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Views & landmarks

Lighthouse of La Serena

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Lighthouse of La Serena

Overview

The Lighthouse of La Serena is a coastal landmark standing along the city's beachfront avenue. Travelers visit to see the distinct structure, walk along the promenade, and view the ocean.

Getting There

From central La Serena, the site is about 2.5 kilometers west. Walking down Avenida Francisco de Aguirre takes roughly 30 minutes, while a taxi or local ride reaches the coast in 5 to 10 minutes.

Time to Spend

Allow 30 to 45 minutes. This provides sufficient time to view the exterior, take photos, and walk along the nearby sand.

When to Visit

Late afternoon is practical for cooler weather and ocean views. The area gets crowded during summer months and weekend afternoons. Mornings are far quieter, though coastal fog can occasionally limit visibility.

Nearby Attractions

Consider pairing a visit with these nearby locations:

  • Elqui River (1.2 km): Located just north along the coastline.
  • Parque Japonés de La Serena (1.8 km): A landscaped Japanese garden on the route back toward downtown.
  • Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral, La Serena (2.3 km): Situated in the historic center.
  • Museo Arqueológico, La Serena (2.7 km): An archaeology museum in the central district.

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Lighthouse of La Serena

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Lighthouse of La Serena Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Elqui River

Nature

Elqui River

A river that rises in the Andes and flows to the Pacific, passing through La Serena and forming the Elqui Valley, famed for its wine and pisco production. It's also known as the birthplace of Nobel laureate poet Gabriela Mistral.

1.2 km away

Parque Japonés de La Serena

Parks & gardens

Parque Japonés de La Serena

Located in La Serena, Chile, this garden is one of South America's largest Japanese-style landscaped gardens, with bridges, ponds, and a bonsai garden blending harmoniously together. Strolling along the waterways where koi swim, visitors can enjoy its calm, exotic atmosphere.

1.8 km away

Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral, La Serena

Temples & religious sites

Our Lady of Mercy Cathedral, La Serena

A cathedral on the corner of La Serena's Plaza de Armas, the largest in the city. Regarded as one of Chile's leading cathedrals, it's well worth a visit.

2.3 km away

Museo Arqueológico, La Serena

Museums & galleries

Museo Arqueológico, La Serena

This archaeological museum is known for its Diaguita culture artifacts and a replica moai statue. It's a good place for a brief look into the indigenous history of the La Serena area.

2.7 km away

Iglesia de San Agustín

Temples & religious sites

Iglesia de San Agustín

A Catholic church located in downtown La Serena. It's a quiet spot worth a brief stop while strolling around the city.

2.7 km away

Cerro Grande

Nature

Cerro Grande

Rising just behind downtown La Serena, this hill is a local landmark visible from almost anywhere in the city. From the summit, you can take in the coastline of La Serena and even the distant Andes in a single view.

6.0 km away