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Looking to find the most effective seashores in San Juan, Puerto Rico? Look no additional. I’ve visited San Juan a few occasions now and have frolicked in any respect these seashores.
After you’ve frolicked exploring the colourful walled metropolis of Old San Juan, you’ll most likely need to spend a while tanning and absorbing the solar. The seashores round San Juan aren’t powdery white like these on Culebra and Vieques, however they nonetheless have tropical island vibes, with swaying palm timber and crashing waves.
If you’re a seaside lover then I’d undoubtedly advocate staying in Condado or Isla Verde over the outdated city. Ubers are low cost in Puerto Rico, so you possibly can simply order one to whisk you into Old San Juan.
In this information I’ll present you all the most effective seashores within the San Juan space (ordered from west to east), and inform you which is my private favourite!
10 Best San Juan Beaches
Playa Puerta de Tierra
Located on San Juan islet (Isleta de San Juan), Playa Puerta de Tierra is the closest seaside to Old San Juan. Opposite the Capitol constructing you’ll discover a set of stairs that lead all the way down to this seaside – it’s fairly slender and rugged trying, with swaying palm timber and luxurious greenery.
Currents at this seaside may be very sturdy, so keep away from swimming right here and keep on the shore.
Escambron Beach
At the northeastern level of San Juan islet you’ll discover Balneario del Escambron, a reasonably small public seaside that’s highly regarded with locals. This seaside is break up into two sides; one for swimming and one for snorkeling and diving.
The seaside is lined with palm timber providing loads of shade, and affords services resembling restrooms and showers. Visitors arriving by automobile can park within the Calle San Agustin car parking zone, which is to the west of the seaside.
If you become bored with the seaside, take a stroll by means of Parque del Tercer Milenio and Luis Munoz Rivera Park, that are each located close by.
Playita del Condado
At the western finish of Ashford Avenue subsequent to the Condado Plaza Hilton lies Playita del Condado, a tiny seaside with calm, shallow waters. This seaside is nice for households with youngsters, and supplies a secure place for swimming if the tides are too sturdy on Condado Beach. If you fancy snorkeling, deliver your masks and swim alongside the rocks off shore.
Sun chairs and umbrellas can be found for hire and there are a couple of meals distributors promoting pina coladas, drinks and snacks. If you like one thing extra substantial, the eating places of Ashford Avenue are only a brief stroll away.
Playita del Condado sits proper beside Dos Hermanos Bridge, which connects Condado with San Juan islet, and from the shore you possibly can see the well-known Hotel Caribe, which is the birthplace of the pina colada.
Condado Lagoon
Located south of Ashford Avenue and Puente Dos Hermanos bridge, Laguna del Condado is a tranquil lagoon that’s fashionable for snorkeling, standup paddleboarding and kayaking. If you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even spot manatees poking their noses up out of the water.
The lagoon has a median depth of 10 ft, and options coral reefs which are teeming with many kinds of fish. If you need to get some train, take a stroll across the fringe of the lagoon, or bike alongside the close by bike path into Old San Juan.
Condado Beach
With its luxurious resorts, high-rise condominium buildings, fashionable eateries and trendy boutiques, Condado is without doubt one of the hottest areas to remain in San Juan.
The neighborhood may be very handy; it’s solely a ten minute drive from San Juan and has all the things you want, together with CVS and Walgreens.
Condado Beach can get fairly busy, and normally has a vigorous vibe on weekends.
Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park Beach is much like Condado Beach, solely much less crowded. There’s loads of area for sunbathing and it’s a bit extra laid again and enjoyable than Condado. This seaside was as soon as known as Ultimo Trolley Beach, because it was the location of the San Juan–Condado streetcar line terminal. It’s backed by swaying palm timber, and a mix of condominiums and guesthouses.
The shore may be fairly windy, which makes it a well-liked spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you need to have a go at kitesurfing your self, you possibly can e-book classes by means of Kite Puerto Rico, which is situated at Numero Uno Beach Hotel.
Ocean Park Beach can also be fashionable for jogging, and there are a number of volleyball nets positioned alongside the seaside.
Isla Verde Beach (Split into 3 Beaches)
Isla Verde is situated proper by San Juan airport, so you possibly can attain your resort in beneath 10 minutes in case you select to remain right here. I stayed on the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde on my final go to to Puerto Rico, and was tanning on the seaside inside half-hour of touchdown!
You’ll discover a variety of luxurious resorts in Isla Verde, together with The Ritz-Carlton San Juan, Fairmont El San Juan, The Royal Sonesta San Juan and Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Isla Verde is situated within the city of Carolina and options one lengthy strip of golden sand, lined with palm timber, resorts, resorts, seaside bars and eating places.
It’s truly divided into three seashores – Pine Grove, Alambique and Balneario de Carolina. Each has its personal vibe.
Alambique Beach
This seaside is situated closest to San Juan, and is fashionable with each locals and vacationers. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be found for hire, and there are a variety of eateries alongside the seaside. The primary entry level for Alambique Beach is from Calle Jose Tartak, though it may also be accessed from Fairmont El San Juan, Royal Sonesta and San Juan Water & Beach Club.
Pine Grove Beach
Pine Grove is quieter and good for households, and the waves listed below are good for newbie surfers. There are two beachfront resorts at Pine Grove – the Courtyard by Marriott and the Ritz Carlton.
Balneario de Carolina
This is a public seaside, though the time period is a bit complicated since all seashores in San Juan are open to the general public. The seaside is managed by Compania de Parque Nacionales, and affords a variety of services, together with restrooms, showers, parking and picnic services. There are loads of sights to maintain you occupied right here, together with eateries, volleyball courts, water sports activities and a small water park for youths. The seaside has been awarded the Blue Flag Award for cleanliness and water high quality, and is attended by lifeguards and paramedics.
Playa de Pinones
Head additional alongside the coast and also you’ll come throughout pinones, which is dwelling to a couple totally different seashores, together with Vacía Talega and Playa La Pocita.
My favourite seaside alongside this stretch of coast is Playa Aviones, which is fashionable with surfers. Bring your personal board, or just watch the surfers doing their factor from the shore.
If you’re feeling hungry, seize a chew to eat from Kiosko El Boricua, or head over to Hook’d at Drift – a cool seaside bar with comfortable oceanfront seating. On the menu you’ll discover contemporary seafood dishes in addition to cocktails and each day drinks specials.
A Final Word
So that completes my record of the most effective seashores in San Juan! If you get uninterested in the seaside, I’d extremely advocate hiring a automobile so you possibly can discover El Yunque rainforest. And in case you’re in search of probably the most postcard-perfect seaside in Puerto Rico, manage a day journey to the island of Culebra, the place you possibly can go to one of many world’s finest seashores, Flamenco Beach. This seaside is thought for its white sand, turquoise water and colourful painted tanks.