Carolina, Puerto Rico is home to Isla Verde, a fancy resort strip of beach near the capital city of San Juan. Isla Verdeactually means "Green Island" in Spanish, and this island is home to a lovely crescent of beachfront that draws beach-lovers from around the world. While Isla Verde may be the area's main attraction, these beaches can get crowded, especially during peak travel months of January through April.
If you're looking to explore Puerto Rico beyond the crowded beaches of Carolina and Isla Verde, check out some of these best Puerto Rico beaches.
Explore the City and the Beach at Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park beach offers travelers the option to have both a city and beach experience. Book a hotel in Carolina Puerto Rico or in the city-center of San Juan and enjoy spending the morning shopping, the afternoon relaxing on the beach and the evening dancing salsa in one of the area's many clubs.
Ocean Park Beach is a wide beach popular with both locals and visitors. Expect to see plenty of boogie boarders and kite surfers in the waters here.
It's Worth the Effort to Get to Flamenco Beach
The Discovery Channel recently named Flamenco Beach the second-best beach in the world. Located on the tiny Culebra Island, about 17 miles off the east coast of the mainland, this beach is accessible via ferry or light aircraft. Flamenco Beach features a horseshoe-shaped bay, one mile-long sugar white beach and crystal clear water perfect for snorkeling.
There are no hotels or serious restaurants located on the island. Here you'll fid basic showers and bathrooms, small kiosks renting beach equipment and some cold drinks and snacks available.
Hop in the Car and Head to Mar Chiquita
Mar Chiquita is located about a 45-minute drive west of San Juan. Kids love exploring this beautiful beach's oval-shaped cove protected by dramatic limestone cliffs. This picture-perfect beach, located in the town of Manatí, is not always good for swimming so be sure to check weather and surf conditions before heading out for the day.
Be sure to pack a beach chair, umbrella and some snacks for the day. Again, you won't find much in the way of facilities, rather a couple of small huts serving light snacks and drinks.
Luquillo Beach is Puerto Rico's Most Family Friendly
Finally, Luquillo Beach is an excellent option for a family friendly beach in Puerto Rico. Here you will find picnic tables and restrooms, but once again be sure to pack beach chairs and an umbrella for maximum comfort. Don't worry to much about packing food and drinks, as you'll find over 60 small restaurants on site serving up everything from crab on a stick to hearty mofongo, a local dish. Expect to see plenty of local families here enjoying the beach.
Located just 30 miles east of San Juan, Luquillo Beach is also located near the entrance to El Yunque Rainforest. Spend the morning exploring this popular rainforest and relax in the afternoon at Luquillo Beach.
Image by Happy Holidays via Trover
