Avenida del Mar
Twelve beaches along La Serena’s sweeping shoreline line this “Avenue of the Sea,” almost all of them excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. This pleasant pathway for walking and lane for biking, well maintained and well lit at night, runs along the beach side of the street throughout town and into neighboring Coquimbo, while restaurants and bars line the inland side, along with other useful businesses, like bike rentals.
Elqui Valley
One of Chile’s most important winemaking (and pisco distilling) regions by day and a hub of astrotourism at night, the Elqui Valley sits on the southern edge of the Atacama Desert, about an hour from La Serena, and is well served by local tours and transportation. About a dozen observatories cater to stargazers, helping you understand what you can see thanks to the clear skies, dry weather, and high altitude.
Isla Damas
A bit of a drive and a quick boat ride from La Serena brings you to the three islands of the National Humboldt Penguin Reserve — of which only Isla Damas allows you to visit. Scenic white sand beaches and crystal-clear water play second fiddle to the real attraction: the wildlife, including Humboldt penguins and bottlenose dolphins.