Beaches in old san juan puerto rico: The Best Beaches in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

THE 5 BEST San Juan Beaches (with Photos)

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1. Playa Ocean Park

Beaches

By 47a2019

This beach is one of the best beaches, its clean due to waves, water temperature is perfect, but safe compared to the…

2. Condado Beach

Beaches

By DrSoulpr

Walking distance beach is always a plus in my life because of the tranquility and peace that it offers.

3. Balneario El Escambrón

Beaches

By HRSHYLVR

Beautiful sand, plenty of sun, and palm trees for shade if you wanted – and the water was warm and calm inside the sw…

4. Playita del Condado

Beaches

Open now

By sanju_222323

… small but certainly makes up for it with its clear, calm, aquamarine waters where one can safely swim and snorkel.

5. Playa Pena

Beaches

By mitmatmom

I was able to hang on to the rocks for dear life until I caught a small break in the waves and was able to get to the…

6. Playa Ultimo Trolley (Playa Ocean Park)

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7. Puerto Rico

Beaches

By 711dollyc

I just came back from visiting family in Puerto Rico, let me tell you I live in FL and have travelled to NJ and a few. ..

8. Playa Ensenada de Boca Vieja

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9. La Punta Surf Spot

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  • Janti T

    Singapore, Singapore49 contributions

    Small beach with powdery sand

    It’s a very small beach next to the park in Condado. There’s local playing music during the weekend. It’s a great spot to spend teh afternoon for a lazy Sunday.

    Review of: Playa Ocean Park

    Written February 12, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Mariam Z

    2 contributions

    Amazing

    It’s so nice, the weather is amazing the water was amazing. I loved everything about it. It’s also in San Juan so close to everything. Loved it!

    Review of: Condado Beach

    Written February 2, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Tim V

    Kansas City, KS6 contributions

    Beautiful beach

    My wife and I walked here from out hotel in Old San Juan. It’s a long walk but the walk offers the opportunity to see the real San z Juan and check out some cool architecture and stuff like that.

    The beach was awesome!
    A nice mix of locals and obvious tourists here and there.

    Fresh fruit vendors, pan dolce vendors and beverage vendors.

    Decent restrooms.

    Review of: Balneario El Escambrón

    Written February 9, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Jeanna

    Silver Spring, MD2 contributions

    Great swimming beach

    This is a nice beach for swimming and snorkeling. The rocks protect this area from rough waves. There is also a food truck that serves great burgers for a reasonable price.

    Review of: Playita del Condado

    Written February 5, 2023

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Meghan R

    Pittsburgh, PA22 contributions

    Suprisingly Wonderful

    I went down to this beach mostly just becasue I had time to kill and it was close. I’d heard some really mixed reviews prior so didn’t expect much. I was wonderfully surprised to find how much I loved this beach! The water was crystal clear and perfectly calm and safe as long as you stayed a distance from where the waves hit the rocks. It almost resembled a giant natural pool. There was a rockier area where there were a ton of tropical fish. It is also not very populated so it was very easy for me to keep an eye on my belongings on the shore as I swam. I would definitely reccomend spending some time at this little beach if you are staying in Old San Juan. I loved it!

    Review of: Playa Pena

    Written October 30, 2019

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

  • Dolly C

    1 contribution

    Visit Puerto Rico

    I just came back from visiting family in Puerto Rico, let me tell you I live in FL and have travelled to NJ and a few other states during this pandemic and I have never felt safer than what I felt in PR. They take is pandemic very very seriously! The Covid 19 protocols they have in place are more advanced than I’ve seen anywhere here. From the combination of hand sanitizer/temperature taker to the mandatory masks, even outdoors, etc. You will be fined $300 for not wearing a mask even outdoors. If you so much as pull your mask down under your nose, employees seem to come out of nowhere in a second asking you to pull it up. There are temperature takings at the entrance of every establishment regardless of the type of business, there are 6 ft distancing stickers everywhere. Employees are posted at the entrance of elevators and other enclosed locations to enforce max. capacity protocols. Hotels have a max. beach/pool capacity which is enforced by having guests register for either a day shift or afternoon shift (this I found annoying and unfair, check your hotel protocols carefully as they will not deviate from their policies regardless of any tantrums you may throw). They’ve make separate entrance and exit areas to minimized exposure throughout hotel areas, this includes driving to the hotel. There is security that stops you to make sure you are a guest (non guests not allowed). Once they clear you, they allow you to drive to the entrance where you are met by an employee who takes your temperature even before you leave your car. I can go on and on about what a great job they are doing there enforcing Covid 19 protocols but I think you get the point. Feel safe to travel here during this pandemic! But remember you must also submit a negative Covid test no earlier than 72 hours before traveling there.

    Review of: Puerto Rico

    Written February 17, 2021

    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about San Juan


These places are best for beaches in San Juan:

  • Condado Beach
  • Balneario El Escambrón
  • Playa Ocean Park
  • Playa Pena
  • Playa Ultimo Trolley (Playa Ocean Park)

See more beaches in San Juan on Tripadvisor


These are the best places for kid-friendly beaches in San Juan:

  • Playa Ocean Park
  • Balneario El Escambrón
  • Condado Beach

See more beaches for kids in San Juan on Tripadvisor


These are the best places for couples seeking beaches in San Juan:

  • Playa Ocean Park
  • Balneario El Escambrón
  • Condado Beach

See more beaches for couples in San Juan on Tripadvisor


These are the best places for groups seeking beaches in San Juan:

  • Playa Ocean Park
  • Balneario El Escambrón
  • Condado Beach

See more beaches for groups in San Juan on Tripadvisor


These are the best places for budget-friendly beaches in San Juan:

  • Playa Ocean Park
  • Balneario El Escambrón
  • Condado Beach

See more budget-friendly beaches in San Juan on Tripadvisor


These are the most romantic places for beaches in San Juan:

  • Playa Ocean Park
  • Balneario El Escambrón
  • Condado Beach

See more romantic beaches in San Juan on Tripadvisor


BEST Beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico [Feb 2023]

7 Best Beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico

To visit the real Puerto Rico, you must check out the island’s beautiful beaches. After all, relaxing in the sun is part of island life! 

We’ve compiled a list of our 7 best beaches in and around San Juan, Puerto Rico, for you to enjoy during your summer or semester study. Remember to pack strong sunscreen, a towel, and plenty of water for your beach day!

Escambrón Beach

Often cited as one of the finest beaches in the area, Playa Escambrón manages to keep the crowds away, allowing visitors to enjoy their beach day in peace. If you like to surf, this should be your #1 spot as surfers congregate for the strong swells and perfect reef breaks on the island’s north shore. For the non-surfer, don’t fret. You will still be able to enjoy the exquisitely blue water. 

Ocean Park Beach

Ocean Park Beach is another great mix of locals and tourists all out to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather. The mile-long beach showcases soft, white sand, perfect for relaxation or a nice stroll. 

Locals ask that you stay off the sand dunes that were formed during Hurricane María as they act as protection for the coast. Ocean Park Beach is set right in the neighborhood of Ocean Park, with many local residents simply walking up their streets to this stretch of sand.

Join in on a game of beach volleyball or tennis, or hook up your hammock among the trees. Ocean Park is a great place to meet new people. It is the closest beach for our students residing at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón’s campus. Just share a quick ride in an Uber from campus with a friend!

Hobie Beach

Hobie Beach is the perfect escape from the crowd in the fashionable Isla Verde area. Soak up the sun on the pristine sand or rent a chair and umbrella. There are also many beachfront restaurants in the area.

If you’re studying in Puerto Rico over the Summer Term, head to Hobie Beach for Noche de San Juan on June 23rd. It is one of the best beaches to fully immerse yourself in the celebrations and party atmosphere. 

Balneario de Carolina

This beautiful beach is one of the few Blue Flag beaches throughout the island, meaning it is meticulously maintained to pristine standards. The calm waves and low tides attract families and children, though it’s a great location for the more casual beachgoer. Enjoy a snooze under the palm and almond trees, bring along some food, and utilize the many barbecue grills.

Condado Beach

If you’re looking for a dose of Miami, and the potential celebrity sighting, head to Condado Beach. Minutes away from Old San Juan, this is the perfect spot to enjoy after the Saturday morning farmer’s market. Rent a chair or umbrella, and definitely layer up on sunscreen. Speaking from experience, the Caribbean sun can be incredibly strong!

Condado Lagoon

This lagoon is the body of water to the right of Condado Beach. The calm waters make it a perfect place for kayaking or paddleboarding, both of which are available for rent for around $25-$30 per hour. Only a few people swim in the lagoon but feel free to dip your feet in on the side connecting with Miramar. The lagoon is also home to the manatees, so be prepared to see an aquatic friend while on your board!

Isla Verde Beach

Located near Hobie Beach, Isla Verde is a beach resort hosting high-end hotels.

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