San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, is divided into several distinct areas, each offering its own unique atmosphere and attractions. Some of the main areas of San Juan include:
- Old San Juan: This historic district is characterized by its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and ancient fortresses such as El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. It’s a hub for culture, history, and architecture, with museums, art galleries, shops, and restaurants lining its streets.
- Condado: Condado is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood known for its high-end hotels, casinos, and beaches. It offers a lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as luxury shopping along Ashford Avenue.
- Isla Verde: Located east of Condado, Isla Verde is another popular tourist area known for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and casinos. It’s a bustling area with plenty of dining, entertainment, and water sports options.
- Santurce: Santurce is a diverse and dynamic neighborhood known for its street art, cultural venues, and culinary scene. It’s home to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, as well as numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. Ocean Park Beach is a popular stretch of shoreline within Santurce, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Miramar: This upscale residential area is known for its elegant homes, tree-lined streets, and waterfront views. It’s also home to the Puerto Rico Convention Center and several upscale dining options.
- Hato Rey: Hato Rey is San Juan’s financial district, home to corporate offices, government buildings, and the largest banking institutions in Puerto Rico. It’s a bustling area during the day but tends to be quieter at night.
Where is the best place to swim in San Juan?
El Escambron is right next to the Caribe Hilton and surrounded by two parks. This picturesque beach, with lifeguards, offers calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as views of historic landmarks such as El Morro fortress. The famed El 8 surf spot is just to the west. There’s good snorkeling around the rocks with lots of fish. There’s a snack bar and a full-scale restaurant located here.
Isla Verde Beach, located in the Isla Verde district, is another top destination for swimming in San Juan. This wide, sandy beach is known for its calm waters, making it ideal for families and beginners. Isla Verde Beach is also lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars, offering plenty of amenities for beachgoers.
Ocean Park Beach is made up of fine, gold sand in a neighborhood east of Condado in the Santurce district. This beach attracts a younger crowd and travelers looking for a guesthouse rather than the large hotel experience. The beach runs from Parque del Indio in Condado all the way to the Barbosa Park in the area known as El Ultimo Trolley, offering paddle tennis, kite-boarding, and beach volleyball. You can grab lunch and refreshments from several area guesthouses or a vendor walking up and down the beach selling cold beer, water and soft drinks or even snacks such as fried seafood turnovers.
It should be noted that Condado Beach is not a beach that is safe for swimming. There are powerful rip tides here that have been responsible for past drownings.
My Top Boutique Hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Resorts in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan Water and Beach Club, Isla Verde
At San Juan Water and Beach Club, hit the beach, enjoy the outdoor pool, dine onsite at Kumo Rooftop, and enjoy a drink at one of the hotel’s 2 bars and lounges.
Fairmont El San Juan, Isla Verde
Fairmont El San Juan Hotel offers guests genuine Puerto Rican hospitality and a luxury lifestyle experience complete with a luxe full-service spa, world class fitness center, retail shops, lively entertainment and non-stop gaming action at Foxwoods El San Juan Casino.
La Concha Renaissance, Condado
Spend the day relaxing on the beach, one of the 3 outdoor pools, or at a casino before returning for a meal at one of La Concha Resort’s 7 restaurants.
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Condado
Spend the day catching some rays at the beach, relaxing by one of San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino’s 2 outdoor swimming pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa.
Awesome Budget Friendly Option
Dream Inn, Ocean Park
The boutique hotel is located in the heart of the city of San Juan, and just a few steps away from the sandy beaches of Ocean Park. As you enter this architecturally designed guest house lobby, a sense of harmony and tranquility takes over with the setting of a Buddha-inspired colorful koi pond with its soft flow of water and an abstract OM decor.
Two Resorts Outside San Juan Worth Checking Out
El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo
Spend the day playing on El Conquistador Resort’s private white sand beach, relaxing by one of the hotel’s 4 outdoor swimming pools, or practicing your swing at the onsite golf course.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, Rio Grande
Spend the day relaxing at the beach, practicing your swing on Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort’s golf course, in one of the 3 pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s 2 restaurants.
If you are looking to explore Puerto Rico, check out a guide to adventures HERE.
Culebra and Vieques are both beautiful islands located to the east of mainland Puerto Rico, known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Each island offers unique attractions such as Culebra’s world-renowned Flamenco Beach and Vieques’ stunning Bioluminescent Bay, making them popular destinations for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
