written by
Sorrel Moseley-Williams
updated 29.01.2025
While Argentina isn’t known for powdery white beaches and transparent warm waters like some Latin American countries, it does boast 4,989 km of coastline as well as lakes, streams and rivers. As a result, what Argentina lacks in tropical vibes, it more than makes up for in rugged natural beauty, as revealed in this run-down of the best beaches in Argentina, including the best beaches near Buenos Aires, and the best beach towns in Argentina.
Considering taking a vacation in Argentina? Take the hassle out of planning by browsing our Argentina itineraries, or contacting our local travel experts.
Mar del Plata's heyday was in the 1920s, when wealthy porteños flocked here by train, hoping to exchange Buenos Aires’ swampy weather for cool Atlantic breezes.
Today, the country’s largest fishing port is surrounded by a cluster of the best beaches in Argentina, each with a different personality.
Hands down Argentina’s biggest seaside resort, there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Playa Grande’s waves attract wannabe surfers and pro riders. Beautiful people pitch up on La Caseta’s yellow sands. Meanwhile, Punta Mogotes fills with families sharing mates and playing games at low tide.
For the ultimate Mar del experience, spend the day on close-to-bursting Playa Bristol in front of the casino, just to say you’ve done it.
Those who can afford to book into a balneario (private beach club) with various facilities such as a swimming pool and bathrooms rent a carpa (tent) and sunbeds for a fortnight.
Browse more accommodation in Mar del Plata.
Staying the city before hitting the beach? Here's what to do in Buenos Aires, and where to stay.
Mar del Plata is one of the busiest beaches in Argentina © JopsStock/Shutterstock
While this port city's main draw is as the jumping-off point for visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valdés Peninsula, Puerto Madryn offers up a few trump cards of its own.
Playa Paraná on the Nuevo Gulf offers up a stretch of very white sand, which turns into a seaweed bed come low tide.
Time your visit right, and you could be sharing this bay’s waters with the famous southern-right whale (May to late November). Other bayside aquatic activities include snorkelling with friendly sea lions, SUP and kayaking.
All things considered, it's clear why Playa Paraná is one of the best beaches in Argentina for wildlife lovers and water sports.
Check out more accommodation options in Puerto Madryn.
Golden sands, warmish Atlantic currents and manageable waves await at Pinamar, which translates to pine trees on the sea.
This beach town complete with a fishing pier and surrounding forest attracts families with little kids, while kite surfers head here in summer for the vigorous breezes.
If you can acquire a 4X4 or quad bike, drive north up and over the sand dunes. From here, you'll find one of the best beaches in Argentina — La Frontera Beach.
A great destination for relative peace and quiet, time your visit to see unadulterated pink-and-purple ocean sunsets.
Search more accommodation in Pinamar.
Looking for pre-trip inspiration? Wise up with the best things to do in Argentina.
The wide expanse of beach at Pinamar © JopsStock/Shutterstock
A few miles south of the sister town Pinamar, Cariló’s fancy houses and lovely gardens attract the wealthy upper class that chooses to vacation in Argentina.
A quiet spot home to just 300 families out of season, visitors might be surprised by the number of cars that cross the dunes and park up on the beach itself.
This is the country’s top resort, chosen by politicians, impresarios and celebrities looking for a tranquil safe haven.
Discover more accommodation options in Cariló.
Cariló beach, where the rich and famous come to play © Alex Ruhl/Shutterstock
When the end of the world (Ushuaia) hits its annual top temperature of around 24Cº in summer, fueguinos strip off at Playa Larga in Tierra del Fuego.
The hardiest even brave the Beagle Channel’s icy waters. An hour’s trail from the main road leads visitors to this remote nature reserve, where a shingle beach awaits.
Keep an eye out for whales, penguins and petrels — this is one of the best beaches in Argentina for extraordiary animal encounters and adventure.
Find more accommodation options in Ushuaia.
Playa Larga, on the southern tip of Argentina © Pablo Rodriguez Merkel/Shutterstock
For mountain views and Alpine vibes from your towel, pitch up at one of the lakeshores around Lago Nahuel Huapi in Bariloche.
Summer temperatures in this part of Patagonia can hit 30ºC so don’t forget to slap on some sunscreen.
Families while away days at Playa Serena, while sporty types head to Playa Bonita for scuba diving and kayaking.
Lago Nahuel Hapi might not be the ocean, but its lakeside shores count as some of the best beaches in Argentina.
Find more accommodation options in Bariloche.
Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche, part of Argentina's Lake District © elbud/Shutterstock
It’s not all Atlantic waters around Buenos Aires. Tigre’s cola-coloured rivers and streams that form part of the Paraná Delta are just an hour’s train ride from the capital.
Despite the colour, the water is clean — the coffee hue comes from sediment picked up on the rivers' journeys.
Escape the town of Tigre on a lancha colectiva (boat taxi) to an island resort such as Playa Catalina, which accepts day visitors, then work off lunch by kayaking or rowing.
One word of warning — Tigre is busy year-round, especially at weekends.
Find more accommodation options in Tigre.
Rowing along the canal in Tigre © elbud/Shutterstock
Las Grutas — a seaside resort located in the province of Rio Negro — is the main resort in Patagonia, and renowned for its microclimate and the warmest waters on the Argentine coast.
With plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming and various water sports. Las Grutas Beach is one of the best beaches in Argentina for families — the waters of San Matías Bay are clear and relatively calm.
In addition, the local waters contain a high concentration of salts and iodine, which have therapeutic properties.
Find more accommodation options in Las Grutas.
Burrowing Parrots at nesting place in a cliff at the sea, Las Grutas, Province of Rio Negro © Shutterstock
Another place full of white sandy beaches in Argentina is the coastal town and resort of Mar de Ajó, located in the province of Buenos Aires.
The city's beaches attract large numbers of visitors during the summer and offer plenty of sunbathing space, and various water activities including surfing, water-skiing and jet-skiing.
Find more accommodation options in Mar De Ajo.
Monte Hermoso is also a popular resort in the province of Buenos Aires.
The town's main attraction is its beaches, which are well-maintained and have all the necessary beach attributes, such as showers and sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
A unique feature is that it's the only beach in Argentina where the sun goes down and comes up into the sea, allowing visitors to stay on the beach for longer.
Find more accommodation options in Monte Hermoso.
The stormy scene at the beach in Monte Hermoso, Argentina © Shutterstock
Want more South American beach break ideas? Check out the best beaches in Uruguay before planning yur trip.
Not keen on planning? Contact our local experts local travel experts to curate your perfect trip, and handle all the hassle of booking.
written by
Sorrel Moseley-Williams
updated 29.01.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Argentina
