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can enjoy a range of cuisines. Just take a walk along Jetty Road and the Marina and you will see what I mean. If you are into find wine and good food you will be pleased to know this is a major part of the Glenelg lifestyle. However, if you prefer to have fish and chips on the beach, there is that option available too. This was my chosen meal while I sat and enjoyed the sunsetting over Glenelg. Though next time I might get a table at beachside The Moseley Beach Club. I hear it has a great selection of iconic seaside dishes and live music in the evenings.

Glenelg Nightlife

If you are interested in some Glenelg nightlife, well there are options  to enjoy a cocktail with sunset views and then dance the night away. The Mosely Beach Club is one option but there are others if this is what you are looking for. 

Are You Ready to Enjoy Glenelg

There is plenty to see and do in Glenelg for solo travellers, couples, friends and families and depending on your interest one day may not be enough. If you want to explore Glenelg and surrounds why not stay in Glenelg. Check Glenelg accommodation options here. Have you been to Glenelg, I’d love to hear.