10 Best Beaches in San Juan

Condado Beach curves gently along the northern coastline of San Juan. It’s a beautiful stretch of soft, golden sand, close to several luxury hotels and high-rise apartment blocks. If you love lively beaches with plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants nearby, this is a great choice. Dine on fresh seafood with an ocean view or fetch a picnic onto the beach and enjoy a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun.

The waves are huge and powerful, with high surges, so you’ll see lots of surfers out on the water. Rent a beach chair and umbrella, lie back listening to the roar of the waves and watch the colorful boards gliding across the ocean.

Escambron Beach is an oasis of tranquility, with an abundance of palm trees and calm water. You’ll see locals lazing on hammocks between the trees and visitors enjoying the shade with a picnic and refreshments whilst admiring the beautiful, crystal-clear water. 

This part of the Puerta de Tierra neighborhood is known for its fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Experience a phenomenal underwater exploration spotting an array of colorful fish. If you want to hear more about the local marine life, choose from one of the tour options, including jet snorkeling. Spot sea turtles and sea urchins and learn about the conservation and ecosystem of the island. 

Ocean Park Beach stretches over 2 miles (3.2 km) across northern San Juan. Its sparkling sands and convenient location, close to hotels and residences, make it extremely popular with both locals and visitors alike. You’ll see walkers and joggers along the oceanfront early in the morning. Then, crowds begin to gather at the beach tennis and volleyball nets for a friendly game on the soft sand.

There are plenty of shady spots along the beach, which are perfect for staying cool whilst watching the kite surfers and windsurfers bobbing on the water. Head to the eastern end of the beach to rent equipment or to book lessons if you want to try these fun activities for yourself.

Isla Verde Beach is located close to the international airport, making it a fantastic choice for those staying nearby or on an overnight stay between connecting flights. You’ll love the long beach with its glistening, turquoise water and views along the coastline. It’s known for its amazing sunsets, so fetch a camera for Instagram-worthy photos. The sky turns lilac and peach as the sun lowers across the ocean and it’s a spectacular sight.

The beach is close to high-end hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants, so it can get busy with people coming to spend a day in the neighborhood. Plan on arriving early to secure a parking spot as there are limited spaces close to the beach.

Playa Caracoles is one of the best beaches in San Juan for dramatic scenery. Take the coastal road 681 west from San Juan, for around 40 miles (64 km), and you’ll reach this secluded cove. The view looking down on the curved beach is sublime, and you’ll get great pictures of the waves crashing forcefully over the rocks. 

Kids will love paddling in the tidal pools, which are protected from the rougher water by a natural rock barrier. Search for shells and sea life before relaxing on the soft sand and soaking up the scenery on this delightful beach. Hikers will love the wonderful trails around this area. Take amazing holiday photos of the stunning views from the path. 

Atlantic Beach is a beautiful expanse on San Juan’s northern coastline and it’s busy from dawn to dusk. Early in the morning, you’ll see local surfers heading out on the water to catch the powerful waves as the sun comes up. During the day, there’s a lively vibe as the beach fills with sun-worshippers looking to enjoy the soft sand and the cool breeze arriving from the ocean.

In the evening, stroll along the beach to La Ventana Al Mar, a small park where you’ll see local musicians and a younger crowd, as well as couples enjoying a romantic stroll. In the daytime, head to the beach for outdoor yoga classes and a spot of Tai Chi. 

Playa La Ocho is named after the bus stop conveniently located next to the beach, it’s the 8th stop on the route from downtown San Juan. If you love surfing, this is the place to visit, whatever your level or ability. From dawn, you’ll see crowds flocking to this spot with their boards as the surf here is renowned for being reliable and the waves are impressive.

If you’re an experienced surfer, grab your longboard and head to the west of the beach for the best waves. If you’re just starting out, head to the east end, where you’ll also find surf schools to book lessons, as well as a range of shops to rent equipment.

Carolina Public Beach is a lively area to the east of Isla Verde Beach. It’s a vibrant stretch of powdery sand and it’s immaculately maintained. If you’ve got younger kids, this is a lovely place to spend the day as the waves are gentle enough for swimming in the water and there are lifeguards on duty too.

Kids will be thrilled with the small water park near the center, and they’ll have endless fun splashing in the water and building sandcastles. There are snack bars and gift shops along the boardwalk, and you can also rent a gazebo on the beach. Settle in for the day and enjoy your refreshments as you soak up the great atmosphere.

Playa Peña is a hidden delight just a few minutes’ walk from Old San Juan. If you’re looking for a romantic stroll, far away from the crowds of tourists on the larger beaches, you’ll adore this rugged beach. It’s a natural beauty with its vivid, golden sands and rocky shoreline, and it’s so quiet and isolated, you’re unlikely to spot anyone else on your walk.

Head to the eastern end of the Plaza San Juan Bautista, opposite the Capitolio de Puerto Rico government building, and you’ll see a stone staircase leading down to this compact beach. Don’t forget your camera if you arrive as the sun goes down as the sunset views from here are stunning.

Playa Punta Las Marías juts out on the peninsula, giving amazing views across the water to the high-rise apartment buildings lining the beautiful coastline. The beach is known for its panoramic vistas, and the dramatic crashing of the waves as they hit the rocks along the shoreline is a spectacular sight. This is a fantastic spot for photos and a stroll to soak up the scenery.

It’s a popular area with locals as it’s close to a lively skate park, which is not to be missed. You’ll also find a good range of cafes and restaurants nearby, so indulge in a delicious grill or some seafood after an invigorating walk along the beach.