Beachside Bliss: The Best Things to Do in Henley Beach
This seaside suburb is filled with eateries, coffee spots and wellness studios, and our guide to the best things to do in Henley Beach gives you the perfect day by the beach.
Henley Beach is the definition of a coastal gem. Only 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, this beachy suburb is a summer hot spot, with locals and visitors flocking to the shore for a dip in the pristine water before heading to the square for a bite.
With gorgeous cafes, restaurants with ocean views, chic wellness spaces and sunrise yoga on the beach, we've rounded up the best things to do in Henley Beach, so you can have the perfect day out, whatever the weather.
Best Things to Do in Henley Beach: Cafes
Nauti Buoy
Nauti Buoy has quickly set sail into our brunch-loving hearts with its winning combination of expertly crafted dishes, stellar location, lively atmosphere, warm interiors and welcoming service.
It's easy to slip into an easy-breezy state here, with a coffee in hand and the kitchen slinging out favourites like sourdough crumpets layered with seasonal jam and Paris Creek salted butter, ham and scram croissants and chia and apple bircher.
Come sunset on Fridays and Saturdays, the team fires up with cocktail specials during 'Nauti Hour' from 5 pm - 7 pm, plus, keep an eye on socials for one-off trivia nights, live jazz and late-night dance floor DJs.
1 Henley Beach Road, Henley Beach
LUMA Coffee Club
LUMA Coffee Club is the place to be seen in Henley Beach. With light timber accents, sage green and white tiles that fit the coastal location, and dreamy arched doorways, this cafe is an aesthetic dream - and perfect for an impromptu IG photoshoot.
Whether you grab a coffee, a healthy smoothie, an Acai bowl, or a sourdough toastie (the Chicken Melt is a must-try!), LUMA offers a laid-back space perfect for relaxing.
60-62 Mitton Avenue, Henley Beach
Joe’s Henley Beach
Situated tantalisingly close to the shoreline of Henley Beach with epic views to the horizon, settle in and browse through Joe’s all-day menu for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Delectable seafood dishes, tasty tacos and pasta dishes will keep all taste palettes satisfied, whilst a refreshing Aperol Spritz is the perfect companion for gazing out to the lapping ocean and setting sun in front of you.
Corner of South Street and Esplanade, Henley Beach
Best Things to Do in Henley Beach: Restaurants & Bars
Henley House
The three floors of Henley House serve good food, good drinks and good vibes.
On the ground floor by the ocean's edge, you can dine all day at the front Beach Bar with fresh snacks including sashimi, freshly shucked oysters and salt and pepper squid.
Take the stairs to the Dining Room to get your mini tacos and share plates, washed down with something from their extensive wine list and classic cocktail offerings. While you enjoy your meal, take in the views across the ocean from their floor-to-ceiling windows or outdoor deck.
On the top floor, you’ll find the Rooftop Bar. The prime spot for beginning (or ending) your multi-floor Henley House experience. Sit outside to bask in the sun on their open-air deck or get cosy in a velvet booth and let the cocktails flow!
269 Seaview Road, Henley Beach
HNLY
Focusing on fresh ingredients and authentic, vivid flavours, HNLY designed their Mediterranean menu for friends and families to enjoy moments and meals together. The space is stunning in every corner, and the balcony tables boast views over Henley Square and the beach - sunset drinks, sorted.
Try the HNLY roasted chicken kiev with a side of roasted carrots, or treat yourself to the beach-front classic; a serving of Coopers' beer-battered King George whiting with hand-cut chips. For dessert – the dark chocolate cake never disappoints.
253A Seaview Road, Henley Square
Seamore's
With its sweeping panoramic views across Henley Beach from its iconic location, neon signage and fruity cocktails, Seamore's is a crowd favourite among Adelaidians.
Head up the staircase and onto the balcony to enjoy a delicious pizza and cocktail as the golden hour light hits that sweet spot. Known for the laidback beach vibes, this is one venue where you are welcome to stay a while and take a moment to enjoy life by the water.
255 Esplanade, Henley Square
Bottega Gelateria
No great day by the beach is ever complete with a scoop of creamy gelato. That's simply the rule of life! Tyourself to a scoop of some of Bottega Gelateria’s handcrafted gelato, created the traditional way – with passion, time and years of experience.
Using fresh seasonal fruits and the finest SA ingredients in their creamy creations, choose from strawberry, plum sorbet and a tasty stracciatella that is so good it will just about transport you to the streets of Italy.
249A Seaview Road, Henley Beach
Best Things to Do in Henley Beach: Health & Wellness
Salty Sips
If you time it right, you can start your perfect day in Henley Beach the best way - with a bright and early yoga session and a sunrise ocean dip with Salty Sips.
Held on the first Wednesday morning of every month and run by the beautiful Human.Kind team, you will be surrounded by hundreds of like-minded individuals as you start your day with movement and clarity at this free event. Bliss.
First Wednesday of the month from 6.30 am
Henley Square
Studio Spring
Bloomin’ lovely! This sunny, pastel-hued Pilates studio has stemmed from the focus on creating the happiest version of you within their calm and welcoming space.
By combining the power of movement with authentic social connection, Studio Spring is a space that’s more than just Pilates; it’s a space where you can also build strength, confidence and empowering friendships.
With a luxe and oh-so-pretty studio in Henley Beach, there has never been a better time to hit up this gorgeous reformer pilates studio. Don’t forget, it’s always sunny in Spring!
Stepney, Goodwood & Henley Beach
IONE Spa & Wellness
A full day of coastal bliss would be incomplete without an hour or two of pampering. IONE Spa and Wellness in West Lakes, just a 10-minute drive from Henley, are massage experts, elevating a regular treatment to a sublime experience, leaving guests rejuvenated and refreshed.
Expert hands weave their magic restoring the skin and soul to luminosity. From tension-relieving deep tissue massages to blissful Shirobyang (traditional Indian head massage) sessions, every treatment is crafted to melt away stress and restore balance to both body and mind.
Sitchu Tip: On your feet all day? Treat yourself to their silky and delicious hydrating foot cocoon and massage, bringing complete recovery and inner and outer radiance.
Shop 74/155 Brebner Drive, West Lakes
Are you planning your perfect day now that you know the best things to do in Henley Beach? Keep the beachy vibes alive with our round-up of the best rooftop bars in Adelaide, or hit the open road with this road trip in South Australia!