Puerto Rico Beaches

Location:

Balneario El Escambrón, San Juan, 00910, Puerto Rico

Recommended For:

Families, snorkelers, divers, fitness lovers, and travelers seeking a scenic urban beach with rich history and amenities.

What we Love:

Stunning golden sands with clear turquoise waters protected by a barrier reef, easy access to snorkeling and diving, shaded areas, and proximity to Old San Juan’s historic charm.

• Swim and snorkel in the calm, shallow waters at Playa 9—perfect for families and beginners.
• Explore underwater reefs or go scuba diving from designated access points near Bateria El Escambrón.
• Work out at the outdoor gym at Playita del Condado or walk the scenic trail along the coast.
• Eat Puerto Rican specialties like alcapurrias and pinchos at Kiosko El Escambrón on Playa 8.

Cost:

Free public beach access; food and rental services priced separately.

Best time to visit:

December through April for dry weather and ideal beach conditions. Weekday mornings offer quieter beach experiences.

Local tips:

Bring snorkeling gear for the reefs, and visit early to find shaded spots under the coconut palms. Combine your beach visit with a stroll to Old San Juan's historic forts and cobblestone streets.

Distance:

Less than 10 minutes by car or a scenic 20-minute walk from Old San Juan.

How to Get to Balneario El Escambrón:

Accessible by car, taxi, or on foot from central San Juan. The beach has restrooms, lifeguards, shaded picnic areas, and ample parking nearby.

Where to Stay:

• For Families: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel - About a 5-10 minute drive.
• For Couples: La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort - About a 5-10 minute drive.
• For Luxury: Ola Vida Hotel - About a 10-minute drive.
• For Families: Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino - About a 5-minute drive.

Location:

Condado Beach, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Recommended For:

Resort travelers, nightlife seekers, water sports enthusiasts, and visitors wanting a vibrant Caribbean city beach scene.

What we Love:

Lively atmosphere, proximity to luxury resorts and cultural attractions, warm weather year-round, and direct beachfront service for a true resort-style experience.

• Sunbathe on the wide sandy beach with easy access from top hotels like La Concha and Condado Vanderbilt.
• Enjoy water sports and people-watching on one of San Juan’s most glamorous shores.
• Visit Playita del Condado nearby for safe family swimming and lifeguarded waters.
• Unwind with a cocktail from beachfront servers while soaking in the tropical vibe.

Cost:

Free public beach access; resort and service costs vary. Paid parking available nearby at Venta al Mar Park.

Best time to visit:

December to April for the best weather and a lively social scene, especially on weekends and holidays.

Local tips:

Avoid swimming in open waters due to strong currents; opt for Playita del Condado for a safer experience. For nightlife, explore Ashford Avenue just steps from the beach.

Distance:

Around 10 minutes by car from Old San Juan and 15 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

How to Get to Condado Beach:

Easily accessible by car, taxi, or bus from anywhere in San Juan. Walking distance from top hotels, restaurants, and shops. Parking available on nearby streets and public garages.

Romantic Puerto Rico Beaches:

Location:

Crash Boat Beach, Borinquen, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Recommended For:

Swimmers, divers, surfers, history buffs, and travelers looking for a vibrant beach with activities and cultural flavor.

What we Love:

Historic military dock repurposed for fishing and diving, vibrant local culture, variety of water sports, and fresh Puerto Rican snacks and tropical drinks sold beachside.

• Swim in designated safe areas or soak up the sun on the wide, golden sand beaches.
• Snorkel or dive from the iconic pier, where marine life flourishes beneath the surface.
• Surf and bodyboard in excellent wave conditions, especially in the winter months.
• Taste local Puerto Rican dishes and piña coladas from colorful snack shacks along the beach.

Cost:

Free public beach access; food, drinks, and rentals priced individually.

Best time to visit:

December to May for ideal weather and water clarity, though conditions remain enjoyable year-round.

Local tips:

Visit early to secure parking and a good spot near the pier. Weekends get busy with both locals and tourists. The dock is popular for both fishing and sunset photography.

Distance:

Approximately 10 minutes by car from Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla.

How to Get to Crash Boat Beach:

Reachable by car via Route 107 from Aguadilla. Limited parking is available near the beach; taxis and ride-shares are also an option. On-site vendors offer rentals and refreshments.

Location:

Flamenco, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico, Map

Recommended For:

Beach lovers, snorkelers, divers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking one of the Caribbean’s most stunning beach destinations.

What we Love:

Soft white sand and crystal-clear shallow turquoise water, Blue Flag status, ideal swimming and snorkeling conditions, and the peaceful natural beauty of Culebra Island.

• Swim in calm, clear waters ideal for all ages and skill levels.
• Snorkel along vibrant coral reefs with a variety of tropical fish and marine life.
• Explore the nearby Culebra National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching and scenic coastal trails.
• Relax on the beach’s soft sands with postcard-perfect views of the horseshoe bay.

Cost:

Free public beach access; ferry and plane ticket prices vary. Food kiosks and rental services available onsite.

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry, sunny weather and optimal water visibility.

Local tips:

Arrive early for the best beach spots and limited facilities. Don’t miss the iconic rusting WWII-era tank on the shore—now a famous photo op. Bring cash for local food stands.

Distance:

Accessible via a 45-minute ferry ride from Fajardo or a short flight from San Juan to Culebra Airport.

How to Get to Flamenco Beach:

Take a ferry from Fajardo or fly from San Juan. From the ferry or airport, taxis or publico vans can transport you to Flamenco Beach. On-site amenities include restrooms, picnic areas, snorkeling rentals, and food kiosks.

Family Puerto Rico Beaches:

Location:

Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico, Map

Recommended For:

Resort travelers, water sports lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and families seeking a lively and accessible beach escape near San Juan.

What we Love:

Palm-lined sandy shores, luxury accommodations, endless entertainment options, and being named one of the top urban beaches in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

• Swim and sunbathe on long stretches of golden sand, perfect for relaxing or playing beach games.
• Jet ski, parasail, or paddleboard with numerous water sport vendors along the beach.
• Enjoy live music, casinos, and fine dining just steps away at resorts like El San Juan Hotel and Fairmont.
• Stroll or bike along the shoreline while soaking in coastal views and tropical breezes.

Cost:

Free public beach access; rentals, food, and resort services available at varying prices.

Best time to visit:

December to April for dry, sunny weather and bustling beachside energy. Early mornings or weekdays offer fewer crowds.

Local tips:

Water can be rough—look for lifeguard presence and flags indicating safety. Stay for sunset and explore nearby Isla Verde Avenue for nightlife, dining, and shopping.

Distance:

About 10 minutes by car from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and 15 minutes from Old San Juan.

How to Get to Isla Verde Beach:

Easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport from San Juan and the airport. Parking is available near hotels and along main beach access points. Amenities include beach chair rentals, restrooms, and restaurants.

Location:

Isla de Vieques, Spanish Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, history enthusiasts, snorkelers, and travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path Caribbean experiences with ecological and cultural depth.

What we Love:

Unspoiled beaches, bioluminescent wonders at Mosquito Bay, snorkeling at Blue Beach, and a rich history woven into archaeological sites and former military lands turned wildlife refuge.

• Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters at Blue Beach, a haven for marine life.
• Witness the glowing waters of Mosquito Bay, best viewed on moonless nights for peak bioluminescence.
• Explore historical and archaeological sites at La Hueca and other areas within the national wildlife refuge.
• Relax on the secluded shores of Red and Green Beaches, perfect for solitude and nature watching.

Cost:

Free access to beaches and natural areas; guided tours and rentals for bioluminescent bay excursions and snorkeling available at varying prices.

Best time to visit:

January to April for dry weather and clear night skies ideal for viewing the bioluminescent bay.

Local tips:

For the best bioluminescence experience, avoid visiting during a full moon. Rent a jeep or use local taxis to access remote beaches. Be prepared for limited amenities in some areas—bring water, food, and gear.

Distance:

About 8 miles east of Puerto Rico’s mainland; 30-minute ferry or 20-minute flight from Fajardo or San Juan.

How to Get to Isla de Vieques:

Accessible via ferry from Ceiba or by small plane from San Juan or Fajardo. Transportation on the island includes car rentals, public vans (guaguas), and taxis. Lodging ranges from eco-inns to boutique resorts, with plenty of tour services for exploring beaches and Mosquito Bay.

Unique Puerto Rico Beaches:

Location:

Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico

Recommended For:

Surfers, boogie boarders, local explorers, and travelers seeking a quieter beach with a community vibe and nearby eateries.

What we Love:

Secluded charm, golden sand shaded by palms, nearby surf culture, and recent growth of local dining and shops around the beach area.

• Surf near the iconic La Pared wall, where consistent waves draw local boarders and wave riders.
• Boogie board or splash in the surf closer to shore, ideal for beginners and families with older kids.
• Picnic under palm trees or enjoy casual dining at new restaurants just steps from the sand.
• Stroll along the beach and admire views of nearby Playa Azul and the surrounding coast.

Cost:

Free public beach access; food, surfboard rentals, and other services priced individually.

Best time to visit:

December to April for the best wave conditions and mild weather. Mornings are quieter and perfect for a relaxed beach day.

Local tips:

There are no lifeguards—exercise caution when swimming and watch for rip currents. Visit the main Luquillo balneario nearby for safer swimming if needed. Enjoy the growing food and surf scene just off the beach.

Distance:

About 45 minutes by car from San Juan and 15 minutes from El Yunque National Forest.

How to Get to La Pared Beach:

Reachable by car via Route 3 or PR-66. Street parking is available near the beach entrance. The area features surf shops, casual restaurants, and access to other Luquillo beaches within walking distance.

Location:

Campamento Piñones, Loíza, Puerto Rico, Map

Recommended For:

Families, couples, food lovers, and locals seeking a peaceful beach close to San Juan with clear waters and delicious beachside eats.

What we Love:

Calm, crystal-clear waters protected by a natural coral rock wall, iconic local food kiosks featured on TV, and a tranquil vibe just outside the bustle of the metro area.

• Swim in the protected shallow waters—perfect for children and relaxed floating.
• Snack on classic Puerto Rican chinchorreo dishes from famous kiosks along the beach.
• Relax on wide sandy stretches, ideal for sunbathing and unwinding to ocean sounds.
• Visit during off-peak times for a more private experience, especially in winter.

Cost:

Free public beach access; food and drink from local vendors priced individually.

Best time to visit:

December to April for warm weather and fewer crowds; avoid holiday weekends for the most peaceful experience.

Local tips:

Bring cash for the kiosks and arrive early for parking on busy days. Look for freshly made alcapurrias and empanadillas at popular vendor spots featured on the Travel Channel.

Distance:

About 20 minutes by car from San Juan and 10 minutes from Isla Verde.

How to Get to La Posita Beach:

Accessible via PR-187 through Piñones. Limited roadside parking is available. The area includes walking and biking trails, food stands, and shaded seating options.

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

Location:

La Selva, Northeast Ecological Corridor, near Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Recommended For:

Adventurous hikers, nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking untouched natural beauty and solitude.

What we Love:

Secluded, undeveloped coastline protected by the nature reserve, chances to spot nesting leatherback turtles, and the raw, unspoiled beauty of a hidden Caribbean beach.

• Hike approximately 40 minutes along the coast from La Pared Beach to reach this remote paradise.
• Observe turtle nesting sites respectfully, especially during nesting season for leatherbacks.
• Relax on wide, sandy stretches perfect for quiet sunbathing or a peaceful picnic in nature.
• Explore the surrounding ecology of the protected corridor near El Yunque’s coastal fringe.

Cost:

Free public access; no on-site services available. Bring your own supplies and pack out all trash.

Best time to visit:

December to May for dry weather and potential turtle sightings; avoid rainy season due to difficult trail and road conditions.

Local tips:

Not safe for swimming—waves and rip currents can be dangerous. Do not attempt the hike alone at night. If driving, only attempt with a 4x4 vehicle due to rough terrain and potential flooding.

Distance:

Around 40 minutes on foot from La Pared Beach; 20 minutes by 4x4 from Luquillo if conditions allow.

How to Get to La Selva:

Hike east from La Pared Beach along the shoreline trail or use a 4x4 vehicle through rugged terrain starting from Luquillo. No marked signs—local guidance or GPS maps are recommended. There are no facilities, so come prepared with food, water, and sun protection.

Discover the island's most popular beaches and attractions on this custom map.