Located a two-and-a-half-hour drive northwest of the country’s capital and largest city of Santiago, Zapallar Beach is popular for its charming, safe, and clean environment. With its glorious sands and million-dollar vacation homes, Zapallar Beach is Chile’s most exclusive coastal retreat and has a laid-back way of life that keeps families coming back every year.

Zapallar Beach has many amenities including lifeguards, paid restrooms, and a small concession stand that sells juice and snacks. If you’re traveling during the crowded summer months be sure to plan ahead – there are only two paid parking lots and they usually fill up quickly. The water here is very cold so swimming is not a popular activity. Beachgoers love to lounge and sunbathe on the thick golden sand, but picnics are prohibited. One of the most popular activities near the beach is taking a long walk along the “Rambla,” a two-mile walkway that follows the cliffs and hills surrounding the town of Zapallar and has spectacular views of the harbor and beach.

If you get hungry, take a short 3-minute walk to El Cesar Zapallar, a beachfront restaurant with a casual atmosphere, great cocktails, and fresh seafood. Another option is walking 10 minutes towards the south end of the beach to Restaurante Chiringuito, a great place for lunch with beautiful views – if you’re heading that way we recommend making reservations in advance.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, the town of Zapallar is surrounded by luxury real estate so you’ll find many gorgeous private Airbnb and vacation rentals. Bed and breakfast accommodations are also popular here. We like Casa Wilson, an oceanfront property with 10 private rooms that’s only a 5-minute walk from beach access. Another is the European-style boutique Hotel Isla Seca, which offers ocean views, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.

Best Beaches in Chile