Things To Do
in Tomé

Tomé is a coastal Chilean town just south of Concepción, famed for its long sandy beaches and a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. The town blends a working harbor heritage with simple markets, seafood eateries, and pleasant waterfront promenades. It serves as a convenient gateway to nearby beaches and natural spots while preserving a distinctly local flavor away from bigger tourist hubs.

The maritime climate brings regular sea breezes, making outdoor strolls and sunsets particularly enjoyable year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Tomé
morning
:

Fly into the picturesque city of Tomé, nestled along the coastline of Chile. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll along the beach to stretch your legs after the journey. Savor a light breakfast of local pastries at a nearby café while enjoying the ocean view.

afternoon
:

Explore the quaint streets of Tomé, visiting local shops and artisan boutiques to find unique souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a seaside restaurant, where fresh catches of the day await you. Spend the afternoon soaking in the sun at the sandy beaches, or take a refreshing swim in the Pacific Ocean.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a beachfront bar for a signature Chilean pisco sour. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local eatery, trying regional specialties such as 'cenizas de congrio' or 'empanadas'. Conclude the evening with a walk along the shore, listening to the waves and absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Exploring the Beaches
morning
:

Wake up early and head to Playa La Punta, known for its stunning cliffs and clear waters. Spend the morning swimming or sunbathing, with options for water sports if you're feeling adventurous. Grab a quick breakfast from nearby food stalls, sampling local fruits and smoothies.

afternoon
:

After lunch, visit Playa Dichato, famous for its picturesque landscape and family-friendly vibe. Engage in beach volleyball with locals or simply relax on the sand with a good book. Capture memories with stunning photos against the backdrop of the ocean.

evening
:

Return to Tomé for a cozy dinner at a popular bistro, where fresh local ingredients take center stage. After dinner, visit a local pub for lively music and enjoy some traditional Chilean folk dances. Wind down with a nightcap and reflect on the beautiful day spent at the beach.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea$2-4
🥗Lunch for two at a mid-range restaurant$25-40
🚕Taxi ride within Tome$4-8
🏨One-night stay in a budget hotel$25-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed seaside town atmosphere
  • Excellent seafood and affordable dining
  • Good base for beaches and short nature trips
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Fewer large-scale tourist facilities
  • Some services concentrated in peak season
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "¿Puede recomendarme un buen restaurante?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
  • "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Tomé

Visit one of these nice places.

Muelle de Tome (harbor pier)

Golden hour by the water with boats and nets provides vivid colors and atmospheric silhouettes.

Promenade overlook and Playa Las Tinajas

Coastal promenade scenes with palm trees and sea spray, ideal for wide-angle coastal shots.

Plaza de Armas and surrounding streets

An atmospheric town square with traditional architecture and lively street life for candid photography.

Sunset cliffs along the southern coast

Rugged shoreline and dramatic skies at sunset; a telephoto can capture distant boats and silhouettes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tomé

Tomé’s cuisine centers on fresh seafood, hearty grains and vegetables, and simple grilled dishes borne from the coast and the countryside; expect generous portions and home-style flavors.

Tomé Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Paila marina

A steaming seafood stew with mussels, clams, shrimp and fish in a light broth, best enjoyed at seaside eateries.

Must-Try!

Pastel de jaiba

Crab pie with a delicate crust, a regional favorite often served in seafood restaurants.

Chupe de pescado

Creamy fish chowder with potatoes and herbs, perfect on cooler evenings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Tome

A local market where you can sample fresh seafood, empanadas, fruits, and traditional snacks.

Coastal street stalls

Casual vendors along the promenade offering empanadas, completos, and grilled corn.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tomé has a mild, maritime climate with ocean influences. Average temperatures range roughly from the low teens to mid-20s Celsius, with cooler nights near the coast. Winds and sporadic drizzle are common in shoulder seasons, while summer brings more stable, pleasant beach weather.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días; maintain eye contact and use polite forms like Señor/Señora when appropriate.

Dress and behavior

Casual, modest attire is typical; avoid loud behavior in public spaces and be respectful in religious sites.

Photography consent

Ask for permission when photographing people, especially in intimate settings or with children.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is comparable to other small coastal towns. Be mindful of petty theft in crowded areas and keep valuables secure. Exercise normal precautions at night, practice water safety on beaches with strong currents, and follow local advisories regarding weather and sea conditions.

Tipping in Tomé

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is customary if service is not included; small tips for cafe or bar staff are appreciated.

Payment methods

Cash and debit/credit cards are widely accepted in town; some small vendors may prefer cash; ATMs are common in town centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February brings warm, sunny days and busy beaches; stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and expect coastal breezes that can moderate heat.

Autumn

March–May offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds; winds may rise, making coastal walks especially scenic at golden hour.

Winter

June–August is cooler with higher humidity and occasional rain; beach facilities may be limited but the coast can be dramatic and moody.

Spring

September–November sees warming temperatures and blooming coastal flora; good for outdoor activities and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Tomé at Night

Tomé offers a laid-back nightlife scene centered on family-friendly cafes, seafood bars, and small live-music venues. Most places close by late evening, with a relaxed social atmosphere rather than a club scene. Expect options for casual drinks and sunset-powered ambiance rather than late-night nightlife strips.

Hiking in Tomé

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal Trail near Tome

Accessible shoreline hike with sea views and occasional rocky outcrops; suitable for all ages on a clear day.

Cerro La Virgen viewpoint (nearby hills)

Short hike to a lookout offering sweeping views of Tome and the coast; check local access and weather.

Nahuelbuta National Park (day trip)

Long day trip for deep forest scenery and panoramic ridges; plan for a full day with transport arrangements.

Airports

How to reach Tomé by plane.

Carriel Sur International Airport (CCP)

Main gateway for the Concepción area, located about 25–40 kilometers from Tome; offers domestic and some international connections, with ground transport options by car or bus.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center and seaside promenade are walkable with well-kept paths; most sights are within a short walk, though some streets may have uneven sidewalks near the waterfront. Parking can be limited near the busiest areas, but pedestrian-friendly routes make inland exploration pleasant.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Chilean families, fishermen, and commuters who live in Tome and nearby communities.

Visitors

Domestic travelers and weekenders from Concepción and surrounding towns seeking a beach escape.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (fútbol)

A central part of local life; informal games and local leagues are common in parks and schools.

Surfing

Coastal beaches attract surfers of all levels; lessons and gear rentals are often available nearby.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light within Tome; intercity buses link Tome with Concepción and surrounding towns. During peak tourist seasons, mornings and late afternoons can see more vehicles along the coastal road and routes to beaches.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tomé.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most dishes are seafood-heavy; look for vegetable stews or salads, and ask for beans, lentils, eggs, or mushrooms as protein; many restaurants will accommodate with veggie options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Tomé has basic clinics and local health facilities; for more advanced care, residents and visitors typically travel to Concepción, which offers hospitals and specialized clinics. Pharmacies are widely available in town.

Discover Chile

Read more in our Chile 2025 Travel Guide.

Chile Travel Guide