Vina del Mar is one of Chile’s most popular beach resorts with both local residents and tourists. It lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean just a few miles to the north of Valparaiso. As well as being a superb seaside spot it also features several museums, cultural attractions, and historical buildings.
You’ll even find an old castle there. These are some of the best sites to visit while in Vina del Mar.
1. The Artequin Museum
Vina del Mar’s Artequín Museum is one of the town’s newest attractions as it opened its doors for business in 2008. The museum features intriguing displays for people of all ages. There are also some wonderful interactive exhibits to let visitors participate in the action as well some impressive reproductions of various famous works of art.
2. Caleta Abarca
The beautiful Caleta Abarca is known as one of Vina del Mar’s most-visited beaches. The beach sits close to the center of the town making it an easy walk. There is some wonderful parkland close by and it gets quite busy during Chile’s summer months.
3. Parque Quinta Vergara
The lovely Parque Quinta Vergara is a superb green space that features fragrant, colorful flowers as well as several walking paths. Inside of the park you’ll come across the fantastic Vergara Palace, which houses the city’s historic Fine Arts Museum.
4. Museo Francisco Fonck
The Museo Francisco Fonck offers a very thorough exhibition that focuses on Easter Island and its interesting Rapa Nui culture. In addition, the museum also features several displays and exhibitions that deal with the nation of Chile’s rich natural history. There’s also a Moai that comes from Easter Islandand it’s located in the garden of the museum.
5. The Museum Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Museum)
The city’s Fine Arts Museum is known locally as Museum Bellas Artes, and it’s actually located close by in Valparaiso. It features a wide selection of 16th century works of art that originated from Italy all the way up to the 20th century. There are plenty of local art pieces on display as well. You’ll find this entertaining museum inside of Quinta Vergara Park.
6. Museo Palacio Rioja
This museum is located in the former Rioja family residence. It enables visitors to get an authentic look at how life was in the area for the wealthy during the early 1900s. There are numerous household items and furnishings on display with many of them being imported across the ocean from Europe.
7. Playa del Sol
The soft and sandy Playa del Sol beach is one of the most beautiful in all of Chile. It lies next to thePacific Ocean just outside of Vina del Mar. The beach also features a trail that’s ideal for hiking and cycling which runs along the coast.
8. Castillo Wulff
Castillo Wulff was originally erected for Gustavo Wulff back in the 1880s. Over the years, Wulff made a few changes to the castle and it now features some impressive turets as well as a tower. It offers some spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean and the inside of the castle has a constantly changing art exhibit.
9. Playa Renaca
Playa Renaca is one of Vina del Mar’s northern suburbs. It’s a popular summer destination and is filled with fine restaurants and hotels that look after the many beach visitors it receives in the summer months.
