La Serena is Chile's second-oldest city, founded in 1544, and the capital of the Coquimbo Region. Together with the port of Coquimbo, with which it forms a single urban area, it is one of the country's most visited beach destinations, with a mild climate all year and the gateway to the Elqui Valley.
It is about 470 km north of Santiago, five or six hours on Route 5 or under an hour by plane to La Florida airport. This guide gathers things to do in La Serena and Coquimbo, plus day trips.
Things to do in La Serena: Avenida del Mar and the historic center
| Place | What it is | Key fact |
|---|---|---|
| Monumental Lighthouse | Decorative lighthouse at the start of Avenida del Mar | Built around 1950; Historic Monument since 2010 |
| Avenida del Mar | Beachfront avenue toward Coquimbo | About 6 km of sand, hotels and restaurants |
| La Serena Cathedral | Stone church facing Plaza de Armas | Part of the "city of bell towers" |
| La Recova market | Crafts and regional products market | Papayas, sweets and pisco |
| Kokoro No Niwa Japanese Garden | Japanese-style park | Downtown, in Pedro de Valdivia park |
| Archaeological Museum | Diaguita and Rapa Nui collections | Displays a moai |
The Monumental Lighthouse is the city's symbol. It was built around 1950, during the Plan Serena promoted by President Gabriel González Videla, and was declared a Historic Monument in 2010. Avenida del Mar, a beachfront avenue that runs to Coquimbo, starts there. The center keeps stone churches and the colonial style imposed by the same plan, which is why it is called the city of bell towers.
Things to do in Coquimbo
- Third Millennium Cross: an 83-meter concrete cross on El Vigía hill, with a museum, prayer rooms and an elevator to a lookout over the bay.
- Barrio Inglés: early 20th-century houses from the port era, now with bars and restaurants.
- Fuerte Lambert and the peninsula: sea viewpoints near the Punta Tortuga lighthouse.
- Fishing cove and fish market: the best place for fried fish and fresh seafood.
Does your hotel, restaurant or tour in La Serena and Coquimbo want to reach travelers planning their vacation?
See advertising formatsBeaches near La Serena
| Beach | Approximate distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Avenida del Mar (El Faro, Peñuelas) | In the city | Walks and sports; variable surf |
| La Herradura | In Coquimbo | Sheltered bay, good for families |
| Guanaqueros | about 35 km south | Calm water and fishing cove |
| Tongoy | about 50 km south | Playa Grande and Socos; seafood |
Avenida del Mar is also the city's great promenade, with a bike lane, playgrounds and a string of restaurants and ice-cream shops. Walking the full length, from the Monumental Lighthouse to Peñuelas, takes a little over an hour, and at sunset it is the best place to watch the sun drop over Coquimbo bay.
The Pacific is cold here even in summer. The southern bays, such as La Herradura, Guanaqueros and Tongoy, are usually calmer for swimming. Always check the lifeguards' flags.
Where to stay and what to eat
Most hotels and holiday apartments are on Avenida del Mar, facing the beach. Downtown La Serena is cheaper and close to churches, museums and markets, but about 20 minutes from the coast. In Coquimbo, the La Herradura area has a calm bay and plenty of cabins.
| Product | Where to try it | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Papaya | La Recova and valley shops | In syrup, juice or sweets; typical of the region |
| Pisco | Elqui Valley | Chilean designation of origin |
| Seafood and fried fish | Coquimbo, Guanaqueros and Tongoy coves | Scallops and machas in season |
| Goat cheese | Fairs and inland roads | Artisanal production from the dry interior |
Things to do in La Serena beyond the city: day trips
| Trip | Approximate distance | What to see |
|---|---|---|
| Elqui Valley (Vicuña) | about 60 km | Pisco distilleries, observatories and clear skies |
| Pisco Elqui | about 100 km | Mountain village and distilleries |
| Humboldt Penguin National Reserve (Punta de Choros) | about 110 km north | Boat trip to Damas island, penguins and dolphins |
| Bosque Fray Jorge National Park | about 110 km south | Relict forest fed by fog |
The Elqui Valley is the most popular trip, combining pisco distilleries, villages and tourist observatories. We cover it in detail in our guides to astrotourism in the Elqui Valley and the pisco route. To see penguins and dolphins, the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve has quotas and schedules set by Conaf, and departures depend on sea conditions.
When to go and tips
- Summer (December to February): high season, with crowded beaches and higher prices. Book early.
- Spring and autumn: pleasant temperatures and fewer people; a good time for the Elqui Valley.
- Winter: mild with morning clouds on the coast, but very clear skies in the valley, ideal for stargazing.
- Coastal fog: mornings often bring camanchaca, which clears around midday.
If you continue north in spring, the Atacama Desert may be in bloom: see our story on the 2026 flowering desert. For the road trip, see our guide to Route 5 North.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need for La Serena and Coquimbo?
Three days cover both cities and a trip to the Elqui Valley. With five you can add Punta de Choros and the southern beaches.
What to do in La Serena at night?
Walk along Avenida del Mar, have dinner in Coquimbo's Barrio Inglés or take a stargazing tour in the Elqui Valley.
How tall is the Third Millennium Cross?
About 83 meters. Some sources say 93 meters including the base.
