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There’s a relatively undiscovered area of the northeastern ecological corridor of Puerto Rico and it’s brimming with everything from mountain top hikes to beach walks under sweeping fields of palm trees. It’s where you can hear the coqui frogs sing, spot a manatee searching for breakfast, and glimpse a leatherback turtle laying her eggs.

Even Hurricane Maria can’t fade the natural beauty of Luquillo and the resilience of the people who have worked tirelessly to rebuild. The impact of your visit will assist in helping the local businesses and residents. It is why you should make Luquillo, Puerto Rico Your Next Vacation Destination and visit today.

Gorgeous Beaches

Luquillo is home to a beautiful coastal strip of magnificent beaches: Balneario Monserrate/Luquillo Public Beach, Playa Azul, La Pared, La Fortuna, Mameyes, and La Selva Beach. In addition to the breathtaking ocean views, they provide opportunities for all types of water sports.

Oftentimes my most pressing decision of the day is deciding which of the top beaches in northeast Puerto Rico I should visit.  Spending time on any of  Luquillo beaches is a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of both the sea and the land.

Luquillo Beach/Balneario Monserrate

Monseratte or more often called Luquillo Beach is Blue Flag Certified and is awarded by the Foundation of Environmental Education when a beach meets the stringent standards of water quality, safety, sand quality, and environmental protection.

Flanked by a plantation of majestic coconut palms and more than a mile of golden sand and calm surf, this beach is a true beauty. It’s calm, clear water. El Yunque Rainforest can be seen in the background.

It is one of the most popular beaches with amenities offering food, public bathrooms, showers, parking, and lifeguards. There are also designated camping areas. You can also access the famous kiosks, offering a wide variety of food, at the west end of the beach and it is here you can find tour operators offering kayak and jet ski rentals.

Playa Azul Beach

Playa Azul is a gorgeous crest of surf and sand and is only accessed through a myriad of small side roads. There are no public amenities and only street parking, but the tranquility and beauty make it my favorite. Playa Azul is busy on the weekends, but during the week you may find that you’re the only one there. The reefs offshore are good for snorkeling.

La Pared Beach

La Pared is where the surfers go and is close to the town center where there are an assortment of great restaurants. If you’ve always wanted to surf, this is the place to catch a wave. There are several surf schools who would be happy to give you a lesson and with a sandy bottom, it’s a perfect place to learn. Keep an eye out for turtles nesting. The nesting area will be roped off preventing anyone from walking on the delicate turtle eggs.

Mamayes Beach and Playa Fortuna Beaches

These two beaches are most frequented by locals and residents of the area because of the lack of parking and facilities.

La Selva Beach

La Selva Beach is a critical habitat for leatherback turtle nesting and is part of the Northeast Ecological Corridor. It can only be reached on foot from La Pared after a 40-minute hike. The waters are very rough and I don’t recommend swimming, although experienced surfers can often be found catching a wave.

Activities are Endless

Surfing Puerto Rico

All experts agree: La Pared in Luquillo is the best beach for surfing lessons in Puerto Rico. You can find all the information you need on Surfing Puerto Rico’s website.

surfingpuertorico.com
787-501-SURF (7873)

El Yunque Rain Forest

If there’s any activity you choose to do when in Luquillo, hiking El Yunque should be at the top of the list. it is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System and consists of 29,000 biologically diverse acres. Over 200 inches of rainfall in some areas is responsible for its lush foliage and abundant waterfalls. Nature and beauty make hiking in the rain forest one of my top things to do in Puerto Rico.

El Yunque has suffered some serious damage during hurricane Maria. There is only access to La Coca Falls and the Tower at the time of this writing, but is well worth the visit. In the meantime,  check their website for road closures and updates.  If you’re interested, you can read here about what El Yunque was like before the storm. 

Caribali Rainforest Park

This lush outdoor destination in El Yunque mountains offers a go-kart track, horseback riding, mountain biking, and ATVs. It’s a great place to experience the beauty and nature of the rain forest in multiple different ways.

Carabali Rainforest Park – Puerto Rico 992, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
+1 787-889-4954

Yunke Zipline Adventure

An exhilarating opportunity to fly among and above the rainforest by way of  5 exciting zip lines and experiencing why Puerto Rico is a great Eco-Tourism destination!

http://yzapr.com/contact-us/
787 242-3368

Las Paylas – Natural Waterslide

If you’re looking for an “off the beaten path” activity, this one is for you. Amazing rock formations create a natural water slide that can be accessed, believe it or not, in the backyard of someone’s home. Don’t worry. They’re prepared for guests and offer to park for $5 as well as snacks and cool drinks. It’s worth a visit to explore the unique rock formations and enjoy a picnic, even if you don’t venture onto the slide.

It’s a little tricky to find:

Take route 3 to road 992 and make a left onto road 991. Continue until you see a sign for Sabana and turn right onto road 983. Follow road 983 until you see a house on the right with a chain link fence around the yard and the words Las Paylas on a sign and mailbox.

Luquillo Beach Yoga

Sit cross-legged facing the ocean. Breathe deeply for five or more breaths, taking in all aspects of your surroundings with your five senses. There is absolutely no better place to experience yoga. Jennifer Forshee offers classes Wednesday through Saturday at 8:30 am on Playa Azul Beach, but it’s best to check the Luquillo Beach Yoga Facebook page to be sure.

Town of Luquillo – Capital Del Sol

Luquillo was founded in 1797 and is known as “La Capital del Sol” (Sun Capital). A trip to Luquillo wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the public plaza on Calle Fernandez Garcia.

The first thing that will grab your attention is the colorful Saint Joseph Church. If you can, stop in and admire the wood carvings that adorn the interior. Carvings depicting nature, as well as symbols from other cultures and religions are represented.

It is in this plaza that you will find a few restaurants, the mayor’s office, as well as Chelos Liquor and Convenience Store. It’s a good place to pick up snacks and cold drinks when heading out to the beach, or for liquor for when you’re in the mood for a refreshing mojito or Cuba Libre.

Lifelong Luquillo resident, Mar Gomez, promotes tourism for the municipal of Luquillo and runs the Capital Del Sol Facebook page. It’s a great resource for things to do in Luquillo and to find out about the local festivals that take place in the town throughout the year. The town also sponsors the bi-monthly Farmers Market.

Mar graciously introduced me to many of the local business owners. Her enthusiasm and passion for Luquillo is contagious. She shared with me, “There’s so much to do here in our beautiful town. We offer a variety of great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and a top-notch surfing destination. If you really want to support our community, the best way to do that is to visit our town and eat at our restaurants and shop at our local businesses…and follow the Capitol Del Sol Capital Del Sol Facebook page. It’s the best way to find out what is going on in Luquillo.”

Fiestas and Festivals

• Fiestas Patronales (Patron Saint Celebrations) – March
• Festival Tinglar (Sea Turtle Festival) – April
• Luquillo Beach Jazz Fest – May
• Festival de Coco (Coconut Festival) – September
• Festival Platos Típicos (Local Food Festival) – December

Luquillo’s Farmers Market

On the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of every month, the town gets together to host a farmer’s market at the Public Plaza of Luquillo.  Enjoy homemade baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, garden-grown vegetables, as well as local honey and hot sauces.

Restaurants in Luquillo

Luquillo has a wide assortment of restaurants offering many different types of food.

The Luquillo Kioskos

When lunchtime or evening rolls around there’s no better place to relish in the year-round warm-weather by enjoying the open-air restaurants and kiosks serving Puerto Rican cuisine and offering local entertainment.

In Luquillo the kiosks are a famous tourist attraction along the popular PR-3 highway. Offering an array of 60 or more mini beach-front open-air restaurants that run parallel to Luquillo Beach, it is your chance to get authentic Puerto Rican food, purchase a few souvenirs, and try out the water sports rentals. It’s here you’ll want to try mofongo, tostones, arepas, and many other local favorites. You can also order a hamburger or pizza, but why?  When in Puerto Rico eat like a local !

Charlie Sepulveda, the famous Grammy Award-winning Latin jazz musician plays at El Terruno, located in the kiosks on the last Friday of every month. Be sure to check out one of his shows.

Boardriders

Boardriders is an open-air beachfront bar on La Pared Beach offering bar food and live entertainment most weekend nights.

http://boardriderssurfbar.com/
25 Calle Veve Calzada, Calle Herminio Diaz Navarro, Luquillo, PR 00773
Phone: +1 787-355-5175

Lena’s Café

Lenas Cafe is near the Public Plaza of Luquillo offering sandwiches, breakfast specialties, and more.

http://www.lenascafepr.com/
152 Cll Fernández Garcia, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-953-1111

Pasta Y Pueblo

Pasta Y Pueblo is a restaurant offering delicious upscale cuisine. This restaurant review gives more details about this fabulous restaurant.

Rincon De Sabor 

Rincon De Sabor is two blocks from the Public Plaza of Luquillo. This unassuming local restaurant boasts delicious mofongo. Don’t let the darkened windows fool you into thinking it’s closed. Ring the bell and enjoy the fun souvenir shop at the front of the restaurant.

263 Calle Fernández Garcia, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone+1 787-556-9760

William’s Pizza

William’s Pizza offers a variety of toppings on their delicious pizzas.

4 Calle Matienzo Cintron, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-889-8762

Yunni’s Pinchos

Pinchos are grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp on a stick and there’s no better place to get them than at Yunni’s Pinchos.

Puerto Rico 991, Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773

Brass Cactus

Burgers, steaks, bar food, drinks, and more.

PR-193, Luquillo 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-889-5735

EL Flamboyan

Inexpensive open-air bar and grill.

PR-193, Luquillo, 00773, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-889-2928

Where to Stay in Luquillo

Love.Soul.Beautiful Guest House

This Bohemian-chic boutique 4-bedroom apartment is nestled in the heart of downtown Luquillo. Each room is unique, colorful, and just as full of life as the owner, Molly Jones.

“I love Luquillo, Molly shares. “I want my guests to feel at home and enjoy everything this town has to offer.” The guesthouse embraces the carefree and relaxed lifestyle of the pueblo in which it resides, yet it’s the attention to detail that Molly provides, that makes this place so special.

Step out onto the colorful rooftop deck in the front of the guest house and be dazzled with sweeping views of the Atlantic and enjoy gentle warm breezes. The back porch, fitted with an inviting hammock, offers a relaxing oasis with views of the famous El Yunque Rain Forest.

“Our guest house has everything you need. A fully stocked kitchen with gas stove and oven along with a fridge and freezer, and pots and pans,” Molly said. “Make yourself at home! When you come back from a long day of sightseeing take a shower in one of two bathrooms and get ready for a night out.”

For Vacation Rentals in Luquillo:

Rental Properties Services by Alana

Visit her website for a listing of great rental properties.
Phone: +1.787.241.8638

Mar Y Miel House Rental

Private house on the beach that can sleep up to 8 people. This beautiful house is a tropical oasis!

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marymielpr/
#3 (1,656.13 mi), Luquillo, Puerto Rico 00773
+1 787-975-0275

Why You Should Visit Luquillo

The local business owners and residents fuel Luquillo’s hospitality and their and dedication to the town they love is graciously passed on to anyone who visits. 

Comprised of 12 miles of untouched beaches, a myriad of nature-based activities, a one of kind rain forest, unique places to stay, and fabulous dining, this relaxing beach escape has everything you’re looking for, from a weekend getaway to a week-long stay.  Discovering the nature and beauty Puerto Rico’s northeast coast you’ll realize Luquillo is a slice of paradise.

Luquillo Puerto Rico – Your Next
Vacation Destination. Visit today!

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Northeast Puerto Rico’s Top 12 Adventures

There’s so much to love about Puerto Rico, so I picked my favorite 12 awesome adventures in Northeast Puerto Rico. Towns like Rio Grande, Palmer, Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba are all found in the northeast corridor and are all approximately 35-45 minutes from San Juan airport. They just keep getting better and better with awesome things to do, see, and eat.

1) ENCOUNTER Turtles, Sting Rays, and Lobsters

Come face-to-face with turtles and hover past sting rays as blue tang, and colorful snapper swim by. In Las Croabas or Marina Del Rey in Fajardo tour operators will take you out on a catamaran or you can rent a “mini boat” to the best snorkeling spots, some near deserted islands. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend the day on and under the water. The tour operators supply everything you need for a fun day.

2) WITNESS a Glowing Blue Bay at Night

Learn the science as to why this is one of the most unique experiences in Puerto Rico. In Las Croabas Fajardo and Vieques there are numerous tour operators who guide you via kayak through the mangrove forest into a vast bio bay. Here you will witness bioluminescent plankton glowing blue. It’s a very unique tour everyone should experience.

3) PADDLE to Underwater Sea Life

Near Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo is where you’ll find vendors who will set you up with stand up paddle boards or kayaks.  If you’ve never done it before, don’t worry, they’ll give you a lesson. Pirate Snorkeling Shack is one of my favorite. They give you a map to the reefs or they’ll give you a private tour. The water is calm and clear.  You can hop off your kayak or paddle board and spend time snorkeling. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll see underwater very close to shore.

4) COOL YOUR JETS from the Summer Heat

On Luquillo and Seven Seas Beaches you can rent jet skis. They’re a great way to experience the beach from another perspective while getting your adrenaline rush.

5) TAKE A DIP

In the heat of the Puerto Rican sun, you need to cool yourself off!  After a hike to La Mina Falls enjoy a cold dip in the water while the waterfall cascades down the rocks and over your head. El Yunque National Forest in Rio Grande, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, is where you’ll find great hiking trails, refreshing waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

6) INDULGE YOUR INNER FOODIE

You’ll truly be entertained at the Kiosks in Luquillo.  Over 70 beach front vendors offer local Puerto Rican food such as mofongo, tostones, and pinchos. You can also find that hamburger or pizza, but why?  When in Puerto Rico eat like a local.  The food is delicious. In the evening, many venues have entertainment such as Charlie Sepuvelda, a famous Puerto Rican Jazz artist.

7) EARN BRAGGING RIGHTS

You’ve always wanted to surf, now’s the time. Catch a wave at La Pared in Luquillo. There are  several surf schools who would be happy to give you a lesson. With a sandy bottom it’s a perfect place to learn to surf.  You’ll never forget catching your first wave.

8) ZIP THROUGH THE AIR

Your friends will be jealous when you tell them about the incredible adventures you had in Puerto Rico.  Zip line tours are available at the base of El Yunque Rain Forest in Rio Grande. You’ll be outfitted with everything you need to fly over the treetops.

9) GO ON A WILD RIDE

ATV adventures, Horseback Riding, and Go Carts are available at the foothills of El Yunque National Rainforest, Rio Grande.  This area is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and trails which make it perfect terrain for these activities. Puerto Rico’s spectacular scenery will amaze you.

10) SPEND TIME SHOPPING

The little town of Palmer, which you go through to get to El Yunque, is a quaint place to stop for a cool drink or a tasty lunch. The town also offers shops featuring hand-made products, artisanal goods, t-shirts, and specialty foods such as hot sauces. Caribbean Trading is my favorite.

11)  GET HANDS ON with Nature

Get hands-on and hold phytoplankton or stroke a sea cucumber. Find out which mango trees make the water red and climb to the top of a 19^th century lighthouse for spectacular views of the surrounding islands. La Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo will provide you with an interesting and informative tour as you explore the sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. Tours can be booked through the nonprofit organization Para La Naturaleza.

12) FLY OR FERRY to the Spanish Virgin Islands

Take a short flight from Ceiba or a ferry from Fajardo to the islands of Culebra or Vieques.  Both islands have beautiful beaches, but Culebra has one of the world’s famous – Flamenco Beach. Soft sand and crystal clear water make it a favorite for many. Tamarindo beach is the best for snorkeling with turtles.  On the island of Vieques is where you’ll find one of the two bio bays located on the northeast. Exploring either island is a great way to spend an action packed day of snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.

There’s no denying Puerto Rico has plenty things to do and see. The island has numerous coconut trees, too.  If you need a break from snorkeling or zip lining, crack open a coconut and sit on one of the many beautiful beaches with the warm crystal blue water lapping at your feet.

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – providing travel guides, destination tips, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled. Boulevards and Byways has provided content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications. A native New Yorker, she and her husband split their time between Brewster, NY and Luquillo, Puerto Rico

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Visiting Puerto Rico has the benefit of many activities in close proximity. Often times, my biggest decision of the day is what to do. Here are my top 3 three things to do in Puerto Rico with teens.

1. Hiking in El Yunque National Rain Forest.

El Yunque, in the north east corridor of Puerto Rico, is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System and consists of 29,000 biologically diverse acres. Over 200 inches of rain in some areas is responsible for it’s lush foliage and abundant waterfalls. The nature and beauty makes hiking in the rain forest one of my top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico.

The Stunning El Portal Visitors Center

Enter off Route 3 in the town of Palmer a municipality of Rio Grande. This little town boasts two fun gift shops, a smoothie bar and a few small eateries all in walking distance of one another.  It’s a great place to grab a snack, down a cool drink and buy a trinket to commemorate your visit. As you head  up the hill, twisting and turning with the road, make a stop at the beautiful El Portal Visitors Center for exhibits and educational information about the rain forest.

La Coca Falls

As you continue heading up the road, you’ll  first encounter a  handful of parking spaces before La Coca falls on the right.  Park and take a few photos of  the rushing mountain water overflowing on the rock beds and take the time to really feel the falling dew and inhale the soft, steamy mist of the rain forest.  Continue to drive up the hill to

Yokahu Observation Tower.

A short climb to the top  rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Luquillo and the Atlantic Ocean. The pictures here don’t do the view justice.  It’s something you just have to see for yourself.

View from La Yokahu Tower

.

Big Tree Trail

Continue to drive up the mountain side and park  at the next lot and hike Big Tree Trail which leads to La Mina Falls.  It’s about a half hour hike in,  and another half hour out. Don’t enter the water at the base of the falls during an especially rainy period.  The waters are swift and powerful and if you slip and fall it will be difficult to get out. Other times they are calm and tranquil and taking a dip at the base oftentimes becomes a popular activity.

La Mina Falls

Be prepared.  Wear sneakers and bring water and a rain jacket.  It’s hot, humid and  It often rains here when it’s sunny everywhere else.  The path can be slippery so take it slow and always stick to the trails.

There are other trails offering longer hikes to which I haven’t yet explored.  Perhaps that’ll be next on my to do list and provide you with another story to share. El Yunque offers a one of a kind opportunity for adventure while connecting with nature. It has been a favorite of activity of mine, time and time again.
Address: Río Grande 00745, Puerto Rico
Phone: +1 787-888-1880
Web: El Yunque National Forest

2. Kayaking in the Bioluminescent Bay

Kayaking through the mangroves to the bioluminescent bay in Las Croabas, Fajardo is one of my top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico with teens. They will absolutely love this tour.  There are only four places in the world to do this! One of them is in the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico!

Joining a kayaking tour group is the only way to experience the unique eco-system of the bioluminescent bay. The dinoflagellates, or phytoplankton which are in the water, glow when subjected to vibration. They sense they are being pushed and pulled and respond by producing light in response to stress.

The Mangrove Forest

The tour leader will review safety procedures and paddling techniques and your group will enter a hidden opening in the mangroves by kayak off the end of the beach.  For the one mile trip through the dark and ominous mangrove forest, the parade of kayakers follow one another, guided only by the lights on the front and back of the boat.  An iridescent blue glow will surround the paddle as you  gently move it through the water.  We got to see the outline of a large manta ray as it floated below, as if it were a cloud casting a shadow.

The Dinoflagellates

The group leader leads you out of the pitch blackness of the mangrove canal to the Laguna Grande (big lagoon) which is part of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve.  When emerging from the channel and entering the wide expanse of the calm lagoon, the open sky above with millions of twinkling stars shimmer like lightning bugs on a summer night. The silence surrounding all the kayakers like a warm blanket, exudes a peaceful calm and all are in awe of what they see.  As we gently moved our paddle through the open lagoon, the blue glo of the dinoflagellates illuminate the water below. It’s a trip not to be missed.

Two of my favorite tour operators are:

Web:http://www.yokahukayaks.com/tours_Bio.html

Web: kayakingpuertorico.com

3. Touring the Fajardo Lighthouse in Las Cabezas Nature Preserve

Visit Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve also on the northeast corridor of Puerto Rico in Fajardo. From trails and boardwalks you will explore sensitive eco-systems with trained guides. What makes it one of the top 3 things to do in Puerto Rico with teens?  They get to hold bio-luminescent dinoflageliates in their hand, hike through a red mango forest, and view fossilized coral on the beach.

The red mango trees turn the water an interesting color.

Via a tram, you are given an educational experience about the surrounding mangrove swamps as you hike over and through them by boardwalk. You come face-to-face with fossilized coral on a breath-taking rocky beach, and you get to hold biolumenescent dinoflageliates which glow and turn blue in the dark.

Views from the Top of the Lighthouse

Climb the iron staircase to the observation deck of the lighthouse and take in stunning views of the preserve, bio bay and El Yunque on one side, and the islands of Vieques, Icacos and even St. Thomas islands on the other. Visit their website: Para La Naturaleza.com and book your tour online.

I have yet to get tired of the exquisite beauty and natural resources on this island. That’s what makes Puerto Rico so special. Adventure and beauty are everywhere!

I hope you enjoyed reading about my top 3 things to do in north east Puerto Rico.  Send me a note and let me know which ones you’ve visited.

Para la Naturaleza

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The top 3 beaches in Northeast Puerto Rico are in the quaint town of Luquillo. Only a half hour from San Juan airport, it’s known as “La Capital del Sol” or Sun Capital.

La Monserrate Balneario (often called Luquillo Beach), Playa Azul, and La Pared, each remind me of glimmering jewels; brilliantly stunning, yet each one unique, making them my top 3 beaches in Puerto Rico.

Playa Azul

Playa Azul, flanked to the west by Luquillo Beach and to the east by La Pared. It’s 11:15am. A group of sandcastles rise above the surf. They’re the only indication that someone was here before, otherwise I’m the only one on the beach. That’s how it is oftentimes, just me and the billowing palm trees, its coconuts hanging like clusters of grapes waiting to be plucked as they cast a partial shadow overhead, the waves breaking at shore, stretching its finger like tentacles toward my toes. It’s a place where all that’s stressful drifts away.  There are no public facilities here. On days when the water is calm, it’s not uncommon to see snorkelers exploring the reefs which are close to shore.  On Friday’s through Sunday’s kayaks can be rented. On weekends and holidays, is when the beach gets busy as families picnic, grill, and make a day of enjoying the expansive sand and surf.

La Monserrate or Luquillo Beach

La Monserrate or Luquillo Beach is what’s called a Balneario or public beach. Here is where you’ll find several outdoor eateries and bathrooms. The waters are generally calm, and the beach front is kissed with bright red lifeguard stations flanked by tall, willowy coconut trees.  On the weekends spirited local families can be found picnicking and listening to music. One side of the beach is flanked by the majestic towering mountains of El Yunque Rain Forest whose verdant peaks jet up toward the sky, while the other side offers the peaceful views of the Atlantic Ocean stretching hypnotically toward the horizon.

La Pared

La Pared or “The Wall” is where the surfers go. It is where the sea is disturbed by opposing winds and the waves get large and strong. The town of Luquillo recently completed a colorful mosaic wall separating the road from the beach.  It is one of the steps taken to revitalize the area providing visitors and locals with a beautiful promenade to stroll or sit and watch the surfers catch a wave. It’s also where the sea-breeze is invigorating and the area full of action, making it a place for you to arrange a surf lesson, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy music at one of the local venues. On days when the surf picks up it’s not uncommon to see red flags flapping in the wind warning swimmers to stay out of the water, but that shouldn’t dissuade anyone from taking a leisurely stroll along the brilliant shore.

I’m at peace when I’m at any of these top three beaches in northeast Puerto Rico. Each one unique, each breathtaking, each a special place to build a castle in the sand.

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