La Serena, Chile Travel Guide: Sun, Sand, and Stargazing by the Pacific

As your friendly tour guide to one of Chile’s most graceful cities, let me introduce you to La Serena — a place where colonial architecture, golden beaches, and cosmic wonders come together. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean and gateway to the Elqui Valley, La Serena offers something for everyone: sun-seekers, history buffs, wine lovers, and stargazers.
 

Unlike the buzz of Santiago or Valparaíso, La Serena is slower, peaceful, and perfect for travelers looking to relax without sacrificing beauty or culture.

📍 Where Is La Serena?

Located in northern-central Chile, in the Coquimbo Region

About 470 km (292 miles) north of Santiago

Positioned along Chile’s Ruta 5 (Pan-American Highway)

Near the Andes Mountains and Elqui Valley

🗓️ Best Time to Visit La Serena

Thanks to its mild coastal climate, La Serena is a year-round destination.

☀️ Best months:

December to March (summer): beach weather, local festivals, and warm evenings

April to October (shoulder seasons): ideal for wine tasting and stargazing without summer crowds

🌤️ Average highs: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
🌡️ Rarely too hot, with cool ocean breezes

🧭 How to Get to La Serena

✈️ By Air:

Fly into La Florida Airport (LSC) — about 6 km from the city center

Direct flights from Santiago, Calama, Antofagasta

🚌 By Bus:

Buses from Santiago take around 6–7 hours

Overnight buses available with reclining seats

🚗 By Car:

A scenic drive along Ruta 5 Norte from Santiago (about 6 hours)

🏙️ Top Attractions in La Serena

1. Plaza de Armas & Historic Center

Start your visit in the colonial heart of La Serena. The Plaza is framed by beautiful neocolonial buildings, fountains, and shaded trees.

Admire the Cathedral of La Serena (19th century)

Browse local artisan markets nearby

Visit the Archaeological Museum of La Serena

2. Faro Monumental (Monumental Lighthouse)

One of the city's most iconic landmarks, standing at the southern end of Avenida del Mar.

Built in 1950, combining Spanish and Moorish architectural elements

Popular for sunset photography

Near several beaches and cafes

3. Avenida del Mar

A scenic oceanfront promenade stretching for kilometers, lined with hotels, restaurants, and public art.

Great for walking, biking, or rollerblading

Connects La Serena with nearby Coquimbo

Dotted with family-friendly beaches and street vendors

4. Archaeological Museum of La Serena

Explore pre-Columbian artifacts, indigenous mummies, and a life-sized replica of a Moai statue from Easter Island.

Insight into Chile’s northern cultures

Free entrance

Located just off the main plaza

5. La Recova Market

A vibrant local market selling everything from fresh produce to handicrafts and lapis lazuli jewelry.

Ideal for souvenir shopping

Sample Chilean sweets, cheeses, and dried fruits

Mingle with locals and get a taste of regional life

🌄 Day Trips from La Serena

1. Elqui Valley

A must-visit destination for pisco lovers, mystics, and stargazers.

Explore Vicuña, hometown of poet Gabriela Mistral

Visit pisco distilleries and taste Chile’s national spirit

Stop at Paihuano, Pisco Elqui, and Montegrande

Hiking, biking, and yoga retreats available

🌌 Nighttime: Book a stargazing tour at Observatorio Mamalluca or other local observatories.

2. Isla Damas & Humboldt Penguin Reserve

Take a boat tour to see Humboldt penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and sometimes even whales.

Tours depart from Punta de Choros, about 2 hours north

Isla Damas has turquoise waters and white-sand beaches

Protected natural area – eco-tourism is key

3. Coquimbo

Just 10 km south, Coquimbo is La Serena’s working port and cultural neighbor.

Visit the Cross of the Third Millennium, a massive concrete cross with panoramic views

Explore Barrio Inglés, a British-influenced district full of pubs and nightlife

Tour Fort Lambert, a historic coastal fortress

🏖️ Best Beaches in La Serena

While La Serena’s waters are chilly and the surf can be rough, the beaches are wide and scenic.

Recommended beaches:

Playa El Faro – by the lighthouse, ideal for walking and sunbathing

Playa Los Cañones – less crowded, good for picnics

Playa Cuatro Esquinas – near restaurants and accommodations

Playa Peñuelas – shared with Coquimbo, family-friendly atmosphere

🍽️ What to Eat in La Serena

Local Flavors:

🐟 Empanadas de mariscos – seafood empanadas

🦐 Caldillo de congrio – savory eel soup

🥟 Pastel de choclo – corn pie with meat, egg, and olives

🍇 Mote con huesillo – sweet peach and barley drink, perfect on hot days

Best Dining Spots:

Tololo Beef – steaks, seafood, and ocean views

Bakulic – elegant Chilean cuisine near the beach

La Mia Pizza – casual dining with excellent pizza

Resto Bar Huentelauquén – large portions, beachfront ambiance

🍷 Pisco, Wine, and Craft Beer

La Serena is in the heart of pisco country and also close to wine-growing valleys.

Tour pisco distilleries in the Elqui Valley (Mistral, Capel, Los Nichos)

Try Syrah, Carménère, and Sauvignon Blanc from local wineries

Craft beers brewed in Vicuña and La Serena are rising in popularity

🛍️ Shopping and Souvenirs

La Recova for handmade crafts

Lapis lazuli jewelry – Chile’s national stone

Local wines and pisco make for excellent gifts

Street artists and vendors on Avenida del Mar sell coastal-themed paintings and accessories

🏨 Where to Stay in La Serena

Luxury:

Hotel Club La Serena – beachfront resort with pool and modern rooms

Hotel Costa Real – central and upscale, with excellent service

Mid-Range:

Hostal El Arbol – cozy and social atmosphere

Hotel Francisco de Aguirre – colonial style, right on the Plaza

Budget:

Aji Verde Hostel – perfect for backpackers

Habitaciones Dublé Almeyda – affordable, family-run comfort

🧳 Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning: Explore the historic center and Archaeological Museum

Afternoon: Walk along Avenida del Mar, relax on the beach

Evening: Sunset at Faro Monumental, dinner at Tololo Beef

Day 2:

Full-day trip to the Elqui Valley

Tour pisco distilleries, lunch in Vicuña

Night: Stargazing tour at Mamalluca Observatory

Day 3:

Morning: Visit La Recova and shop for souvenirs

Afternoon: Boat tour from Coquimbo or visit Isla Damas

Evening: Dinner in Barrio Inglés with live music

📸 Best Photo Spots in La Serena

🏛️ Cathedral and colonial buildings around Plaza de Armas

🌅 Faro Monumental at sunset

🌊 Avenida del Mar coastline

✨ Starry skies over the Elqui Valley

🏞️ Colorful artisan stands at La Recova

🔎 Travel Tips

🧴 Sunscreen is essential—even on cloudy days

🌬️ Evenings can get cool—bring a light jacket

🚌 Taxis and buses are cheap, but walking the city is easy and safe

📸 Carry a camera—La Serena is very photogenic

🗣️ Spanish is the main language—learn a few local phrases for a smoother trip

🧭 Nearby Destinations to Add

Ovalle – olive oil and papaya plantations

Fray Jorge National Park – a coastal cloud forest

Punta Choros – gateway to Humboldt Penguin National Reserve

Tongoy & Guanaqueros – small fishing villages with excellent seafood

💬 Final Thoughts from Your Guide

La Serena is more than just a beach town — it’s a perfect blend of history, nature, and tranquility. Whether you’re sipping pisco in the Elqui Valley, walking colonial streets, or staring up at the stars, La Serena invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

Its mix of culture, comfort, and cosmic charm makes it one of Chile’s best hidden gems. Come for the sun, stay for the stars — and leave with unforgettable memories.