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12 Best Beaches in Adelaide for Swimming, Strolling and Sunset Views
12 spots · curated by our editors

12 Best Beaches in Adelaide for Swimming, Strolling and Sunset Views

Adelaide's coastline stretches from the CBD suburbs to quieter pockets south and north, offering everything from busy swimming spots to peaceful jetty walks. Whether you're after a day in the sun, a casual stroll, or a spot to watch the sunset, here are the beaches worth visiting around Adelaide.

  1. Semaphore Beach — Semaphore, Adelaide1
    Beaches Adelaide CBD

    1. Semaphore Beach

    The most popular choice for a traditional beach day, with reliable conditions for swimming and plenty of space for families.

    67
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.6(3,978)· Google
    View venue
  2. Semaphore South Beach — Semaphore, Adelaide2
    Beaches Adelaide CBD

    2. Semaphore South Beach

    A quieter alternative just south of the main beach, better for avoiding crowds while still staying in the Semaphore precinct.

    65
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(561)· Google
    View venue
  3. Semaphore Jetty — Semaphore, Adelaide3
    Beaches Semaphore

    3. Semaphore Jetty

    Perfect for a leisurely walk or fishing, with views back across the bay and a different perspective than the swimming beaches.

    65
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(517)· Google
    View venue
  4. Henley Beach Jetty — Henley Beach, Adelaide4
    Markets Henley Beach

    4. Henley Beach Jetty

    A classic Adelaide jetty experience in Henley Beach, ideal for sunset strolls and spotting local birdlife.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(1,824)· Google
    View venue
  5. Brighton Jetty — Brighton, Adelaide5
    Beaches Brighton

    5. Brighton Jetty

    A more low-key jetty option in Brighton for those wanting a quieter waterfront walk without the bustle of central beaches.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(2,111)· Google
    View venue
  6. Glenelg Jetty — Glenelg, Adelaide6
    Markets Glenelg

    6. Glenelg Jetty

    Located in the heart of Glenelg's shopping and dining precinct, combining beach access with nearby cafes and retail.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(342)· Google
    View venue
  7. Mall's Balls — Adelaide CBD, Adelaide7
    Beaches Adelaide CBD

    7. Mall's Balls

    A distinctive Adelaide beach spot with its own character, worth exploring if you want something a bit different from the standard jetty or bay beaches.

    63
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.4(1,294)· Google
    View venue
  8. Brighton Beach — Brighton, Adelaide8
    Beaches Hahndorf

    8. Brighton Beach

    Located in the Hahndorf area, this beach offers a quieter escape for those willing to venture slightly further south.

    62
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.8(766)· Google
    View venue
  9. Grange Beach — Hindmarsh, Adelaide9
    Beaches Adelaide CBD

    9. Grange Beach

    A local favourite for swimming close to the CBD, with a calm bay setting suited to families and casual visitors.

    60
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(621)· Google
    View venue
  10. Hallett Cove Beach — Unley, Adelaide10
    Beaches Norwood

    10. Hallett Cove Beach

    Positioned near Norwood, this beach provides swimming access in a less crowded setting than the northern suburbs.

    59
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(529)· Google
    View venue
  11. Largs Beach — Burnside, Adelaide11
    Beaches Adelaide CBD

    11. Largs Beach

    A quieter beach option within reach of the CBD, good for those wanting a quick visit without the crowds of Semaphore.

    58
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.7(326)· Google
    View venue
  12. South Port Beach — Port Adelaide, Adelaide12
    Beaches Port Adelaide

    12. South Port Beach

    Located at Port Adelaide, this beach suits visitors interested in combining a beach stop with the historic port precinct nearby.

    56
    Spot Score
    Worth a Look
    4.8(133)· Google
    View venue

At a glance

VenueSpot ScoreGooglePriceSuburbTop feature
Semaphore Beach67/1004.6(3,978)—Adelaide CBD—
Semaphore South Beach65/1004.7(561)—Adelaide CBD—
Semaphore Jetty65/1004.7(517)—Semaphore—
Henley Beach Jetty63/1004.7(1,824)—Henley Beach—
Brighton Jetty63/1004.7(2,111)—Brighton—
Glenelg Jetty63/1004.7(342)—Glenelg—
Mall's Balls63/1004.4(1,294)—Adelaide CBD—
Brighton Beach62/1004.8(766)—Hahndorf—
Grange Beach60/1004.7(621)—Adelaide CBD—
Hallett Cove Beach59/1004.7(529)—Norwood—
Largs Beach58/1004.7(326)—Adelaide CBD—
South Port Beach56/1004.8(133)—Port Adelaide—

Frequently asked questions

Which Adelaide beach is best for families?+

Semaphore Beach is the most popular family beach due to its established facilities and calm conditions. Grange Beach is another good choice if you want something quieter but still well-equipped.

Are there beaches near the Adelaide CBD?+

Yes, several. Semaphore, Grange and Largs beaches are all listed as being in or near the Adelaide CBD area, with Semaphore being the closest major beach.

Which jetties are best for fishing?+

All the jetties listed—Semaphore, Henley, Brighton and Glenelg—are suitable for fishing, though you may want to check local conditions and any seasonal restrictions before visiting.

Are there quieter beaches if I want to avoid crowds?+

Yes. South Port Beach at Port Adelaide, Brighton Beach near Hahndorf, Largs Beach and Hallett Cove Beach tend to be less crowded than Semaphore.

Can I combine a beach visit with shopping or dining?+

Glenelg is the best option, with Glenelg Jetty right in the heart of the suburb's shopping and dining precinct. Semaphore also has local cafes and shops nearby.

Keep exploring

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