The Best Beaches in South Australia for Fun in the Sun

South Australian beaches are a little underrated by our interstate friends, but we are in on a state secret – our coastline is nothing short of paradise. Glistening shallow waters and white sandy shores are ideal for ocean swimming, while others teem with marine life to discover and some seriously exceptional seafood. Ahem, Coffin Bay oysters, anyone?

While vast stretches of untouched coast along the picturesque peninsulas call for peaceful, slow days on and by the water, the beaches closer to Adelaide have a different feel. Hot spots like Henley, Glenelg and Brighton are popular for a reason, with a seaside vibrancy that lingers year-round thanks to sidewalk cafes, playgrounds, buzzing bars, picnic facilities and long jetties that jut out over the deep water perfect for fishing.

There’s no denying this state knows how to spoil us when it comes to surf, sun and sand, so we’ve rounded up an ever-growing list of the best beaches in South Australia. Let’s dive in.

Best Beaches in South Australia: Adelaide

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Glenelg Beach

One of Adelaide’s busiest locations, regardless of the weather, Glenelg turns on the charm with its pristine beach, cosy cafes and casual, laid-back vibe. Glenelg feels more like a holiday destination than a suburb less than 30 minutes from its capital city, with the beach itself perfect for swimming, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and snorkelling.

With Jetty Road’s eateries, bars and boutique, entertainment in Moseley Square and the Euro-inspired Moseley Beach Club operating through the summer months, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy long summer days in Glenelg.

Henley Beach

A picturesque seaside suburb with an affluent appeal, Henley Beach is a vast stretch of glistening coast and calm waters, while onshore, the cafe and dining scene in Henley Square is abuzz with activity. The bars and restaurants are filled with sun-kissed patrons, while the beach has a laid-back holiday feel throughout summer, where it’s all about enjoying the simple pleasures. It’s a popular swimming spot, stand-up paddleboarding and kite surfing, while the jetty is best for fishing.

Brighton Beach

South of Glenelg, Brighton Beach is one of the best spots for open-water swimming in Adelaide. On windy days, a swell can form, and surfers are seen bobbing in the water vying for the perfect wave, while the calm waters closer to the shore and wide expanse of sand make this a family favourite. There are cafes and eateries nearby to grab a bite or an iced coffee, and the foreshore walk and jetty are perfect for taking in the fresh ocean breeze while you get your steps in for the day.

Semaphore Beach

This family-friendly beach is perfect for swimmers, kite surfers and windsurfers. Sitting north of Adelaide within proximity to Port Adelaide, this seaside destination nails the summertime vibe. Lay out on the white sand beach or find a spot on the expansive lawn foreshore and explore the fun park-style activities, including a steam train and cultural festivals and celebrations during the summer months. Semaphore ticks every box to be one of the best beaches in Adelaide. 

Best Beaches in South Australia: Fleurieu Peninsula

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Port Noarlunga

From Christies Beach to Moana Beach, this beautiful stretch of sand with red sandstone beach cliffs is often regarded as one of the best beaches in South Australia, thanks to its pristine waters, photo ops and easy access from Adelaide. Off-shore, Port Noarlunga Reef and aquatic reserve is part of the Encounter Marine Park, which is a diver’s and snorkeler’s wonderland.

Silver Sands – Aldinga Beach

When you need a change of pace from cellar-door-hopping throughout McLaren Vale’s epic wineries, duck over to Silver Sands Beach, where you can drive onto the sand, swim or surf to your heart’s content, take in breathtaking views along the coastal walk and visit nearby Aldinga for a bite.

The newest addition to the area – Silver Sands Beach Club – makes the drive to this beautiful beach even more appealing, with a beachfront bar and dining at your disposal.

Maslin Beach

Just north of Aldinga, Maslin Beach is a stunning seaside spot, regularly regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. Known locally as Maslins, the high cliffs near Blanche Point are a perfect picnic area, while at the southern end of the 3km stretch is Australia’s first legal nudist beach with designated areas reserved for nude bathing.

Fun fact – the annual Pilwarren Maslin Beach Nude Games are held here. Nude swimming aside… this is a perfect beachside setting.

Waitpinga Beach

Sitting west of seaside destination Victor Harbor and off the well-beaten path is Waitpinga Beach. Known to locals and visitors as one of the best surfing beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula, these beach breaks can see up to three-metre-high waves. Best tackled by experienced surfers only, its sand dunes and conservation area shroud this beach in natural beauty.

Second Valley Beach

One of South Australia’s most Instagrammed summer spots, Second Valley has it all – swimming, jetty fishing, kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. Plus, the towering cliffs are a playground for heart-thumping cliff jumps. For those who like to stay on land, you are treated to incredible coastal views and unique geological formations. It does fill up on hot days, so, if it’s a little crowded, head 20 minutes up the road to Carrickalinga Beach for equally stunning scenery and secret coves.

Horseshoe Bay

Just on the edge of Port Elliot, it doesn’t get more family-friendly than this. Horseshoe Bay is not only a great swimming, snorkelling and diving beach, but it also has a playground, picnic facilities and a Fish ‘n’ Chips shop only steps away. Locals often swim out to the pontoon, where you will find more marine life. There is a stunning coastal walk perfect for whale watching – with Southern Right whales spotted in the winter months.

Port Willunga Beach

If you’re looking for soft white sand that squeaks under your feet, water so clear you can see the ocean floor and golden cliff faces, then Port Willunga is the beach for you. It doesn’t take long to see why this is one of South Australia’s favourite beaches, with the calm waters looking irresistible as you take your stroll along the sand, spotting what is left of the old Port Willunga Jetty.

Best Beaches in South Australia: Eyre Peninsula

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Memory Cove

This slice of paradise sits at the tip of Lincoln National Park, an hour and a half drive from SA’s seafood capital Port Lincoln. It is mesmerising with its turquoise water, white sandy beaches and native bushland teeming with wildlife. Drive right onto the beach, or set up camp for the night at the shady beachfront campsite and spend a couple of days in beachy bliss.

Almonta Beach

Along the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula in Coffin Bay National Park, Almonta Beach is where sandy dunes meet some of the clearest waters you will see. Bordering the stunning beach is bushland that happens to be a playground for local wildlife – kangaroos, emus and goannas are just some of what can be spotted here. During low tide, a lagoon forms with rock pools. For those who love freshly plucked oysters, visit Coffin Bay Oyster Farm for an interactive experience you won’t soon forget.

September Beach, Lincoln National Park

Is camping by the beach with just the sounds of crashing waves and curious nature around you your idea of a perfect weekend away? If so, check out September Beach in Lincoln National Park. Ideal for all cars (not just 4WDs), there are several campsites to book and pitch your tent for the night.

The beach is gorgeous, providing the most beautiful spot to start your day with a morning walk or kayak. And don’t worry – if roughing it isn’t your thing you can always get a little fancy by booking a glamping stay with Kata and Belle.

Greenly Beach

It would be near impossible to list the best beaches in South Australia and not mention the incredible Greenly Beach. Thanks to the power of social media, this once-secret spot has become one of the most visited locations for a killer Instagram shot. Greenly Beach has protected rockpools with crystal clear water and calm waters that are perfect for swimming. This slice of heaven is an hour from Port Lincoln.

Best Beaches in South Australia: Yorke Peninsula

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Flaherty Beach

This one is not only one of the best beaches in South Australia, but in the entire country – and we know that’s no easy feat when looking at the competition. In 2022, the breathtaking Flaherty Beach on the Spencer Gulf side of the Yorke Peninsula was awarded a top four place in a list of the best beaches in Australia by Tourism Australia.

Sitting between Turin Point and Hardwicke Bay on the Yorke Peninsula, Flaherty boasts some of the whitest sand and clearest water you will see. The very definition of picture-perfect, you can wade through the shallow, calm water and soft sand banks that seem to stretch on forever. 

Dolphin Beach

Sitting pretty on the southern tip of Yorke Peninsula in Dhilba-Guuranda Innes National Park, this 800-metre-long stretch of sand and glistening waters is a dreamy beach in South Australia to escape to. Considered one of the safest spots for swimming on the peninsula, you can spend your days lazing on the shore while spotting playful dolphins in the water and friendly kangaroos on land. 

Best Beaches in South Australia: Kangaroo Island

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Vivonne Bay

Seemingly world’s away yet so close, Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island is reminiscent of a tropical beach in Bali. All six kilometres of the white sandy shores are recognised amongst Australia’s best beaches, and rightfully so with its pristine waters and white sandy shores. With a jetty framing the south end and dunes to the north, this is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, snapping photos and wildlife spotting.

Emu Bay

Though Kangaroo Island is well-known for its abundant wildlife, untouched National Parks and coastal walking trails, the beaches here are unmatched in the summer to soak up the endless sunshine. The white sand and turquoise waters we have come to know in South Australia can also be found at Emu Bay, where you are offered 4.5km of coast to splash in, drive along, set up a beach picnic or play a game of beach cricket on the sand.

Stokes Bay

Seeking a secluded sanctuary? Look no further than Stokes Bay Beach. Hidden away on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, this award-winning paradise will always find a spot in this guide. With a giant natural pool protected from pounding waves, this is a dreamy and safe spot to spend several hours on a warm day. The beach itself? Perfection. Once you see it for yourself, it’s little wonder this was voted Australia’s Best Beach in 2023.

From seaside suburbs to remote coastlines, the best beaches in South Australia are paradise on earth. Discover more South Australian gems with our guides to  Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln.