10 Beautiful Year-Round Things to Do in La Serena Chile That Mix Beach Vibes with Stargazing

Key Takeaways:

• La Serena is one of Chile’s most beloved coastal cities, offering a rare mix of beach relaxation, colonial charm, and stargazing all year long.

• This guide features 10 incredible experiences, from astronomical observatories and local markets to national parks and art-filled streets.

• Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, La Serena has something unique to explore in every season.

Located along Chile’s northern coastline and known for its warm breezes and clear skies, La Serena is a gem that blends historic charm with modern adventure. As the second-oldest city in the country, it boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, bustling artisan markets, and a laid-back beach vibe that draws both locals and travelers year-round. La Serena is also the gateway to the Elqui Valley — one of the world’s best stargazing regions — making it a magnet for night-sky lovers and cosmic dreamers.

Whether you’re wandering its palm-lined avenues or relaxing along its 12-kilometer beach promenade, it’s easy to see why La Serena is a favorite getaway for Chileans. The weather stays pleasant most of the year, making it an ideal destination any time you want sun, surf, and soul. From pisco tastings to desert hikes, this city offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else — all in one place.

Table of Contents

1. Stargaze at the Mamalluca Observatory

2. Walk the Historic Streets of the Colonial City Center

3. Relax and Watch Sunset at Avenida del Mar

4. Explore the Museo Arqueológico de La Serena

5. Taste Local Pisco in the Elqui Valley

6. Swim and Hike at Punta de Choros and Isla Damas

7. Browse Handmade Goods at La Recova Market

8. Visit the Japanese Garden Parque Jardín del Corazón

9. Attend the La Serena International Music Festival

10. Discover Petroglyphs in Valle del Encanto

1. Stargaze at the Mamalluca Observatory

No trip to La Serena is complete without heading into the hills for a night of stargazing at the Mamalluca Observatory. Located just outside the nearby town of Vicuña, this observatory offers guided nighttime tours where you can peer through powerful telescopes and learn about constellations, nebulae, and planets. The skies here are some of the clearest in the world, and the experience is both scientific and magical. You’ll hear local stories that tie astronomy to ancient Andean beliefs, giving a cultural lens to the stars above.

The observatory is open all year, with tours in both English and Spanish depending on the season. You’ll need to book in advance and dress warmly, as temperatures drop sharply at night. The drive up is scenic, especially under a full moon or with stars already starting to peek through. It’s a cosmic, can’t-miss adventure that makes La Serena truly unique.

2. Walk the Historic Streets of the Colonial City Center

La Serena’s historic downtown is a beautiful blend of Spanish colonial architecture, quiet plazas, and hidden courtyards. With over 30 churches, including the towering Catedral de La Serena, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The best way to explore is on foot, wandering past adobe buildings, artisanal shops, and colorful murals that tell the story of the city’s rich past. Many of the buildings are made from the distinct “La Serena stone,” giving the town a warm, sandy glow in the afternoon sun.

You can join walking tours led by local historians or use free city maps for a DIY experience. Highlights include the Plaza de Armas, the Church of San Francisco, and the traditional bell towers that dot the skyline. It’s a peaceful, camera-worthy area to explore before or after a beach visit. History, charm, and a little bit of romance live here year-round.

3. Relax and Watch Sunset at Avenida del Mar

The city’s coastline comes to life along Avenida del Mar, a long stretch of beachfront that feels like La Serena’s social living room. During the day, it’s perfect for jogging, biking, or lounging on the sand. But the real magic happens at sunset, when golden light bounces off the Pacific Ocean and the horizon stretches endlessly. Locals bring thermoses of maté, couples walk hand in hand, and beach volleyball games break out in the golden hour glow.

The area is lined with cafés, restaurants, and small kiosks offering fresh seafood and ice cream — perfect for an early evening snack. Year-round, Avenida del Mar is where people come to unwind, reflect, and soak up the natural beauty of Chile’s coast. There’s no rush, no pressure — just the rhythm of the waves and the calm that only an ocean sunset can bring.

4. Explore the Museo Arqueológico de La Serena

For a fascinating look at Chile’s ancient history, spend an afternoon at the Museo Arqueológico de La Serena, located right in the city center. This small but rich museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and a real shrunken head from the Shuar people of the Amazon. Exhibits are well-organized and walk you through the region’s Indigenous cultures, including the Diaguita and Molle civilizations that once thrived here. It’s one of the most educational stops in the city, yet rarely overcrowded.

Open most days of the week and free to enter, the museum is perfect for curious travelers, families, or anyone looking to add depth to their trip. The staff is friendly, and bilingual signage helps non-Spanish speakers enjoy the exhibits too. It’s a great place to cool off, learn, and connect with the land beneath your feet. Afterward, you’re steps away from coffee shops and local art galleries.

5. Taste Local Pisco in the Elqui Valley

A short drive inland takes you to the Elqui Valley, Chile’s pisco-producing paradise where the sun shines almost every day of the year. Here, you can visit family-owned distilleries to learn how the country’s iconic spirit is made — from grape harvest to fermentation to bottle. Most distilleries offer tastings, and some even pair the pisco with local cheeses or sweets. Surrounded by vineyards and backed by cactus-studded hills, it’s a dreamy escape that’s as flavorful as it is scenic.

Tours are available all year, and the drive from La Serena is breathtaking, especially if you stop at roadside fruit stands or lookout points. Whether you’re sipping a traditional pisco sour or a house-made infusion, the valley offers a sensory journey that blends nature and culture. Many travelers find themselves extending their stay just to soak up the peaceful pace. And yes — the stars are even brighter out here.

6. Swim and Hike at Punta de Choros and Isla Damas

For a day trip that combines marine life, nature hikes, and white sand beaches, head north to Punta de Choros and Isla Damas. This protected coastal reserve is home to dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and even humpback whales depending on the season. Tour boats leave from Punta de Choros daily and stop at Isla Damas, where you can hike through dramatic desert terrain and swim in turquoise water. The contrast between ocean and desert here is stunning — it feels like two worlds in one.

Visiting this area is a year-round adventure, but the summer months (December–March) offer calmer seas for boat tours. Be sure to book ahead, bring sun protection, and pack a light jacket — it can get windy. The journey out to the island is part of the fun, with wildlife sightings along the way. It’s the kind of place where nature feels close and completely untamed.

7. Browse Handmade Goods at La Recova Market

Just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas, La Recova Market is a must-visit spot for crafts, souvenirs, and regional food. Inside, vendors sell handwoven textiles, alpaca wool sweaters, gemstone jewelry, and locally made pottery. It’s a great place to pick up gifts or find something special to take home. You’ll also find small eateries upstairs serving traditional dishes like empanadas, pastel de choclo, and papaya juice — a local specialty.

The market is open daily and has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Vendors are happy to share the stories behind their crafts, and bargaining is totally acceptable. Whether you’re shopping or just browsing, La Recova gives you a real taste of La Serena’s artisan community. It’s colorful, cultural, and a perfect break between sightseeing stops.

8. Visit the Japanese Garden Parque Jardín del Corazón

Step into serenity at Parque Jardín del Corazón, a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden in the middle of La Serena. With koi ponds, stone lanterns, cherry trees, and arched bridges, this peaceful escape feels a world away from the city’s busier streets. Designed to reflect harmony and balance, the garden is ideal for a meditative walk, romantic picnic, or quiet moment with a book. It’s one of the largest Japanese gardens in South America — and one of La Serena’s most photogenic spots.

Open year-round and very affordable to enter, it’s especially beautiful in the early morning or golden hour. You’ll find turtles sunbathing on rocks, birds flying overhead, and families enjoying the calm together. The garden also has a small cultural center with exhibitions and occasional tea ceremonies. If you’re seeking peace and reflection during your trip, this is your sanctuary.

9. Attend the La Serena International Music Festival

Each January, La Serena hosts the Festival Internacional de Música, a classical music celebration that brings world-class performers to theaters, churches, and outdoor venues across the city. From full orchestras and chamber ensembles to solo pianists and choirs, the festival offers a rich program for music lovers. Many concerts are free or low-cost and take place in stunning settings like colonial cathedrals or starlit plazas. It’s a cultural highlight that draws audiences from all over Chile and beyond.

Even if you’re not visiting during the festival dates, La Serena has a thriving arts scene with regular performances at the Teatro Municipal and open-air stages. Music is a part of life here — especially in the summer. Whether it’s violin in a courtyard or guitar on the beach, you’re never far from a live melody. Check local listings or ask at your hotel for what’s happening during your stay.

10. Discover Petroglyphs in Valle del Encanto

Located about 20 kilometers southeast of the city, Valle del Encanto (Valley of Enchantment) is a mystical archaeological site filled with ancient petroglyphs, rock formations, and pictographs carved by the Molle and Diaguita peoples. Walking through the valley feels like stepping into a prehistoric canvas — spirals, animals, and geometric shapes are etched into boulders scattered across the arid terrain. The site is also home to small caves and seasonal streams that add to its mysterious beauty.

You can visit year-round, and while the valley is well-marked, going with a guide helps unlock the deeper stories behind the symbols. Bring sturdy shoes, water, and sunscreen — the sun can be intense. It’s quiet, eerie, and powerful — one of the most memorable off-the-beaten-path stops in the region. If you love ancient history and open landscapes, this is your spot.

What to do if you have kids?

La Serena is great for families, with plenty of open spaces, calm beaches, and kid-friendly attractions. Spend a morning at Parque Jardín del Corazón where kids can spot turtles and feed fish, or enjoy an afternoon of swimming and sandcastles along Avenida del Mar’s shallow beaches. The Museo Arqueológico has interactive exhibits perfect for curious minds, and boat rides from Punta de Choros are safe and exciting for older kids. There are also ice cream shops and playgrounds around Plaza de Armas, so you’re never far from fun. Just remember hats, sunscreen, and snacks — and the little ones will be good to go.

Where can I find free events in La Serena Coquimbo taking place this weekend?

To find free concerts, beach workouts, cultural festivals, and local art pop-ups in La Serena this weekend, visit PlanMyWeekend.ai. This AI-powered tool gives you a curated list of nearby free events based on your interests, so you don’t have to dig through outdated websites or Instagram flyers. Whether you’re into live music, artisan markets, poetry readings, or food fairs, it’ll surface what’s happening — fast and free. Just enter your city and vibe, and your weekend plans are made.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to La Serena

La Serena is one of those rare destinations where beach life, stargazing, culture, and adventure all blend together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re exploring pre-Columbian art, sipping pisco in the Elqui Valley, or watching the sun melt into the Pacific, every moment here feels special. The year-round good weather means you can visit anytime — no need to plan around high or low season.

So pack your sunglasses, walking shoes, and curiosity — La Serena is always in season, always inspiring, and always worth the trip.