*Featured image credit: Dennis van de Water / Shutterstock, Inc.
The San Juan area of Puerto Rico is home to numerous beaches, each one boasting their own unique features. From secluded and tranquil to chic and trendy, these are some of the must-visit beaches in and around San Juan.El Escambron Public Beach
A Blue Flag beach located in the San Juan neighbourhood of Puerta de Tierra, the El Escambron Public Beach is the closest beach to Old San Juan, and its breathtaking views of the city are what makes it so appealing. The west side of the beach boasts views of the El Morro and San Cristobal forts, while from the east side, you will see everything from the Condado skyline to the Ocean Park Beach. Protected by a natural reef, the water here is calm and gentle, making it ideal for families with young children who want to try a spot of snorkelling. For those who find the main section of the beach too crowded, the east side of Tercer Milenio Park, which is easily within walking distance, features a more secluded and tranquil section of beach.
Condado Beach
Condado Beach is known for being one of the trendiest in the city, and is lined with glitzy beach-front hotels and casinos, making this the go-to beach for all of the guests that are staying there. Compared to other Caribbean beaches, Condado Beach feels more like a beach that you would find in Miami, and, with its wide array of bars and restaurants, is a great spot from which to indulge in some people watching. This is also a great beach for trying out some watersports, all of which can be booked from the hotels that are on the beach.
Ocean Park Beach
Ocean Park Beach is a beautiful wide beach that is lined with palm and sea grape trees, and is a great spot for locals and tourists to mix. The crowd here consists mostly of young professionals and singles, and, without the high rise resorts that line many of San Juan’s other beaches, the focus here is placed on beach-related activities, from swimming to kite surfing to paddle tennis. The vibe here is casual and laid back, making it the perfect beach for those who are seeking relaxation.
Pine Grove Beach
Located near the airport at the end of Isla Verde, Pine Grove Beach is crescent shaped, with soft white sand and calm blue waters. The west side of the beach features a long sandbar, which means the water here is completely sheltered, and quite shallow a long way out, making it perfect for swimming, while the east side is where you will find perfectly formed waves that are never too big, making it ideal for surfing and boogie boarding. While there are no public facilities here, it is only a short walk to the Isla Verde district, where you will find everything from restaurants to shops.
While many may consider San Juan to be more of a historic and cultural destination to visit, there is no denying the spectacular nature of the beaches that you will find here. Whether you are seeking a beach to people watch and enjoy a few cocktails, or would prefer to get active in the water, San Juan is guaranteed to have just the beach for you.
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