|  Where
the feisty Atlantic meets the passive Caribbean Sea there is nearly
300 miles of sun-drenched shoreline with hundreds of beaches to
choose from. Some are as calm as bathtubs and others are world-class
surfing destinations. Some attract families, others the young
and the restless. Some are lined with condominiums, others coconut
palms. You’ll find them in national parks or just by the
side of the road. You’ll find Puerto Rico has beaches to
fill every desire, but most of all you’ll find them simply
irresistible. Here are just few of the more popular spots for
sun and sand:
Please note
that additional info (prices, activities, etc) are found to the
right of this pages. 
San Juan
The long, white-sand beach in Isla Verde
is good for snorkeling when the water is calm and great for people
watching, especially on the weekends. There are a few refreshment
vendors and plenty of stores and restaurants along the hotel and
condominium-lined beach. If you head a few miles east you’ll
find the Carolina Balneario where there’s
plenty of parking, room to spread out, but sometimes rough surf.
Even further east is the picnic-perfect beaches of Pinones
where there are plenty of places to stop for a bite of local foods.
Heading west from Isla Verde is Ocean Park, one
of the prettiest beaches in San Juan and one of the most popular
and playful spots for Puerto Rico’s young and restless generation
X. The mile-long stretch of golden sand is notorious for being
a playground for windsurfers, kitesurfers and paddleball players
and is also well-known for its choppy but swimmable shoreline.
Even further west, the small Condado Public Beach
next to the Condado Plaza Hotel is a great little beach for kids
because of its calm waters. It has some shade trees, rental chairs,
an outdoor shower and a lifeguard. The only problem is that it
is usually jam-packed on weekends. If you want just a little more
elbow room or a place to park, follow the coast up one more mile
to the coconut palm-filled Escambron Balneario
where you’ll find a gentle surf and couple of places to
grab a bite to eat. Watch out for holiday weekends because this
is a favorite family-camping spot and it gets very crowded.
West of San Juan
The west is best for the droves of the surfers
who head for Rincon to ride the mighty waves,
but a bit challenging for swimmers. Despite a few rough spots,
swimming is safe in the tranquil waters of the Rincon Balneario
and at Corcega Beach, both of which are lots
of fun for meeting people and soaking up the sun.
East of San Juan
The most photographed and famous beach on the
island is Luquillo Beach with its gentle, shallow
waters and postcard-perfect palm-lined shore. This is probably
the most well equipped and maintained public beach on the island
with lots of amenities and several dozen kiosks that serve delicious
local foods.
Another favorite beach is Playa Flamenco
on the island of Culebra. This spectacular three-mile stretch
of sand has shady palms and calm, crystal-clear and shallow water.
Weekdays are quiet and peaceful, but the weekends are a completely
different story.
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