Mar del Plata beyond the seasons: plans with the scent of salt and a taste for more

Anyone who has been to Mar del Plata has seen the iconic Torreón del Monje, and many have enjoyed coffee and croissants in its café. But beyond its dining services, the tower offers a beautiful panoramic view and the Mar de Cartas exhibit, which showcases part of Mar del Plata’s history with letters, postcards, and telegrams from immigrants and celebrities.

This place has a legend: it is said that on full moon nights, the galloping of a horse can be heard and the figure of a beautiful brunette woman dressed in white can be seen atop the tower. This comes from a love dispute that supposedly took place at the end of the 17th century. A soldier fell in love with an indigenous woman who was also pursued by a cacique. During a chase, she and her suitor jumped into the sea on horseback, and the soldier was locked in the tower for the rest of his days, turned into a monk.

Tip: The café is open daily from 7 am to 8 pm. The exhibit is open Wednesday to Sunday and on holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. Free admission.

Where: Alvear y el mar.

Without a doubt, the most eye-catching feature at MAR is the giant sea lion made of alfajor wrappers at the entrance. Artist Marta Minujín dazzled with this incredible piece created especially for the inauguration of one of the country’s largest and most modern museums, built for this purpose. No one can deny that sea lions and golden alfajores are classics of La Feliz. The museum houses a large contemporary art collection and stands out for its auditorium and community workshops.

Tip: The sea lion artwork was unveiled in 2014 before 10,000 people. It is 10 meters high and covered with 50,000 alfajor wrappers. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 2 pm to 8 pm. Free admission.

Where: Costanera Félix U. Camet y López de Gomara.

Unique in its style, the Museum House on the Stream was designed and built between 1943 and 1945 by Argentine architect Amancio Williams and his wife, architect Delfina Gálvez Bunge. The project was commissioned by Amancio’s father, musician and composer Alberto Williams, who contributed to the tuning of the current Argentine National Anthem.

This peculiar house, restored and declared a National Artistic Historic Monument, is considered one of the most important residences of the 20th century. Guided tours allow entry inside. It was used as a summer home until Alberto Williams’ death in 1952. Later, it was restored for public appreciation.

Tip: Guided tours are available Monday to Friday at 12 pm and 2 pm. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis 10 minutes before each tour. Maximum 30 participants per visit. The exterior can be viewed Monday to Friday from 8:15 am to 2:30 pm.

Where: Quintana 3998.

This place was Victoria Ocampo’s family summer home in Mar del Plata and is now a Cultural Center preserving the writer’s memory through photographic and literary exhibitions, as well as activities and shows. The house was built in England in 1912 and shipped to Argentina by boat, and some of the original furniture remains. Since 1981 it has operated as the Victoria Ocampo Cultural Center.

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Tip: Jorge Luis Borges, Bioy Casares, and Gabriela Mistral, among other famous writers, visited this house. It is open Wednesday to Monday from 2 pm to 7 pm. Tickets cost around $400 ARS.

Where: Matheu 1851.

This museum offers a journey through Mar del Plata’s growth history with period photos and artifacts showing how “Mardel” has evolved over the years. It features an archive, library, newspaper collection, map collection, and photo archive. Located just one block from the Victoria Ocampo House, it’s ideal to combine both visits in the same day.

Tip: Don’t miss the beautiful museum gardens. Visits are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 3 pm to 6 pm. Tickets start at $400 ARS. Free admission on Tuesdays.

Where: Lamadrid 3870, Los Troncos.

The 20th-century residence housing this museum impresses anyone who passes by. The tour evokes the customs of the first vacationers. The general collection includes works by Argentine artists in painting, drawing, engraving, sculpture, and photography, such as Juan Carlos Castagnino, Antonio Berni, Benito Quinquela Martín, and Prilidiano Pueyrredón.

Tip: There are often special events, so it’s recommended to check their social media before planning a visit. Regular visits are Wednesday to Monday from 2 pm to 7 pm. Tickets from $400 ARS.

Where: Av. Colón 1189.

When it comes to Mar del Plata for kids, this museum is a must-visit. Exhibits focus on preserving local and regional natural heritage and feature Patagonian dinosaurs over 70 million years old. It also has an aquarium with salt and fresh water animals.

Tip: This nationally important museum receives about 40,000 visitors annually. Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. Tickets from $400 ARS.

Where: Libertad 3099, Plaza España.

This unique residence belonged to painter Richard Hall, who, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was favored by European high society and painted American aristocrats. Now, Cabrales, the classic Mar del Plata café, hosts art exhibits and cultural activities here.

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Tip: The beautiful chalet was built in 1919. Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. Free admission.

Where: Güemes 2521.

This tower, resembling a medieval building, was built at the highest point of Stella Maris hill and stands nearly 89 meters tall. The terrace viewpoint offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the sea, city, and surrounding hills. Inaugurated in 1943, it was designed by architect Cornelio Lange in Tudor style. It’s clad in Mar del Plata stone with a four-sided slate roof. Besides the museum and viewpoint, Torre Tanque is currently the main potable water reservoir for Mar del Plata.

Tip: The stairs to the viewpoint have 194 steps, but there is also an elevator. Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 2:45 pm. Free access to the museum and viewpoint.

Where: Falucho 995.

The port is one of Mar del Plata’s main tourist attractions, featuring a commercial promenade and restaurants where you can enjoy the best fish and seafood, beautiful views, and the sea lion reserve. It’s a classic visit for all tourists passing through the city.

Tip: Chichilo and Santa Rita are two classic restaurants in the area.

Where: Mariluz 2 221.

Getting to know a city from the water is a wonderful experience, and the Anamora is the only tourist boat in Mar del Plata made entirely with a steel hull, with a capacity for 300 passengers. If you’re going with children, you’ll enjoy this ride twice as much! If you take the tour in the afternoon, you’ll be able to see the sunset from the sea.

Tip: Tours run on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 11:30 AM and 4 PM. The tour lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes, and the ticket bought at the box office costs around 9000 Argentine pesos.

Where: Mariluz II esquina ESA Abate.

Peralta Ramos Forest is a residential neighborhood and a forest reserve with 450 hectares on the outskirts of Mar del Plata. You can find vegetation such as pines, eucalyptus, walnut trees, magnolias, and jasmines, and animals like 115 species of birds, hares, mice, guinea pigs, weasels, and skunks. In this forest, there are several hidden gems you can discover as you explore it, such as the restaurant El Descanso del Marino, decorated like a ship, the tea house La Cabaña del Bosque, and even an ice cream shop.

Tip: On weekends from 3 to 6 PM, there is a beautiful craft fair.

Where: Av. Mario Bravo 2102.

Take advantage of your visit to La Feliz to try something completely different, like learning to surf or flying in a paraglider. The experience of riding the waves of Mar del Plata or soaring above the sea is unique and indescribable. Interestingly, even children can enjoy these sports!

Tip: Both activities operate year-round, with safety equipment and instructors provided.

A fail-proof outing to do with kids in Mar del Plata is visiting Las Dos Marías farm. They offer guided tours, breakfast, lunch, and you can also feed the animals and bring your mate to spend a day in nature. There are cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, ducks, and horses.

Tip: On weekends, there are special activities and shows. Open Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM to 7 PM.

Where: Angel Vargas 10060.

Bicitarte is a different way to explore the coast and discover historical sites, forests, and little treasures hidden around the city. The routes are designed for all ages and only require a minimal level of physical fitness to tour Mar del Plata in a group by bike. When signing up, participants receive a 29-inch Mountain Bike, a helmet, water, a healthy snack, insurance, and a guide throughout the route.

There are departures every day in the morning and afternoon, offering four experiences: two routes to the north of the city and two to the south, each available in short and long versions. These routes cover the main natural attractions and last between 2 and 3 hours depending on the chosen version.

Tip: They not only tour Mar del Plata but also other towns like Miramar.

Where: Check their social media for upcoming departures and meeting points.

This aerial park is an ideal plan in Mar del Plata for kids and teenagers. Aerópolis is set in a pine forest over 40 years old, with an atmosphere up high that makes you feel like you're flying among the treetops! It has more than 39 hanging bridges and 3 circuits of varying difficulty at three height levels, plus 4 zipline circuits.

There is also a 12-meter climbing wall equipped with the American Trublue magnetic braking system where you control your climb and rappel descent.

Tip: There are promotional combo tickets for Aerópolis and Aquópolis, but the water park only opens in summer. Aerópolis is open daily from 11 AM to 7 PM. Tickets start at 8000 Argentine pesos.

Where: Av. Jorge Newbery 5100.

This was the first shopping mall in Mar del Plata and is a classic spot with clothing stores, a cinema, kids’ games, and shows.

Ideal for a day when the weather is not good for the beach, combined with a stroll along Peatonal San Martín, which ends in the plaza of the same name, famous for its photo-friendly calendar and a nice craft fair. The plaza is right across from the mall.

Where: Rivadavia 3050.

The building that used to be the old bus terminal of Mar del Plata was restored and modernized to become Paseo Aldrey. Beyond being a shopping center, the place has important historical value.

The mall features major brands, a cinema, and children’s games, making it a great option all year round and on bad weather days. It’s also convenient after a beach day since it’s very close to the iconic Bristol beach.

Tip: Inside the mall, there is a Cultural Space that hosts different exhibitions throughout the year, such as classic car shows. It’s recommended to check ahead.

Where: Sarmiento 2685.

It’s amazing that just half an hour from Mar del Plata and its impressive coast, you can enjoy a mountainous landscape. Sierra de los Padres, part of the Tandilia System (the oldest fold mountain range in the world), sits 150 meters above sea level. The area is full of native and exotic trees. Important archaeological finds were made here, like rock paintings and the Tixi Cave, where artifacts currently under study were discovered.

Nearby is Laguna de los Padres, a large water mirror ideal for boating, fishing, or simply relaxing with mate while enjoying nature.

Tip: The surrounding area includes an araucaria forest and the El Curral Provincial Reserve, home to thousands of birds.

This is the first Argentine winery influenced by the ocean and is only half an hour from downtown Mar del Plata. A unique place surrounded by nature to add something different to your Atlantic coast vacation! You can take a guided tour through the vineyards and winery, learn about its history, and finish with a wine tasting paired with chocolate.

Tip: There are also sulky rides and picnics available. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM by prior reservation. The tour price is around 18,000 Argentine pesos per person.