Joanna James
A contemporary rustic city full of photogenic glamour, Adelaide is a definite must-stop if you're in South Australia, and its most sought-after Glenelg metropolitan beach should be an essential feature of your itinerary. Here are some fun escapes to sample on this artsy waterfront strip.
A brief vintage tram ride from the picturesque colonial enclaves, preserved indigenous legacies, and nature-kissed countryside of Adelaide will lead you to the Instagrammable and tourist-savvy old-world seaside settlement of Glenelg, with its gentle sapphire beachfront, rustic shopping havens, hospitable museums, and contemporary art galleries. While simply roaming this dreamy district, either following the whimsical allurements beckoning at each corner, or joining a guided tour, seems deceptively basic, there's truly much to enthral the spirit in this heritage municipality. From quaint walks into the sunset on the 18th-century Glenelg Pier and following the Proclamation Trail to sample the authentic taste of the Old City, scattered with original gems like the historic landmarks of the Old Gum Tree and the First Landing, to indulging in tours all about locally grown chocolatier confectionery, there's delicious uniqueness to experience first-hand.
From decadent alfresco dining by the stunning sandy beaches around Marina Pier to embarking on exhilarating cruises that follow the playful antics of native dolphin pods, Glenelg Bay caters to all energy and adventure levels. If you're in the mood for some locally infused shopping, Jetty Road is jam-packed with enticing cafés, restaurants, and retro-chic stores selling everything from trendy fashion brands to intricately crafted homewares. After a delicious coffee and brunch situation, you can leisurely wind your way through fashion-forward emporiums, vintage boutiques, beauty therapy centres, and confectionaries.
Whether it's beach Pilate classes on paddle boards soaking up ocean spray, art and history-guided walks interspersed with mouthwatering food stops, or lush sunset catamaran cruises, Glenelg seamlessly appears to all senses of productive indulgence. But if you're in the mood for good old nostalgic fun and games, head over to The Beach House theme park, where splash-worthy frolicking is the delightful norm. From water slides and bumper boats to classic arcade games, play castles, and mini-golf, there's plenty of encouragement for the fun-loving kid in you! If you're looking for top-notch Glenelg holiday accommodation located close to its best enticements, venture no further than Oaks Glenelg Liberty Suites.
From after-dark photography workshops to gain mastery of capturing long-exposure land and sea panoramas to captivating all-in-one art gallery boutiques, where you can admire traditional and contemporary original artworks and purchase ethical crafts, books, jewellery, and skincare, there are plenty to connect you with the local wonders of Glenelg. If you're enthusiastic about delving into the fascinating past of Glenelg Bay via interpretative displays, indigenous cultural exhibits, and colonial-era relics, visit the quirky edutainment hub of the Bay Discovery Centre Museum.
Your stop at this tropical ocean oasis is far from complete if you forget to plunge into its mouthwatering food scene tailor-made to all palates. From beach-bound gelato parlours and fish and chips shacks to hip joints like Grind It, with its graffitied wood and metal vibe, Doughballs Pizza for comfort food with a twist, and multi-cuisine delicacies served up in the rustic bayside hotels, your avenues for gastronomic bliss are endless!
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