Best things to do in Viña Del Mar
Viña Del Mar is a popular beach town among the Chileans. During the holidays the beaches can be packed with mostly Chilean and Argentinian people who spent their vacation here. It's a wealthy city compared to other places in Chile and has a lot to offer. Here is a list of the best things to do in Viña Del Mar.
1. Spot Sea Lions
Along the coast from Viña Del Mar to Valparaiso there are several spots where you can see sea lions. This is one of the spots where they regularly hang out, but it’s possible to see them anywhere near the coast. It’s cool to see how to they jump all the way up the platform!
Click here for the Google Maps location.
It’s also possible to do a boat tour from the port of Valparaiso. You will get to know a little bit of the history of the town, but the best thing, you can see the sea lions from very close!
I found these ones from the pictures below by just walking along the coast in Viña Del Mar.
2. Driving Along The Coast
If you have a rental car, motor bike or just a bike, this is an amazing route to drive. This route will take you through the different coastal towns, beautiful viewpoints, several beaches and great restaurants. It’s also popular with runners.
I would suggest to start here. From this parking space you can walk to Reloj De Flores De Viña Del Mar to take some pictures, and than continue your journey along the coast. If you want to combine it with the sea lion spot, start here.
Then follow this route to Rotonda Concón.
3. Walk Through The Dunes/Sandboarding
Located in Concón is this dune field. You can walk around and have some amazing views. It’s also possible to rent a board and go sandboarding.
Click here for the Google Maps location.
4. Quad Biking
A little bit further than the dunes is this location where you can quad race. They have a little circuit or you can do one of the tours.
Click here to see the Google Maps location.
5. Watch The Sunset
On this whole coastline you can watch some spectacular sunsets. Find a nice spot and enjoy the sunset!
6. Visit Quintay
Quintay is a little fisher village, located close to Viña Del Mar. There used to be a whale industry here and the water used to be filled with blubber and blood. Nowadays it’s a peaceful town with some great restaurants and a few beaches. There is also a museum where you can learn more about the whale history of the town.
Click here for the Google Maps location.
7. Admire The Sand Sculptures
On the beaches of Viña Del Mar you can find some amazing artists who create sculptures using sand! Explore the beaches and see what you can find.
8. Get Entertained By Street Artists
Besides the sand sculpture artists there are a lot of other artists to find in Viña Del Mar. Walking on the boardwalk, waiting for the traffic light or riding the bus, you will find Chilean artists everywhere. I’ve seen people do a quick performance of juggling on stilts in front of the cars waiting on the traffic light.
9. Visit Playa El Clarón
You can find several beaches on the coast of Viña Del Mar, but depending on when you are visiting they can get a little bit busy. This is a quiet peaceful beach if you want to escape the city. You walk down the stairs to get on the beach.
Click here to see the Google Maps location.
10. Horse Riding On The Beach
On the beaches of Viña Del Mar you can find several people who rent horses. You will have the freedom of roaming around freely, but if you want you can also be guided.
11. Enjoy The Seafood
Chile has a lot of delicious fish and seafood. There are so many great restaurants in and around Viña Del Mar. Explore, discover and enjoy some great Chilean food!
12. Enjoy The Scenery On The Road
Traveling through Chile never gets boring with the amazing scenery the country has to offer. When I traveld from Viña Del Mar to Santiago, you could see the huge Andes mountains in the distance.
