Things to do in Glenelg: Where to Eat, Drink and Play

Just a 20 minute drive or a 35 minute tram ride from Adelaide’s CBD, Glenelg is a vibrant beach-side suburb with a whole lot of personality. Whether you're an outdoorsy type or looking for something a little more laid back, there's no shortage of ways to spend your time there. Glenelg is home to some of South Australia's best shops, restaurants, bars, beauty salons and sandy beaches.

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

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 wherein you can spot and swim along the local wildlife as friendly dolphins approach your boat. Prefer to kick back and enjoy the views while staying dry? They have a number of cruises which can include delicious food and beverages from their licenced bar, afternoon tea and a twilight evening sailing experience.

Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores Marina, Glenelg

Pinot & Picasso

Looking for fun things to do in Glenelg? 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, paints, and also 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 alike flock down 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 abundant. You'll find it located at the iconic Glenelg foreshore at Moseley Square; it's free entry and family friendly to boot! An essential thing to do in Glenelg, the markets are on once a month, from November through March. 

Moseley Square, Glenelg 

Enjoy a Swim at Glenelg Beach

An iconic thing to do in Glenelg is to of course take a dip at Glenelg Beach. Adelaide's most popular city beach offers a buzzing vibe and 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

Endota Spa

Step into Endota Spa and feel the stress melt away as you unwind in the calm and peaceful spa. 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! There's a reason why Endota is a national brand - it's one of the best spots for spa treatment and massage in Adelaide, every time. 

1 Nile Street, Glenelg

Her Town

Head to Her Town for the perfect, all-day pamper session. This salon in Glenelg is our go-to spot in this beachy 'burb for bouncy blowouts, Pinterest-worthy colour and all-round enviable locks. Plus, they also have professional makeup artists to give you a gorg glam if you're heading to an event.  Want to get your tipple on early? They have a licenced bar, so you can sip on a 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

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, prenatal and mothers and babies sessions, men’s yoga and even rope yoga. If you're looking for things to do in Glenelg that'll help you embrace your inner zen, this is the place to go.

1-5 Sussex Street, Glenelg

Superette

If you’re after a light bite in one of Glenelg’s best cafes, you can’t go past Superette. This light, bright and airy space is filled with the aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods, making for a very warm welcome. Stop by before 12pm on a weekend or 2pm Tuesday to Friday for one of the best coffees in Adelaide and a delicious pastry. Grab a spot in one of their mid-century style seats (if you’re lucky enough to get a spot) 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. Slabs of banana bread toasted with butter will warm you from the inside, while their ’bliss balls’ will give you that extra boost needed to get through the day ahead.

3/15 Moseley Street, Glenelg

Junipers on the Marina

Turn the perfect beach day up an extra notch with tapas and gin at Junipers on the Marina! Located in the marina and complete with views across the sparkling waters of the bay, it offers itself as Glenelg’s best restaurant, cocktail bar, entertainment venue and beach club – all in one. Take your time selecting one of the 40 gins on offer to start, with local gins including Seppeltsfield RD, Happenstance, Spiritato, Never Never and Ambleside to name a few. Order up some Spanish small plates to share with the table to keep things interesting. Classic croquettes, chorizo, patatas bravas and albondigas (meatballs) will get the party started - add an extra-large serving of paella while you’re at it!

11/12 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg

Moseley Bar and Restaurant

If you’re after a relaxed, beach vibe alongside good food and drink, then Moseley Bar and Restaurant is a must visit. Open ‘til late daily, you can take your pick of nibbles, lunch and dinner available, or choose from their list of wines, beers and cocktails waiting to refresh you.

If you fancy something a little more al fresco, book yourself into the Moseley Igloos for yourself and seven others to enjoy exclusive use of either a relaxed lounge igloo or a more formal round table dining igloo, complete with your own personal waiter. When summer comes back around, Moseley Beach Club returns to give a taste of the Amalfi Coast right on your very doorstep.

The Moseley Igloos are open daily from May 3rd to September 8^th 2024. Bookings are available in 2.5 hour sessions. Minimum spend required.

11 Moseley Square, Glenelg

Bottega Gelateria

Treat yourself to a scoop of some 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 including traditional strawberry, plum sorbet and even matcha green tea.

58 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Polk

An Instagrammer's dream of neon lighting, pastel colours and palm trees galore is ready and waiting at Polk. There’s a menu packed with modern Asian fusion dishes with 'Easy Eats' or 'Feed Me' options, the most delicious cocktails and the good vibes of Glenelg. Our top pick? The Tom Yum Omelette with mushroom, tomato, mixed Thai herbs and salad sitting on sourdough.

114 Partridge Street, Glenelg South

Fourth

Late night dinner and drinks date on the cards? Or perhaps a morning brunch? Fourth has got you covered either way. Their easy going, contemporary vibe extends from their interior design to their menu. Our recommendations? The market fish tartare and the 12 hour lamb. Named after the fact that the brother-duo owners are the ‘fourth’ generation in business on Jetty Road, we can count on the fact that these guys know their stuff when it comes to Glenelg.

34 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Coast

Coast takes pride of place along the Holdfast Promenade, and may be one of the best kept local secrets along Glenelg Pier. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just drinks, alongside a side of endless views over the sea and a beautiful sunset backdrop to accompany your evening cocktail.

18 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg

The Pier Bar 

Fancy a glass of sparkling to match the sparkling waters of the bay? The Pier Bar has your sorted there. Sitting ground floor inside the Glenelg Pier Hotel, it's the ultimate spot for superb ocean views with a side of cocktails and shoestring fries aplenty. Even better is sitting outside in the terrace with your drink as the waves lap in the distance. Sheer coastal bliss. 

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 homewares such as cushions, candles, reed diffusers, and coffee table books, and beauty products through to kitchen homewares, there's so much to look at and some impressive brands lining the shelves, from Basil Bangs to Robert Gordon. 

128 Jetty Road, Glenelg 

Adelaide Instyle

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

77 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Denim + Cloth

Denim + Cloth is a fantastic fashion retailer on Jetty Road, 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. Because what capsule wardrobe goes without some quality denim threads? 

71 Jetty Road, Glenelg 

Attitudes Boutique

For good quality basics with a twist, everything you need to build your perfectly curated capsule wardrobe and seasonal patterns to add that little something extra to your look, head to Attitudes Boutique. Inside you'll find new wardrobe favourites and pretty homewares to deck your home out in. Now, that's at the top of our list of fun things to do in Glenelg.

54 Jetty Road, Glenelg

Get to know Glenelg even better with our complete suburb guide, the Sitchu guide to Glenelg’s best restaurants, or check out further along the coast with our suburb guide to Brighton.