Best Things to do in La Serena | Must-see attractions 2025

Enchanted Valley

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

Ovalle

View map

Enchanted Valley in La Serena, Chile, is a National Historic Monument with petroglyphs and fossils, discovered in 1946, showcasing the region's rich cultural history.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. No cost for entry to the valley.

Casa Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Historical Museum

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Museum

Plaza de Armas

View map

Casa Gabriel Gonzalez Videla Historical Museum in La Serena, Chile exhibits 3500+ artifacts and focuses on the controversial presidency of Gabriel Gonzalez Videla.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Iglesia San Juan De Dios

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Avenida Jose Manuel Balmaceda 916

View map

Iglesia San Juan De Dios is a historic church in La Serena, Chile, known for its unique architecture and cultural significance since its construction.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free.

Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Church

Gregorio Cordovez 327 (Los Carrera)

View map

Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral, the largest church in La Serena, Chile, is a neoclassical masterpiece dating back to 1844 and an important national monument.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may have additional costs.

Lighthouse of la Serena

Open 24 hours

Lighthouse

Francisco de Aguirre

View map

The Monumental Lighthouse of La Serena is a historically significant Chilean lighthouse located at Avenida del Mar, making it a popular attraction in the city.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require a ticket.

Fundo El Renacer de Monardez

9:00 AM–9:00 PM

Sights

Parcelas de Quebrada de Monardez

View map

Fundo El Renacer de Monardez offers camping, barbecues, farm animals, horseback riding, and local goat cheese in La Serena's scenic Elqui Valley.

Duration: 3–5 hours.

Free to enter. Horse riding and cheese tasting may incur additional fees.

I. Municipalidad de La Serena

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Public Building

Arturo Prat 451

View map

I. Municipalidad de La Serena offers insights into the city's history through photographs and exhibits, making it a key cultural site in La Serena, Chile.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free.

Justice Court and Cathedral

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Public Building

La Serena

View map

Justice Court and Cathedral in La Serena, Chile, features ornate architecture, historical significance, and serves as a prominent cultural center since 1844.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free; special events may require tickets.

La Portada Stadium

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Stadium

Avenida Balmaceda (Amunátegui)

View map

La Portada Stadium in La Serena, Chile, is a multi-purpose venue primarily used for football matches, with a seating capacity of 18,000.

Duration: 2 hours for events, longer for special occasions.

General admission is usually around CLP 5,000. Prices may vary for special events.

Enjoy Coquimbo

10:00 AM–4:00 AM

Casino

Av. Peñuelas Norte 56 (Avda. Costanera)

View map

Enjoy Coquimbo in La Serena, Chile, offers gaming, entertainment, dining, and ocean views, making it an exciting destination for adults and tourists alike.

Duration: Typically 2–4 hours.

Paid entry required for gaming, dining varies by venue.

Parque Pedro de Valdivia

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

110-150 Brasil

View map

Parque Pedro de Valdivia in La Serena, Chile, is a tranquil garden and park, perfect for relaxation and nature walks amidst lush greenery.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free access for all visitors.

Gabriel Coll Park

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

La Serena

View map

Gabriel Coll Park in La Serena, Chile features diverse flora and outdoor spaces, providing an ideal spot for picnics, walks, and cultural events.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require paid tickets.

Casa Museo Gabriela Mistral

10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Historic Site

0300 Francisco de Aguirre

View map

Casa Museo Gabriela Mistral in La Serena, Chile, celebrates the life of Nobel laureate Gabriela Mistral with exhibitions, manuscripts, and personal artifacts in a beautiful architectural setting.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require paid tickets.

La Serena Zoo

9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Zoo

Valle Del Elqui

View map

La Serena Zoo in Chile offers diverse animal species in natural habitats, ideal for families and wildlife enthusiasts exploring the region.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Adults: $3, Children: $1. Free for children under 5.

VIVO Outlet Penuelas

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

View map

VIVO Outlet Penuelas in La Serena, Chile, features various outlets offering discounts on clothing, electronics, and home goods. It is a shopping hub near the beach.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Mall Paseo Balmaceda

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

2885 Avenida Balmaceda

View map

Mall Paseo Balmaceda in La Serena, Chile, offers shopping, dining, and entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere, featuring local brands and international stores.

Duration: 2–3 hours.

Free to enter. Costs may apply for specific events and entertainment.

Iglesia Cristiana de La Serena

5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Church

Francisco Ariztía 2806

View map

Iglesia Cristiana de La Serena is a prominent church located in La Serena, Chile, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant community activities.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free.

Japones Jardin del Corazon Park

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

Avenida Francisco De Aguirre 350 Horarios de atención.

View map

Japones Jardin del Corazon Park in La Serena, Chile, features serene rock gardens, bonsai trees, and drifting swans, offering a peaceful escape from urban life.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Teatro Municipal de La Serena

10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Theater

La Serena

View map

Teatro Municipal de La Serena, located in La Serena, Chile, is a cultural hub featuring a diverse array of performances and architectural beauty since its inception in 1912.

Duration: 2 hours.

General entry: $5, Special events may vary.

Inacap La Serena

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

University

Avda Francisco de Aguirre #389

View map

Inacap La Serena is a leading technical education institution in La Serena, Chile, promoting professional training and industry partnerships since 1993.

Duration: About 1 hour for campus tours.

Free access. Enrollment costs vary by program.

Campus Isabel Bongard

8:00 AM–8:00 PM

University

Amunátegui 851 (Benavente)

View map

Campus Isabel Bongard in La Serena, Chile, features extensive gardens, academic buildings, and cultural spaces, promoting education and community engagement.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a ticket.

Casa Central

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

Av. Raúl Bitrán Nachary S/N

View map

Casa Central in La Serena, Chile is a historic building, home to Universidad de La Serena, showcasing colonial architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Capilla San Marcelino Champagnat

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Church

Chile

View map

Capilla San Marcelino Champagnat in La Serena, Chile, is a historic chapel founded in 1963, known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Events may have associated costs.

Departamento de Ingenieria Civil de Minas

8:30 AM–6:00 PM

University

Benavente 980

View map

Departamento de Ingenieria Civil de Minas in La Serena, Chile, focuses on engineering education, research, and development for sustainable mining practices.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some workshops and events may require a paid ticket.

Serena Aventura

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Theme Park

Chile

View map

Serena Aventura in La Serena, Chile, offers thrilling outdoor activities, including zip-lining, horseback riding, and climbing in a scenic natural environment.

Duration: 2-4 hours.

Entry fee: $15 for adults, $10 for children under 12. Group discounts available.

Faro Monumental de La Serena

Open all day

Monument

Av. del Mar (Av. Francisco de Aguirre)

View map

Faro Monumental de La Serena is a historic lighthouse in La Serena, Chile, built in 1950. It stands 40 meters tall and is a key maritime navigation landmark.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. No entrance fee is required for visiting the lighthouse.