Vacationers love Puerto Rico because of the tremendous variety of attractions and the warm friendliness of the locals. But regardless of the many scenic wonders on this Caribbean island, such as the beautiful rainforest trails and the exciting underground cave explorations, the gorgeous beaches are still the main draw. With so many to choose from, one can get lost in trying to determine where to go for a relaxing day of sunbathing, swimming or surfing. The best bets:
Rosado Beach
Away from the bustle of San Juan and more secluded than the other popular waterfront areas, this is the perfect getaway for a day of relaxation. Rosado Beach is located in a small cove to the east of Cabo Rojo, and offers visitors wonderful sand and surf without the huge crowds that can be found near the major resorts. A favorite among the locals as well.
Playa de Ponce
Perhaps the best known of all the beaches in Puerto Rico, Playa de Ponce lies in front of the city from which it takes its name. Located on the southern coast, this is often touted as the one of the top swimming beaches in all the world. The currents are quite mild and the winds are lighter than those experienced on the northern coast of the island. The tides are also less extreme, making for a wonderful place to spend the day splashing about or sunning oneself on a comfortable rubber raft.
Playa Higüero
Those interested in a top destination for surfing will find exactly what they are looking for at Playa Higüero. Located in Rincon, this beach has some of the very best winter season surf to be found anywhere. Breakers topping 15 feet in height are common at this time of the year, and attract world-class surfers from around the globe. The world surfing championships have been held at this fabulous location, often referred to as “Little Malibu”.
Isla Verde Beach
In San Juan itself, this beach has become a popular destination for those wanting to mix swimming, sunning and live entertainment. Casinos line the avenue that runs along this incredible stretch of sand, and visitors will delight in the many fine restaurants and gift shops located nearby. The beach itself is extra-wide and has a mild slope, therefore it can be very crowded at times, but the beauty of the location makes it a favorite nonetheless.
Luquillo Beach
Situated about 30 miles to the east of San Juan, this is one of the top beaches for families. It is sheltered by a massive coral reef that makes for gentle breakers, mild currents and therefore safe for even the novice swimmer. Near the sand are a number of fine picnic areas and there are public showers and changing rooms, giving the area a quite family-friendly reputation. The waters are crystal clear and shallow, a good place for young children to enjoy the day.
A fun day of sand and surf is the highlight of any visit to beautiful Puerto Rico. Everyone who visits will leave with their own memories of their favorite beach, as there are many outstanding stretches of white and yellow sand on this famous island. Finding time to explore them all is left to the individual, but beach-hopping is fun and will provide much excitement when exploring Puerto Rico’s fabulous coast.
Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the health and fitness and travel industries for three years. Whenever she travels, Nicole always makes sure to bring a map of the local area, designer frames and last but not least her walking shoes. She also brings back multiple gifts for her family including shells, snow globes and t-shirts.


Sat, Aug 6, 2011
Destinations, South America