Puerto Rico prides itself in harboring some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With over 270 miles of coastline, there are nearly 300 beaches to choose from all around the island. Our diverse geography offers different locations to practice a wide variety of water sports such as surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, bodysurfing and paddleboard. You can also soak in the sun, have wonderful romantic strolls through sandy trails and swim on astounding natural pools of crystalline waters. Our beaches will leave you speechless. Here are some of the most popular ones. No wonder they are our favorites.
El Escambrón (Parque del Tercer Milenio)
Highlights:
Parking ($5 per day) • Good for Swimming • Snorkeling Tours
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Located just outside Old San Juan, it is the closest beach to Decanter Hotel. Being part of the Blue Flag Program, El Escambrón is not just a beach, it is a park packed with facilities like restrooms, outdoor showers and lifeguards, a walking trail along the water leading to a historic site, scenic views of Old San Juan and Condado, and plenty of sand and green spaces. There are spots for scuba diving and snorkeling (must reserve in advance, for details visit our Tours & Activities section).
Bring your own food and drinks, food vendors are not operating at the moment.
Condado Beach
Highlights:
Parking • Good for Swimming • Water Sports • Food
Right after Puente Dos Hermanos (Two Brothers Bridge) and before Condado Plaza Hotel, there is a tiny beach with soft sand and clear shallow water, where chairs and an umbrella can be rent to enjoy a beach day right next to the water. Cross the street for views of the stunning Condado lagoon, which has food vendors and paddleboard/kayak rentals (for details visit our Tours & Activities section). Not too far from there, along Ashford Avenue, there are options for parking on private lots.
The Condado vicinity offers something for everyone: swimming, jogging, windsurfing, strolling on the beach, shopping, dining and nightlife.
Ocean Park
Highlights
Good for Walking • Water Sports • Food
Known to locals as “Ocean”, this beautiful treasure of a beach is uncrowded and relaxed on weekdays, but on Sunday, everyone comes. Enjoy the clear aquamarine water and light-golden sands of the longest beach in the Condado area. Ocean Park is a residential neighborhood, but you can access the beach through Santa Ana Street or El Ultimo Trolley. We recommend Pamela’s (end of Santa Ana St) to rent umbrellas/chairs and enjoy food and drinks service right next to water.
Isla Verde
Highlights
Good for Swimming • Walking • Water Sports • Food
Voted the most popular urban beach in the Caribbean and the United States multiple times, Isla Verde actually comprises two main beaches: El Alambique and El Balneario.
El Alambique: It is the first beach in Isla Verde, closest to San Juan. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. There are a various places to eat right along the beach, and vendors walk up and down regularly offering snacks, water, and other refreshments. If you bring your own cooler, chairs, etc., a good access point would be through Jose Tartak Street.
El Balneario: Located off Route 187, just north of the airport, and managed by the Carolina municipality, the beach has its own parking and facilities (outdoor showers/restrooms) and food vendors. Beautiful turquoise water makes this beach a popular choice among locals, especially on weekends when it could get crowded and a bit noisy. Local police patrols the beach regularly, ensuring its safety and cleanliness. Bring some cash for parking fees.
Just 15 minutes from Old San Juan and a couple of minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, the area is also known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, casinos and hotels all along Isla Verde Avenue.