Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Santiago, Chile

Santiago, Chile, Santiago, Outdoor & Adventure, Beaches & Waterfront Activities

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.