Guide to the Best Beaches on the North Coast of Puerto Rico Beautiful & Fun Beaches, Top Experiences, Maps, Nearby Places to Stay (2024)

+ See Top Rated Snorkeling Tours at Escambron Beach, San Juan

+ See Map of Balneario El Escambron - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde Beach, often misconceived as a singular stretch, is actually composed of three distinct beaches, each contributing its unique vibe to the coastal experience. Conveniently located just a 7-minute drive from San Juan Airport and a mere 15 minutes from the tourist districts of San Juan. Isla Verde Beaches offers an enticing blend of relaxation and entertainment. Opt to stay directly on the beach at one of the numerous beachfront resorts, providing immediate access to a plethora of restaurants, casinos, lounges, and nearby clubs to dance the night away. Beyond its lively nightlife, Isla Verde is also a hub for watersports enthusiasts, offering a range of activities. Delve into surfing lessons, embark on exhilarating jet skiing adventures, and explore neighboring beaches on a fun ATV / Can-Am experience. The water at Isla Verde Beach is safer for swimming compared to the popular Condado Beach, while being close to Old San Juan, and many attractions on the east coast of Puerto Rico.

+ See Tours & Experiences in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

+ See Map of Isla Verde Beach - Carolina, Puerto Rico

Ocean Park Beach stands as the cherished haven for locals, drawing them with its inviting shores ideal for beach runs, spirited games of volleyball, and laid-back gatherings with friends. Nestled near the beachfront resorts in the Condado Beach tourist district, Ocean Park maintains a more tranquil ambiance. This residential community, dotted with a few vacation rentals and budget-friendly beachfront inns, offers a refreshing escape from the bustling Condado. Kite surfing takes center stage as the most popular activity at Ocean Park Beach, with lessons available for those eager to delve into this thrilling water sport. Engage in friendly competition with locals through a beach volleyball game, or unwind by bringing a hammock or lounge chair to watch the lively atmosphere or find serene shaded spots along the shoreline. Ocean Park encapsulates the essence of island living, providing a blend of active pursuits and peaceful moments by the sea.

+ See Map - Ocean Park - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Nestled in the corner of Dos Hermanos Bridge, overlooking the historic Fortin San Geronimo, La Playita del Condado stands as the smallest beach in San Juan. La Playita del Condado is a gem for visitors and cruisers pressed for time, offering a prime option in San Juan with its convenient location, essential services, available tours, and seamless access to nearby attractions in Old San Juan through the most scenic bike route in the city. This family-friendly beach boasts calm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Take in the panoramic views of the modern cityscape and Fortín de San Jerónimo del Boquerón, one of the fortifications of the city. The The Condado Plaza Hotelprovides lounge and umbrella rentals, complemented by nearby restaurants and drink stands offering delightful Piña Coladas and snacks. La Playita is an oasis for beach activities and a gateway to the adjacent Laguna del Condado (Condado Lagoon), promising a wealth of enjoyable experiences right at your fingertips.

+ See Great Tours at Condado Lagoon - San Juan, Puerto Rico

+ See Map - Playita del Condado - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Mar Chiquita stands as one of the most cherished beaches along the north coast, celebrated not only for its captivating shape and picturesque landscape but also as a favorite subject for photographers. Despite its popularity, this beach transforms into a serene escape from crowds on weekdays, especially between September and mid-May. On weekends and holiday weeks, Mar Chiquita takes on a lively, festive ambiance adorned with an array of food vendors and artisans. The summer months beckon with calm waters, creating an ideal setting for leisurely snorkeling in the shallows. However, during the winter months, when the seas become more dynamic, swimmers should exercise extra caution and care. Walk two minutes east and enjoy an expansive beach great for a romantic walk.

Best Places to Stay near Mar Chiquita: Hyatt Manati

+ See Map - Mar Chiquita - Manati, Puerto Rico

+ See Map - Poza de Las Mujeres - Manati, Puerto Rico

Playa Cueva Las Golondrinas, named after the birds that nest on this beach cave, emerges as a clandestine haven in the town of Manati. Accessing this idyllic retreat demands an easy 10-minute stroll on a lush path through the woods and cliff overlooking the Manati shores. On weekdays, the ethereal tranquility might be exclusively yours to relish. Adorned by luxuriant trees casting dappled shadows, this beach unfolds its beauty like a secret whisper. On the western edge, a captivating cave gracefully shields the shoreline, creating a sanctuary for Golondrinas (shallow birds). Visitors can bathe in the embrace of crystal-clear waters, and when the tide is low and calm during summer, visitors carefully enter the cave or pose at the entry for the perfect vacation photo op. The ambiance is intimate and romantic and you’ll never find crowds. During winter, when the ocean’s dance becomes more impassioned, the beach remains an irresistible invitation to partake in a dreamy scene of sunshine, romance, and ultimate relaxation.

Best Places to Stay near Playa Cueva Las Golondrinas: Hyatt Manati

+ See Map - Playa Cueva Golondrinas - Manati, Puerto Rico

Poza del Obispo emerges as one of the smallest natural pools (pozos in Spanish), yet one of the most stunning beaches, captivating visitors with an unceasing, mesmerizing wave display. Here, a protective coral wall shapes a tranquil pool, where the water remains shallow, inviting you to immerse yourself in the sensory symphony of crashing waves. Perched on the water’s edge, your gaze will be entranced by the perpetual dance of waves colliding with towering rocks, some ascending to impressive heights. Beyond its visual spectacle, this beach offers an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll and a front-row seat to observe the skillful surfers riding the waves. Adjacent to this coastal paradise, the Arecibo Lighthouse Park welcomes visitors and entertains children, rounding out the perfect beach day in Arecibo.

+ See Map - Pozo del Obispo - Arecibo, Puerto Rico

Our guide proudly introduced this beauty to travelers; we’re thrilled to share this hidden gem with you. Among the island’s beaches, Playa Sardinera boasts the grandeur of the largest natural pools we’ve encountered during our travels around the island. This beach is mostly frequented by locals, maintaining a serene ambiance. Weekdays unveil tranquility, allowing you to revel in the beauty of this coastal gem alongside just a few other couples and families. As delighted beachgoers like you spread the word, we anticipate Playa Sardinera will rightfully become a cherished destination for many more. Resembling a larger counterpart to Pozo de Teodoro in Isabela, it features a vast natural pool and, looking eastward, an extended, narrow pool shielded by a natural wall where pelicans gracefully frolic. This setting is ideal for those seeking seclusion, especially for families with toddlers, due to its shallow waters. Despite its peaceful aura, Playa Sardinera is conveniently located near many restaurants and shopping centers on the main road and a restaurant at the entrance, offering parking at a fee and ensuring a sense of safety while providing the perfect blend of quiet and accessibility. There’s also free parking a little farther out.

+ See Map - Playa Sardinera - Hatillo, Puerto Rico

Peñon Brusi is the best beach in the coastal town of Camuy, home to the stunning Camuy River Cave Park. This beach offers a relaxed vibe yet steps away from casual local restaurants and food stands serving traditional fritters, seafood, and delicious drinks at local budget-friendly prices. If you like beachcombing, you’ll enjoy walking the shore in search of treasures like sea glass and seashells. Families with little ones can play safely at small tidal pools. A standout feature is the giant beach chair, serving as the perfect backdrop for a memorable family vacation photo—one you’ll undoubtedly want to print and proudly frame on your wall, forever capturing the essence of your adventures in Puerto Rico and guaranteed to evoke a heartfelt smile.

+ See Map - Peñon Brusi - Hatillo, Puerto Rico