Buenos Aires Beach | Take the Best Coastal Road Trip
Rent a car and drive down the Atlantic Coast of Argentina, making stops at the best Buenos Aires Beach hot spots.
Buenos Aires is not known for being a beach holiday destination, mainly due to the cold Atlantic waters along its east coast. But if you find yourself in Argentina looking for a beach break, I’ll lead you to the best places to stop along a coastal road trip. Have a look at the Buenos Aires beach towns and locations.
A few months ago, I rented a car in Buenos Aires with a friend and we drove down the coast, stopping in several little spots that we fell in love with. It wasn’t the high season so the water was too cold for swimming, but we had a great time nonetheless.
This blog post will explain where to stop, what to do, and where to stay at each Buenos Aires beach location.
Short on time? Make these stops!
- Pinamar
- Cariló
- Mar del Plata
- Abandoned Buildings
- Playa Chapadmalal
6. La Barraca de Chapa
7. Playa La Escondida
8. Playa de la Virgen
9. Miramar
Going to Argentina soon? Get Ready at a glance:
Get travel medical insurance with SafetyWing.
Book your stay with Booking.com.
Check Flights with Skyscanner or Hopper.
Rent a car with RentalCars.com or Discover Cars.
Download the Airalo app and get an Argentine eSIM.
Purchase the Ultimate Buenos Aires guidebook.
See all my Argentina guides on the Thatch app.
Take a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator.
Have a 1:1 consultation with me in advance!
Where is Buenos Aires Located?
Buenos Aires is both the capital city of Argentina (CABA- Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires) and the name of the province where the capital city lies. The province of Buenos Aires is often referred to as la provincia or provincia Buenos Aires.
The shape of Argentina is often compared to a pizza slice. If you think about this piece of pie, the province of Buenos Aires is in the vertical center, along the east coast. In the above photo, la provincia Buenos Aires is shown in green. It is where the Rio de Plata enters the continent and separates Argentina from Uruguay.
The capital city of Buenos Aires (CABA) lies along the northern edge of the Buenos Aires province, along the River Plate (Rio de Plata).
Is Buenos Aires a beach city?
No, the capital city of Buenos Aires (CABA) is not a beach city, especially when you compare it to neighboring Uruguay or Brazil. You can find beaches along the coast in the province of Buenos Aires but in the capital city.
CABA has many great parks and nature reserves if you’re looking for a place to relax. If you want water while in the capital city, the best thing to do is take a day trip to the Tigre Delta. In Tigre, you can visit the Puerto de Frutos market and take a boat ride around the deltas.
You can join organized boat trips that take you to Tigre and the Puerto de Frutos as well as sunset cruises with views of the city.
Does Buenos Aires have a beach?
No, the capital city of Buenos Aires does not have a beach in the traditional sense. There is nowhere to bring a towel and sit under an umbrella with a cocktail and a good book. The province of Buenos Aires, however, has several great beaches along its eastern coastline.
Are Buenos Aires beaches nice?
You will not find beaches like Ipanema in Brazil or Sousse in Tunisia. There are some Buenos Aires beaches that have nice sand and others that are very rocky, especially as you go further south, like around Puerto Madryn. Much of the Buenos Aires (province) coastline is rocky and the beaches sit below cliffs.
As I mentioned before, Argentina is not known for its beach scene, unlike the hiking in Patagonia, the waterfalls of Iguazu, or its red rock formations in the north. But if you find yourself in the country during the high season (January & February), then you will find several Buenos Aires beach locations to satisfy your summer beach cravings.
Where can you rent a car in Buenos Aires?
If you want to have a fantastic coastal road trip in Argentina and visit the Buenos Aires beach locations, you will need to first rent a car. You will most likely pick it up from the Ezeiza International Airport, which is about 45 minutes outside of the city if you rent a car right when you arrive in Argentina.
If you spend some time in Buenos Aires (CABA) before driving down the coast, then the best place to rent a car is from the Jorge Newberry Airport, which is 15 minutes from the Palermo neighborhood. This is where the majority of the rental car companies are located.
When I rent a car in Argentina, I usually compare prices on both RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars to see which has the best offer. In November 2024, we rented a car for 3 days for USD 120. That was cheaper than taking buses and trains back and forth between CABA and Mar del Plata for two people, and gave us so much more freedom.
Going to Argentina soon? Get Ready at a glance:
Get travel medical insurance with SafetyWing.
Book your stay with Booking.com.
Check Flights with Skyscanner or Hopper.
Rent a car with RentalCars.com or Discover Cars.
Download the Airalo app and get an Argentine eSIM.
Purchase the Ultimate Buenos Aires guidebook.
See all my Argentina guides on the Thatch app.
Take a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator.
Have a 1:1 consultation with me in advance!
Buenos Aires Beach Stops
There are so many great beach stops along the Buenos Aires (province) coastline. Depending on how much time you have, you can make quick stops just to see the landscapes, or you can bring a picnic and make a whole day out of it.
When I was in the area it was still the spring and not quite warm enough for a full beach day. We rented our car in Buenos Aires (CABA) and drove to Mar del Plata where we stayed for 3 days. I wish we had more time to make stops between BA and MDP, but we did the best we could with the time we had.
The bulk of our Buenos Aires road trip was between Mar del Plata (where we stayed) and Miramar. We drove from Mar del Plata south to Miramar and then made several stops on the way back up. The following list is all the stops we made, plus a few additional ones to the north of Mar del Plata.
1. Pinamar
Pinamar is one of the most popular beachside resort towns in the province of Buenos Aires. It is considered to be one of the more upscale beach towns in the area, so expect prices here to be higher than in other beachside towns.
Where is Pinamar?
Pinamar is almost 2 hours north of Mar del Plata along the coastal road 11. It is 4 hours south of Buenos Aires (CABA).
What to do in Pinamar?
- Take a walk in the Bosque Pinamar
- Relax all day at the Playa Pajarera
- Walk to the end of the Pinamar Pier
- Take a walk along the coastal edge
Where to stay in Pinamar
2. Cariló
Cariló is a small beach town located to the south of Pinamar. This area is famous for its forest-like downtown full of European architecture and gnome statues all around town.
Where is Cariló?
Cariló is a 15-minute drive from the center of Pinamar along the coastal road 11.
What to do in Cariló?
In Cariló the main activity is to walk around town looking for the gnomes and admiring the stunning architecture which brings you back in time. You can also drive about 30 minutes south of Cariló to reach El Viejo Hobbit, which is a cozy restaurant inspired by Hobbit-style homes.
Where to stay in Cariló
3. Mar del Plata
Mar del Plata is one of the most well-known beach towns in the Buenos Aires province. We spent 3 days here and really enjoyed it, even though we were there in the off-season. It’s a relaxed city with tons of interesting museums that reveal the history of the place.
Where is Mar del Plata?
Mar del Plata is one hour north of Miramar and 3.5 hours south of the capital city of Buenos Aires (CABA). It sits right along the coast.
What to do in Mar del Plata?
There are several ways to keep yourself busy in Mar del Plata:
- Stroll along the Mar del Plata Promenade
- Soak in the sun at Playa Bristol
- Rent a stand-up paddle at Varese Beach
- Climb on the rocks at the Cape Corrientes Viewpoint
- Go out along Guemes Street
- Have a coffee at the Torreón del Monje
- Visit the Juan Carlos Castagnino Municipal Art Museum
- Visit the Centro Cultural Villa Victoria Ocampo
- Admire the architectural wonder at the Casa Sobre el Arroyo
- Check out the Basílica de los Santos Pedro y Cecilia
- See the art at the Provincial Museum of Contemporary Art (MAR)
Where to stay in Mar del Plata
4. Abandoned Buildings
We stumbled upon these buildings completely by accident as they are not marked on Google Maps. But we ended up spending a lot of time wandering around them. It seems this was once a popular beach club as we found rooms with old shower fixtures and bathtubs.
The buildings are now completely gutted and covered with graffiti. Take a short walk across the grassy field until you reach the sea. There are pieces of crumbling stairs that once led down to the beach. In the summer season, this would be a cool place to bring lunch and spend the day.
Where are the abandoned buildings?
You can find these buildings near Playa Santa Isabel along the coastal road 11.
What to do near the abandoned buildings?
Check out the artwork covering all the walls in the area. You can also head down to the beach area. Note that you may have to jump to reach the beach as the staircase is broken.
Where to stay near the abandoned buildings
5. Playa Chapadmalal
The small town of Chapadmalal has a lot of great coastline to offer, with incredible views.
Where is Playa Chapadmalal?
You can find the wider Playas Chapadmalal opposite the Barraca de Chapa restaurant, on the other side of the River Chapadmalal. The beach has white sand and is a great summer spot to play in the water.
If you go a minute further north along the coast you’ll find the cliffs at Chapadmalal, where you can see amazing views of the coastline that are reminiscent of the Cliffs of Moher.
What to do in Playa Chapadmalal?
This is mainly a beach area, so pack a lunch and spend the day there. If you get hungry, you can also head over to La Barraca del Chapa (listed below).
Where to stay in Playa Chapadmalal
6. La Barraca de Chapa
This is a great stop to make along your mini coastal road trip in the Buenos Aires province as you’ll probably be hungry for lunch. This is a quiet restaurant that sits on the banks of the small Chapadmalal River. The food and service are both good.
When we were there, there were a few dogs roaming around. It was unclear if they were street dogs, but they were very friendly and came up onto the patio of the restaurant.
Where is La Barraca de Chapa?
You can find La Barraca de Chapa just off the main road 11, about 3 minutes north of La Playa Escondida and 1 minute south of the cliffs at Chapadmalal.
What to do in La Barraca de Chapa?
Have a glass of rose, a coffee, or a full lunch here. You can also head over to the Museo Eva Peron nearby.
Where to stay near La Barraca de Chapa
7. Playa La Escondida
This is a nude beach, which is why I couldn’t take very many photos here, as it is forbidden. It’s easy to miss as there are not many signs along the road. You just need to pull over to the side of the road when you see a white house. There is a parking area in the grass.
Then follow the path around until you see some white cabins. Speak to the attendant inside the booth and then you can follow the stairway down to the beach. The beach is wide and beautiful with white sand. It is lined by short rocky cliffs. Follow the path that meanders through the hills if you’re in the mood for a walk.
Where is Playa La Escondida?
This beach is just 3 minutes north of Playa de la Virgen along the coastal road 11.
What to do in Playa La Escondida?
Because of the nature of this being a nude beach, you will find fewer people. It is more rare to see children here, though it is not forbidden. Bring your own food as there are not a lot of eating options around.
Where to stay in Playa La Escondida
8. Playa de la Virgen
This is a small beach with soft white sand. There is a small path and staircase that takes you down through the middle of two giant cliffs until you reach the beach. There is a dirt parking area. We were there in the off-season (mid-November) so we were the only people there, and it was far too cold to swim, but we did dip in our toes.
Where is Playa de la Virgen?
Playa de la Virgin is 20 minutes north of Miramar along the coastal road 11, near the town of El Marquesado.
What to do in Playa de la Virgen?
There isn’t much around so the only thing to do is enjoy the beach. There are no restaurants, so make sure to pack a lunch.
Where to stay in Playa de la Virgen
9. Miramar
Miramar is one of the more popular cities along the Argentine coast. It’s particularly popular in the summer months of January and February when the population expands and the nightlife is loud and long. Otherwise, it feels like a small fishing town.
Where is Miramar?
Miramar sits along the Atlantic coast of the Buenos Aires province in Argentina. It takes less than one hour to drive from Mar del Plata to Miramar along the coast. It takes 5.5 hours to reach Miramar from CABA.
What to do in Miramar?
Miramar is not a big city, but there is enough to keep yourself occupied for several days:
- Rent a bicycle and ride along the coastal path
- Go fishing along the wharf
- Spend a day at Pleamar (beach)
- Go out along Calle 21
- Stroll around the 4 main plazas
Where to stay in Miramar
Travel Insurance for Traveling in Argentina
It is definitely a good idea to get travel insurance when you to to Argentina. You never know what could happen. My phone was stolen in Buenos Aires, and unfortunately, I didn’t have insurance on it at that time. For my personal health, I use SafetyWing.
I use SafetyWing, which is great travel medical insurance created by nomads for nomads. You can sign up for as many days as you need, and cancel whenever you want. They have particularly good prices, especially for those under 40 years old. Check them out here.
Best Time To Visit Buenos Aires
The high season in the Buenos Aires province is the summer months of January and February. This is when you will find the best and hottest beach weather. However, this is also when prices and crowds will increase drastically. In the summer, Mar del Plata and Miramar become nightclub hotspots.
If you’re looking for a quieter and slower-paced beach holiday in Buenos Aires province, but still want good weather, the best months to visit are December and March. The weather will be warm but kids will be in school, which means fewer people. It also means lower prices.
Keep in mind that even in the summer months, the water will still be cold. The shores of Argentina are not famous for hot ocean waves like in Brazil. You will still be able to go out and swim in the water or do water sports, but the water will be on the chillier side.
Is Buenos Aires safe?
The city of Buenos Aires is just like any city in the world: chaotic, busy, and noisy. Anything can happen just like it can in New York, Madrid, or Ho Chi Minh. I got my phone stolen in Buenos Aires, but I also got my camera stolen in Vietnam. You need to be careful and use your common sense.
Outside of CABA however, life is much slower and feels safer. I never felt scared or nervous while walking around the streets of Mar del Plata or Miramar. The pace is much slower, the towns are smaller, and give a more beachy vibe than a city vibe.
I do believe that the province of Buenos Aires is very safe. Everyone we met was friendly and helpful.
Getting Around Buenos Aires
The best way to get around the province of Buenos Aires is by car. We rented a car and drove from CABA to Mar del Plata, further down the coast to Miramar, and back up to CABA. It was cheaper to rent a car for those few days than it was for the cost of bus and train tickets for two people.
There is a train that runs between Buenos Aires (CABA) and Mar del Plata. It leaves from the Constitución station in Buenos Aires
How many days should I spend in Buenos Aires?
There is so much to do in the city of Buenos Aires, you need at least a week. Check out my 10-day Buenos Aires itinerary. You can also find a 3-day Buenos Aires itinerary in the 2025 updated city guide I wrote.
If you’re planning to venture out of CABA and into the province to check out the beaches, I suggest 3-5 days at least. I spent 3 days in Mar del Plata and did a mini road trip for one of them.
If I were to do it again, I would spend a few days in a smaller beachy area around Chapadmalal for pure relaxation.
Is it expensive to go to Buenos Aires?
As of 2025, Argentina has become much more expensive than in previous years. However, in comparison to many other countries in the global north, it will be similar or slightly cheaper. I wrote a post about the cost of living in Argentina.
What to pack for a Buenos Aires beach
When planning a trip to the Argentina coast, you should be prepared for all types of weather. It can get windy and chilly along the coastline, especially in the evenings. Here are a few things to remember to bring:
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Street shoes for sightseeing
- Sunglasses
- SPF
- Light jacket and/or hoodie
- Clothes for going out at night (if you’re into that)
- Beach games (ball, frisbee, etc.)
- Money (for renting umbrellas, chairs, beach club entrance)
Final Thoughts on the Buenos Aires Beach Road Trip
Because many of the coastal towns are pretty close to one another, it is easy to see a lot in a short period. That’s why this coastal road trip is one of my favorites in Argentina. You can see incredible views of nature, rocky cliffs, white sand beaches, and even city life with parrilla, nightclubs, and fantastic restaurants.
TRAVELING SOON?
INSURANCE: Cover yourself with travel medical insurance by SafetyWing.
FLIGHTS: Get the best flight deals with Skyscanner and set flight alerts with Hopper.
STAYS: Check out hotels and apartments with Booking.com and Vrbo.
RENTAL CARS: Get the best deal on rental cars with Discover Cars or RentalCars.
GOING HIKING? Get a 30% discount off your yearly AllTrails+ Account (code: nickiposts30)
eSIM: Get an international eSim with Airalo.
CITY GUIDES: Save time and purchase pre-made city guides with Thatch.
CITY TOURS: Book your tour with GetYourGuide and Viator
LUGGAGE: Get the best carry-on suitcase here.
CREDIT CARD: Start earning travel points with the best travel credit card.
BUENOS AIRES GUIDE: Purchase my Buenos Aires travel companion here.
CONSULTATION: Book a 1:1 travel consultation with Nicki here.
SUBSCRIBE: Get the Nicki Posts Travel Stuff newsletter every month.
TRAVEL BETTER: Check out my Travel Tips and best Travel Resources pages.
MORE? Check out more on my LINKS page to find me in more places!
You must be logged in to post a comment.