Mar del Plata is one of Argentina’s most important fishing centers. Its port area, 8km south of the city center, is worth a visit, though public access to…

Getty Images/iStockphoto
Atlantic Coast
Outside of Patagonia, Argentina's beaches often get an undeserved bad rap. Yet, as a rule, the sand is wide, clean and often rolling with picturesque dunes. There's some terrific surf here and the cold water is pleasant in the summertime, which is why each January and February the beaches attract droves from all across the country.
To avoid the summertime crush visit in the shoulder months of December and March, when the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beaches and their activities, and the surf is pumping. In the dead of winter, the coastal towns feel abandoned, and the gray weather is depressing. Mar del Plata is an exception – the coast’s largest city is a buzzing cultural capital, with plenty to do year-round.
Explore Atlantic Coast
- PPuerto Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is one of Argentina’s most important fishing centers. Its port area, 8km south of the city center, is worth a visit, though public access to…
- MMuseo Taller Ferrowhite
Ferrowhite is the kind of ghostly landmark you see from far away and no matter how eerie, you can't stop yourself from inching closer and closer. The…
- AAlbúfera Mar Chiquita
Fed by creeks from the Sierras de Tandil and sheltered by a chain of sand dunes, the lagoon Albúfera Mar Chiquita alternately drains into the ocean or…
- CCentro Cultural Villa Victoria
Victoria Ocampo, founder of the literary journal Sur, hosted literary salons with prominent intellectuals from around the world – Borges, Le Corbusier,…
- PPuerto Bahía Blanca
The working port is now open for entry, and includes the new Paseo Portuario – a drive which takes you past two overlooks: Balcón Del Mar, accessed by a…
- TTorre Tanque
This interesting medieval-style water-storage tower, atop Stella Maris hill, was finished in 1943 and is still functioning. It's 88m high (that's 194…
- MMuseo del Puerto
Housed in a colorfully painted former customs building dating from 1907, this small but engaging museum is a tribute to the region’s immigrants. The rooms…
- PPiñar del Norte
The nucleus of what became Villa Gesell can be found among the trees in the town center, planted long ago by founder Carlos Gesell. Among the shade trees…
- PPlaya Escondida
For the adventurous, there’s Playa Escondida, some 25km south of Mardel, which claims to be Argentina’s only legal nude beach.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Atlantic Coast.
- See
Puerto Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is one of Argentina’s most important fishing centers. Its port area, 8km south of the city center, is worth a visit, though public access to…
- See
Museo Taller Ferrowhite
Ferrowhite is the kind of ghostly landmark you see from far away and no matter how eerie, you can't stop yourself from inching closer and closer. The…
- See
Albúfera Mar Chiquita
Fed by creeks from the Sierras de Tandil and sheltered by a chain of sand dunes, the lagoon Albúfera Mar Chiquita alternately drains into the ocean or…
- See
Centro Cultural Villa Victoria
Victoria Ocampo, founder of the literary journal Sur, hosted literary salons with prominent intellectuals from around the world – Borges, Le Corbusier,…
- See
Puerto Bahía Blanca
The working port is now open for entry, and includes the new Paseo Portuario – a drive which takes you past two overlooks: Balcón Del Mar, accessed by a…
- See
Torre Tanque
This interesting medieval-style water-storage tower, atop Stella Maris hill, was finished in 1943 and is still functioning. It's 88m high (that's 194…
- See
Museo del Puerto
Housed in a colorfully painted former customs building dating from 1907, this small but engaging museum is a tribute to the region’s immigrants. The rooms…
- See
Piñar del Norte
The nucleus of what became Villa Gesell can be found among the trees in the town center, planted long ago by founder Carlos Gesell. Among the shade trees…
- See
Playa Escondida
For the adventurous, there’s Playa Escondida, some 25km south of Mardel, which claims to be Argentina’s only legal nude beach.
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Atlantic Coast with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.