Pine Grove Beach
A crescent of fine white sand stretching along Puerto Rico’s Atlantic coast and backed by tall palms, Pine Grove Beach is one of San Juan’s most idyllic beaches. The tranquil waters here make Pine Grove a perfect spot for families with small children, while novice surfers can ride the waves at its eastern end.
The Basics
Pine Grove Beach, along with Isla Verde Beach and Carolina Beach, comprise what is known as Isla Verde Beach. Sheltered by an offshore reef, the calm, shallow waters at the western end of Pine Grove are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and over at the east end, the rolling waves are popular with stand-up paddleboarders and beginner surfers. There are kiosks along the beach where you can sign up for lessons or rent a board.
Things to Know Before You Go
There are no public facilities at Pine Grove Beach, but Carolina Beach, a short walk away, has restrooms, lockers, and outdoor showers.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent on the beach.
Pine Grove Beach is considered a good spot for kids and teens to learn how to surf.
How to Get There
Pine Grove Beach is located at the end of Isla Verde in San Juan, a short walk from most hotels. To access the beach, follow the walkways from Avenida Isla Verde. By car, take Route 187 towards the Piñones. Free public parking is available just west of the Ritz-Carlton, but spaces are limited.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
During the winter season, from December to early April, you’ll encounter the largest crowds in San Juan, so expect a lot of noise and people then. Right after that, from mid-April to June, is considered the best time to visit the city: The weather is pleasant and most of the winter crowds have dissipated.
The Bioluminescent Bay
A popular nighttime attraction along the Puerto Rican coastline, Laguna Grande is one of three bioluminescent bays on the island of Puerto Rico. Tours allow you to see the bay’s fluorescent glow, caused by microscopic plankton that thrive in the lagoon’s shallow Caribbean waters. Trips are typically planned around the darkest nights of the month.
- Isla Verde
- La Calle Loiza
- Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico)
- San Juan Bay
- Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center (Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré)
- Museum of History, Anthropology and Art (Museo de Historia, Antropología y Arte)
- Mercado de Río Piedras
- Fine Arts Miramar
- Old San Juan Piers
- Castillo San Cristobal
- La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
- Paseo de la Princesa
- Chapel of Christ (Capilla del Cristo)
- San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan Bautista)
- Old San Juan