Bristol Beach is a famous shoreline on the edge of Mar del Plata’s city center. Join hordes of Argentine and international tourists descending upon its golden sands and frolicking in the chilly Atlantic Ocean. Discover historic landmarks and monuments while sauntering along the waterfront promenade. Bristol Beach curves around a scenic bay and forms part of Mar del Plata’s 29 miles (47 kilometers) of coastline.
During the early 1900s, when the city was often called the Biarritz of Argentina, the beach was a favorite hangout of wealthy Buenos Aires families. Today it attracts both young and old, families and groups of friends, locals and foreign visitors. Brave a swim in the cold water and splash around in the small waves. Walk out on the breakwalls to obtain excellent views of the bay and the city’s skyline.
The beach has two sections. The area closest to the sea is public, where you can lay down your towel and set up your beach chair and umbrella. Much of the rear area is taken up by private clubs with changing facilities, restaurants and rows of colorful tents that present a classic image of the city. Many Argentine visitors rent the tents for the entire summer season. Gain day access to some of the clubs by paying a fee.
Stroll down the beach’s paved promenade, La Rambla. At the center is a vast plaza decorated with sculptures of sea lions and a statue of the naval leader Admiral William Brown. Framing the plaza is a set of imposing twin buildings, resembling the French-neoclassical style. One is home to the Casino Central and the other the luxurious Gran Hotel Provincial.
Step away from the beach momentarily and enjoy the grassy lawns of Plaza Cristóbal Colón. See the marble statue of Christopher Columbus and a replica of Étienne-Maurice Falconet’s Bather sculpture. Return to La Rambla and walk south to Torreón del Monje, a medieval-inspired landmark erected in 1904.
Bristol Beach is a 10-minute walk from San Martín Square and is served by public buses. Visit outside peak season, December to February, for lower accommodations prices.
