Best Beaches in San Juan Puerto Rico

Beach Guide, Top Rated Tours & Map

The best public beach in the capital city of San Juan located in Puerta de Tierra, right between Old San Juan & Condado.  Here at Escambron, you can enjoy swimming waters, snorkeling, scuba diving, a historic site, sweeping views of Condado and Old San Juan, great food, facilities, and two other additional beaches.

Escambron Beach is managed by the municipality, the only beach with facilities.  Balneario Escambron was one of the only two beaches in Puerto Rico to receive the Blue Flag award in 2020.  There are two beaches inside Escambron, the first is the most popular, it is wide with a protected swimming area by a coral wall.   The other beach has calmer water and is popular for snorkeling and scuba divers where sea turtles are often spotted.  This beach is also home to the fortification of Bateria El Escambron, from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and Condado Beach.

+ Balneario El Escambron -San Juan, Puerto Rico

Enter the trendy Condado Beach where sand, sun, water, and trendy beachfront resorts come together Miami Beach style.  From Condado Beach you can walk to shops, casinos, many restaurants, and Condado Lagoon where you can go kayaking, and paddleboarding. 

+ Condado Beach - San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Those that prefer to find quiet and relaxing water activities head to Laguna del Condado, commonly known as the Condado Lagoon.  Right in between Condado and the highway, protected from the traffic noise by a line of almond and mangrove trees you can glide on clear blue waters where manatee, sea turtles, and other friendly beautiful creatures call home.  Laguna del Condado offers the most popular and top rated kayaking tours by day and night in the San Juan / Metro area.  If you enjoy the sport of SUP, be sure to book a session or rent a board to do on your own.  

+ Laguna del Condado Beach Guide & Tours

Isla Verde a long wide beach in the nearby town of Carolina, popular for water sports, jogging, and swimming in its calmer waters. Isla Verde actually has three beaches, it is a very popular tourist destination for its great beachfront resorts, hotels, dining, and water sports.  When you’re hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from.

+ Isla Verde Beach - Carolina, Puerto Rico

See winning tour

This beach may be small, but it has some pretty awesome qualities.   The water is pretty with aquamarine blues and calm for swimming and doing a little snorkeling.   Access is very convenient, you may park across the street in the parking garage and within walking distance from many hotels along Ashford Avenue.  The views of the fort and modern city add interest while lounging on the beach.  There are many restaurants within walking distance of the beach.  Umbrella and lounge chairs are available for rent.  La Playita del Condado is a great beach option for cruisers who want beach time nearby, the closest beach to the cruise ports.  If you’re traveling with small children, you may want to visit this beach, protected by a rock wall keeping the waters calm under normal weather conditions.  Stay at the hotel next door to enjoy it just a few steps away.

+ Playita del Condado - San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A popular beach for both locals and visitors with a more laid back vibe and fewer crowds than nearby Isla Verde and Condado beach.  You’ll find the most budget-friendly inns at Ocean Park Beach. The sand is soft and golden, and if you get here early, you’ll find a shaded spot under a palm tree.  When you get hungry you don’t have to leave the beach, there are nice beachfront restaurants so you can continue enjoying your beach experience as you dine.  

+ Ocean Park Beach - San Juan, Puerto Rico

A secret surprise because not many people get to visit or know about this little gem right across from the Capitol Building, just past the San Cristobal Fortress.  Once here, you’ll forget you’re in a major city, you may be sharing this beach with a few other couples.  During low tide this beach is nice for watching and listening to the waves, taking a dip, and getting a great tan. Don’t miss taking a walk down to the fort ruins.  

+ Playa Peña in Old San Juan - Puerto Rico

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