Best Beaches in Vina del Mar

The best beaches in Viña del Mar are easily accessible, while the nearby seaside resorts of Concon and Reñaca boast stunning beaches with vast expanses of sand facing the Pacific Ocean. However, be warned: the water can be quite cold!

Owing to the Humboldt Current, which brings cooler waters from the ocean depths, one can expect to enjoy some of the freshest seafood available once you decide to step away from the beach.

Playa Negra – Concon

This beach, located past Higuerilla Cove, boasts moderate waves and dark sands enriched with volcanic minerals, giving it its unique appeal. Although lacking certain amenities, it remains a great spot for family outings. Its accessibility is enhanced by good public transportation connections, making it easy to visit from the center of Viña del Mar.

Playa Reñaca – Reñaca

Since its rise in popularity during the mid-60s, this coastal resort has become one of the major tourist attractions of the area. The beach stretches 1.3 kilometers and its allure continues to grow.

The vibrant promenade offers a wide variety of craft stalls, restaurants, ice-cream shops, discotheques, cafes, and boutiques. Locals have segmented the beach into several zones, notably “El Familiar,” designated for families, and “El Cementerio,” a hotspot for socializing.

Playa Los Lilenes

A small beach favored by families, Playa Los Lilenes is somewhat shielded from coastal winds due to surrounding rocks. The sand is a bit coarse; therefore, caution is advised when entering the sea due to potentially dangerous undercurrents, despite its calm appearance.

This serene beach offers a perfect spot for a day in the sun.

Playa Caleta Abarca

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Playa Caleta Abarca is a central beach of the city, benefiting from a cove that offers protection against strong ocean currents, making swimming relatively safe.

This beach can become quite crowded during the busy summer season. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, relax on benches, or enjoy children’s play areas. Parking is also available along with a local discotheque, and the lovely gardens nearby are perfect for leisurely walks.

Playa Amarilla – Concon

This beach, formerly one of the most exclusive, has transformed over time due to urban development and now attracts numerous visitors, especially in summer. It is larger than many neighboring beaches, featuring a fine promenade alongside various restaurants.

Playa Salinas – Reñaca

This beach is shielded from winds by both rocks and nearby structures, making it a favored location, especially for families with young children. The conditions are generally calmer here, making it suitable for less experienced swimmers. Established in 1930, the beach is named for the salt ponds once utilized in the area.

Playa Los Marineros

Diverse activities can be found at this beach during summer, while in other seasons, it offers a peaceful ambiance for fishing or leisurely walks. The beach is flanked by a children’s playground and is adjacent to Salinas Beach. Although parts of this area are under control of the Chilean Navy, it is crucial to avoid swimming due to dangerous undercurrents.

Playa Cochoa – Concon

This small beach benefits from protection by a peninsula that shields it from coast winds, resulting in calmer waters suitable for families, especially those with young children. Close to parking facilities, this location also offers a good variety of restaurants and shellfish bars nearby to satisfy your cravings.

Playa Acapulco

This expansive beach features coarse sands and gentle waves, located conveniently between Peru Avenue and Vergara Wharf. Its proximity to downtown Viña del Mar and the local restaurant scene makes it a favorite among visitors.

Enjoy sunbathing, cooling off in the ocean, or taking a leisurely stroll. The best time for a walk is at sunset, when you might catch local fishermen casting their lines into the water. The lovely gardens behind the beach provide an excellent setting for relaxing walks as well.

Playa Mirasol

Recent enhancements have transformed Playa Mirasol into a welcoming locale, featuring a pedestrian walkway lined with gardens and a popular crafts market. Much like Acapulco Beach, it serves as an extension, stretching from Vergara Wharf to the Maritime Sanatorium.

The smooth, well-maintained streets have become a prime spot for roller skaters, particularly on weekends when they navigate around leisurely pedestrians.