Mar del Plata Things to Do

Mar del Plata is also known as the 'Happy City'. Why? Because during the summer holidays, nearly the entire population of Buenos Aires relocates itself here for sun, sea and relaxation. And when the good people are relaxed, they must be happy.

Mar del Plata is located at the Province of Buenos Aires, right by the Atlantic Ocean and is probably the most popular beach-side resort town of Argentina. If you are not planning to go to Brazil and it is summer and you have to have to have to go to a beach, this is the place.

While known for its extensive lovely beaches (though it is often too cold to swin in), Mar del Plata has other nature delights like cliffs, dunes, ravines and days can be spent traversing and exploring around in bicycles or horses. There are many activities for windsurfing, jet-skiing, scuba-diving, boat trips as well.

Because of its popularity, facilities for tourists are extensive with good hotels, restaurants, nightlife, a casino, and lots of shopping. In fact, if you find yourself in Buenos Aires in January and feels a little bit lonely as the streets are empty and there is no one to feed you, you might as well hope on a bus and head to Mar del Plata. The theatre productions also wrap up their productions in Buenos Aires and put on the performances here in Mar del Plata.

You have a lot of very nice beaches like this one, just to enjoy!
This pic was taken in july 2003.
No matter if it is winter or summer, the beaches are very nice!!!

Hay muchisimas playas como esta para disfrutar!
Esta foto fue sacada en julio de 2003.
No importa si es invierno o verano, las playas son muy lindas!!!

Of course the main draw to this ocean-side city, is the beach. Since MDP is reported to be jammed with vacationers during the summer (Dec-Feb), I chose to visit in November.
There is a very nice walkway along the beach. There are some beautiful residencial areas scattered around. The sea lions down in the port area make for some easy wildlife pictures. If you like zillions of seashells, go to the Museo del Mar. The Museo de Ciencias Naturales, while not large is interesting.
Picked up a city tour on Bv Maritimo just down from the casino. Our vehicle looked like an old wooden fishing boat with wheels. We got few stares from the tourist jaded locals, but it was fun and a great way to see some of the city/port.
There is really quite a bit to see/do in MDP other than hang out around the beach area.

Fiesta Nacional del Mar

Fiesta Nacional de los Pescadores

Festival Internacional de Cine

Gran Premio Super Boat de la Republica Argentina

Copa de Oro de Golf

Copa de Oro de Futbol

Seven Internacional de Rugby

Semana Fallera Marplatense

Torneo de Verano de Polo

Torneo de Tennis del Sur de la Republica

Semana Internacional del Yachting

Semana Internacional del Triatlon

Los tres dias de la Republica Argentina de Ciclismo

Rally Internacional de Automovilismo

Torneo Internacional de Surf

You´ll find in SANTA CLARA DEL MAR a very nice and quiet place, visited most of the time by families.
I was looking EXACTLY that kind of enviropment to spend my short vacations.

So, we did almost NOTHING but, to have funb, meeting friends, some "asados" and drink MATE...

Pretty PERFECT vacations...!

Mar del offers some of the most pleasant and interesting countryside just 30 minutes away from the city centre. Half-day or full-day trips allow visitors to enjoy Buenos Aires` south-eastern rural areas. Wherever you are staying, the countryside is just a step away. It is surprisingly easy to discover the delights of rural Mar del Plata.
Nature, culture, history and traditions merge together so that visitors may enjoy holidays in the traditional Argentinean background.

Well, this place is very in el centro as the people from Argentina says. It is a very nice place and many famous people visit it when they are in Mar del Plata. I had coffee and ice cream here.