Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Yet sea lions and beaches aren't the only draw
for the four million visitors who flock to Mar del
Plata from Buenos Aires and cities and towns
throughout Argentina every summer (remem-
ber, it's December through March in the south-
ern hemisphere) and on weekends too. You can
watch the fishing boats set off for a day's work
as the sun rises over the Atlantic, and then
spend the rest of the day playing golf or tennis;
fishing off one of the jetties along the shore or at
a nearby lake; horseback riding in the Parque
Camet; biking along the shoreline, stopping at
beaches whenever the mood strikes you; or hik-
ing in the surrounding countryside. Not sur-
prisingly, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming,
and, of course, sunbathing are also widely prac-
ticed.
The population
during the rest
of the year is a
mere 130,500.
If all that sounds like too much work for a vaca-
tion, never fear. Mar del Plata has a very strong
creative community and offers much in the way
of culture. You'll find museums, art galleries,
exhibit halls and artisan fairs throughout the
city, along with concerts and great theater dur-
ing the summer. Afternoon tea is de rigueur
here (dinner is not until 11 pm) and a great way
to catch up on the latest trends. You can people-
watch from an outdoor table on the pedestrian-
only Avenida San Martín while sharing a plate
of alfajores marplatenses (the local pastries; see
page 447). Plus, after this late afternoon break
you'll feel refreshed and ready for a night on the
town. You can gamble the night away at Mar
del Plata's renowned Casino Provincial, take in
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