The Jardín Botánico Nacional lies a few kilometres inland from the centre, in a wooded valley off the road to El Salto. It is Chile's national botanical garden and contains more than three thousand species spread across themed sections — a Chilean native garden, a cactus and succulent collection, a palm grove, sections for South African and Australian flora.
It is a calm escape from the busy seafront and works well as a half-day trip, particularly with children. There are picnic areas, easy walking trails, and a small visitor centre. A taxi or local bus from the centre takes about twenty minutes.