Beaches of Mar del Plata

The comparatively contemporary city of Mar del Plata, on the Atlantic coast 400 kilometers from Buenos Aires, has some of the nicest beaches in South America. Beautiful beaches stretch for over eight kilometers along the coast, which is also characterized by windswept dunes and spectacular rocks. The Chica and Grande beaches are the closest to Mar del Plata's contemporary cruise ship port (they are also popular with sea lions, who frequent the waters around the city's fishing wharves).

The city, which was once a playground for the wealthy, is now a mix of exquisite old houses and newer resorts along the city's magnificent shoreline with its various parks, squares, and gardens. The superb Juan Manuel Fangio Museum, dedicated to one of the world's finest Formula One drivers and boasting over 100 cars and 500 trophies, is located in Mar del Plata. A display dedicated to the first automobile, an 1886 Daimler, is a highlight. A visit to the Mar del Plata Aquarium, which features various aquatic attractions such as dolphin and seal displays, penguins, tortoises, and flamingos, is one of the most popular things to do for families.

Address: Mar del Plata, Argentina
Entrance fee: N/A
Best time to visit: after Christmas through the month of February
Hours: N/A