Best Things to Do in Glenelg: Where to Eat, Drink & Play

Just a 20-minute drive (or a 35-minute tram ride) from Adelaide’s CBD, Glenelg is a lively beach-side suburb brimming with personality. Whether you're outdoorsy or looking for laidback activities by the coast, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time in Glenelg, home to boutiques, restaurants, bars, beauty salons and sandy beaches.

We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do, the finest spots to eat and drink and some top-notch shopping options for your trip to the bay.

Moseley Beach Club

To make your beach day even sweeter on a sunshine-filled day, head to The Moseley Beach Club for a taste of European beachside charm. During summer, this unique venue offers an exclusive experience right on the sand, with stylish lounges, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively DJ sets.

It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun, enjoy a beachside cocktail, and experience Glenelg's vibrant coastal atmosphere.

Now open until March 31st, 2025

Glenelg Foreshore, Glenelg

Embark on a Sailing Experience

Dreaming of a life at sea? These Glenelg sailors have you sorted. Temptation Sailing's premium tours cater to adventure seekers and laid-back holiday-goers alike. There's a Wild Dolphin Tour where you can spot and swim along the local wildlife as friendly dolphins approach your boat.

Prefer to enjoy the view while staying dry? Several cruises include delicious food and beverages from their licenced bar, afternoon tea and there's even a twilight sailing experience.

Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores Marina, Glenelg

Pinot & Picasso

Unleash your inner creativity while enjoying a glass of your favourite beverage at Pinot & Picasso Glenelg. BYO bottle to share with friends and the team will do the rest, supplying your canvas and paints, and giving step-by-step instructions to paint your masterpiece. It's the perfect date night activity or girls' night catch-up.

Level 1/3 Moseley Street, Glenelg

Glenelg Sunset Markets

Come summertime, locals and tourists flock to Glenelg to browse the stalls at Glenelg Sunset Markets. It's the ultimate outdoor beach market, with over 60 fashion, art and homewares stalls, delicious local eats and live music to set the vibe.

You'll find it at the iconic Glenelg foreshore at Moseley Square; it's free entry and family-friendly to boot! The markets are held on Sunday once a month, from November through March. 

Moseley Square, Glenelg 

Enjoy a Swim at Glenelg Beach

Adelaide's most popular city beach offers a family-friendly day out and a great atmosphere for all to enjoy. Renowned for its wide beach, easy-going nature and sunrise through sunset dreaminess, slip-slop-slap and get set for a day of fun in the sun. 

S Esplanade, Glenelg

Glenelg to Seacliff Coastal Walk

Coast Yoga

Stretch and flex out all your troubles with a session at Coast Yoga. Classes are available seven days a week and cater to all experience levels. Their extensive offering includes beginners classes, pregnancy, mothers and babies sessions and meditation. If you're looking to embrace your inner zen, this is the place to go.

1-5 Sussex Street, Glenelg

Endota Spa

An oasis away from busy Jetty Road, step into Endota Spa and feel the stress melt away. Choose from signature services like relaxation or pregnancy massages and high-performance facials, or treat yourself to a day of bliss with a spa package. ‘Immerse’ is our pick of the lot; running for over two hours, you will indulge the mind, body and spirit with a massage, scrub, cocoon, foot soak and hydrating facial – heaven! 

1 Nile Street, Glenelg

Her Town

Head to Her Town for a deserved pamper session. This salon is our go-to spot in this beachy 'burb for bouncy blowouts, Pinterest-worthy colour and all-round enviable locks. They also have professional makeup artists in the studio to give you a gorg glam if you're heading to an event and a licenced bar so you can sip on a glass of wine while your stylist gets to work.

1/6 Partridge Street, Glenelg

James the Salon

James the Salon was born from a desire for difference in the hair industry, and it's one of the coolest spots in Glenelg to go for a sophisticated and cutting edge haircut and colour. Founded by Kirsty Sage in April 2019, James is the establishment that creates confidence and empowerment. Step into the transformative environment located beachside, on sunny Jetty Road in Glenelg.

Entry via, 40 Jetty Road, Moseley Street, Glenelg

Superette

If you’re after a light bite in Glenelg, you can’t go past Superette. This bright and airy space is filled with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods, making for a very warm welcome. Grab a spot in one of their mid-century style seats, or opt for a takeout treat on the beach.

Croissants so big that there’s some left for later are something to get excited about, filled with almond, custard or a savoury choice of ham and cheese, while their ’bliss balls’ will give you that extra boost needed to get through the day ahead.

3/15 Moseley Street, Glenelg

Dante's Deli

Dante's Deli is the go-to spot for sandwich enthusiasts. Open seven days a week, this small but mighty deli has earned a reputation for serving some of the best sandwiches in town. Choosing a favourite is near impossible when the fresh and toasted varieties are equally mouthwatering - you'll want to try the entire menu!

Sitchu tip: these sandwiches are in high demand, so be sure to arrive promptly when they start serving at 11:00am, because they sell out fast!

3/58 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Bottega Gelateria

Treat yourself to a scoop of Bottega Gelateria’s handcrafted gelato, created the traditional way – with passion, time and years of experience. They only use fresh seasonal fruits and the finest SA ingredients in their creamy creations to create flavours like traditional strawberry, organic pistachio and Stracciatella chocolate chip.

58 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Oliveti

Striking the perfect balance between casual and upscale, Oliveti is ideal for post-beach bites or romantic date nights. Brought to you by the talented team behind Bar Lune, Spread, and Dolly, expect a fresh menu featuring stellar share plates like hashbrowns with blue swimmer crab and bottarga, gnocco fritto with mortadella, and chargrilled octopus with walnut tarator.

Their pasta selection will keep you coming back, and hearty options like an 800g rib-eye or market fish with arrabbiata butter are must-tries, especially paired with Oliveti's well-executed sides. Don't miss the Chef's Selection for under $80!

43 Broadway, Glenelg South

Fourth

Dinner and drinks date on the cards? Or perhaps a morning brunch? Fourth has got you covered either way. Their easygoing, contemporary vibe extends from their interior design to their menu. Our recommendations? The polenta chips, seafood fettuccine and a cheeky peach daiquiri are a winning combo.

34 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Ballet Wine Bar

Make this your next date night bar. Jetty Road's gem, Ballet Wine Bar, brings a slice of Europe to Glenelg with its chic, French-inspired interior and a selection of boutique and European wines alongside South Australia's finest interpretations.

Ballet offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for sipping global wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails. The space exudes old-world charm and modern elegance, with intimate tasting rooms and open windows. Pair your drinks with seasonally curated small plates, and look out for exclusive events featuring winemakers and new vintages. 

29 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Coast

Coast boasts one of the best locations in Glenelg, perched on the Holdfast Promenade with expansive ocean views. Open all day, every day, stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just drinks, with a beautiful sunset backdrop to accompany your evening cocktail.

18 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg

Homebasics + Design 

Home Basics and Design is a one-stop shop on Jetty Road. Whether you're just there to browse, buy a gift, or shop 'til your homeware-loving heart drops, you're sure to find something gorgeous to take home with you. Selling cushions, candles, reed diffusers, coffee table books and kitchen homewares, there's so much to look at... and buy!

128 Jetty Road, Glenelg 

Adelaide Instyle

Open seven days a week and receiving fresh stock regularly, Adelaide Instyle is the spot to pick up new favourite styles. The team’s keen eye for fashion and ability to match pieces perfectly means there’s something to be found to suit all age ranges, styles and budgets.

77 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Denim + Cloth

Denim + Cloth is a fantastic fashion retailer representing an array of small and large brands that are not only classic and unique, but ultimately of premium quality. They're bringing together a slice of the best global fashion to inspire your daily wardrobe, with a primary focus and love for denim, from labels from Neuw through to Nudie and Alias Mae. 

71 Jetty Road, Glenelg 

Attitudes Boutique

For quality basics with a twist, everything you need to build your perfectly curated capsule wardrobe can be found at Attitudes Boutique. You'll find timeless wardrobe pieces, seasonal prints to jazz up your look and pretty homewares to upgrade your space. 

54 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Now that you know the best things to do in Glenelg, it's time to explore more Adelaide gems! Plan the perfect day in Henley Beach and get your foodie fix in Prospect.