Best Things to Do in La Serena, Chile

Image: Hoteles Campanario

La Serena, the capital of the Coquimbo Region, is one of Chile's top tourist destinations. Its historic center stands out for its well-preserved neocolonial buildings with balconies, charming plazas, centuries-old stone churches, and a long stretch of inviting sandy beaches.

Founded in 1544, La Serena is the second oldest city in Chile, after Santiago. It belongs to the Province of Elqui and forms a conurbation with the neighboring port city of Coquimbo. Together, they have a population of over 534,000 according to projections for 2025, making it the country's fourth-largest urban area.

Neo-colonial architecture of La Serena

La Serena is a major tourist destination, especially in summer, when it becomes one of Chile’s most popular vacation spots. The city is renowned for its stunning beaches, well-preserved colonial architecture, lush green spaces, and rich gastronomy. In particular, La Serena is famous for its papaya production and its many by-products.

Beyond tourism, La Serena is also a thriving university hub, home to the main campus of the Universidad de La Serena and several private universities. As the economic center of the region, it also houses the Archdiocese of La Serena, one of the five Catholic archdioceses in Chile.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the top attractions in La Serena, from its historic landmarks and museums to its world-class astronomical observatories.

How to Get There

• By Air

Aeródromo La Florida is a modern air terminal serving La Serena and its surrounding communes. It is located six kilometers east of the city. This airport holds historical significance in Chile, as the first flight to Easter Island departed from here in 1951.

Image: aeropuertodelaserena.cl

Currently, the most important domestic routes operating at this terminal connect La Serena with Santiago and Antofagasta.

Since late 2018, the airport has held international status, offering seasonal flights to cities in Argentina operated by the low-cost airline JetSmart. The airlines currently serving this airport are LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, and JetSmart.

• Bus Terminal

Address: 107 Amunátegui Ave.

The bus terminal in La Serena is one of the largest in northern Chile, situated in an urban area close to numerous accommodations and shopping centers. Several companies operate from this terminal, offering frequent services to Santiago and various destinations across the country, especially in northern Chile.

 

Tourist Attractions in La Serena:

Tour along Avenida del Mar 

Image: ajiverdehostel.cl

A stroll along Avenida del Mar is one of the classic activities in La Serena. This scenic waterfront promenade begins at the iconic Faro Monumental (Monumental Lighthouse) on the northern edge of the city and stretches along extensive beaches.

Running parallel to the Pacific Ocean, the avenue offers spectacular views of the beach, the lighthouse, and the apartment buildings that rise above the sand. As you explore, you can appreciate the natural beauty of the coastline, the peaceful and family-friendly atmosphere, and the wide range of dining, recreational, and cultural options available along its four-kilometer stretch.

For extra fun, you’ll find electric scooters, bicycles, and skateboards for rent along Avenida del Mar. No matter your age, you can enjoy the waterfront in a way that suits you.

Discover "The City of Bell Towers"

Before La Serena became known for its beaches and tourism, it was called La Ciudad de los Campanarios ("The City of Bell Towers") due to the numerous churches scattered throughout the city. If you enjoy exploring historic sites, a fascinating activity is visiting the churches in the city's historic center.

Some highlights of this route include La Serena Cathedral, San Francisco Church (one of the oldest in the city, dating to the early 17th century), and San Agustín Church, all significant historical landmarks. Other notable churches include Santo Domingo, featuring a striking stone façade, and La  Merced, celebrated for its elegant neoclassical design. Many of these churches have towering bell towers that dominate the urban landscape and can be seen from afar.

The Stunning Beaches of La Serena and Coquimbo

The beaches of La Serena are among the most captivating along Chile’s coastline, featuring long stretches of golden sand and a pleasant climate for most of the year. El Faro Beach, located next to the iconic Faro Monumental, is one of the most visited, perfect for seaside walks and enjoying the ocean breeze. Further south, Cuatro Esquinas Beach offers a quieter atmosphere, ideal for relaxation by the sea.

In the neighboring city of Coquimbo, La Herradura stands out for its calm waters and sheltered bay, making it an excellent choice for swimming and water sports. Another recommended option is Totoralillo Beach, about 17 km south of La Serena, famous for its white sand and turquoise waters, highly appreciated by surfers and landscape lovers.

Between La Serena and Coquimbo, Peñuelas Beach offers a scenic coastal stretch with a mix of golden sand and small waves. Located near the Peñuelas sector, this beach is known for its proximity to seafood restaurants and its relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with an ocean view.

Further south, approximately 40 km from La Serena, Guanaqueros offers a charming coastal setting with calm waters and a fishing village atmosphere. It is a great spot for seafood lovers, as the area is known for its fresh local cuisine.

 

"La Recova" Municipal Market

• Address: Cienfuegos 563, La Serena

La Recova Market is a historic and cultural landmark in La Serena. The place is known as a cultural and commercial hub, where visitors can find regional products, local handicrafts, and a variety of restaurants serving traditional dishes, fresh seafood, as well as local wines and liquors. The current building was inaugurated in 1981, after the old market suffered significant damage due to the 1975 earthquake and a fire in 1965. 

Founded in 1795, it features colonial-style architecture with elegant arches. With more than 100 stores, it offers a diverse selection of handicrafts and regional specialties, including beautifully crafted lapis lazuli jewelry, traditional Diaguita pottery, flavorful papaya jam, and artisanal goat cheese, along with a variety of other locally made products that reflect the area's rich cultural heritage.

On the second floor, visitors can savor traditional regional cuisine in its inviting restaurants. As the cultural heart of La Serena, La Recova is a must-visit for those eager to experience the city's history, craftsmanship, and flavors.

Faro Monumental  de La Serena

The Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena is an iconic coastal landmark built between 1950 and 1951 by the Chilean Navy, based on the design of civil engineer Jorge Cisternas Larenas from the University of Chile. The project was part of the La Serena Urban Development Plan, carried out during the presidency of President Gabriel González Videla.

Thanks to its strategic oceanfront location, impressive dimensions, and distinctive architectural design, the lighthouse has become a symbol of La Serena and a must-see for visitors. It is located at the intersection of Francisco de Aguirre Avenue and Avenida del Mar, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and serving as a popular spot for sightseeing and photography.

Biblioteca Regional Gabriela Mistral 

Address: 782 Juan José Latorre St.

The Gabriela Mistral Regional Library is a major cultural hub and landmark in La Serena, Chile. Named after the acclaimed Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral—the first Latin American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, in 1945—the library occupies a modern building located next to the historic Casa de las Palmeras. This house, now a national monument, once belonged to Mistral and is currently integrated into the library complex.

Its central location makes it easily accessible to both residents and visitors, while its active engagement in promoting literature and the arts reinforces its importance within the city.

The library offers an extensive collection of books, magazines, and audiovisual materials, with a strong emphasis on Chilean and Latin American literature. Beyond serving as a space for study and research, it hosts cultural events, lectures, exhibitions, and workshops aimed at fostering reading and cultural appreciation within the community. 

 

Jardín del Corazón Park (Japanese Garden in La Serena)

Address: #336 Eduardo de la Barra Street 

Also known as Parque Japonés, this serene oasis was created with support from various mining companies in both Chile and Japan. It was designed to reflect a traditional Japanese landscape, symbolizing the friendship between La Serena and the Japanese city of Tenri—a bond formalized in 1966 through a sister city agreement. Officially inaugurated in 1994 to commemorate La Serena’s 450th anniversary, this is the largest Japanese garden in South America.

Covering 26,000 square meters, Jardín del Corazón features a stunning array of attractions, including a cherry blossom path, bamboo trellises, a traditional Japanese bridge, waterfalls, a peaceful stone garden, and a jetty on an artificial lagoon. Visitors can enjoy walking through small forested areas and observing graceful swans, ducks, and colorful goldfish.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing escape or a unique cultural experience, this garden is one of the top tourist attractions in La Serena and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. 

Avenida Francisco de Aguirre: A Historic Avenue

Avenida Francisco de Aguirre is named after the Spanish captain who refounded La Serena in 1549, following an uprising by the local indigenous people that led to the death of nearly all the Spaniards.

This iconic avenue stretches from Balmaceda Street, where you can find the Portada de Mármol (Marble Arch), a historic landmark donated in 1910, all the way to the Faro Monumental (Monumental Lighthouse). Known as the Museo al Aire Libre (Open-Air Museum) or Paseo de las Estatuas (Statue Promenade), Avenida Francisco de Aguirre originated as a public promenade in 1855, lined with poplars, acacias, and oriental plane trees.

Between 1946 and 1952, during the presidency of Gabriel González Videla, a native of La Serena, the famous Carrara Marble statues were donated to the avenue. These replicas of renowned sculptures were imported from Italy, adding to the cultural and artistic significance of this landmark. 

 

Museums in La Serena 

• Museo Arqueológico: The Archaeological Museum of La Serena, located at the corner of Cordovez and Cienfuegos streets, is one of the city's most important cultural attractions. It features comprehensive collections in archaeology, ethnography, and paleontology, along with a notable bioanthropology section.
  The museum showcases an outstanding archaeological compilation of the Molle and Diaguita cultures, offering valuable insights into the ancient peoples of northern Chile. One of its most remarkable pieces is a magnificent Moai statue from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), exhibited in a gallery dedicated to the island. This iconic figure was donated to the city in 1952 by the Rapa Nui Council of Elders, following the first flight between mainland Chile and the island. Website 

• Museo Mineralógico Ignacio Domeyko: The Ignacio Domeyko Mineralogical Museum is home to a fascinating collection of mineral specimens from Chile and around the world. It is located at 980 Benavente Street, within the Mining Engineering Department of the Universidad de La Serena.

  The museum was founded in 1887 with the creation of the Escuela de Minas, and was fully remodeled in 2007. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and mineralogy enthusiasts alike.

  Its collection features more than 7,000 items, including fossils, meteorite fragments found throughout Chile, Brazilian and African diamonds, rubies from India, lapis lazuli gems, the rare silver rosicler stone from the Chañarcillo mine, as well as jewelry, gemstones, and minerals from the surrounding region. 

• Museo Histórico Gabriel Gonzalez Videla: The Gabriel González Videla Historical Museum, right in the heart of La Serena, at 495 Matta Street, is a remarkable museum that pays tribute to one of Chile’s former presidents, born in the city itself. 

Housed in a historic building acquired by the Chilean government in 1977 and declared a National Monument just a few years later, in 1981, it stands as a cultural gem. With over 3,500 fascinating pieces, the museum showcases a rich collection that includes contemporary Chilean art, regional artifacts, period furniture, historical documents, and vintage photographs. It's no wonder it's one of the city’s most visited cultural attractions. 

• Domo Cultura Ánimas is located at Gabriela Mistral Square, just a short distance from the main square of the neighboring city of Coquimbo, about 15 km from downtown La Serena. This small glass structure features a dome that houses replicas of 3 of the 36 tombs discovered in the area during archaeological excavations in 1981. These remains are attributed to the Ánimas culture, a precursor to the Diaguita civilization that inhabited this part of northern Chile between 900 and 1200 AD. The site also hosts cultural events and exhibitions by local artists. 

• Museo de Arte Religioso, a museum of religious art located in front of the Plaza de Armas, next to the city’s cathedral. It is a very popular spot among tourists, featuring pieces of great historical value, including paintings and liturgical artifacts. 

• Museo de Arte Colonial: Located on Balmaceda Avenue at the corner of Eduardo de la Barra, right next to the historic San Francisco Church, this heritage site is one of La Serena’s most treasured landmarks. The museum houses over one hundred pieces of religious art, most of them from the Cusqueñan school, spread across two gallery levels.

  Highlights include polychrome wooden statues of venerated figures, liturgical objects used in church ceremonies, and a striking representation of Gabriela Mistral’s face—Chile’s Nobel Prize-winning poet, who was born in this region and maintained a close relationship with the Franciscan order.

  Visitors will also find ornate bishop and cardinal vestments, as well as domestic items that hold deep emotional and historical significance for the Franciscan congregation.

Valle de Elqui: Nature, Relaxation, and Pisco in Northern Chile 

The Elqui Valley is a stunning river basin located in the Province of Elqui, within the Coquimbo Region of northern Chile. It’s one of the top travel destinations for nature lovers and anyone seeking a unique and peaceful escape. From the very beginning of the Elqui Valley Route, starting in La Serena, every stop along the way offers unforgettable experiences.

One of the highlights of the region is its pisco production. The valley is home to several renowned pisco distilleries, where visitors can learn firsthand about the traditional distillation process, sample different varieties, and purchase some of the best pisco brands in Chile.

Just 30 minutes from La Serena, charming small towns like El Molle and Vicuña welcome travelers with a wide range of tourist attractions, including local crafts, observatories, and scenic vineyards.

Find out why the Elqui Valley is one of Chile’s top destinations  

Astronomy Tours 

Image: European Southern Observatory, Chile

With over 300 clear nights a year, Chile’s Coquimbo Region has become a world-renowned destination for astrotourism. The region’s crystal-clear skies and minimal light pollution offer an awe-inspiring view of the night sky, making it ideal for stargazing tours and astronomical observation.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the Elqui Valley, where nearly 50% of Chile’s private observatories are located. Both scientific and tourist observatories take advantage of the region’s exceptional conditions, offering guided astronomy tours, telescope viewings, and educational experiences under the stars.

Whether you're an amateur enthusiast or a seasoned sky-watcher, the Elqui Valley provides unforgettable astronomical experiences for all ages. From expert-led night sky tours to family-friendly star parties, this is one of the best places in the world to connect with the cosmos.

👉 Discover Astrotourism in Chile  

Isla Damas Tour 

Isla Damas is one of the most popular tourist destinations near La Serena, offered by most local tour agencies. It belongs to the Pinguino de Humboldt National Reserve, located at the northern tip of the Coquimbo Region, in La Higuera Commune, Elqui Province.

The reserve is made up of three islands—Damas, Choros, and Chañaral—but only Isla Damas is open to visitors. Covering 60.3 hectares, it gets its name—Damas (Ladies)—from a curious rock formation that resembles the profile of a reclining woman, visible from the Punta de Choros pier as you approach the island.

The island boasts two beautiful beaches, La Poza and Las Tijeras, with white sand and emerald green waters. A 1.8-kilometer trail with nine interpretive stations offers information about the island’s unique flora and fauna, in both Spanish and English. The reserve is managed by CONAF (Chile’s National Forest Corporation) and forms part of the National System of Protected Wild Areas.

Isla Damas is a paradise for nature lovers. Its cliffs and shores are home to the Humboldt Penguin, Chilean Gannet (Piquero), Red-legged Cormorant, and many other seabirds. In the surrounding waters, visitors often spot sea otters, seals, bottlenose dolphins, and with a bit of luck, majestic whales passing through the area during their seasonal migrations.

This unforgettable eco-tour is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a close encounter with Chile’s coastal beauty. Due to conservation rules, access is limited, so early booking is highly recommended.