
Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Santiago, Chile
1. Costanera Center
A modern waterfront complex with the tallest building in South America, offering shopping, dining, and a unique sky cost analysis.
- Sky Cost Analysis: Features an observation deck at 300 meters high, providing stunning views of Santiago.
- Shopping Destination: Home to a vast shopping mall with over 250 stores.
- Iconic Tower: Houses offices, apartments, and hotels within the iconic tower called Gran Torre Santiago.
2. Playa El Faro
A popular urban beach in the commune of Vitacura, featuring a lighthouse and various food vendors.
- Lighthouse View: The historic lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop for sunset photos.
- Food Options: Offers food vendors selling refreshments and snacks for beachgoers.
- Urban Beach: A unique urban setting, as it is located along the city's coastline.
3. Quinta Normal Park
A large park with a lake and various attractions, including a boating area and waterfront promenade.
- Boating Area: Offers pedal boats, rowboats, and canoes for rent.
- Waterfront Promenade: Features a scenic walkway along the lake's edge.
- Historical Context: Houses several historical buildings, such as the Museum of Memory and Human Rights.
4. San Cristobal Hill
A large hill offering panoramic views of Santiago and surrounding mountains. Accessible via a funicular.
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking vistas of the city, mountains, and coastline.
- Funicular Access: An easy way to reach the summit without hiking.
- Statue of the Virgin Mary: The statue atop San Cristobal Hill is a landmark and popular photo spot.
5. Poblado Costanero San Bernardo
A coastal village offering various waterfront activities like fishing, kayaking, and boat trips.
- Fishing Experience: Provides opportunities for fishermen to catch their own fish from the shore.
- Kayaking Adventures: Offers kayak rentals for exploring the coastline and nearby islands.
- Boat Trips: Includes boat trips to nearby attractions, such as the Isla Maipo wildlife reserve.
6. Park O'Higgins
A large waterfront park featuring various sports facilities and a popular skatepark.
- Sports Facilities: Offers multiple sports courts, including tennis, basketball, and volleyball.
- Skatepark: A popular gathering place for skateboard enthusiasts.
- Water Activities: Includes kayak and paddleboat rentals.
7. Playa O'Higgins
A beach located within Park O'Higgins, offering water sports and a scenic promenade.
- Water Sports: Features jet ski rentals and surfing lessons.
- Scenic Promenade: Enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront.
- Beach Accessibility: Easily accessible from downtown Santiago via public transportation.
8. Playa Norte de Concon
A popular beach in Concón, featuring calm waters and various amenities.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for swimming due to its relatively calm waters.
- Restaurants and Bars: Numerous restaurants, bars, and beachfront cafes along the shoreline.
- Parking Availability: Ample parking spaces available for visitors.
9. Playa Tongoy
A long stretch of sandy beach located in the El Quisco commune, known for its strong waves.
- Surfing Destination: Ideal for experienced surfers due to powerful waves.
- Scenic Cliffs: Features dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Camping Options: Allows camping along the beach for overnight stays.
10. Playa Las Salinas de Tongoy
A secluded beach near Playa Tongoy, known for its natural salt pans and pink flamingos.
- Natural Salt Pans: Features large areas of salt accumulation formed by the sea.
- Wildlife Spotting: Offers opportunities to observe pink flamingos and other coastal wildlife.
- Seclusion: A less crowded alternative to Playa Tongoy.
11. Isla Maipo
A small island near the coast of Santiago, known for its wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Protected area housing diverse wildlife, including sea lions.
- Birdwatching: Ideal for observing various bird species, such as pelicans and cormorants.
- Boat Trips: Includes boat trips from the nearby coastal villages of San Bernardo and Concon.
12. Playa Las Salinas de Zapallar
A secluded beach with natural salt pans, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Natural Salt Pans: Large areas of salt accumulation formed by the sea.
- Scenic Cliffs: Dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Seclusion: A less crowded alternative to other beaches in the area.
13. Playa Santa Maria
A small and picturesque beach located near Viña del Mar, offering a tranquil setting.
- Tranquil Setting: Ideal for those seeking a peaceful and secluded beach experience.
- Nearby Attractions: Close proximity to the city of Viña del Mar, offering various amenities.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Clear waters provide good conditions for snorkeling and exploring marine life.
14. Playa Las Salinas de Quintero
A secluded beach with natural salt pans, offering a unique landscape and opportunities for birdwatching.
- Natural Salt Pans: Large areas of salt accumulation formed by the sea.
- Scenic Cliffs: Dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Birdwatching: Ideal for observing various bird species, such as pelicans and cormorants.
15. Playa Tobalaba
A picturesque beach near the town of San Antonio, featuring calm waters and a lighthouse.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for swimming due to its relatively calm waters.
- Lighthouse View: The historic lighthouse provides a picturesque backdrop for photos.
- Beachfront Restaurants: Numerous restaurants and cafes along the shoreline.