This coastal town on Argentina's Atlantic shore has long sandy beaches and a calm atmosphere. The summer brings many vacationers to its beachfront homes and small shops.
Mar del Tuyú, a beach town on Argentina's Atlantic coast, welcomes visitors with its wooden fishing dock where locals cast their lines day and night. You can climb the town's 25-meter lighthouse, explore oval-shaped plazas, or join the locals for a swim at the beach. Most visitors leave their cars parked and walk or cycle through the calm streets, making this seaside community feel like a place where time slows down.
Beach Life and Getting Around
Sand dunes separate the streets of Mar del Tuyú from the beach. You can walk to the shore carrying your beach gear, or rent a bicycle or ATV to move around town. The minimal car traffic makes it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach. In summer, families fill the shoreline with umbrellas and beach chairs, while children build sandcastles and play volleyball.
The Fishing Dock Experience
Walk along the 100-meter wooden dock that stretches into the sea, ending at a 10 by 20-meter fishing platform. Standing 4 to 6 meters above the water, the dock includes rental cabins and bathrooms. Street lights illuminate the dock at night, and you can rent fishing equipment on site. Local fishing boats use the structure as a navigation landmark.
The Lighthouse and Religious Sites
Find the 25-meter lighthouse at the intersection of Streets 69 and 1, where its beam reaches 36 kilometers into the sea. Walk to the nearby Stella Maris Chapel, built for the patron saint of fishermen, and see the Cruz de la Nueva Evangelización, made from quebracho colorado wood.
The Ovals Urban Design
The town's street layout incorporates distinctive oval-shaped spaces that interrupt the grid pattern. These ovals contain the Municipal Palace (previously the Gran Hotel Tuyú), shops, and businesses. The Municipal Palace maintains its original 1950s architecture, reflecting the early days when Mar del Tuyú emerged as a resort destination.
Local Events and Activities
Plan your visit around two main celebrations: the Nautical Provincial Festival of the Sea during November's second weekend or the Stella Maris Patronage Festival on February 2. In summer afternoons, browse handmade crafts at Plaza de las Provincias Argentinas or learn about local history at the René Mermier Multifaceted Museum.
Nearby Destinations
Drive a few minutes to Santa Teresita for its restaurants and nightlife. Costa del Este, San Clemente del Tuyú, and its water parks lie within a short drive from Mar del Tuyú, adding more options to your beach vacation.
