Key Takeaways
- The ten beaches below are the best for beauty, cleanliness, and fun.
- Each beach has special amenities and features to consider.
- Find a beach that’s best for your preferences, such as for children, watersports, etc.
- Balnearios are government-run beaches, which are the safest and cleanest for most visitors.
⚠️ Need more info about Puerto Rico? ⚠️
Read these posts!
The Ultimate Puerto Rico Itinerary for Your First Visit
The 14 Best Puerto Rico Excursions You Can’t Miss
12 Beachfront Hotels in San Juan and Isla Verde You’ll Love
Overview of Best Beaches in San Juan
1. El Escambron Beach: Overall Best Beach
Vibes
El Escambron Beach is the most popular beach in the area, for tourists and locals—and for good reason.
First of all, it’s gorgeous. It has beautiful, clear waters, the sand is soft, plus there are mountain views and a rocky island named Peñon de San Jorge to stare at.
There are also plenty of palm trees for shade, and even a couple of spots you can hang a hammock to really relax.
The best part? Not only is it huge (so you have plenty of room to find your perfect spot and spread out), but it offers two different experiences on each side. So, whatever you want to do, you can do it at this beach.
On one side there’s a protected cove so the waves are calm and it’s the spot for swimming and lounging around. On the other side, the area is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving.
This beach is the crowd pleaser. It’s walking distance from San Juan. Whatever you want to do on your beach day, you’ll be able to do it here. And, it has plenty of amenities.
This was not only my favorite beach in San Juan, but one of my favorites in all of Puerto Rico!
Getting there: You can easily walk here from Old San Juan using the walking path. Or take a short drive from San Juan.
Parking: Parking lot available for $6 per car.
Amenities
- Restrooms
- Outdoor rinsing showers
- Lifeguards (Mon-Sun, 8:30am – 5:30pm)
- Handicap ramp with beach access
- Numerous restaurants and cafes nearby
🐠 Love to snorkel?
Take this 5 star snorkel tour – with almost 9k reviews!- at Escambron Beach. Instruction and all the gear is provided, including a GoPro that will capture everything you see! Hurry because it books up fast.
Check prices and book this guided snorkel tour by clicking here!
Best nearby hotel:
📍 Caribe Hilton
An iconic upscale beachfront resort on 17 acres of tropical gardens. It’s in the perfect location, with a private beach, ocean-front swimming pool, and 9 on-site restaurants. Standard rooms or junior suites.
➡️Check prices and book your stay at the Caribe Hilton here!
2. Condado Beach: Best For Resort Stays
Vibes
If you want to stay in the middle of San Juan but also be beachfront, Condado is it. The beach has fine, soft sand and the water is stunningly blue.
There’s a South Beach feel to this area with all of the high rises and colorful buildings right next to the sand. There is also full beach service so you can lounge in a chair and order food and drinks from a beach attendant.
The only downside to this beach is that it’s not safe to swim. The water has very dangerous currents. Beach staff recommends getting into the water only up to your knees.
This beach is the resort beach. Getting a hotel here will guarantee you some fun in the sun during your trip.
Getting there
If you’re staying in the hotel zone of Condado, this beach will be at your doorstep!
Parking: Street parking (free) or private parking ($9-12)
Amenities:
Food nearby
🛶 Get on the water on a night kayak ride!
Check out this 5-star, Badge of Excellence night kayak tour on Condado Lagoon. You’ll be in a glass bottom kayak with LED lights and glow sticks while you take in the sights of the city AND the water.
Check prices and book this guided snorkel tour by clicking here!
Best nearby hotel:
📍 La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort
This stylish beachfront hotel is set in the heart of the Condado district – the entertainment capital of the Caribbean. There are multiple on-site restaurants, 3 swimming pools, and even a 24/7 casino. Choose from a variety of room types, including suites with a separate living room and kitchenette!
➡️Check prices and book your stay at the La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort here!
3. Playita del Condado: Best for Small Children
Vibes
If you’re staying in the Condado area but need calm waves, this is the place. Playita means small beach—but even though it’s small, the crystal clear, calm waters make up for it. There’s even a tidal pool!
It’s a cove so the water is calm with shallow spots, and a rock wall that blocks any waves from coming in. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging in the water. Lots of great fish and coral to see too, so bring your snorkeling equipment or rent when you get there.
But since it IS small, come early to grab a spot on the sand. Expect it to be a bit crowded.
This beach is the beach for the smallest kids. It’s easily accessible, you can rent chairs and umbrellas, there’s a food stand, and the water is calm. This would make for a great family beach day.
Getting there: Walkable via Condado Beach or from the hotel row. A short, easy drive from Old San Juan. (You can even see the beach from the bridge).
Parking: There are city parking lots near the beach.
Amenities:
- Chair and umbrella rentals
- Snack stand
- Restaurants nearby
Best nearby hotel:
📍 The Condado Plaza Hilton
This beachfront hotel overlooks the Condado Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean.
There are 4 swimming pools, beachside hammocks, 3 on-site restaurants, and a kid’s game room!
➡️Check prices and book your stay at the Condado Plaza Hilton here!
4. Playa El Ultimo Trolley: Best for Fun and Relaxation
Vibes
Trolley Beach is a part of larger Ocean Park Beach—and it’s the best part of it. Ocean Park Beach goes on for one mile, and some parts of it are better than others.
When the waters are calm, you’ll see visitors boogie boarding and paddle boarding. There are also volleyball nets up and it’s a popular spot to go kitesurfing.
The beach is lined with a gorgeous lushness of palm trees, sea grape trees, and almond trees. The palm trees provide a shaded, quiet area to relax under.
On the weekends, street vendors come by and sell food, drinks, and ice cream.
There’s also a park across the street, Parque del Indio, with a playground and outdoor gym. Next to it is Parque Barbosa, where there are tennis and basketball courts.
Getting there: A short drive from Condado Beach
Parking: Free parking lots across from the beach, city parking lots nearby.
Amenities:
- Food vendors on weekends
- Restaurants nearby
- Park nearby
Best nearby hotel:
📍 Tropica Beach Hotel
A short walk to the beach and nearby restaurants, this modern boutique hotel has a plunge pool, a restaurant and bar, a cafe, plus loaner bikes and complimentary beach gear.
Choose from standard rooms to 1- and 2-bedroom suites with separate living rooms.
➡️ Check prices and book your stay at the Tropica Beach hotel by clicking here!
5. Carolina Public Beach: Best Beach Near San Juan for Toddlers And Kids
Vibes
One of the busiest beaches in the area but it’s technically in neighboring Carolina—just minutes from San Juan. It’s near the airport so you’ll spot planes in the air during your time there.
It has soft sand and clear waters—it’s even been awarded the Blue Flag Aware for cleanliness and water quality. Besides the obvious swimming and sunbathing, there are watersports, volleyball nets, and visitors can also rent gazebos to really relax.
There are plenty of food options right on and near the beach. There’s even a supermarket nearby if you want to pack a picnic.
Carolina Public Beach (Balneario de Carolina) is one of three beaches that make up Isla Verde Beach. They’re right next to each other and offer a great beach experience.
But I chose Carolina Public Beach specifically for families. Why?
Because there’s a BIG bonus for small kids—a small water park called Parque Acuatico Infantil Aquasol. It has slides, water triggers, and a pirate ship with water cannons. It’s right off the sand too!
If you want to take a dip in a pool and get a meal, walk over to Vivo Beach Club for a day pass.
Parking: Parking lot available for $5 per car.
Amenities:
- Restrooms
- Rinsing showers
- Lifeguards (and paramedics on site)
🏄 Surfs up!
Want to learn how to surf? Try this Badge of Excellence beginner surf lesson right next door at Isla Verde Beach. You’ll get a short lesson and then an hour on the water while the instructor guides you.
Check prices and book this beginner surf lesson by clicking here!
Best nearby hotel:
📍 Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Sitting on the beach, this resort has 2 swimming pools, 4 restaurants, private balconies with ocean views, a 24/7 casino, and even weekly salsa dancing! Choose from a variety of room options from standard to large suites with separate living rooms and kitchens.
➡️ Check prices and book your stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort here!
6. Isla Verde: Best for Water Sports
Vibes
Carolina Public Beach is just one of the main sections of Isla Verde Beach. Isla Verde Beach as a whole is a massive beachfront that’s right by the SJU airport and many popular resorts. So, it’s a go-to beach for tourists.
Isla Verde is a clean, lively beach that’s perfect for all types of activities. Whether you’re looking to take a paddle board out or simply relax on the shore, there’s space on this beach for you.
The beauty of Isla Verde Beach is that it stretches for several miles long, so if one area is too crowded or doesn’t suit your preferences, you can check out a different area.
Isla Verde is close to plenty of shops, restaurants, and resorts, so you can plan an entire day at the beach.
Getting there: A few minutes from San Juan by car or taxi
Parking: Paid parking lots and free street parking
Amenities:
- Security
- Shops and restaurants nearby
- Lifeguards (some areas)
- Restrooms (some areas)
- Rinsing showers (some areas)
Jet ski anyone?
Try out this scenic and fun 30 minute jet ski ride along Isla Verde Beach!
Check prices and book a jet ski ride by clicking here!
Best nearby hotel:
📍The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Upscale hotel right on the beach, there’s a pool with a swim-up bar, multiple restaurants on-site, and some rooms have oceanfront views. Choose from standard rooms to large suites with separate living areas.
➡️ Check prices and book your stay at The Royal Sonesta San Juan by clicking here!
7. Playa del Capitolio: Best for Scenic Views
Vibes
Playa Peña is a small, lovely beach that’s more peaceful than the other busy beaches. It’s perfect for anyone looking to take a stroll along the water and admire all the sights.
There are lots of beautiful rock formations along this secluded beach. The water can have some rocky surfaces too, so water shoes are a good idea if you plan to dip your feet in.
This beach is within a few minutes walking distance of Old San Juan, so it’s a great stop to make while exploring the city. It’s a nice little escape from the rest of the area.
City workers and volunteers keep the beach clean for visitors, making it easy to access.
Getting there: A short walk from Old San Juan
Parking: Street parking and paid private parking
Amenities:
- Shops and restaurants nearby
8. Pine Grove Beach: Best for Surfers and Bodyboarders
Vibes
Pine Grove Beach is a section of Isla Verde that’s perfect for surfing. It’s a small crescent strip of white sand with tranquil waters that are great for novice surfers trying to get some practice in.
Even if you’re not interested in surfing and bodyboarding, this beach is still a wonderful spot to swim and snorkel. Families with small children can also have a great time hanging out by the calm, shallow waters of the shore.
There are kiosks along the shore where you can rent a surfboard or sign up for surfboard lessons. It’s the perfect spot for beginners to learn to surf.
For added convenience, it’s also within walking distance of many hotels and resorts.
Getting there: A short walk or drive from most hotels
Parking: Limited free public parking
Amenities:
- Surfboard rentals and lessons
- Beach chair and umbrella rentals
- Restrooms, lockers, and showers nearby
- Shops and restaurants nearby
Best nearby hotel:
📍 Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Sitting on the beach, this resort has 2 swimming pools, 4 restaurants, private balconies with ocean views, a 24/7 casino, and even weekly salsa dancing! Choose from a variety of room options from standard to large suites with separate living rooms and kitchens.
➡️ Check prices and book your stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort here!
9. El Alambique Beach: Best for Snorkeling
Vibes
El Alambique Beach is another stretch of Isla Verde. This beach has beautiful turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling so you can admire vibrant marine life. Yet, the fun doesn’t stop there.
This beach is in the heart of Isla Verde, so it’s full of energy and activities. It’s near plenty of resorts, shops, and restaurants, so it’s where many visitors love to hang out. Many of the nearby dining options have beautiful views of this beach while you’re eating.
With soft sand and sheltering palm trees, this beach is a great destination, even if you just want to hang out on the shore with your kids.
Getting there: A short car or taxi ride from San Juan
Parking: Paid parking lot
Amenities:
- Bathrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Shops and restaurants nearby
Best nearby hotel:
📍 TRYP by Wyndham Isla Verde
A charming boutique hotel within walking distance of the beach. It has a pool, on-site restaurant, and great location to walk to entertainment. Rooms range from standard to suites with a separate living area.
➡️ Check prices and book your stay at the TRYP by Wyndham by clicking here!
10. Hobie Beach: Best for Less Crowds
Vibes
If you’re looking for a calm beach that gets you away from the crowds, Hobie Beach is a great choice. It still has some visitors so you won’t be completely alone, but it’s not nearly as crowded as the beaches closer to beachfront hotels.
Hobie Beach has warm water and a welcoming atmosphere. The sand is clean and well-maintained so you can feel safe bringing your family there.
There are lots of great photo opportunities at this destination, including a swing. Weekdays are the best time to visit this spot since that’s when it’s the least busy.
Getting there: About a 10-minute drive from the airport
Parking: Paid parking lot and street parking
Amenities:
- Lifeguards
- Umbrella and chair rentals
- Bathrooms nearby
- Restaurants nearby
Map of Best Beaches in San Juan
FAQs: Best San Juan Beaches
What’s a Balneario?
A balneario is a public, government-run beach. These beaches have amenities, such as public restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and picnic tables. Most also have parking lots that you usually have to pay to park at.
Balnearios have their sand cleaned and their water quality monitored. The waters are typically better for swimming and are more family-friendly. The only downside is that the beach might be closed on certain days, such as Mondays and/or Tuesdays.
What is the prettiest beach in San Juan?
Hands down, El Escambron is the prettiest beach in San Juan. The sand is white, the water is clear, and there are beautiful palm trees swaying as far as you can see.
What part of San Juan has the best beaches?
Puerta de Tierra, between Old San Juan and Condado, is the area with the best beaches in San Juan.
Are the beaches in San Juan swimmable?
Yes, there are swimmable beaches in San Juan. El Escambron and Playita Condado are both protected by coral reefs and are perfect to swim in because the water is calm. Condado usually has strong rip currents and it’s not safe to swim in.
Can you walk from Old San Juan to the beach?
Yes, there are several beaches within walking distance of Old San Juan, including El Escambron Beach and Playa Peña.
Are beaches in San Juan free?
Yes, most beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico are free to visit. However, you might need to pay for parking or rentals.
