Open Travel Guide
Beaches in Santiago

Best Beaches in Santiago 2026

A working editor's shortlist of the coast worth your time in Santiago — sand, water, vibe, and what it actually costs to enjoy them.

By Updated

This guide covers 11+ beaches in Santiago — Piscina Tupahue (Parque Metropolitano), Piscina Antilen (Parque Metropolitano) and Termas de Banos Morales Pools top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Beaches profiled
11
Activities covered
6
Reading time
~12 min
Last updated
May 2026

Santiago is the capital of Chile, a city of about seven million set in a valley between the Andes and the Coastal Range, with a walkable historic centre, the Bellavista and Lastarria neighbourhoods, Cerro San Cristobal and a fast, clean metro.

Top beaches

A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Santiago.

    • Changing rooms and showers
    • Lockers
    • Cafe and snack kiosk
    • Shaded areas
    • Lifeguards

    Piscina Tupahue (Parque Metropolitano)

    Cerro San Cristobal, Recoleta, SantiagoAbout 10 minutes from the Pio Nono entrance by funicular or road

    • Changing rooms
    • Showers
    • Cafe kiosk
    • Lifeguards

    Piscina Antilen (Parque Metropolitano)

    Cerro San Cristobal, Providencia, SantiagoWithin the park near the Pedro de Valdivia Norte entrance

    • Thermal pools
    • Changing area
    • Cafe and picnic area
    • Parking
    • Trailhead nearby

    Termas de Banos Morales Pools

    Banos Morales, San Jose de Maipo, Cajon del MaipoAbout 2 hours by road from central Santiago

    • Thermal pools
    • Basic changing rooms
    • Picnic and camping areas
    • Parking

    Termas Valle de Colina Thermal Pools

    Upper Cajon del Maipo, San Jose de MaipoAround 2 hours from Santiago, with a short walk from the road end

    • Picnic tables
    • Toilets
    • Information centre
    • Parking
    • Walking trails

    Reserva Nacional Rio Clarillo River Swimming

    Pirque, Cordillera ProvinceAbout 1 hour by car from central Santiago

    • Restaurants
    • Beach kiosks
    • Public toilets
    • Lifeguards in season
    • Marina

    Algarrobo (Closest Pacific Coast, Valparaiso Region)

    Algarrobo, Valparaiso Region (outside Metropolitana)About 100-110 km west of central Santiago, 1.5-2 hours

    • Restaurants
    • Public toilets
    • Lifeguards in season
    • Beachfront promenade

    Cartagena (Pacific Coast, Valparaiso Region)

    Cartagena, San Antonio Province, Valparaiso Region (outside Metropolitana)About 115 km from Santiago, 2 hours

    • Promenade
    • Restaurants and cafes
    • Public toilets
    • Lifeguards in season

    Vina del Mar - Playa Acapulco and Playa Los Marineros

    Vina del Mar, Valparaiso Region (outside Metropolitana)About 120 km west of Santiago, 1h45

    • Restaurants and kiosks
    • Public toilets
    • Lifeguards in season

    El Quisco (Playa Grande)

    El Quisco, Valparaiso RegionAbout 115 km west of central Santiago, 2 hours

    • Restaurants
    • Public toilets
    • Lifeguards in season
    • Beach clubs

    Renaca

    Vina del Mar, Valparaiso RegionAbout 125 km west of central Santiago, 2 hours

    • Surf schools and board rental
    • Restaurants
    • Public toilets
    • Lifeguards in season

    Pichilemu - Playa Principal and Punta de Lobos

    Pichilemu, O'Higgins RegionAbout 190 km south-west of central Santiago, 3.5-4 hours

Things to do at the beach

Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Santiago memorable.

Practical beach info

What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.

Best season

Coast: December to March. Santiago pools: January to mid-March. Cajon del Maipo: November to April.

Getting There

Coach services to the coast leave from Terminal Alameda (Av. Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 3750, Metro Estacion Central) and Terminal San Borja (next to Estacion Central); fares are typically CLP 4,000-8,000 (~USD 4-9). Buy tickets at the terminal or on turbus.cl and pullman.cl.

Water Temperature

The Pacific off central Chile is cold, about 13-16 C; wetsuits are standard for surfing.

Safety

Swim only where lifeguards or flags are present; rip currents are common. The Rio Maipo itself is dangerous for swimming. Emergency numbers: 131 ambulance, 133 Carabineros.

Returning

Coaches back to Santiago fill up on Sunday evenings in summer; buy a return ticket in advance or travel on a weekday.

What to bring

A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.

  • Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
  • HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
  • FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
  • Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
  • Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
  • ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.

Beach safety

Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.

Critical

Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.

Caution

Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.

Tip

Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.

Practical

Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.

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