After spending a week soaking up the sunshine in Puerto Rico, I’ve rounded up my favorite San Juan beach experiences to help you find the best swimmable beach in San Juan, the best beaches near the cruise port, and even the prettiest beach in San Juan (yes, I have strong opinions). Start scrolling for my guide to the best beaches in San Juan—with traveler's tips from me and my fellow beach bums.
And if you enjoy this article, you'll love my San Juan vacation itinerary, too!
Whether you’re planning a full-blown beach day or just want a quick ocean fix between brunch and boutique hopping, San Juan delivers. From the best tourist beaches in San Juan to local favorites, there’s no shortage of sandy spots to explore.
By the way, all San Juan beaches are public by law.
These playas are in no particular order...except that the first beach listed is, in fact, my favorite beach in San Juan!
Best Beaches to Visit in San Juan
Isla Verde Beach: The Most Beautiful
If you only hit one beach while in San Juan, make it Isla Verde Beach. This beach has earned its reputation as one of the best beaches by San Juan, Puerto Rico—and it's my personal favorite of the trip.
Isla Verde’s stretch of soft, white sand is tucked behind a row of luxe resorts, which keeps it both clean and bustling. But even though it's popular, it never felt overcrowded—especially in the morning when we had the beach practically to ourselves.
Why it's my fave:
- Swimmable turquoise water--this is one of the best calm beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico for swimming
- Best for watersports like jet ski rentals, parasailing, plus beachside massages to unwind
- Great for groups, couples, or solo travelers (we felt totally at ease as an adults-only group)
- Family-friendly without feeling overrun with kids
Pro Travel Tip
If you aren't staying at one of the adjacent hotels on this strip, come prepared. There are no public restrooms or rinse-off stations available. And may resorts only offer chairs and towels to guests, so pack accordingly.
Read my ultimate beach bag packing list and you'll be ready for whatever!
Conado Beach: Stylish Ocean Views
Think of Condado Beach as the Puerto Rican cousin to South Beach. It’s chic, social, and photogenic. If you're staying in San Juan’s trendy Condado neighborhood (we stayed at the Serafina Beach Hotel), you’ll likely have direct beach access and a glam infinity pool to match.
What I rate it for:
- Swanky hotel vibes and beach bars nearby
- Some rocky patches near the shore—better for lounging than swimming
- Gorgeous ocean views and people-watching
While it wasn’t the best beach for a full swim day, the view from our hotel pool alone was worth it. The water changes colors as the sun sets, making it a strong contender for the best sunset beach in San Juan.
I'll note that while La Playa Condado has a cotton candy color palette around sunset, it's actually geographically situated for watching the sunrise in the morning, so pencil that into your plans, if you can!
Save my San Juan outfits + packing list to get set for your trip!
Playa Escambrón: Local Community Spot
Looking for a more local vibe? Escambrón Beach offers a different San Juan beach experience. Located near the Capitol building and within walking distance of Old San Juan, it’s a popular choice for San Juan residents—especially on weekends and holidays.
You’ll find families grilling, playing music, and soaking up sun in the park area nearby. The beach itself has both sandy and rocky sections, and we even spotted tropical fish in the water. While it may not have the softest sand, Escambrón is one of the best public beaches in San Juan—and definitely among the best snorkeling beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Why I recommend Escambron Beach:
- Clear water and colorful marine life
- Restrooms and rinse stations (a rare find)
- Easily accessible from Old San Juan and the cruise port--less than 10 minutes away by car and considered the best beach near the cruise port
Check out my list of top things to do in San Juan next!
Ocean Park Beach: for a Chill Beach Day
Ocean Park Beach sits somewhere between the local scene of Escambrón and the luxury of Condado. It’s a laid-back stretch of sand with just enough infrastructure to feel comfortable—think casual restaurants, beach rentals, and picnic vibes.
We had a low-key beach brunch picnic (complete with champagne and birthday dessert), then spent the morning lounging—until the wind picked up. Check the wind forecast before committing to a full beach day here. We had sand blowing all in our champagne, chile.
Ocean Park Highlights:
- Chill local energy with a side of beach bar
- Great for kiteboarding and beach walks
- Pretty water but stronger currents—less ideal for swimming on windy days
Pro Travel Tip
Bonus Beaches: Take a day trip to Culebra to see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! This was one of my favorite excursions. Or visit Loíza, PR, for low-key local beaches with authentic eats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—but not really for sunbathing. While Old San Juan has gorgeous waterfront views and lookout spots like Puerta de San Juan, you won’t find a swimmable beach in the historic area. Luckily, Escambrón Beach is just a quick 5-10 minute ride away and one of the nicest beaches near Old San Juan.
Yes! Isla Verde, Condado, and Ocean Park all have white or light golden sand. Isla Verde wins for softest sand and calmest water.
Isla Verde, hands down. Escambrón comes in second if you like snorkeling or want to stay close to Old San Juan.
In my solo traveler opinion, Isla Verde is great for kids, and Escambrón offers picnic space and facilities.
I hope this post helps you spend time at some of the nicest beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico soon and very soon. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
