Beaches · San Juan · Puerto Rico
The best beaches in and near San Juan
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mattnbaker, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Isla Verde Beach (About 20–30 minutes from Old San Juan by car). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 29°C (84°F)
The beaches
About 20–30 minutes from Old San Juan by car · Families and resort days
1.Isla Verde Beach
The area's longest hotel beach, with generally calmer water, water sports and beach bars.
About 10 minutes from Old San Juan by car · Beach next to restaurants and nightlife
2.Condado Beach
City beach in front of hotels on Ashford Avenue; some stretches have strong currents, so swim where it is calm and guarded.
About 15 minutes from Old San Juan by car · Relaxed local atmosphere
3.Ocean Park Beach
Wide, local beach popular with kitesurfers, joggers and paddle-ball players.
About 5 minutes from Old San Juan by car · Calm swimming and snorkelling
4.Balneario El Escambrón
Reef-protected public beach in Puerta de Tierra with calm water, lifeguards in season and easy snorkelling.
About 45 km east, 45 minutes by car · A day trip with El Yunque
5.Luquillo Beach
Palm-lined public beach with gentle water and food kiosks nearby.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| February | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| March | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| April | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, luxury, beach and food lovers
Condado
Condado runs along Ashford Avenue between the Condado Lagoon and Ocean Park, with resort hotels, upscale shops, restaurants and a city beach. It is about 10 minutes by taxi from Old San Juan and close to Santurce's food and nightlife.
- Good
- Beach and city in one; Wide choice of hotels and restaurants; Short ride to Old San Juan
- Watch out
- High-rise and busy traffic; Sea can be rough at some beaches
- Nearby
- Condado Lagoon, Condado Beach, Santurce, Ocean Park
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — Public buses link the old town, Condado, Santurce and Isla Verde at low fares, but services can be infrequent.
- Train — Tren Urbano, a single elevated and underground line, links Santurce's Sagrado Corazón with Hato Rey, Río Piedras and Bayamón; it does not reach Old San Juan or the beaches.
- Car — A car is the easiest way to reach El Yunque, Fajardo, Guavate and Ponce; city traffic is heavy and parking in Old San Juan is scarce.
- Ferry — A passenger ferry usually crosses the bay from Old San Juan to Cataño, the easiest way to Casa Bacardí without a car.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in February–April. The busiest of those is February, so book early.
Beach safety
Tourist areas are generally fine with normal precautions, but avoid deserted streets at night and do not leave valuables in cars or unattended on beaches. Rip currents affect several north-coast beaches, including parts of Condado. Follow official guidance during hurricane season, and use insect repellent, as mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does San Juan have beaches?
Yes: Isla Verde Beach, Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, Balneario El Escambrón and Luquillo Beach.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in San Juan?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near San Juan?
Isla Verde Beach: The area's longest hotel beach, with generally calmer water, water sports and beach bars.