Its been growing in popularity since the 1990s and is known (understandably) as the Green City. Luquillo Beach, also known as Balneario La Monserrate, is among the most popular Puerto Rican beaches on the islands east coast. There was still parking in the not paid lot. Its also a popular choice for snorkeling as the local marine life appears to enjoy the calm waters just as much as you do, so make sure to either pack your equipment or rent some while en route to the shore. The RoamRight mark is used by Arch Insurance Company and owned by its parent company, Arch Capital Group (U.S.). pay for content, product research, guides, and more). For a first timer to PR -specially traveling alone- I would definitely recommend (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The 6 Best West Coast Puerto Rico Beaches. Head to Calle Fortaleza for some of the city's best restaurants and later to Calle San Sebastian for a great selection of bars and pubs. Although violent crimes may not concern visitors, natural disasters can affect tourists. ), Can be expensive to find somewhere suitable to live, ***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. We took a group tour and it was lots of fun. On the coast, youll find Pinone Mangrove Forest where you can kayak among the mangroves and relax on secluded slices of coastline. Buy Beach beckons responsible travelers. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-117751906', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rincon. Check out our ultimate guide to Digital Nomad Insurance! No need to pack an umbrella, either, as there are massive palm trees providing just the right amount of shade. Since then, Caja de Muertos has been a haven for endangered turtles, birds, and sea life. What a gem! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57911146', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rincon Have a look at: The surfing beaches are in the north part of town, the swimming beaches are in the south part of town. Its a place with its own personality complete with its own style of architecture, Ponce Creole and boasts an elegant, self-affirming historic city centre, with fountains, narrow lanes, and oodles of character. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-117761255', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Isla Verde or Cabo San Roja? Rubio Puerto Rico Colorful Beach & Pool Towel: Puerto Rico Map With Towns - Isla Del Encanto Check On Amazon Introducing the stunning Rubio Puerto Rico Colorful Beach & Pool Towel, featuring a vibrant depiction of the island of Puerto Rico with its iconic landmarks and towns. Stores and restaurants will be open, but finding a place to stay will be the hardest. The price on average for most parking lots were $25 for the day. Flamenco is a Blue Flag-certified beach and the best beach for swimming and diving in Puerto Rico. There are rainforests here, too. Its lush landscapes, delicious food scene, and spectacular hotels make it a world-class destination. Plus, it comes with the added bonus of The Tank, a vintage tank left over from the U.S. Navys occupation on the island, which has now been covered in graffiti and is slowly being reclaimed by the sea. Pea Blanca is a secluded beach on Puerto Rico's northwest coast. Located near the northwest town of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, is the beach popularly known as Puerto Ricos island party beach, Crash Boat Beach. Thanks, both of you, for the info! A few bars on the beach. Aguadilla, Rincn, and Cabo Rojo on the west coast and southwest coast offer the best beaches for surfing, whale watching, and sightseeing. It comprises 28,000 acres and has hiking trails, tons of species of flora and fauna, and incredible views. Isla Caja De Muertos. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57907734', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Rincon, Boqueron, Isabela or La Parguera in Lajas. Measuring 26 square miles, Luquillo is home to one of the best beaches on the island, the largest adventure park in Puerto Rico . Another fantastic Culebra beach awaits near the southernmost tip of the island at Playa Punta Soldado, where a sweep of golden sand fronts a semi-protected bay lapped by clear waters. This is a gorgeous reserve during the day, but at night, youll get a completely different experience since you can kayak the bioluminescent bay. The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico for Getting Away From It All Looking for coworking in Humacao? 11 COOLEST Places to Live in Puerto Rico (Updated 2023) 6 Coastal Towns to Visit in Puerto Rico - RoamRight Some areas are more calm than others but beware. Top marks. Here you should visit the Bosque Estatal de Guanica, a dry forest with scenery unlike any found anywhere else in the island. If you like seafood, youll be in the right place in Humacao. Insurance coverages are underwritten by Arch Insurance Company, NAIC #11150, under certain policy series, including LTP 2013 and amendments thereto. Rinse off from the beach later in one of the sublime outdoor showers in suites at the Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve just west of San Juan. The beach stretches across 12 miles of Puerto Rican coastline and has areas of golden and white sands. Ideally I think we'd like a place that isn't extremely crowded but isn't completely isolated either. This boardwalk wraps around the seashore and is the place to go for fresh sea air, fresh seafood, and some impressive sea views. Aguadilla This is the most popular beach in Aguadilla. CoSPAZIO is a professional place, with superfast wi-fi and comfortable areas to work. You'll understand why once you arrive. Travel smarter with travel insurance from RoamRight. 5-Star Hotel: Dorado Beach Boutique Hotel: 352 Guest House Cheap Hotel: Casa Aramana Family Hotel: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Adults-Only: El Colonial Best Pool: Royal Sonesta San Juan Near Airport: Courtyard Isla Verde A long stretch of wonderful beach on Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. Speaking of food, Cayey is an excellent spot for it particularly for its roast pork. Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic. On the Culebra Islands, Flamenco Beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches on the planet. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Take an excursion to the island of Culebrita, where youll find Tortuga Beach, a breathtaking spot with sugar-soft sand and azure waves. 15 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico - The Crazy Tourist Beyond Puerto Rico's beaches: 8 farms and haciendas to visit. The beach gets its name from the herd of hawksbill and leatherback turtles who visit to nest and feed on the beach. The municipality of Luquillo (loo-KEE-yo) is a famous beach town in northeast Puerto Rico. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-57906919', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Puerto Rico at the end of July; neither my significant other nor I have been. The beach doesnt have amenities like washrooms and shopping or feed kiosks. The beach is lined by a stretch of palm trees and high-rise buildings and is a popular spot for couples, families, and even celebrities. Theres food and gift shops - typical to most beach towns. The mansions are as grand as ever. Puerto Rico tends to be very busy with tourists during the winter months. It may get a few visitors on weekends from the mainland, but mainly itll be you and the other chilled-out residents enjoying what Culebra has to offer. It's a great spot to spend teh afternoon for a lazy Sunday. Puerto Rico is well known for its coastal towns and beaches. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautiful all the. 6 Relaxing and Calm Beaches in Puerto Rico This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Even though its in the mountains, Cayey is still only an hours drive from San Juan, so youll never feel (or be) too disconnected from city life if you need it. The local snorkel rental place was helpful in advising where to go. There are no massive resorts, fast-food chains, or big-name supermarkets but there is nature and peace. Being minutes away from downtown San Juan core, Condado is the perfect destination for relaxing after a long day of exploring the city. Additionally, The location of Isla Verde is incredibly convenient. We had a day with no plans on our recent trip to Puerto Rico, so we decided to spend it at Isla Verde Beach. Surrounded by mountains, Caguas is a picturesque place to be. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Theres a little bit of a rivalry between San Juan and Ponce; youll notice it through their pride. If you want a quiet quaint low-key town, I suggest you go west either to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This can be changeable, to say the least, and Puerto Rico can be badly affected by hurricanes. The gateway to Puerto Rico, Carolina is San Juans more affordable next-door neighbour. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Boqueron Beach 10. Cayo Icacos houses a fantastic coral reef network and marine sea life. A lot of money has been spent on preserving and updating the citys colonial core. There are things r buy to eat and drink and there are things to rent like canoes,kayaks, banana boat rides, and jet skis. You'll know you've arrived when you drive through the massive letters spelling the name of the city. Which places provide the best beaches in Puerto Rico for groups? Fajardo is well known for its multitude of beaches. However, if you could only visit one, The best beach to visit in Isla Verde. The Best Area to Stay in Puerto Rico The beach enjoys calmer waters than most west-side Puerto Rican beaches, thanks to the shape of the water. That being said, even though Puerto Rico is an American Territory, it isnt subject to the same laws as the United States. Here youll find the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S. El Yunque. The beach is fully equipped with picnic areas, campgrounds, barbeque grills, food kiosks, lifeguards, and washrooms. Playa Sucia Beach, also known as La Playuela, is a beach located on the southwesternmost tip of Puerto Rico, near Cabo Rojo. If you are looking into (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In addition, US currency is accepted everywhere in the country. Be sure to bring a mask and fins: Theres excellent snorkeling just offshore from the leftmost end of the beach. El Yunque is one of the major draws to Rio Grande. Youll also be intrigued to know that Fajardo is home to some of the worlds only bioluminescent bays. The town is set 1,500 feet above sea level, so its a good option if youre looking for cooler temperatures than on the coast. Beaches in Puerto Rico THE 10 BEST Puerto Rico Beaches Beaches in Puerto Rico Enter dates Filters 1 Outdoor Activities Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Outdoor Activities Beaches Rincn is a fairly creative place to be. (Board Riders restaurant is a nice place to chill for those who aren't into the. Nice scenery. And thats without even mentioning the sunsets youll get to enjoy a fair few sundowners at the beaches here. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Get your free, no-obligation quote online today. #2: Stella Stella | samu alicante/Wikimedia Commons Most tourists flock to Puerto Rico's northwest coast to experience Rincn's surf-town cultureand completely miss out on Stella, a small beachside barrio (neighborhood) just 10 minutes away. The southern waters of Vieques house a bioluminescent microorganism called Dinoflagellates, which light up the waters with an electric blue hue. @Margaret T: It is called Cabo Rojo. Cafe Playero, right by the coast, is a popular spot pretty much all day long. Which places provide the best beaches in Puerto Rico for travelers on a budget? Beach umbrella rentals. Translating as Snake Island (dont let that put you off), its actually part of the Spanish Virgin Islands and is, in short, an idyllic place. This means that if you use our links, Nomads Nation will earn a small commission at. Nature lovers will love Caja de Muertos for hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, scenic views, and secluded beaches. Its basically the gateway to the area, so for nomads who like the idea of a wilderness on the doorstep, Caguas is a good option. Puerto Rico has 78 municipalities, of which only 14 are considered official "cities" (meaning more than 50 thousand inhabitants)! He's been blogging for over three years at globotreks.com, where he shares his travel experiences, budget travel tips, and a good dose of world architecture. People playing music with speakers and swimmers singing along. Great spot for sunset photography on the rocks just north of the. The island landscape is untouched by humans, with palm trees, endemic plants, seashells on soft sands, and crystal clear waters. Cayey is fun local life and amazing food on a backdrop of mountains. This is because American territories are given the right to self-governance by Congress. Rincn, on the west coast of Puerto Rico, is a famous surfing destination. If you can dream it, you can beach it in Puerto Rico. Norbert Figueroa is an architect who hit the pause button on his career in 2011 to do a round the world trip. In the town of Rio Grande, the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico earned the No. Popular beaches include Punta Santiago and Buena Vista. There was a big swell going on, so it made a big surge of water come through the opening. Sun Bay makes a beautiful day trip. With its lush hillside setting strung with hammocks and villas overlooking Fulladoza Bay, Club Seabourne makes for a quiet boutique hotel stay a 10-minute drive from Playa Punta Soldado. Some of these hurricanes can be pretty destructive. The beach has something to offer to everyone. Looking for more great Digital Nomad content? Norbert is originally from Puerto Rico and he is currently based in Milan, Italy when not roaming around the world, that is. In 1980, the island was designated a nature reserve. Puerto Rico is an American Territory. Domes are also the home of the famous Corona Pro Surf Circuit, which attracts surfers from across the globe. Adventure seekers can head to Pine Grove Beach for surfing and other water sports. Just east of Playa Caracas and within the lush and undeveloped setting of the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Playa Pata Prieta is often called Secret Beach. Founded in 1840, Rio Grande is a mix of upscale resorts and restaurants, lush nature, and spectacular sweeping beaches. 3. There you have it the very best destinations in Puerto Rico for digital nomads. Turtles come here to lay their eggs, there are loads of sea birds and different bird species, and theres coral so the scuba diving is fantastic, too. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Plan to stay in SJ for a few days then drive to a beach town. This Beach is perfect. As long as things are calm, wade in and enjoy the solitude. This beach has lovely palm trees for shade, its gorgeous sand and, The beach was perfect for snorkeling you can see a different kinds of fishes, also you can see. Loved it! Flamenco is a Blue Flag-certified beach and the best beach for swimming and diving in Puerto Rico. more. And thank you for the heads up on the holidays. Jobos Beach The beach is surrounded by complete wilderness, with no beach facilities, lifeguards, or restaurants nearby. Has anyone stayed at Malibu Beach condos in Loiza? I'm open to locations and to renting a car to drive where ever we decide to go. There's local playing music during the weekend. Cayey is located at the start of the La Ruta Panoramica, a scenic 125-mile road that weaves and winds its way into the soaring mountains. In the event of any conflict between your policy terms and coverage descriptions on this website, the terms and conditions of your policy shall govern. But beach lovers might be even more impressed by the island's powdery stretches like Playa Caracas, one of the finest examples of a quintessential Caribbean beach. Flights to Puerto Rico are surprisingly affordable, with especially good deals for those flying out of Florida and the East Coast. Along the coastal road you will find dozens of seafood restaurants and local shops. Read on for a few of the best beaches in Puerto Rico for getting away from it all. Once you emerge at the secluded setting of Playa Escondida, chances are youll have the beach to yourself or be sharing it with only a few others. Luquillo Beach is located about a 30-minute drive from the airport, meaning youre not far from a sandy escape upon landing. Condado beach is known for having powerful currents and tides. Nice beaches, not touristy, and good restaurants sounds more like Cabo Rojo. Sun Bay Beach - best beach in Puerto Rico for families 10. This means that distances are measured in kilometers instead of miles, and gas is sold in liters instead of gallons. In Cabo Rajo on Puerto Ricos southwest coast, Playa Buy is known for the clarity of its waters on an island lapped by them. All in all, as long as you pay attention to your surroundings, dont push your limits and keep clear of dodgy situations, youll be completely fine living life in Puerto Rico. If you like the sound of all that, then Puerto Rico awaits. Theres an emerging art scene, with a fair few art galleries spread out across the town. Puerto Ricos second city, Ponce, rivals San Juan for character, flair and historic buildings. spot, awesome views, accesible on foot and places to Park very close!! A few snorkelers. Continue the reef theme with a stay at El Blok Hotel, where the architecture was inspired by Puerto Ricos coral reefs and contemporary suites overlook the mangroves. Culebra could be your new island getaway for laid-back living. We had to walk 100 meters or so to get away from the "crowds," but then had a strip of beach all to ourselves. Puerto Rico's enchanting east region offers secluded beaches, tropical cays, and a legendary rainforest. You could opt for island living and spend some chilled time on the small island of Culebra, or go for Puerto Ricos second city, Ponce. Beaches like Playa Cofres are much calmer than others while still catering to adults as well as young ones with water sports and ocean front resorts. In the coastal areas, the temperatures usually range between 76 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with a consistent humidity of 80%. Playa El Pastillo 12. Ive ever been to and Ive traveled fairly extensively within if you wanted - and the water was warm and calm inside the sw We walked about 1 mile to each side of the beach where it then stopped with a cliff and, The authentic Puerto Rican food from the kiosk is amazing and drinking pina coladas from a pineapple on the, Dont miss the wonderful cafe very close to entrance to path taking you down to, used to the white sandy beaches of Florida's gulf coast, but I LOVED the perfectly coarse, soft, golden. The beach is divided into Pine Grove for surfers, Alambique for backpackers, and Balneario de Carolina for families with children. Tourists looking to experience the culture can head to Kioskos de Luquillo, also known as the Luquillo Food Kiosks. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I'm in the early stages of planning a five-day trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In addition, both Spanish and English are official languages in Puerto Rico. The public beach is both stunning and popular, thanks to its coconut trees lining the sand and azure waters lapping the shore. Just east of Luquillo, Fajardo is known as the city that guards the sun of the Caribbean. Combate beach - best party beach in Puerto Rico, USA 9. Get a behind-the-scenes-look at us developing our own backpack (and help vote on some of the key features), Maybe not interesting if water sports aren't your thing, There can be TONS of tourists in the resort area, There are no big resorts and barely any tourists, It's hotter than other places (e.g. Icacos isnt just one singular beach, but rather a tiny island (properly known as Cayo Icacos) that's worth the extra effort to reach. Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Rico. Condado Beach 7. Though theres not much in the way of coworking spaces in Fajardo, youll find a ton of coffee shops to work in some of them even have sea views. The colors of the water is amazing. Best beach towns? It may have an odd name, but Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla is one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. The beaches here will be enough to entice you and theyre not always linked to resorts, either. Cafe Palma is the place to go in Caguas if youre looking for somewhere chill to get some work done all with great coffee, of course. Culebra is one of the most beautiful places in Puerto Rico. This place features landscaped gardens, flowers galore, running tracks, and even a waterpark. Plus a big iguana we named Fred came to see us. The question isnt whether you should visit a beach in Puerto Rico. Nice beach with clear water and coconut palm trees. Elsewhere, Tetas Cafe is a friendly space with good coffee. The north coast region of Puerto Rico faces the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The island does not have any restaurants, stores, or hotels but is a gem for nature lovers. To live here, you should be the kind of person who likes to go somewhere and just completely chill the hell out. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. To be honest, its all about the beaches here. The waters are crystal blue, the sea is calm, and the scenery is gorgeous. I like the idea of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Swap the sand for rum distilleries, farm-to-table dinners, sunflower fields, and more. Plus it's a very long drive (3 hours each way with normal traffic). The stories of crime arent unfounded, however. Spring is the best time to visit Puerto Rico because crowds are low, and most days maintain a temperature in the mid-80s. Fajardo is set in east Puerto Rico. Known as the island's party beach, you can dance to music, snag a snack from local food stands and pick up a souvenir at the surrounding kiosks. With a wide range of activities to do, like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and -during the winter- surfing, Crash Boat is a playground for everyone. Copyright 2023 Arch Insurance Company. The ominously named Caja de Muertos, or Dead Man's Chest, is a small uninhabited island paradise 4.8 miles from the southern coast of Puerto Rico. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Thats due to the tree-lined boulevards, parks, and the 60-acre botanical gardens, complete with crisscrossing trails. The ominously named Caja de Muertos, or Dead Mans Chest, is a small uninhabited island paradise 4.8 miles from the southern coast of Puerto Rico. The true allure of Playa Sucia is the beauty. When the sun goes down, these streets become the districts nightlife center. Puerto Rico has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Caribbean and the world. During the summer months, Puerto Rico has a high risk of hurricanes. | Safety Guide, The 15 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico in 2023, The 17 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico in 2023. This is a good site for snorkeling. Nature lovers will love Caja de Muertos for hiking, bird watching, snorkeling, scenic views, and secluded beaches. However, visitors spending the night are in for a majestic treat. You can also go surfing and snorkeling with . Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The beach enjoys calmer waters than most west-side Puerto Rican beaches, thanks to the shape of the water.