Argentina Beaches For Wildlife Watching, Relaxation And More

From seaside resorts oozing relaxation to coastal zones brimming with unique wildlife, the range of Argentina beaches that sweep this nation’s vast coastline are perfect for all types of summer vacations.

Argentina beaches for family relaxation

Pinamar

One of the Argentina beaches that constitute the Costa Verde (or Green Coast), the coastline of Pinamar is more relaxed than better-known and nearby Mar de Plata.

To escape the summer heat of the capital, porteños and in-the-know tourists head out here to make the most of huge expanses of sand where you certainly won’t be fighting over space to lay your towel.

As a resort, the city of Pinamar has a wealth of accommodations, restaurants and activities beyond the beach that are ideal for families, including hiking and horseback riding. A trip here doesn’t have to be all about relaxation – although it’s definitely a tempting prospect.

How to get to Pinamar: 220-miles (357km) along the coast from the capital, Pinamar is a four-hour drive away.

Argentina beaches for wildlife watching

Parque Nacional Monte Leon

This national park located in the Santa Cruz Province is an unusual choice on a list of Argentina beaches, as it’s not known as a place for summer vacations. However, trade in your towel for a pair of hiking boots and some binoculars, as the real draw of Monte León are the large colonies of Magellanic penguins and other wildlife that line its shores.

Southern right whales, a species designated as a National Natural Monument by the Argentine government in 2003, use the waters off the coast of this natural park for their migration route between the months of July and November. Look out for their unique “tail sailing”, a behavior where they hold their tails out of the water for prolonged periods of time.

How to get to Parque Nacional Monte Leon: Situated in the south of Argentina, this park is only accessible with your own vehicle. Visit as part of a wider tour of Patagonia, flying from Buenos Aires to the airports in either El Calafate, Río Gallegos or Ushuaia.

Argentina beaches for surfing

Miramar

Another popular beach town, Miramar is an understated segment of Argentine coastline and is known as one of the country’s best spots for surfing. The waves are at their most reliable in the early morning, so combine a few hours of surf lessons from a local school with an afternoon catching some rays or dining on huge platters of fresh seafood.

Accommodations range from boutique hotels to cozy, rustic cabins, making Miramar perfect for all budgets and tastes.

How to get to Miramar: Located 280-miles (450km) south of Buenos Aires, Miramar is accessible via rental car or bus.

Argentina beaches for adventure activities in Patagonia

Playa Bonita

A little-known beach on the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi, Playa Bonita or “Pretty Beach” lives up to its name. A small stretch of pebbles five-miles (8km) from the center of Bariloche, it’s an ideal getaway during the summer months for anyone who wants to combine beach time in the Argentine sunshine with one of the country’s most beautiful enclaves of nature.

The water here isn’t the warmest, but you can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, scuba or boat trips. Away from the lake, rent a bike to cycle the circuit around nearby Llao Llao or organize a hiking trip into Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi with a local tour agency.