Las Grutas beach; credit: Wikimedia Commons

The city of Buenos Aires isn’t a major beach destination. Instead, it’s a starting point for beach destinations throughout the province of Buenos Aires.

The beautiful capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, just coasting off the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that one of the top reasons to visit this city is its gifted proximity to a glittering coastline.

Buenos Aires is not a beach destination for cruise visitors because the beaches nearest the cruise port require transportation to reach them. Even so, shore excursion operators don’t offer them as tours, despite the many other tours available within the city of Buenos Aires.

Cruise visitors are more likely to visit better beaches in Buenos Aires province if they spend time in the city before or after their cruise.

Just keep in mind that Argentines swarm the area in January and February. This guide has everything you need to know about the best beaches in the area of Buenos Aires.

Center

Convenient beaches around Buenos Aires are arguably near its center, where the capital’s elite take their vacation in the sophisticated mansions of Pinamar, and young adventurers revel in many a warm-water activity.

Two small beaches near the city are Playa Palo Blanco and Playa Bagliardi. They are more than an hour south of the city by the town of La Plata.

Some popular summertime sports include windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and—for the more daring—shark fishing. Cruises make sure to stop at the port city of Villa Gesell, known for its young vibe and long stretch of shoreline.

North

The northern beaches closest to Buenos Aires are known as Partida de la Costa. They include a host of water parks, beachfront resorts and seaside villages.

Four of the best beaches in this northern region are San Clemente del Tuyu, Santa Teresita, San Bernardo and Mar de Ajo.

San Clemente del Tuyu is by far the closest to the city, just miles away from Buenos Aires and the first stop on the coast district. It is home to the biggest ocean resort in all of South America, Mundo Marino.

Mar de Ajo is one of those places with something for every kind of traveler. Just miles away from the capital, it’s a warm getaway with a fishing pier, tourist center and a grand casino for the adults in your group.

These tend to represent the most frequented beaches near Buenos Aires, as well as some of the best and most family-friendly coastal destinations.

South

Mar del Plata. Credit: Wikimedia Creative Commons license

As for the southern beaches, about eight really stand out: Mar del Plata, Mar de Las Pampas, Miramar, Necochea, Monte Hermoso, Claromeco, Las Grutas and Orense. These count as the most relaxing getaways from the city.

Also known as “The Happy City”, Mar del Plata is considered the most important seaside tourist center in all of Argentina. Its sandy cliffs, warm climate and charming infrastructure come together to create a welcoming air for millions of visitors each year. Mar del Plata is more than four hours south of Buenos Aires.

Here we also have the upscale town that is Mar de Las Pampas. Known as the “city without haste”, it’s a forested settlement where resorts, charming cottages and renowned restaurants nestle in a quaint city grid surrounded by nature.

Far from the bustle and deeply ingrained with greenery, it’s the best of the hills on the coast of the Atlantic—ideal for snowbirds on a romantic holiday.

Lauded as the only place in Argentina where you can see the sun rise and set, Monte Hermoso is well worth a trip to the south.

Finally, a beach known as Las Grutas is the farthest south you’ll go. In Rio Negro Province, many consider it the absolute best beach in Argentina.

The waters here are the clearest and warmest you’ll find on the Atlantic Argentine coast.