Caribbean paradise of the US

Puerto Rico; the Caribbean paradise of the US

With people feeling a little skittish about international travel right now, Puerto Rico is the #1 searched destination for people in the US. Why? With 300 beaches, this US Caribbean territory is simply fabulous. The cost of living in Puerto Rico is much lower than in The Cayman Islands, and so Puerto Rico feels like an extravagant vacation at budget prices.

Even I can’t sample 300 beaches in a single week and so today we will show you two excellent choices for your planning dreams. Does anyone hear that? La Isla Bonita…
- Cris

Getting to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, which means it's part of the United States, but not a state. Think of it like the U.S. and Puerto Rico are in a committed relationship, but PR doesn’t get a vote in Congress. It uses the U.S. dollar, follows federal laws, and its residents are U.S. citizens - but they can’t vote in presidential elections unless they move to a state. “No taxation without representation.” Yeah, it’s complicated.

If you’re a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport or visa to travel to Puerto Rico. It’s a domestic flight, so it’s just like flying to another state…

See complete details on documents needed to vacation in Puerto Rico

Condado Beach

If you're spending time in San Juan and don't visit Condado Beach, are you even doing Puerto Rico right?

Let me break it down for you like a local. Condado Beach is our version of Miami Beach but with more soul, better food, and zero pretense. It stretches along the edge of one of San Juan’s most walkable neighborhoods, where the buzz of city life meets the roll of the Atlantic. On any given day, you'll see joggers, tanners, and families staking out shady spots under palm trees while someone nearby tries (and fails) to look cool on a rented paddleboard. Since the early 1900s when Condado Beach attracted the likes of railroad tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt, it has been a haven for the affluent who want to get away from it all while having it all.

What makes Condado special isn’t just the golden sand or the crystal-blue water - it’s the vibe. You’ve got ritzy hotels like La Concha and the Condado Vanderbilt overlooking the surf, but you’ll also find beach vendors selling cold coconuts and $5 piña coladas in plastic cups. Fancy or chill? Your choice. That’s the Condado way.

The water can get choppy - even really dangerous - so heads up if you’re not a strong swimmer but the views, people-watching, and cocktails within arm’s reach make up for it. There’s even a calmer area near the bridge at the eastern end of the beach if you want a safer dip.

And the best part? You’re a flip-flop stroll away from amazing eats. Grab brunch at a sidewalk café, hit up a food truck for empanadas, or sip something strong at a rooftop bar before the sun dips behind the Condado Lagoon.

One of the best things to do is to take a Beginner’s Scuba Class where you video sea turtles and beautiful marine life in safety - even with no experience! The class is only $99, far less than anywhere else in the world and much safer than lots of other places. The photos of you next to a sea turtle will make your friends smile more than yet another cocktail photo (although one photo of a beautiful tropical fruity drink is a good idea).

Condado isn’t just a beach - it’s a full scene. It’s where locals escape for a staycation and where visitors accidentally spend their whole trip. Go once, and you'll get it.

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Isla Verde

If Condado is San Juan’s flashy city beach, Isla Verde is its laid-back, sun-kissed friend who’s always down for a good time. Locals love it because it feels like a true beach escape - but with all the conveniences of the city still right there.

Located just east of Condado and next to the airport (like, you can literally go from baggage claim to beach chair in 15 minutes), Isla Verde has some of the best sand on the island. It’s wide, soft, and golden, and the water? Calm, clear, and perfect for swimming. Unlike some other beaches where the waves are strong, Isla Verde is friendly to swimmers, paddleboarders, and even that friend who’s terrified of the ocean.

There are technically three beaches here: Pine Grove (great for beginner surfers), Alambique (where the party’s at), and Balneario de Carolina (a family-friendly Blue Flag beach with lifeguards and facilities). Whether you want to sip a rum punch under a rented umbrella or chase your kids through the shallows, Isla Verde’s got you.

You’ll also find some iconic hotels here, like the Fairmont El San Juan, which doubles as a nightlife hotspot. But honestly, you don’t need to be staying in a hotel to enjoy Isla Verde. Beach bars and food kiosks are scattered all along the sand, and locals roll up with coolers, music, and folding chairs like it’s a Saturday tradition - because it is.

It’s chill, it’s beautiful, and it’s just easy. If you’re looking for a beach that feels like a vacation without ever having to leave San Juan, this is it. Leave your work computer at home.

Once you have relaxed your way into a chill vibe, take a salsa dance class! For $30, you can laugh while learning if your hips move quite in the right way. I suspect that a few “refreshing” fruity drinks help to optimize the class but you won’t regret your laughter or your new moves. It’s so much fun.

See you next Wednesday.

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