1. Go shopping and eat with a view at Larcomar

If you want to combine the ocean with a little shopping, Larcomar is an easy place to start. Built into the cliffs of Miraflores, this open-air shopping center has stores, cafés, restaurants and beautiful views of the Pacific.

You can come for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, grab a coffee, do some shopping or simply walk around and enjoy the scenery. It's also a convenient place to take a break if you're spending the day exploring the Malecón.

2. Walk along the Malecón and enjoy the Pacific

One of the best things about Lima's coast is that you don't need a particular plan to enjoy it. Just walk.
The Malecón de Miraflores connects several parks and viewpoints along the cliffs, with the Pacific constantly in sight.

You can take your time, stop for photographs, sit on a bench or continue walking until you find a spot you like.
It's especially pleasant in the morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is usually cooler and the coastal light can be beautiful.

3. Go for a run or work out outdoors

The Malecón is also part of everyday life for Lima's residents. In the mornings and afternoons, you'll see people running, walking, cycling and exercising along the coast.

Several parks have outdoor exercise areas and equipment, so you can get a workout while enjoying the ocean instead of spending time inside a gym. If you like staying active while traveling, you can easily turn your coastal walk into a run or outdoor workout.

4. Stop for coffee, crêpes or a meal by the ocean

There are plenty of places to stop for something to eat while exploring the Malecón. Buena Vista Café, for example, is a popular option for enjoying a meal or drink with a coastal view.

For something more casual and sweet, Beso Francés is known for its crêpes and coffee. You can find both sweet and savory options, making it an easy stop whether you're looking for breakfast, a snack or a little afternoon treat.
Sometimes the best way to enjoy Lima's coast is simply to sit down, order something good and stay there for a while.

5. Rent a bicycle and ride along the coast

Want to see more of Lima without spending the whole day walking? Rent a bicycle.

Cycling along the Malecón is a fun way to explore Miraflores, and you can continue toward Barranco if you have more time. The coastal route gives you plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs, visit a park or take a break whenever you feel like it.

It's also a great option if you prefer exploring independently and at your own pace.

6. Cross the Puente Bicentenario

If you're cycling or walking toward Barranco, you can cross the Puente Bicentenario, which connects Miraflores and Barranco for pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge is part of the coastal route and offers a different perspective of the cliffs and the Pacific. One of its most distinctive features is its transparent section, which makes crossing it a fun little experience in itself.
So if you're already exploring the coast by bicycle, don't just think of the bridge as a way to get somewhere else. Stop for a moment and enjoy the view.

7. Visit Parque del Amor

You will probably recognize Parque del Amor even before you know its name. Its colorful mosaic walls, ocean views and the famous El Beso sculpture make it one of the most recognizable places along the Malecón.

It is obviously a popular spot for couples, but you don't have to be traveling as a couple to enjoy it. It's a nice place to take photographs, sit for a while or watch the Pacific.

The area around the park is also popular in the evening, when people come to enjoy the view, meet friends or have a simple picnic.

8. Watch the paragliders over the Pacific

Near Parque del Amor, you'll often see paragliders taking off from the cliffs and flying above the coastline.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can book a tandem paragliding flight and see Lima from above. The experience gives you a completely different view of the Pacific, the cliffs and the city.

Of course, this is an adventure activity, so don't improvise. Use an established operator, follow the pilot's instructions and remember that flights depend on weather and wind conditions.
And if you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, watching the paragliders from the park is still pretty cool.

9. Go down to the beaches of the Costa Verde

The Malecón gives you the view from above, but you can also make your way down to the Costa Verde.
In Miraflores, one of the traditional access points is Bajada Balta, while in Barranco you can use the famous Bajada de Baños to reach the coastal area.

The beaches along this part of Lima can be quite different from the sandy beaches you may be imagining. Some have stones or pebbles, so if you're planning to walk along the shore or enter the water, comfortable footwear or water shoes can be very useful.
And if you want to swim, make sure you are a confident swimmer and choose an appropriate area according to the conditions.

10. Take the new Miraflores cable car down to the coast

There is also a new way to connect the Malecón with the Costa Verde: the Miraflores Cable Car.

The cable car connects the upper part of Miraflores with the coastal area around Playa Redondo, giving visitors the opportunity to descend toward the beach while enjoying an elevated view of the Pacific and the cliffs.

The system is currently going through its initial public operation phase, with its technical requirements and international quality certifications completed as part of the project. As its regular operation gets underway, it will become another interesting way to experience the Miraflores coastline.

11. Try surfing or bodyboarding

If you don't want to just look at the Pacific, you can get in it. The beaches along the Costa Verde are popular for surfing and bodyboarding, and beginners can take classes with local instructors. You don't need to arrive knowing how to surf. A lesson is a good way to learn the basics, get familiar with the equipment and understand how to approach the waves.
If you're trying it for the first time, definitely go with an instructor and follow their recommendations about the conditions of the sea.

12. Try stand-up paddleboarding in Chorrillos

Further along Lima's coast, Chorrillos offers opportunities to try stand-up paddleboarding, including early morning activities on the water.

An early start can give you a completely different perspective of Lima. The coastline is quieter, the city is just beginning its day and you're out on the Pacific instead of looking at it from the cliffs.
As with any water activity, conditions matter, so use a reliable local operator and follow their safety instructions.

13. Explore the beaches around Barranco and Chorrillos

If you want to see more of Lima's coastline, you can continue south toward Barranco and Chorrillos.
Some beaches in these areas have sandy sections, while others can be rocky or pebbly. They each have their own atmosphere, and exploring them can be a nice change if you've already spent time around the Malecón.

Just keep in mind that the same basic city-safety rules apply here. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables, go with company when possible and keep your belongings with you rather than leaving bags or phones unattended while you are in the water.

14. Visit the Chinese Park for photographs and views

The Parque Chino de Miraflores is another interesting stop if you enjoy taking photographs or discovering less obvious corners of the city.
Inspired by Chinese architecture and design, the park has decorative elements, viewpoints and details that make it a nice place for photographs. It is an easy stop to add to a coastal walk, especially if you want to see something different without going far from the Malecón.

15. Take a break at one of the coastal parks

Not every experience has to involve an activity.
You can simply find a spot in one of the parks along the Malecón, sit down and enjoy the Pacific. People come here to read, talk, listen to music, meet friends, have a snack or spend some quiet time outdoors.
If you're traveling as a couple, with friends or even alone, this can be one of the nicest ways to slow down during a busy trip.

16. Look for the lighthouse

The Faro de la Marina is another recognizable landmark along the Miraflores coastline.
Located in Parque El Faro, it is an easy place to visit while walking or cycling along the Malecón. You can stop for a few photographs, enjoy the park and continue your coastal route.
It is a small stop, but it adds another interesting landmark to your walk.

17. Fly a kite on a windy Lima afternoon

If you're visiting with children, keep an eye on the wind.
August and September can bring some particularly windy days to Lima's coast, and you may see people flying kites along the Malecón. You can buy one locally and take it to an open coastal park for a simple afternoon activity.
It's inexpensive, easy and gives children something fun to do outdoors while the adults enjoy the view.

18. Enjoy the coast with your dog

Traveling with a pet? Lima's coastal parks can be a great place to spend some time outdoors together.

Parque María Reiche is particularly spacious and has plenty of room for a walk. At night, some of the park's designs inspired by the Nazca Lines are illuminated, giving the area a completely different atmosphere.

Another nice option is the dog park next to the Faro de la Marina in Miraflores. It is a lovely dedicated space where dogs can run and play freely, and visitors can enter without paying an admission fee. Just keep in mind that the park has specific opening hours and may be closed on holidays, so it is a good idea to check the schedule before heading there, especially if you are planning an evening visit.

There is also a smaller dog park in Barranco, located closer to the entrance of the district rather than directly on the coast. It is a convenient option if you're exploring Barranco with your dog and want to give them a little space to run around.

Wherever you go, remember to follow the rules of each park, keep an eye on your pet and clean up after them. Your four-legged travel companion deserves a little Lima adventure too!

19. See the Nazca Lines represented in Parque María Reiche

Speaking of Parque María Reiche, it is worth visiting even if you aren't traveling with a pet.
The park pays tribute to María Reiche, the German-Peruvian researcher who dedicated much of her life to studying the Nazca Lines. Designs representing several of the famous geoglyphs can be found throughout the park.
Visit during the day for a relaxed walk, or come later to see some of the designs illuminated. It is an unusual little connection between Lima's coastline and one of Peru's most famous archaeological mysteries.

20. Watch the sunset over the Pacific

And finally, leave some time to do absolutely nothing. Find a spot along the Malecón, sit down and watch the sunset over the Pacific.

You can do it from Parque del Amor, from one of the viewpoints, from a café or restaurant, or simply from one of the coastal parks. Some evenings are cloudy, others are spectacularly clear, but either way, watching the light change over the ocean is a lovely way to finish a day in Lima.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Lima's coastline is easy to enjoy, but a little preparation will make your experience much better.

• Wear comfortable shoes because you may end up walking farther than planned. Bring a light jacket, especially for the afternoon and evening, when the coastal breeze can feel cool.
• Don't forget sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
• If you're heading down to the beaches, consider bringing water shoes, especially for rocky or pebbly areas. And if you plan to enter the ocean, make sure you are comfortable swimming and pay attention to local conditions.
• Finally, keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to the beach, don't leave your phone or bag unattended and, when possible, explore less crowded coastal areas with someone else.

How Much Time Do You Need to Experience Lima's Coast?

The good thing about the Malecón is that you can fit it into almost any Lima itinerary.
If you only have a couple of hours, you can walk along the coast, visit Parque del Amor, stop for coffee and enjoy the views.

With half a day, you can add Larcomar, rent a bicycle, explore more parks and continue toward Barranco.
If you have a full day, you can take your time and combine several experiences, perhaps adding a beach activity, a bike ride, lunch overlooking the Pacific or an afternoon exploring Barranco.
You don't have to do everything. Pick the experiences that sound like you and enjoy the coast at your own rhythm.

Experience Lima at Your Own Pace with Peruvian Sunrise

A trip to Lima can be much more than visiting a few landmarks and moving on to the next destination.

With Peruvian Sunrise, you can build your Peru itinerary around the experiences you actually want to have. Want to spend an afternoon exploring the Malecón? Prefer to take your time in Barranco? Interested in trying surfing or simply sitting by the Pacific with a coffee? Your trip can leave room for that.

Travel Peru at your own pace and let us help you create an itinerary that feels like your trip, not a checklist.
Plan your Peru trip with Peruvian Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions About Lima's Coast