Best beaches near San Juan

It probably won't come as a big surprise to hear that the island of Puerto Rico has some incredible beaches. There are almost 300 beaches packed into Puerto Rico's 270 miles of coastline, which means you never have to go far to find a great stretch of sand where you can enjoy the sun and the sea, even in the capital city.

San Juan is an excellent place to explore the history and culture of Puerto Rico, but it's also a perfect base to spend some time on the beach. You can reach several fantastic beaches from San Juan itself, so you can enjoy the best of both urban and beach experiences while you're here.

A local's guide to the 3 best beaches near San Juan

No matter what you're into, you can easily find a beach that fits your needs near San Juan. Puerto Rico is small enough that you can get just about anywhere you want to go from the capital, so virtually all of the island's beaches are open to you when you use this as your home base.

Isla Verde Beach

Isla Verde Beach is located just minutes from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, making it one of the most accessible beaches in Puerto Rico. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from Old San Juan and the main tourist areas. If you’re staying in San Juan, you can easily reach Isla Verde by taxi, rideshare, or public transportation. Many visitors staying in nearby hotels can walk to the beach, as it’s located in a bustling area filled with resorts and beachfront properties.

Isla Verde is one of Puerto Rico’s most popular beaches, known for its long, crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is divided into three main sections: Pine Grove, Alambique, and Balneario de Carolina, each offering something slightly different. Pine Grove is ideal for beginner surfers and swimmers, while Balneario de Carolina offers lifeguards, facilities, and picnic areas - perfect for families.

The beach’s calm waters mean that swimming, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are all possible here. Isla Verde’s vibrant atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy a more energetic beach experience, with plenty of nearby restaurants, bars, and water sports rentals. For a more relaxing activity, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for lounging, or simply take a stroll along the shore to enjoy the views. It's also lined with palm trees, offering a picture-perfect tropical setting.

If you're looking to explore further, Isla Verde is close to a range of attractions. The El Yunque Rainforest, one of the most famous natural wonders in Puerto Rico, is just a short drive away, with hiking trails and waterfalls. Old San Juan, with its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and colorful colonial architecture, is also nearby, providing plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Isla Verde’s nightlife is lively. Beachfront bars and upscale hotel lounges are great for your evening's entertainment. The area is known for its luxury resorts, such as the Fairmont El San Juan and the Ritz-Carlton, both of which have excellent dining options, casinos, and entertainment venues.

This incredible location is home to several amazing beaches, so it's an excellent place to go if you want to see a variety of different environments. That's not so easy if you have to check out of your hotel and take your bags with you. Luckily, Bounce partners with lots of local businesses that can store bags in San Juan for you so you enjoy everything this area has to offer.

Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo is located on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, about 2.5 hours by car from San Juan. The best way to reach this stunning area is by renting a car and taking the scenic drive along Puerto Rico’s highways. If you’re staying in the west, in towns like Rincón or Mayagüez, the drive is much shorter - approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Public transportation is limited in this region, so driving is recommended for flexibility and convenience.

Cabo Rojo is famous for its pristine, untouched beaches and natural beauty, which give off a more laid-back and tranquil beach vibe compared to the busier tourist spots. The region boasts some of the most stunning beaches in Puerto Rico, including Playa Sucia (La Playuela), a crescent-shaped beach with turquoise waters, white sand, and dramatic cliffs surrounding the bay. The beach is set against the striking backdrop of the Los Morrillos Lighthouse, one of Cabo Rojo's iconic landmarks with breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Cabo Rojo is also home to Bahía Salinas, a protected salt flat and wildlife refuge that is ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The salt flats create an otherworldly pinkish hue, adding to the region’s natural beauty. The calm, clear waters of Cabo Rojo’s beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, so you really can't go wrong here!

What if you want to explore the laid-back atmosphere of some of the smaller towns and villages in this area, away from the blows of the capital? Thanks to Bounce, you can do that easily. Leave your bags behind with us so you can immerse yourself in the charm of the area and watch the view, not your suitcases.

La Monserrate Beach

La Monserrate Beach, commonly known as Luquillo Beach, is located on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico, about 45 minutes from San Juan. It’s easily accessible by car via Route 66 or PR-3. Parking is available at the beach for a small fee, and there are no easy ways to get here using public transportation, so renting a car is your best bet.

La Monserrate Beach is one of Puerto Rico’s Blue Flag beaches, recognized for its cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. Known for its calm, shallow waters and long stretches of golden sand, it’s an ideal spot for families, especially those with young children. The beach is surrounded by palm trees, providing lots of shade and a beautiful tropical setting. The waters are calm due to the protective coral reef offshore, so get ready to swim and wade to your heart's content.

La Monserrate’s facilities are well-maintained. The site has clean restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and BBQ grills that allow you to spend an entire day here. The beach has lifeguards on duty, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere. Luquillo Beach is also a gateway to Puerto Rico’s famous El Yunque National Rainforest, which means you can easily combine a day of hiking and nature exploration with beach time.

In addition to enjoying the beach, La Monserrate is surrounded by a number of attractions and activities. Right next to the beach is the famous Luquillo Kioskos, a row of more than 50 food stalls and small restaurants serving delicious local cuisine. You can try Puerto Rican specialties such as mofongo, alcapurrias, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks. It’s the perfect way to enjoy local flavors after a day at the beach.

For water sports enthusiasts, Luquillo Beach offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Equipment rentals are available right at the beach. The nearby Coral Reef Marine Reserve is a great spot for snorkeling, where you can explore vibrant marine life just off the shore.

Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or would prefer a hike through the rainforest, Bounce can help. Book using our website or app and leave the bags behind with us so that you can travel light and go hiking, swimming, snorkeling, or enjoy all the other great things there are to do at and near the beaches around San Juan.