Puerto Rico is a sun-drenched Caribbean island with a rich culture and history and 365 beaches. The island’s shoreline is about 300 miles of beach and offers everything from ankle-deep tropical lagoons to legendary surfing spots. Taking the kids along to Puerto Rico is usually not a problem since many beaches are close to attractions and restaurants. Camp, splash, snorkel or build sand castles at your favorite Puerto Rican beach.
A picture-postcard beach 30 miles west of San Juan, Luquillo Beach has palm trees, a crescent moon of clear blue water and white sand. This is a drive-on beach with rest rooms, changing rooms, showers, food stands and even a few camp sites. A large coral reef breaks the waves and keeps the water in its lee calm enough for kids to splash around in safely. Also known as La Monserrate, Luquillo Beach is a Blue Flag Beach, meaning it meets rigorous international standards for beach maintenance, water quality, safety and facilities, as well as environmental education. One of the more popular facilities is the Sea Without Barriers area, a special needs beach that accommodates the disabled and senior citizens.
Luquillo Beach
Route 3
Luquillo, PR
+1-787-721-2400 or
+1-787-889-5871
Playa Escambron is a huge public beach west of the Parque del Tercer Milenio where lifeguards are on duty until 5 p.m. every day. There are playgrounds for kids who tire of the mild surf, and plenty of kiosks and restaurants to supply meals, snacks and drinks. Escambron is a Blue Flag Beach with a nice, wide, shallow-draft area for the little ones.
Escambron Beach
Route 25 at PDA. 8
San Juan: Puerta de Tierra
+1-787-449-5672 or
+1-787-622-5200
Playita de Condado is a very small public beach right on Ashford Avenue just east of the bridge. The hotels in the area block the strongest winds, making for a calm surf. A large coral rock break means no waves and shallow water–perfect for toddlers. Palm trees provide shade for most of the morning and afternoon and the beach itself is sandy, not rocky. Older kids will enjoy snorkeling in the protected water, although it isn’t a great dive spot. There are lifeguards during day hours, showers, and vendors selling snacks and drinks. It’s a hotel beach, so you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas cheaply and park your car in the hotel lot for a small fee. The hotel keeps the beach clean.
