Glenelg is where Adelaide goes to slow down. Sea air, a long jetty, a tram that has been running since the trams were new, and a main street full of places to eat. It sits a short drive from Best Western Adelaide Airport, so it works just as well for a full day out as it does for an afternoon between flights.
Here’s what to do while you are there.
Shop along Jetty Road
Jetty Road is the heart of Glenelg. Boutiques sit alongside the bigger names, so you can browse fashion one minute and pick up a souvenir the next. Plenty of small local shops worth a look too.
Eat by the sea
You can keep it simple with fish and chips on the sand, or sit down properly at SheShells, The Ottoman Grill or Nijumaru Japanese Restaurant. For something more relaxed, Orange Spot Bakery and Sabai Cafe are both local favourites, and there are bars and waterfront tables if you want a view with your meal.
Spend an hour on Glenelg Beach
The water here is calm and shallow near the shore, which makes it good for families and easy swimming. Bring a towel and stay put for a while, or walk the length of the sand. Sunsets over the gulf are the reason a lot of people come down in the first place.
Ride the Glenelg tram
The tram runs straight from Moseley Square into the Adelaide CBD. It is a scenic trip, it saves you parking in the city, and it drops you close to most of the main attractions.
Visit the Bay Discovery Centre
A small social history museum inside the Glenelg Town Hall, covering how the suburb grew from a landing point into a seaside town. Interactive displays and local stories, and a good stop if the weather turns.
Wander down to Marina Pier
Restaurants and bars looking out over the moored yachts. Quieter than Jetty Road and a nice spot for dinner or a long catch up.
Take a spin on the ferris wheel
From the top you get the coastline in one direction and the city skyline in the other. Short, cheap and fun, especially with kids.
Get on the water
Paddleboarding, kayaking and jet skis are all available along the beach. Operators also run dolphin watching cruises out of the marina, and the local pod turns up more often than you would expect.
Family time at The Beach House
Waterslides, mini golf, dodgems and arcade games under one roof. Easy way to fill a couple of hours with the kids, and it holds up in most weather.
Walk the jetty at sunset
Head out to the end as the light drops. It is a short walk, the views back to shore are lovely, and it is one of the best photo spots in Adelaide.
Check what is on
Glenelg runs markets, festivals and events through much of the year, with live music, local food and community activities. Worth checking the calendar before you head down, since there is often something happening on the foreshore.
Short on time? Our guide on how to make the most of a layover in Adelaide has quick options you can fit around a flight.
Book your stay
Best Western Adelaide Airport is a practical base for Glenelg and the rest of the city:
- Minutes from the airport and a short drive to the beach
- Modern, spacious rooms with everything you need
- Easy access to the Glenelg tram and nearby attractions
- Friendly staff who know the area and are happy to point you in the right direction
Looking further afield? Our Things to Do in Adelaide page has more ideas.