When in Viña del Mar, visit Quinta Vergara Park, which features a palace, the former residence of the city's founder, and an amphitheater that hosts the annual Festival de Viña. Explore the National Botanical Garden, a 395-hectare sanctuary for native Chilean plants. Don’t miss the Flower Clock, one of the city's landmarks, which is a giant clock made of colorful flowers.

The Francisco Fonck Archaeology and History Museum, also known as the Fonck Museum, houses an extensive collection of artifacts from Easter Island, including a Moai statue. The Decorative Arts Museum Rioja Palace, whose building is inspired by European palaces, showcases aristocracy-era furniture and decorations. Located in Quinta Vergara Park, the Artequin Museum offers interactive art exhibits and an outdoor playground, making it ideal for families with children.

The best time to visit Viña del Mar is during the summer, which falls from December to March in Chile. This is when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities. If you want to catch the Festival de Viña, plan your visit for the third week of February. Remember to book your accommodations early, as it's a popular time to visit.

Indulge in the delicious seafood dishes, such as machas a la parmesana (parmesan clams), and try completos, Chile's unique take on hot dogs with mashed avocado. For a sweet treat, don't miss out on alfajores, a type of cookie with sweet fillings and sometimes covered in chocolate.

You can hop on a bus at Pajaritos Bus Terminal, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Viña del Mar Bus Terminal. Tickets are affordable, starting at CLP 2,000, and buses depart frequently throughout the day. Another option is to drive via Route 68, where the journey typically takes around 1.5 hours.