Got a free summer day with the family? From delicious bites to fun adventures and relaxing moments by the sea, here’s how to spend 24 unforgettable hours in the beachside locale of Glenelg, South Australia.
Morning
Start your day with free, all-day parking just metres from Jetty Road at the Partridge Street East car park. Then fuel up at one of Glenelg’s tempting breakfast spots.
For a sweet treat, Momo Soufflé Pancakes in Moseley Square serves up cloud-like Japanese pancakes made with rice flour and slow-cooked for 20 minutes. Or head to Swedish Tarts in Nile Street for a taste of Sweden, from pyttipanna (similar to hash) to Swedish waffles. Prefer savoury? Feed on Jetty Road dishes up all-day breakfast favourites, including eggs benedict and chilli scrambled eggs.
Don’t forget to snap a photo at the striking Elysian Fields, a new, 21-metre-long avenue of towering flowers at the corner of Jetty and Brighton Roads.
Midmorning
Burn off breakfast at The Beachhouse on Colley Terrace, where indoor heated waterslides, dodgem cars, bumper boats, mini golf, arcade games and a carousel can keep children and adults entertained. Are the kids still full of energy? The Glenelg Foreshore Playspace offers water play, climbing equipment, slides, trampolines, and space to run. Or just a flip-flop’s throw away, hit the beach to build sandcastles, take a refreshing dip or paddleboard in the sea.
Midday
Glenelg has plenty of lunchtime options to satisfy the whole family. Benny’s American Burgers on Jetty Road delivers classic burgers with juicy patties and loaded toppings. Shadow Baking on Colley Terrace boasts an ever-changing menu of sweet and savoury pastries, ranging from Vegemite and avocado scrolls to tomato and hot-honey focaccia. For fresh, healthy fare, head to Pokenom in Moseley Square for poke bowls packed with bold flavours.
Afternoon
Unwind at Event Cinemas on Cowper Street with the latest summer blockbuster on spacious leatherette seats. Then explore South Australia’s heritage at the Bay Discovery Centre in the historic Glenelg Town Hall in Moseley Square. Learn about the Kaurna people, SA’s Proclamation and settlement, and the evolution of beach culture. Entry is by gold coin donation, and it’s open daily from 10am to 4pm, excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Evening
Dinner calling? Take your pick from Glenelg’s culinary delights. Green Tea House on Jetty Road showcases traditional Vietnamese and Asian dishes; DoughBalls Pizza in Moseley Square is known for its light, fluffy dough balls and Roman-style pizzas; and Mamma Carmela Café Pizzeria on Jetty Road celebrates hearty Italian fare, including pasta, gourmet pizzas, and seafood.
End the day with a ride on the Mix 102.3 Giant Wheel, back on the foreshore until 10 May 2026, offering stunning views over Glenelg Beach, Moseley Square, Jetty Road, and the Adelaide Hills. Finally, enjoy an evening ice cream from favourites like Gelatissimo, Cold Rock Ice Creamery, Royal Copenhagen, or the new Gelato Messina.
A perfect summer’s day spent with the family, right on your doorstep!
