Viña del Mar is a city located northwest of Chile’s capital, Santiago. From beautiful white sand beaches to towering skyscrapers, the city’s diversity is one of the many reasons that it is such a popular tourist attraction.
Viña del Mar began as a fishing village founded by the native people of the area and has since developed into a modern, vibrant city. Today, the city is home to almost 400,000 people, the fourth largest in the country.
If you are visiting this wonderful Chilean city, then you are likely wondering what there is to see and do. There’s plenty to keep every traveler busy.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Viña del Mar:
14 Best Things to Do in Viña del Mar
Renaca Beach
As mentioned in the introduction, Viña del Mar is well known for its glorious beaches. One of the most popular is Renaca Beach, a great spot for surfing.
The golden sands, beautiful blue ocean, and city backdrop really give this beach some character. If you want a quiet afternoon to relax and catch some sun, this is the perfect location.
Quinta Vergara
This scenic park is home to three major landmarks making it a place of interest for tourists. Beautifully landscaped areas complement modern structures turning the park into more than just an area for relaxation. The park is an aesthetic wonder.
Each year the Viña del Mar International Song Festival takes place here, giving the park an air of culture.
Wulff Castle
If you are looking for history in Viña del Mar, Wulff Castle is an excellent choice. Built for the Wolff family in the early 1900s, the castle is now the home of the city heritage center where you will find a wealth of information about the site and surroundings.
The castle sits on the edge of a cliff, and with blue waves lashing underneath it is an ideal photo opportunity. This is also an excellent choice for anyone interested in architecture.
Quilpue Zoo
For anyone who loves animals, no city visit would be complete without a visit to the local zoo. And with animals from peacocks to tigers, the Quilpue Zoo will not disappoint. There are many different species to observe here; the zoo is home to over 600 species!
The zoo opened its doors in 1990, so it is relatively new.
Not only is this a fun day out but it is also highly educational: the zoo provides a lot of information on the care of the various animals.
Decorative Arts Museum Rioja Palace
This beautiful building is a must-see for anyone with a passion for architecture and design. Inside the building, you will find a museum dedicated to aristocratic furniture; the variety of pieces in the elaborate and regal interior must be seen to be believed.
Iglesia de Los Padres Carmelitas
If you want to see the beautiful architecture in any city, one of the best places to visit is the church, and this stunning one in Viña del Mar will not disappoint. The beautiful white building is imposing yet graceful and has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Aside from this, this place of worship is very active and which makes it the ideal place for anyone looking to connect with their spirituality while in the city.
Vegara Pier
In 2016, after many years closed, this pier was reopened to the public. The pier has an incredibly industrial feel and is a point of interest for anyone looking to discover more about the history of the area.
The pier is particularly beautiful at sunset when the sun glistens off the ocean and casts stunning shadows over the pier. This is the ideal place to have a picnic and take in the scenery.
Aviva Aqua Park
Why not take advantage of the glorious Chilean weather and spend some time outdoors at the Aviva Aqua Park?
This is the perfect day out for families traveling with children and features a range of activities to keep kids entertained. There are multiple wading pools and water slides as well as plenty of places to sit, relax, and soak up the sun. You will also find wave pools, splash areas, and plenty of other water-based activities.
Las Salinas
If you are looking for another breathtaking beach while in Viña del Mar, Las Salinas is perfect. The white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, perfectly juxtaposed with the rugged, rocky sea line.
Why not take a picnic or simply spend a few hours relaxing and reading your favorite book? This is a great location for families because there is ample space for kids to run around and swim.
Humedal de Mantagua
This beautiful wetland area is a great place for anyone with a love for wildlife or the great outdoors.
This is a prime location for bird spotting because many different species call this area home. There is also a variety of trees and plants great for those with an interest in the local flora.
Humedal de Mantagua is perfect for a relaxing day out and for getting back to nature. In this area, you will also find the Posada del Parque which has many activities from food to local information and conservation details.
Historical and Archaeological Museum
This is a great museum for any type of tourist, whether a lone traveler or a large family, as there are things to see and do for people of all ages and tastes.
Of course, above all else, it is an educational visit and gives you information about the trading history of Viña del Mar (and much more.) There are plenty of exhibitions and hands-on activities to keep you entertained.
Granja Educativa Concon
This educational farm is a great choice for anyone traveling with young children as there is plenty to keep them entertained. The farm has been running since 1997 and has proven just as popular with the locals as it has with tourists.
There are many different animals here including goats, ostriches, and pigs, all of which you can get close to.
Throughout the year there are seasonal activities such as an egg hunt during Easter weekend.
If you love animals and are interested in seeing what Viña del Mar’s wildlife has to offer? Check out this penguin tour.
Sativo Restaurant
When staying in a new city, it is often time-consuming to find the best place to eat, and there are plenty of good spots and street markets, like those pictured above, in Viña del Mar. We suggest this gem of a restaurant; Sativo has been very well reviewed by previous patrons.
The restaurant is upmarket but doesn’t come across as ‘snooty.’ The staff is super friendly as they serve you highly renowned and tasty food. The menu is decent, and there is an excellent selection of drinks to choose from too.
Artequin Museum Viña del Mar
This interactive children’s museum is a great place to take the family and is based around art, giving you an excellent opportunity to get the kids excited about the subject.
The museum is extremely modern and features some interesting pieces both indoors and out. There is the option to take a guided tour or you can explore the museum yourself. At the end of your visit, why not grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink in the cafe?
Where to Stay in Viña del Mar
Looking for where to stay in Viña del Mar? Check out these hotels located in Viña del Mar.
Booking.comIs Viña del Mar Worth a Visit?
Viña del Mar is a city with much to offer visitors. The diverse city is perfect no matter your reason for visiting, whether that’s to explore every corner of the globe or for a family vacation.
After a day out in the bustling city, retire to the beach for some sand, surf, and a beautiful sunset!
Last Updated on March 8, 2023