Established in the mid-19th century next to the old Miramar Hotel (now demolished), this is one of the city's principal beaches. The surrounding cove offers protection from fierce ocean rip currents, allowing for safe swimming. The beach gets quite crowded and vibrant in the busy summer months. Visitors can meander down the promenade or relax on one of the benches. There are also children's play facilities, parking and a local discotheque. The quaint little gardens are also fun to stroll through. One of them contains the city's symbolic and famous "Floral Clock", which was ordered from the Swiss in 1962 when Viña del Mar hosted some of that year's World Cup matches.