A Puerto Rico Local's Favorite Beaches (2024)

Given the fact that there are hundreds of beaches in Puerto Rico, it’s totally understandable if you’re unsure about which ones to visit.

Puerto Rico has 799 miles of coastline, making lounging, swimming, diving, and snorkeling on its paradisical beaches one of the best things to do in the Caribbean archipelago.

As a Puerto Rico local and a huge beach lover, I know the very best beaches for each type of traveler. To help you figure out the best for you, I’ve put together this list of my favorite beaches across Puerto Rico!

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45 Best Beaches in Puerto Rico

Sun Bay Beach

Watch the horses while you sunbathe.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, $4, free during low season | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: El Blok

You’ll find plenty of incredible beaches in Vieques, but Sun Bay Beach offers the most amenities including showers, bathrooms, lifeguards, and a cafeteria.

Despite its amenities, Sun Bay Beach still exhibits a beautiful and relaxing landscape with soft white sand and blue waters, making it one of the best places to see in Puerto Rico.

Something unique about this beach is the great number of horses that roam about, so don’t be surprised if they approach as you eat or sunbathe.

If you want to try beach camping in Puerto Rico, you can also camp on the beach for $10 a night.

Playa Pelicano

Discover this remote beach off Puerto Rico’s mainland.

📍 Google Maps

Off Puerto Rico’s southern coast, on an offshore island called Caja de Muerto, you’ll find Playa Pelicano.

This beach is ideal for hiking and nature enthusiasts who want to escape the city.But its paradisiacal beauty comes with a price, as you have to get a private boat tour to get there.

You’ll find composting bathroom facilities and gazebos in Playa Pelicano, but you’ll have to bring everything else for your beach day.

The island is part of a nature reserve and as tempting as it might be to spend the entire day at the beach, I recommend hiking to the Caja de Muertos’ lighthouse.

⛴️ How to Get There: Since earthquakes a few years ago disrupted ferry service, the best way to get to Caja de Muerto is via private charter operators. One operator still running tours is WaterLand Adventures (+1-787-556-1568).

Luquillo Beach

Eat some of Puerto Rico’s best snacks by the sea.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, $4 cars, $8 buses | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

Luquillo Beach, also known as La Montserrate Beach, is popular among locals and tourists for its facilities, beautiful landscape, and prime location next to El Yunque. Luquillo Beach has bathrooms, showers, lockers, and lifeguards.

If you’re visiting with your family, you’ll find lots of watersports rentals to add excitement and fun to your beach day including kayak, jet ski, and flyboard rentals.

Finding something to eat is also easy, as the beach is located next to Luquillo Food Kiosks, which sell traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

To enjoy the beach as a local, just buy your preferred local fritters, and cross over to the beach, where you can sit under a palm tree. Get planning with my guide to the best things to do in Luquillo.

Jobos Beach

Catch waves or rest under coconut palms.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: $5 for private parking or free on-street parking | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Bella Surf Inn

Jobos Beach should definitely be on your beach-hopping list if you’re into surfing. The beach attracts surfers all throughout the year for its strong currents and big waves.

Many people bathe at the beach too, but I don’t recommend it for inexperienced swimmers or kids, especially if you’re visiting during the winter season. If you do swim, don’t steer far from the shore.

If you happen to visit on a high tide day, hop through the bars and restaurants next to Jobos and enjoy local fritters and fresh seafood instead.

Keep in mind that there aren’t any facilities on the beach and that it gets crowded during the weekends.

Combate Beach

Mingle with locals on this party beach.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Combate Beach Resort

If you’re looking for a beach that offers both fun and great sunsets, then head straight to Combate Beach. It’s close to restaurants, snack bars, hotels, and other popular attractions in Cabo Rojo.

Even if there aren’t any facilities, the beach features calm waters and is one of the local party enthusiasts’ preferred beaches, particularly during the weekends.

During the week it’s more serene and ideal for families. Still, the farther you walk from the beach’s entrance, the fewer crowds you’ll find even if you’re visiting on a Saturday. It will be more difficult to find parking than a spot for yourself on the beach.

Not in the mood for swimming? Bike or hike along Combate’s bike trail or watch the sunset at the beach.

Boqueron Beach

A popular beach where the sand, sun, and good food come together in one place.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking in front of the beach, $4-$5 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: BOHO Beach Club

Another beach in Cabo Rojo that can’t be missing from our list is Boqueron Beach.

You will immediately fall in love with its white sand and crystal-clear waters. Foodies can also explore Poblado de Boquerón and hop between food kiosks.

This beach is also one of the best spots in Cabo Rojo to see the sunset.You will find on-site parking, bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards on this beach.

Cerro Gordo Beach

A beach and a national park perfect for watersports and hiking.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Paid parking in front of the beach, $4 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Giovanni Beachfront Community

Located in Vega Alta within a National park with the same name, Cerro Gordo Beach is a local favorite beach. It has bathrooms, showers, lifeguards, and gazebos which make it easy to enjoy a beach day with kids.

You can swim in the turquoise waters, camp, snorkel, or even surf during the high tide season. You can also explore the nearby hiking trails or ride a bike through the Cerro Gordo MTB trails, which are also part of the national park.

👉 Pro Tip: The parking lot is usually closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the low season unless it’s a holiday. But you can still look for on-street parking.

Playa Sardinera

A shallow cove perfect for families.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Free on-road parking or paid parking with security, $3 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Parador El Buen Cafe

Hatillo is mostly known for being the town with the most cows in Puerto Rico, but it also houses some top-notch beaches worth your time.

Playa Sardinera is the most popular beach in the area. This cove has a calm tide and water so shallow that visitors like to sit with their beach chairs inside it.There aren’t any facilities, hotels, or crowds, so nothing ruins the experience of a serene beach day.

This beach is ideal for nature lovers, couples, and families looking for a safe beach to spend the day while exploring the north coast.

Mar Chiquita

Admire the natural pool of Manatí.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hyatt Place Manati

If you ask any locals, they will tell you Mar Chiquita is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Puerto Rican archipelago. Mar Chiquita is a natural pool in the form of a half-moon, formed by two giant limestone rock formations.

While it is a natural cove, Mar Chiquita can have strong currents and during the winter, large waves could drag you out, so use common sense when swimming.

Mar Chiquita’s scenery will dazzle any nature enthusiast, but it doesn’t have many spots for shade so you should come prepared with umbrellas and sunblock.

There are portable bathrooms and food trucks during the weekends.

Playa Peña

Retire to this sandy beach in Old San Juan.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: 352 Guest House

For many reasons, Old San Juan is our top choice for the best area to stay in San Juan – including having a beautiful secluded beach within walking distance.

Playa Peña, also known as La Ocho Beach, is located across the Capitol and you can get there by using the stairs next to the statue.While Playa Peña doesn’t have any facilities, it’s perfect for people who want to escape San Juan’s heat.

👉Local Tip: Although it has a pond, Playa Peña can have strong currents during the winter. Always make sure the tide is safe before swimming.

Playa Crash Boat

Dive into the waters of Aguadilla.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, $5 or free in low season | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Parador El Faro

Considered one of Aguadilla’s top things to do, Crash Boat Beach is a favorite among locals for its colorful landscape and its endless entertainment options.

If you’re an expert swimmer, jump off from the colorful pier or go snorkeling underneath it, where you’ll find lots of fish swimming. The pier is also a popular diving destination in Puerto Rico, so for something even more thrilling, book a diving tour.

There are multiple rentals on Crash Boat Beach, including jet ski rentals. You’ll find a parking lot, food trucks, and facilities like bathrooms and showers on the beach too.

Tortuga Beach

Immerse in clear waters full of turtles.

📍 Google Maps | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Club Seabourne Hotel

If you’re into hiking, historical ruins, and snorkeling, you will love Tortuga Beach in Culebrita. Ranked as one of the best beaches in Culebra’s archipelago, Tortuga Beach offers a perfect destination to unwind and release all stress.

You’ll find all kinds of marine life in the water including sea turtles and a beautiful old lighthouse on land, but you can only get there by water taxi or on private boat tour.

You don’t have to get to Culebra to grab a tour though, plenty of Puerto Rico boat tours depart from Fajardo to Culebrita.

Flamenco Beach

Walk on the best beach in Puerto Rico.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, $5 parking plus $2 per person admission | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Aleli Cottages

Once rated among the top ten beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach offers you a dream tropical paradise. It’s located on the northwest coast of Culebra.

This U-shape beach with crystal clear waters, palm trees, and white sand is one of Culebra’s best sites to visit. Besides its beauty and cleanness, many people visit to check out the odd-looking military tank on the shore.

Flamenco is generally shallow and safe for snorkeling with your kids during the summer. The beach has picnic areas, showers, bathrooms, food kiosks, and umbrella rentals.

Icacos

Sail to an uninhabited island.

📍 Google Maps

Icacos is one of the many cays of Puerto Rico and it’s located off the east coast.

This small cay offers one of the most beautiful shores in Puerto Rico, with shallow clear waters and fine sand perfect for beach bumming or snorkeling close to coral reefs.

You can get to this offshore Fajardo beach by water taxi but I recommend taking a full-day Puerto Rico catamaran tour so you don’t have to carry heavy bags, coolers, and food during your trip.

Most tours also include complimentary snorkeling equipment, so you can really enjoy this day trip from San Juan without a single worry.

Playa Sucia

Soak in the scenery of Cabo Rojo.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Close to the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Combate Beach Resort

Don’t get confused by the name, which means “Dirty Beach” in Spanish.

Playa Sucia is actually a top beach worth visiting. Located on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast in Cabo Rojo, Playa Sucia offers visitors a natural landscape without any resorts (and no amenities whatsoever), and a picture-perfect beach to lie on all day.

Many people use Playa Sucia and La Playuela as interchangeable names, but you’ll find the original Playuela on the east side of the bay.

Keep in mind you do have to walk from the parking to the beach a bit while carrying all of your belongings, so Paya Sucia might not be the best option for travelers with limited mobility.

Cayo Aurora

Snorkel in shallow crystal clear waters.

📍 Google Maps | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

Cayo Aurora, also known as Gilligan’s Island, doesn’t have a typical shoreline, but it’s often considered a top beach for snorkeling in Puerto Rico for its shallow and clear waters.The cay’s surrounding waters are so shallow that they’re safe for your children.

Gilligan’s Island is located outside the coast of Guánica, you can only reach Gilligan’s island by renting a kayak or by private boat.

Isla Verde

A beach within a few minutes of the airport.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free, or Carolina Beach, $4 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort

Isla Verde Beach is accessible and convenient for every traveler, which makes it a top Carolina attraction.

It’s the perfect area to stay in Puerto Rico if you want to enjoy the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean without leaving the metro region or staying too far from the airport.

Isla Verde Beach splits into Pine Grove, Alambique, and Balneario de Carolina. Out of the three parts of Isla Verde Beach, Balneario de Carolina is the safest for kids and has great facilities.

Alambique and Pine Grove are best for surfing and bodyboarding. These beaches aren’t considered swimming beaches and have strong currents.

Condado Beach

Admire Puerto Rico’s north coast.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free, or private parking, $8-$10 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort

Condado Beach is a great beach for first-time visitors to Puerto Rico. Located in a popular resort area with many San Juan attractions, this beach offers watersports, beach chairs, umbrella rentals, and beachfront restaurants.

However, it is best to avoid swimming here, especially if you are inexperienced or young. Currents are strong, particularly during the winter, and drownings have been reported.

It’s a great place to sunbathe or take long strolls, but if you want to swim, consider one of the other beaches on this list.

Ocean Park Beach

Play beach volleyball on this urban beach.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Numero Uno Beach House

If you’re looking for a beach in San Juan that’s less crowded than Isla Verde, drive a little farther to Ocean Park Beach.

Even if Ocean Park Beach is small and doesn’t have any facilities, this Miami Beach-style is easy to access and you can walk to it if you’re staying in Ocean Park or Calle Loíza.

Ocean Park currents can be too strong for swimming, so it’s not safe for kids. But it’s considered one of the best beaches to practice kitesurfing in Puerto Rico.

Poza del Obispo

Immerse in a spectacle of crashing waves.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, free

Poza del Obispo is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. Although once a hidden gem, this public beach has gained international recognition for its beautiful landscape.

This natural pool formed by two rock outcroppings is surrounded by golden sand. You can climb the rock formations to its right side to get a better view of the coast and the lighthouse.

Or, if you’re into surfing, head towards the right side of Poza del Obispo and join local surfers catching waves.

Escambrón Beach

Swim at the most popular beach in San Juan.

📍 Google Maps | Parking: In front of the beach, $5 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Caribe Hilton

One surprising thing about Puerto Rico is that you don’t have to go outside the capital city to find clear water beaches with golden sand.

Escambrón Beach in San Juan consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the archipelago for its facilities, beauty, and easy access.

Located right in Old San Juan, this beach has two sides. The left side has a barrier that stops the strong surf, bathrooms, showers, and food stalls, making it ideal for kids.

The left side of Escambrón Beach, known as La Pecera, is a small cove ideal to go scuba diving or snorkeling.

Tamarindo Beach

Spot the turtles hiding between seagrass.

📍 Google Maps | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Aleli Cottages

While Playa Flamenco and Zoni Beach are the most popular beaches in Culebra, you shouldn’t miss a stop at Tamarindo Beach.

Tamarindo Beach has a unique rocky coastline and breathtaking scenery.Another reason Tamarindo Grande Beach is great? Sea turtles! It’s easy to spot them just a few feet from the shore.

Just make sure you bring everything necessary for your beach day, as you won’t find any facilities on this beach.

Playa Buyé

Explore this beach with a double atmosphere.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, $5 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Villas at Chalet De Buye

While Boquerón and Combate Beach are both party beaches, Playa Buyé features a more peaceful vibe, especially during weekdays and off-season. The beach usually has calm waves and it offers one of the best spots in Cabo Rojo to see the sunset.

Buyé is often compared with Playa Flamenco for its beautiful hues of blue, and if I’m honest, I like it even more than Flamenco!

The area close to the parking lot features amenities and if you walk towards the northern side you’ll often have the beach for yourself.

🚗 Driving to the west coast? Check out my full guide to how to drive in Puerto Rico if it’s your first time!

Domes Beach

Cath waves with Puerto Rico’s best surfers.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Casa Verde Hotel

The west coast offers Puerto Rico’s best beaches for surfing and, if you’re a surfing enthusiast, you can’t miss a visit to Domes Beach in Rincón.

Domes Beach gets its name from the huge white dome next to it and along with Maria’s Beach, it hosts yearly surfing competitions.If you’re also into hiking, you can also take the Domes trail to the beach until reaching Spanish Wall Beach.

While great for surfing and beach bumming, don’t expect any amenities here!

Survival Beach

Hike through Aguadilla’s coastline.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Punta Borinquen Resort

While visiting Crash Boat Beach is the most popular thing to do in Aguadilla, Survival Beach is a hundred times better if you’re into beach hiking or surfing.

This tropical paradise has huge boulders along the coastline which offer great outdoor adventures with one of the best views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Needless to say, Survival Beach doesn’t have any amenities and you can only reach it after hiking from the parking in Surfer’s Beach.

Seven Seas Beach

Snorkel in the waters of a nature reserve.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of the beach, $4 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: El Conquistador Resort

Seven Seas Beach is a vibrant beach located on Puerto Rico’s northeast coast and is worth an addition to your travel itinerary.

Seven Seas Beach has bright blue waters and amenities like bathrooms, showers, and gazebos. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Fajardo whether you’d like to go snorkeling or camping.

This beach is also located within the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, where I’d suggest you take one of Puerto Rico’s bio bay tours.

Las Picuas

A hidden beach with crystalline waters located a short drive from El Yunque.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking on the main road, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort

Many Rio Grande visitors are unaware that a beautiful beach is just a short ride away from El Yunque National Rainforest.

Las Picuas, as it’s called, boasts turquoise waters and soft golden sand. As it’s hidden, it’s often uncrowded, and families and couples can enjoy a peaceful beach getaway.

The long beach is also great for walking along the coast. This hidden gem doesn’t have facilities, but it’s worth visiting on the east coast.

The surf can be strong in many parts of the beach so I don’t recommend swimming outside the summer season.

La Guancha

A shallow beach with gazebos, food kiosks, and facilities for visitors with disabilities.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking on the main road, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

Besides the top-rated Playa Pelicano, Ponce also is home to La Guancha Beach. This beach is one of the most fun and easy to visit in Ponce. It sports gazebos, food kiosks, and even roads that allow wheelchair users to reach the beach.

A natural reef forms a shallow pond on the shore where visitors like to swim. But if you aren’t interested in swimming, you’ll find plenty of space to sit and enjoy the view while eating the best Puerto Rican food you can find at La Guancha.

👉 Pro Tip: Although mostly shallow, this beach can have strong rip currents. Visitors should keep out of the water if the tide is high and even if it’s low, stay near the shore.

El Pastillo Beach

Stroll through a secluded beach and reach a hidden cave.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited on-street parking at a dead-end road, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Royal Isabela

El Pastillo Beach in Isabela isn’t for swimming, but it totally deserves a visit. This beautiful and wild beach has a mesmerizing landscape, particularly at sunset.

As it isn’t for swimming, you’ll often find yourself sharing the beach with only a few outdoor lovers.There aren’t any facilities and parking is limited, but El Pastillo is great to visit with a partner to walk or just sit on the beach.

During the low tide season, walk towards the left side of the beach to find Cueva Golondrinas, one of the best caves in Puerto Rico.You can also admire the original Taino face on the cliff that inspired the carving of Cara del Indio in PR 2.

Zoni Beach

See the sunrise on this paradisiacal remote beach.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: In front of beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Club Seabourne

While Flamenco Beach is the best beach in Culebra for families because of its facilities, Zoni Beach is the best for couples and solo travelers. Zoni Beach is a long beach with golden sand and bright turquoise waters. It overlooks Culebrita and Cayo Norte.

Zoni Beach’s beauty and peaceful atmosphere compensate for its lack of amenities. I recommend visiting in the early morning and enjoying the sunrise while dipping your feet in the warm water.

Playa Teresa

Hike to this cove in a nature reserve in Yabucoa.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free

Playa Teresa is a small cove located within the Inés Mendoza Nature Reserve in Yabucoa.While it’s difficult to access, and you have to hike about 15 minutes through rough terrain to get to it, Playa Teresa is a great site for adventurers.

The cove is located between two cliffs and it has crystalline waters and golden thick and grainy sand.On the right side of the beach, a group of black rocks resembles a turtle.

The only downsides to Playa Teresa are its lack of amenities, difficult parking, and occasional large quantities of sargassum.But the secluded and peaceful landscape is worth the trip.

Playa Los Lirios

Escape to this rocky shore beach at the very end of a nature reserve.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On Seven Seas Parking, $5 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: El Conquistador Resort – Puerto Rico

Like other beaches on this list, Playa de Los Lirios isn’t for swimming, but its landscape is by far one of the most unique in Puerto Rico and one that outdoor fans shouldn’t miss.

Located within Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve, Playa Los Lirios’ white, brown, and gray rocky shore is filled with dead coral and rock.

You can relax at this beach to the sound of the waves. But, I honestly prefer seeing it from the cliff on its left side, where you can appreciate the contrast between the turquoise waves and the shore even better.

Keep in mind you need to hike for more than 40 minutes within the reserve to get here. The hike through the coast can take longer.

👉 Pro Tip: The beach is listed as Playa El Crater in GPS maps, but the official name is Playa Los Lirios.

Playa Los Bohios

This black sand beach is great for a romantic beach picnic.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Parador MaunaCaribe

Puerto Rico has a few black-sand beaches. However, finding them completely covered in black sand depends on multiple variables including erosion and the amount of rain in the previous days.

Playa Los Bohios in Maunabo is one of these everchanging black sand beaches, and visiting on a complete black sand day makes the experience much more special, as not everyone can see it.

The tide here is too strong for swimming, but instead, you can take long strolls through the beach, read a book, and snap beautiful photographs of the lighthouse without crowds or loud music.

👉 Pro Tip: The black sand in Puerto Rico’s beaches comes from the erosion of volcanic rock that originated from volcanic activity in the Caribbean millions of years ago.

Playa La Fanduca

Float on this small cove with shallow waters in Naguabo.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: WALD HAUS by DW

El Malecón in Naguabo is very famous for its seafood, but many visitors don’t know that one of Puerto Rico’s best beaches, La Fanduca, is just a short walk away.

This small cove could be considered an urban beach, as it’s only within a few steps of houses and restaurants, but the landscape still makes you feel far from the city.

Its waves are small and the beach is shallow, so make sure to bring your kids along. There aren’t any bathrooms or showers on the beach, and shade is limited, so pack accordingly too.

Sargassum might be a problem on this beach, but when the beach is dirty, locals use a small pool that forms between the rocks on the left side of the beach.

👉 Pro Tip: Use the CARICOOS sargassum tracker to find out which beaches aren’t in great condition during your visit to Puerto Rico.

Playa Punta Santiago

Overlook Monkey Island while you swim on this long beach in Humacao.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking near the pier, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Wyndham Palmas Beach and Golf Boutique Resort

Although Punta Santiago’s Beach facilities are officially closed (including the parking lot), you can still access the beach from the coast.

This beach used to be one of the most frequented in Humacao for its facilities. Now, you’ll only find true beach lovers willing to walk through the coast to reach it.

Although it isn’t always safe for swimming, particularly during the autumn and winter seasons, you’ll find lots of locals beachbumming, fishing or simply admiring the view of Monkey Island from the beach.

👉 Pro Tip: Hop between the restaurants and food kiosks in PR 3 and Malecón de Hucares to try some of the best seafood in the area.

Inches Beach

Catch waves on this rocky beach on the south coast.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking on-site, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Bungalow Ocean View

Inches Beach is a popular beach for surfers in Patillas. There is a shallow coral break and waves fluctuate between 2 and 3 feet, making it a great spot for intermediate surfers. During the spring and summer months, you’ll find lots of locals swimming off its shores.

The beach has a rocky shore, and I highly recommend you bring water shoes along. Still, if you’re willing to overlook that, its beauty is undeniable. There is lots of shade on the shore, so it’s easy to find a spot for yourself. If you’re visiting with your kids, check out the paddleboarding and jet ski rentals in the area.

Besides that, there aren’t any other amenities on the beach, but it’s easy to access and you’ll find lots of restaurants in PR 3.

Tamarindo Beach (Guayanilla)

Swim in beautiful shades of blue on a protected beach in Guayanilla.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Parking a few minutes walking distance from the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

Not to be confused with the one in Culebra, Tamarindo Beach in Guayanilla is one of the best beaches you’ll find on the south coast of Puerto Rico.

Since it’s part of the Guánica State Forest, this beach is protected and free from buildings and resorts, but it also lacks amenities. Regardless, this beach’s golden sand and shades of blue are far better than many other beaches with facilities on the archipelago.

If you’re visiting with kids, the end of the beach has shallower and safer areas to spend a family day.

To get to it, walk through a boardwalk from the parking. As it isn’t easily accessible, it isn’t the best option if you have mobility issues.

Playa Caña Gorda

With both facilities and an idyllic landscape, this beach is the most popular in Guanica.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking, free, Beach parking temporarily closed | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

Caña Gorda is one of those white sand and turquoise water beaches that gets featured in dreamy travel magazines.

But unlike other similar beaches in Puerto Rico that are hard to get to or lack facilities, Caña Gorda is right by the Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa. It has gazebos, bathrooms, and showers.

The water is usually calm and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Although the facilities have been closed for a while due to renovations, the beach is set to reopen in 2024.

👉 Pro Tip: Staying at the resort is a way to access the beach, but you can also kayak to it from San Jacinto Beach and other points on the coast, as Puerto Rico beaches are public by law.

Punta Ballena Beach

Hike to a secluded paradise among mangroves.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Outside the reserve free, 20-minute walk to the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

Punta Ballena isn’t for everyone. It isn’t even considered an official beach, but its secluded landscape awaits adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

Punta Ballena is a nature reserve managed by Para La Naturaleza. To get to the beach, you have to park in PR-333 and hike for over 20 minutes through a peninsula until reaching the coast.

To the east side of the peninsula, you’ll find Bahia de la Ballena, a strong surf shore that often brings lots of seaweed and trash onto the coast.

Head west to Isla Ballena where you’ll find a cleaner shore and clear waters among mangrove trees. Needless to say, you’ll find nothing but raw nature here, so come prepared.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t leave any valuables or bags in your car, and avoid visiting the area at night.

Playa Escalera

Snorkel in this marine reserve with elkhorn corals in Rincon.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: Limited parking in front of beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Tres Palmas by La Cambija

Playa Escalera in Rincón is part of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve. Many people visit the beach for its amazing snorkeling opportunities. Besides seeing schools of tropical fish, the beach is famous for housing healthy elkhorn corals. But, even if you’re not into snorkeling, Playa Escalera is worth a visit.

The natural barriers on the shore form small pools of water ideal for families with little kids. The landscape offers unique photography opportunities, including one in the concrete steps on the shore that give the beach its name.

There is also a trail next to the beach you can hike or bike through.

Playuela

Surf, hike, and photograph an endangered shoreline in Aguadilla.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Parador El Faro

Hidden in Aguadilla, Playuela is a 4,000-foot shoreline Puerto Ricans are fighting for, and for a reason. Although constantly threatened by growing urbanization and hotel projects, Playuela is considered one of Puerto Rico’s best surfing beaches.

The strong surf and year-round waves attract international surfers and outdoor-loving fans to the area.

If you’re not into surfing, Playuela offers an outdoor escape where you can camp, run ATVs, or photograph the over 600 species of flora and fauna that call the place its home. You’ll need a 4×4 or SUV to get to Playuela.

You can check out the Save Playuela website to learn more about initiatives, the fight against urbanization, and local tours and activities.

👉 Pro Tip: Many beaches around Puerto Rico have the same names. When navigating the archipelago with a GPS, make sure you’re heading to the right beach!

Poza de Las Mujeres

Bathe in a cove where high society women bathed in the past.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-street parking 5 minutes from the beach, free | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Hyatt Place Manati

La Poza de Las Mujeres is another natural pool you’ll find on the north coast. Located in Manatí, this beach was said to be the place where high-society women bathed back in the day.

During the summer months, the beach is shallow and looks like an infinity pool. Shade is limited and facilities nonexistent though.

When you visit Poza de Las Mujeres, I recommend hiking to the nearby Golondrinas Beach, where you’ll find Cueva de las Golondrinas, one of my favorite caves in Puerto Rico.

Playa Puerto Nuevo

Mingle with locals at this 3-in-1 beach.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, $5

Located in Vega Baja, Puerto Nuevo Beach is very popular among the local crowds. You can expect loud reggaeton, lots of dancing, beach volleyball, and drinks during your visit. But why? This beach has multiple shores created naturally by rock formations on the coast.

Adults, couples, and solo travelers prefer the beaches to the left and right sides of the peninsula.But between them, there is a shallow pool that kids love and it’s mostly safe to swim at, even during the winter season.

The beach has bathrooms, showers, chairs, and umbrella rentals. So if you’d like a truly local experience, this is your beach!

Isla de Cabras Beach

Swim on a protected beach with a view of El Morro.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, $4 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Aqua by Dreams Hotel

Isla de Cabras is very much a local beach, and although small, there is plenty to do here.

Isla de Cabras Beach is located within the Isla de Cabras State Park in Toa Baja. It’s a small cove created by a barrier on the right side of an islet.It’s shallow enough for kids and easy to access for the elderly. But, the beach has a few rocks, so I recommend using water shoes.

Due to its prime location at the entrance of Old San Juan Bay, this beach has the best view of El Morro, and you can easily see cruises entering and leaving the port.

Stroll along the park and visit El Cañuelo, a small fort part of the San Juan National Historic Site. You will find gazebos and bathrooms on site.

Balneario de Dorado

Enjoy a family beach vacation on this Dorado beach.

📍 Google Maps | 🅿️ Parking: On-site parking, $5 | 🛎️ Where to Stay Nearby: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Balneario de Dorado, also known as Playa Sardinera, is one of the most family-friendly beaches on the north coast. The beach has parking and amenities including showers, bathrooms, and lifeguards.

The beach is long so even on a crowded Saturday afternoon, you’ll find a spot for yourself. The area close to the breakwater barrier is shallower and safer for kids.

But, if you’re visiting on a romantic trip and are looking for more seclusion, you can walk to the left side of the beach beyond the buoys and near the Dorado Beach Resort.

👉 Want More Local Tips? Check out my full article with tips for traveling Puerto Rico like a local!

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Thanks for reading my list of can’t-miss beaches! If you’re looking for more things to do, check out my guide to the best spots in Puerto Rico to have a fun vacation.