When you grow up on an island that is 110 miles long and 35 miles wide, there’s plenty of family outings that include beaches! It’s hard to pick “best” or “favorite” since I feel that the selection of beaches in Puerto Rico can serve many purposes. That being said, that is what I am doing with this post: giving you a round-up of my picks depending on your needs. From surfer waves to nature’s swimming pools, here are my Dining Traveler Picks….
Dining Traveler Picks: Beaches in Puerto Rico
When in San Juan: Those who live in Puerto Rico know the best beaches are not in San Juan. Sorry. However, when it’s 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the East Coast and you only have 72 hours on island you’ll take something close to the airport! My favorite beach in San Juan is Ocean Park. It’s a neighborhood beach where locals go for a few hours of sunshine, to walk their dogs, and spot a few kite surfers. During the weekdays the vibes are very chill but it can get pretty crowded on the weekends. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Ocean Park. Dining Traveler Tip: head to Kasalta bakery before or after your beach outing for some of the best sandwiches and pastries on island.
Family Beach: One of the beaches in Puerto Rico I always recommend to my friends with kids is Luquillo Beach on the northeast side of the island. The water is shallow and clear and many locals bring their families there. There’s plenty of parking and the famous Kiosks of Luquillo are right next to the beach where you can indulge in all the fried Puerto Rican delicacies: empanadas, stuffed plantains (piononos), and alcapurrias. Wash them down with medallas (local beer) if the kids are stressing you out. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Luquillo Beach. Dining Traveler Tip: Beach too crowded? Head east on the beach for 20 minutes and you’ll find less crowded spots.
Local Beach: One of my favorite beaches in Puerto is Inches Beach in the town of Patillas. Is it the most beautiful beach? No. Is there something remarkable? Not really. However, it’s a beach that has sentimental value to me. My dad used to take us there to eat something on the beach and hang out. Also what makes the beach special is the journey: take the long way along Route 3 for some beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea coming together. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Inches. Dining Traveler Tip: During the non-hurricane season, the rocky beach is clear and calm, during hurricane season (late summer/early fall), it’s a surfer’s spot.
Off-the-beaten path: Don’t disregard the southern coast of the island when looking for great beaches in Puerto Rico. I visited Playa Buye for the first time last year as I was researching for Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico and it was love at first sight. It’s not an easy beach to get to as you have to cross a residential neighborhood and it may look a bit dodgy, but when you arrive, it’s pure paradise. With barely no waves, blue waters, it’s the perfect beach to just chill. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Playa Buye. Dining Traveler Tip: make this one of your last stops of your beach day as the sunset is epic!
Gem of the South: Aside from Playa Buye, there are some great beaches in Puerto Rico lining the southwestern coast. One of my favorites is Combate Beach located in Cabo Rojo. The water is turquoise, light sand, and calm. Whether you’re traveling with your family or alone with a book, the beach offers great views. At the end of the day, head to Annie’s Place for a passion fruit mojito to catch the sunset. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Combate Beach. Dining Traveler Tip: Making a weekend out of your trip to Cabo Rojo? Stay at Parador Combate Beach, a local owned guesthouse.
Surfer’s Paradise: Las Marias Beach in Rincon is where I first tried my hand at surfing back in 2011. I recently returned to photograph for my book and it was just as awesome as it was five years ago. There, you interact with surfers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Las Marias. Dining Traveler Tip: If you’re looking for an awesome local instructor, look up Ramse at Surf Lessons Puerto Rico.
Local Favorite: If you ask locals or those in the diaspora for their top five beaches in Puerto Rico, you may hear the word “Crashboat Beach” often. There’s a reason why: with clear blue waters, a pier to jump off of and fine sand, it’s a great place to hang out and make a beach day on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. Given it’s a favorite, it can get quite crowded on the weekends so I advise to go either on a weekday or early in the morning on weekends. Getting There: Google Maps Link to Crashboat Beach. Dining Traveler Tip: Bring your snorkel! There is some great sea life to be seen close to the pier…
Beach with a View: Playa Jobos is another beach known for surfing, located in the town of Isabela on the northern coast of the island. Playa Jobos strikes the perfect balance: there’s an area with high swells, perfect for surfers and a lagoon like area for those who love their surfers but don’t want to hit the swells. Getting There: Google Maps Link to Playa Jobos. Dining Traveler Tip: bring some sneakers or hiking shoes and head to the high point on the rocky coastline, it’s great to see the contrast between the calm lagoon and the fury of the Atlantic.
Idyllic Views: Playa Flamenco is not only considered one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico but in the world. Folks, the hype is real. Playa Flamenco is located in Culebra, a small island off the East Coast of Puerto Rico. There, you’ll find a soft stretch of white sand, beautiful turquoise waters, and a relaxed vibe. I also like the fact that the beach has accessible parking, functioning bathrooms, delicious kiosks with local food, and for the more adventurous ones: campgrounds. Getting there: Google Maps Link to Flamenco Beach. Dining Traveler Tip: You can get there via ferry from Fajardo or a short flight from San Juan or Ceiba.
Uncommon Beach: I recently visited Playa Negra in Vieques and was quickly taken by this small, hidden beach. My humble opinion: Vieques has some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico. It may be a sticker shock to rent a jeep to get around the island, but it is worth it. From Caracas Beach to La Chiva, this island off the east coast of Puerto Rico will make you not leave. However, Playa Negra is my favorite as it is a bit of a journey to get there. You have to park on the side of the road, and take a ten minute walk to the beach. Once you’re there, it’s a tiny slice of paradise with silky black sand and turquoise waters. Getting There: Google Maps to Playa Negra. Dining Traveler Tip: The path to Playa Negra is a bit rough, make sure you bring bug spray and close toed shoes!
I can add a few more “honorable mentions” of beaches in Puerto Rico that I recommend: Seven Seas in Fajardo, Playa Sucia in Cabo Rojo, Playa Melones in Culebra but there’s not enough space in this post! Whether you have lived in Puerto Rico all your life or you’re a tourist, I suggest getting in your car or rental and discover your own favorite beach on the island. What’s your favorite beach in Puerto Rico? Share in the comments! I make it a point to go to a new spot every time I travel back to the island…
It looks like Puerto Rico has some beautiful beaches. I particularly like the sound of Playa Negra. I really love your photography and especially the portraits of the surf instructor and the kiosk ladies. Lovely!
It must have been amazing growing up with all these beautiful beaches to enjoy nearby. I would love to check out Crashboat Beach – a pier to jump off and snorkelling? Awesome!
Would love to go back to Puerto Rico to explore more of the beaches. They all look so inviting! Visited Vieques previously and the beaches there were outstanding.
The beaches here have wishing for a trip to Puerto Rico ASAP! Playa Flamenco is that beach we all dream about.
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