We cracked the code to the Glenelg Beach vs Henley Beach debate!

We get it, picking where to surf, swim, or soak up sunshine can be a struggle, especially if it’s the undying Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach debate we’re talking about. There are just so many factors you have to take into account before having a beach bonanza.

For us, Glenelg Beach shines in terms of bustling vibes, with an esplanade and shops teeming with a metro beach feel. On the other hand, Henley Beach is more known for its laid-back energy and quieter atmosphere.

You must also consider factors like amenities, activities, and crowd levels to make an informed decision. Luckily, we have the deets you need to weigh your options and choose which beach best suits your mood or preference!

General Info

Amenities of Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

Glenelg Beach has more amenities than Henley Beach, which isn’t surprising, as it’s one of Adelaide’s hottest tourist destinations.

Its primary amenities include a car park, coach parking, picnic areas, free BBQs, eateries, shops, a jetty, public toilets, free showers, public telephones, public seating areas, free Wi-Fi, PWD-friendly spots, and a playground.

On the other hand, Henley Beach has a jetty, picnic areas, eateries, shops, public toilets, and PWD-friendly spots.

Land Activities in Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

Both Glenelg Beach and Henley Beach have similar land activities, such as picnicking, beach volleyball, seaside shopping, beachfront biking, and jetty fishing.

However, we’ll give a slight edge to Glenelg Beach in terms of ease of shopping experience. This is due to the number and concentration of shops along the beachfront, making shopping sprees a breeze and less stressful.

But, if you’re looking for more space to play beach frisbee or volleyball, Henley Beach offers more areas to stretch out, as it’s typically not as crowded as the ever-popular Glenelg Beach.

Water Activities in Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

We love having more options when it comes to water activities, so we’ll give the lead to Glenelg Beach on this one.

Yes, you can surf, kayak, paddleboard, swim, and snorkel on both beaches, but Glenelg Beach has more organized operators or schools along the beachfront. 

This means the beach can provide more lessons and rental shops for the said water activities.

But, hey, it all boils down to preference. If your ideal water activity revolves more around a laid-back swimming or snorkeling sesh and less about cruises, Henley Beach is the better pick.

Attractions in Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

Glenelg Beach is the clear winner in terms of the quality and number of attractions on and near the beachfront.

The beach’s most famous points of interest include The Beachhouse, Jimmy Melrose Park, Marina Pier, Colley Reserve, Bay Discovery Center, Glenelg Jetty, Glenelg Foreshore Playspace, and Moseley Square.

On the other hand, Henley Beach boasts tourist magnets like River Torrens Linear Park Trail, Henley Beach Jetty, Marine Discovery Center, and Henley Square.

Events in Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

Glenelg Beach has bigger and more events, whether it’s art exhibits, beachside markets, or festivals. Just this February 2024, the Adelaide Festival opened on the beach—the first time the opening was held outside the CBD.

What sealed the deal in this round, though, is the number of concerts that took place in Glenelg Beach. Names like Cold Chisel, Fatboy Slim, and Vance Joy are a few of the hitmakers who have performed here in recent years.

Henley Beach also hosts events like Coastal Sounds, Christmas in the Square, and SALA, but they aren’t as frequent or grandiose as the ones in Glenelg.

Dining in Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

From seafood restaurants to steakhouses, Glenelg Beach and Henley Beach flex world-class dining scenes that can cater to any preference. However, Henley Beach takes the crown this time.

Henley Beach’s restaurants and cafes are rated higher than the ones in Glenelg Beach. In addition, Henley Beach’s restaurants whip up more diverse bites and blends, ranging from international cuisine to Australian staples.

Another reason why we picked Henley Beach is because their best eateries, like Mia Margarita, Carnivore, and Stella, are close to each other and are a short walk from the main beach spot by the jetty.

In contrast, Glenelg Beach’s finest haunts are more spread out along Jetty Rd. This is a pro if you want to explore but a con if you simply want to stay on or near the beachfront.

Accommodations in Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

It’s hard to beat Glenelg Beach in the accommodations department—both in terms of quality and number. This shouldn’t be a shock at all, as the beach attracts tourists from Australia and beyond.

The standouts include Stamford Grand Adelaide Hotel, Oaks Glenelg Plaza Suite, and Ensenada Motor Inn & Suites—all a stone’s throw from the beachfront.

As for Henley Beach, Ramsgate Hotel by Nightcap Social is the sole top dog, so Glenelg Beach takes this category by a landslide.

Wildlife of Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach

The two beaches teem with wildlife, with a variety of species calling the coastline home. Birds are the usual ones you’ll spot, with gulls, cormorants, oystercatchers, pelicans, and ibises as the most common species.

However, Glenelg Beach is particularly popular for its dolphin population, with usual sightings of bottlenose dolphins and other species.

Henley Beach, on the other hand, harbors more estuaries, so expect to see more birds and tiny marine animals, particularly during low tide.

In fact, on our recent walk, we crossed paths with pint-sized fish, crabs, and clams, as well as diving, swimming, and wading birds hunting them. Migratory birds also flock here, with kingfisher and whiskered terns as the regular visitors.

Glenelg Beach vs. Henley Beach: How They Stack Up