La Isla Bonita Guidebook

Juan
La Isla Bonita Guidebook

Food/Shop/ Sight Seeing

10 minute drive / Old world feel with beautiful architecture, unique small shops, great bars and authentic Caribbean food.
902 locals recommend
Viejo San Juan
902 locals recommend
10 minute drive / Old world feel with beautiful architecture, unique small shops, great bars and authentic Caribbean food.

Food scene

8 minute drive
67 locals recommend
Sobao By Los Cidrines
1369 Ashford Ave
67 locals recommend
8 minute drive
8 minute drive
224 locals recommend
Lote 23
1552 PR-25
224 locals recommend
8 minute drive
9 minute walk
103 locals recommend
Casita Miramar
605 Av. Miramar
103 locals recommend
9 minute walk
8 minute drive
10 locals recommend
Ponte Fresco
Avenida Luis Vigoreaux
10 locals recommend
8 minute drive
8 minute drive
60 locals recommend
The Place
1368 Ashford Ave
60 locals recommend
8 minute drive
8 minute drive / Peruvian Fine Dinning
7 locals recommend
Sur Barra Nikkei
411 Calle del Parque
7 locals recommend
8 minute drive / Peruvian Fine Dinning
8 minute drive
25 locals recommend
Condal
Avenida Magdalena
25 locals recommend
8 minute drive
9 minute walk / Fine Dinning
Marocha Cocina
801 Avenida Manuel Fernández Juncos
9 minute walk / Fine Dinning
6 minute walk
Metropol Restaurant Mall of San Juan
1000 The Mall of San Juan Boulevard
6 minute walk
7 minute walk
Barullo Taberna Española
250 Convention Boulevard
7 minute walk
9 minute walk / It's THE BEST ceviche I've ever had. Cool food truck. Limited menu, but so on point with flavor. Next to the truck is a convenience store filled with any drink you can imagine. Super Cold. They sell wine, beer, soft drinks, water! You name it.
10 locals recommend
Ceviche By Totti
1003 Cll Estado
10 locals recommend
9 minute walk / It's THE BEST ceviche I've ever had. Cool food truck. Limited menu, but so on point with flavor. Next to the truck is a convenience store filled with any drink you can imagine. Super Cold. They sell wine, beer, soft drinks, water! You name it.
10min walk/ 2 min drive / Out of this world pastries. Must go online on Wednesday, order from weekly menu and pick up on Saturday. (items are available until sold out) Prepare to be in line for pick up. Pick up time is from 9 to 12pm. https://luciapatisserie.com/
Lucia Patisserie
857 Avenida de la Constitución
10min walk/ 2 min drive / Out of this world pastries. Must go online on Wednesday, order from weekly menu and pick up on Saturday. (items are available until sold out) Prepare to be in line for pick up. Pick up time is from 9 to 12pm. https://luciapatisserie.com/
8 minute drive / Great smoothies, coffee, breakfast and lunch. Portions are very generous.
12 locals recommend
Pinky's Condado
1351 Ashford Avenue
12 locals recommend
8 minute drive / Great smoothies, coffee, breakfast and lunch. Portions are very generous.
9 minute drive / Amazing Latin Asian Fusion restaurant. Must make reservation online! https://www.shibopr.com/reservations/
62 locals recommend
Shibō
2012 C. Loíza
62 locals recommend
9 minute drive / Amazing Latin Asian Fusion restaurant. Must make reservation online! https://www.shibopr.com/reservations/
71 locals recommend
Pannes
1125 Ashford Ave
71 locals recommend
This place has EXCELLENT Mediterranean food. But their BUDÍN DE LA SUEGRA (Guava Bread Pudding) is HEAVENLY!!!!
6 locals recommend
Jamon Jamon | Wine Bar & Grill
701 PR-25
6 locals recommend
This place has EXCELLENT Mediterranean food. But their BUDÍN DE LA SUEGRA (Guava Bread Pudding) is HEAVENLY!!!!

Beaches

Best beaches to visit during your stay in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
5 minute drive
137 locals recommend
County Beach
137 locals recommend
5 minute drive
45 minute drive / La Monserrate, Luquillo has long been beloved by both locals and tourists for its clear waters and family-friendly vibe. This is one of Puerto Rico’s handful of Blue Flag beaches, meaning it’s studiously kept up to make sure it’s clean, safe, eco-friendly, and, of course, stunning. The water is usually very calm. It lies in the northeastern Luquillo (and also goes by Playa Luquillo). When you inevitably get hungry from all the sun and saltwater, you need not look far—food kiosks line the entrance to the beach. Lots of them. Ideal setting to consume fresh seafood and a piña colada. A must visit!
221 locals recommend
Liquillo Beach
221 locals recommend
45 minute drive / La Monserrate, Luquillo has long been beloved by both locals and tourists for its clear waters and family-friendly vibe. This is one of Puerto Rico’s handful of Blue Flag beaches, meaning it’s studiously kept up to make sure it’s clean, safe, eco-friendly, and, of course, stunning. The water is usually very calm. It lies in the northeastern Luquillo (and also goes by Playa Luquillo). When you inevitably get hungry from all the sun and saltwater, you need not look far—food kiosks line the entrance to the beach. Lots of them. Ideal setting to consume fresh seafood and a piña colada. A must visit!
1hr 10 minute drive to the Ferry Terminal ; then a 45minute Ferry ride. A great day trip by boat from the main island is Culebra and Flamenco Beach, regularly ranked one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The water is warm and there are no rocks—just soft sand and little fish, plus one extremely large fish named Godzilla who comes to the same spot every day to hang out. You might even spot some sea turtles if you’re lucky. Flamenco Beach is ultra-pristine with the exception of, two Sherman tanks. Leftover from a weapons testing ground the US Navy abandoned in 1975, these time capsules are now considered the most iconic features of Flamenco Beach.
295 locals recommend
Flamenco Beach
295 locals recommend
1hr 10 minute drive to the Ferry Terminal ; then a 45minute Ferry ride. A great day trip by boat from the main island is Culebra and Flamenco Beach, regularly ranked one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The water is warm and there are no rocks—just soft sand and little fish, plus one extremely large fish named Godzilla who comes to the same spot every day to hang out. You might even spot some sea turtles if you’re lucky. Flamenco Beach is ultra-pristine with the exception of, two Sherman tanks. Leftover from a weapons testing ground the US Navy abandoned in 1975, these time capsules are now considered the most iconic features of Flamenco Beach.
2hr 31 minute drive
109 locals recommend
Playa Buye
109 locals recommend
2hr 31 minute drive
2hr 9 minute drive
347 locals recommend
La Parguera
347 locals recommend
2hr 9 minute drive
1hr 10minute drive to the Ferry Terminal / then a 30-40 minute Ferry ride. Located in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas (aka Red Beach) is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. The Navy occupied this area until 2003, restricting access to the beach for decades, so its white sand cove and crystal clear waters are incredibly well-preserved. These days, though, Playa Caracas tends to get crowded. The water is usually calm enough for snorkeling, especially on the eastern side of the cove near the rock formations. Vieques is definitely a day trip; you’ll need to take a ferry from Ceiba, then a taxi to the beach. But once you’ve made the trip, you’ll have other shores to choose from, too, including Playa Negra which—as the name implies—is covered in black sand.
55 locals recommend
Playa Caracas
55 locals recommend
1hr 10minute drive to the Ferry Terminal / then a 30-40 minute Ferry ride. Located in the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, Playa Caracas (aka Red Beach) is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. The Navy occupied this area until 2003, restricting access to the beach for decades, so its white sand cove and crystal clear waters are incredibly well-preserved. These days, though, Playa Caracas tends to get crowded. The water is usually calm enough for snorkeling, especially on the eastern side of the cove near the rock formations. Vieques is definitely a day trip; you’ll need to take a ferry from Ceiba, then a taxi to the beach. But once you’ve made the trip, you’ll have other shores to choose from, too, including Playa Negra which—as the name implies—is covered in black sand.
1hr 57 minute drive / Located in the northwest town of Aguadilla, this beach is secluded, comparatively harder to get to, and as a result, way less crowded. At low tide, you can turn to your right and walk 10 minutes or so to Punta Borinquen, where you’ll find some cool caves to explore. A bit further is Survival Beach Cave, which is the coolest of them all. If you turn to your left on Playa Borinquen, you’ll reach the ruins of the old lighthouse.
18 locals recommend
Playa Punta Borinquen
18 locals recommend
1hr 57 minute drive / Located in the northwest town of Aguadilla, this beach is secluded, comparatively harder to get to, and as a result, way less crowded. At low tide, you can turn to your right and walk 10 minutes or so to Punta Borinquen, where you’ll find some cool caves to explore. A bit further is Survival Beach Cave, which is the coolest of them all. If you turn to your left on Playa Borinquen, you’ll reach the ruins of the old lighthouse.
43 minute drive
39 locals recommend
Cueva Las Golondrinas
39 locals recommend
43 minute drive
40 minute drive
128 locals recommend
Mar Chiquita Beach
128 locals recommend
40 minute drive
43 minute drive
69 locals recommend
La Poza de las Mujeres
69 locals recommend
43 minute drive

Explore Puerto Rico -Island Wide

Explore the Island from N-S and W-E ! No matter which destination you select you will experience the heart and beauty of the island.
Approx 40 minute drive / This natural treasure is an excellent destination if you want to be immersed in nature. You can visit for a hike on one of its many trails, bathe in natural pools beneath waterfalls, or relax and enjoy the scenery. INSTA worthy! El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and its name is a reference to Yuke, what the indigenous Taíno people defined as "white lands." With an average rainfall of 120 inches a year, El Yunque has a very diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species, including the Island's famous coquí frog.
1253 locals recommend
El Yunque Rain Forest
1253 locals recommend
Approx 40 minute drive / This natural treasure is an excellent destination if you want to be immersed in nature. You can visit for a hike on one of its many trails, bathe in natural pools beneath waterfalls, or relax and enjoy the scenery. INSTA worthy! El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest Service, and its name is a reference to Yuke, what the indigenous Taíno people defined as "white lands." With an average rainfall of 120 inches a year, El Yunque has a very diverse ecosystem, hosting hundreds of unique plant and animal species, including the Island's famous coquí frog.
1hr 10 minute drive to the heart of the Island, Orocovis
463 locals recommend
Toro Verde Adventure Park
State Route 155
463 locals recommend
1hr 10 minute drive to the heart of the Island, Orocovis
1hr 20minute drive
286 locals recommend
Camuy Cave Park
286 locals recommend
1hr 20minute drive
For ultimate experience, book a Snorkeling Excursion
385 locals recommend
Culebra
385 locals recommend
For ultimate experience, book a Snorkeling Excursion
Bio Bay is located on the southern shore of the island of Vieques, one of the islands of Puerto Rico. This bay is often referred to as “magical”. The bioluminescent bay in Vieques was officially declared the brightest in the world by Guinness Book of World Records in 2008. Hurricane Maria caused much destruction on the island, it sadly disrupted the delicate balance of the bay, the beloved Mosquito Bay went dark. To everyone’s surprise the bioluminescent bay not only recovered, but it is also brighter than it ever was in the past. Don’t leave Isla de Vieques without taking a tour of this magnificent and magical natural wonder. It will be a magical, priceless memory to remember for a lifetime. The bio bay is best experienced during a “New Moon” phase, plan your trip accordingly.
384 locals recommend
Bahía Bioluminiscente
384 locals recommend
Bio Bay is located on the southern shore of the island of Vieques, one of the islands of Puerto Rico. This bay is often referred to as “magical”. The bioluminescent bay in Vieques was officially declared the brightest in the world by Guinness Book of World Records in 2008. Hurricane Maria caused much destruction on the island, it sadly disrupted the delicate balance of the bay, the beloved Mosquito Bay went dark. To everyone’s surprise the bioluminescent bay not only recovered, but it is also brighter than it ever was in the past. Don’t leave Isla de Vieques without taking a tour of this magnificent and magical natural wonder. It will be a magical, priceless memory to remember for a lifetime. The bio bay is best experienced during a “New Moon” phase, plan your trip accordingly.
5 minute drive
11 locals recommend
Condado Kayak Rental
18 Cll Marseilles
11 locals recommend
5 minute drive
39 minute drive / Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park is the largest theme park in Puerto Rico. You can enjoy horseback riding through the forest or the beach, explore the rainforest on an ATV, race your friends on the go-kart track, and more.
337 locals recommend
Hacienda Carabalí
337 locals recommend
39 minute drive / Carabalí Rainforest Adventure Park is the largest theme park in Puerto Rico. You can enjoy horseback riding through the forest or the beach, explore the rainforest on an ATV, race your friends on the go-kart track, and more.
106 locals recommend
East Island Excursions
Marina Puerto Del Rey
106 locals recommend

Shopping

9 minute drive
607 locals recommend
Plaza Las Americas
525 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
607 locals recommend
9 minute drive
15 minute drive
503 locals recommend
The Mall of San Juan
1000 The Mall of San Juan Blvd
503 locals recommend
15 minute drive
43 minute drive
64 locals recommend
Los Outlets De Barceloneta
1 Premium Outlets Boulevard
64 locals recommend
43 minute drive
10 minute drive
56 locals recommend
San Patricio Plaza
100 Av. San Patricio
56 locals recommend
10 minute drive
9 minute drive
31 locals recommend
Marshalls
Carretera 3
31 locals recommend
9 minute drive
Supermarket-12 minute walk
45 locals recommend
Pueblo
PR 0090
45 locals recommend
Supermarket-12 minute walk
7 minute drive
415 locals recommend
SuperMax
114 Avenida José de Diego
415 locals recommend
7 minute drive

National Food Chains

For those of you who would like "known" food...here's my suggestions
5 minute walk
25 locals recommend
Olive Garden
525 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
25 locals recommend
5 minute walk
6 minute walk
17 locals recommend
Longhorn Steakhouse
Saint Patrick Avenue
17 locals recommend
6 minute walk
3 minute-driving / 18 minute walk
37 locals recommend
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
15 Av. Luis Muñoz Rivera
37 locals recommend
3 minute-driving / 18 minute walk
9 minute walk
25 locals recommend
Sizzler
25 locals recommend
9 minute walk
4 minute walk
26 locals recommend
Texas de Brazil
200 Convention Boulevard
26 locals recommend
4 minute walk

Entertainment

Night Life • Bars • Restaurants
605 locals recommend
La Placita
300 C. dos Hermanos
605 locals recommend
Night Life • Bars • Restaurants
12 minute drive
369 locals recommend
La Factoria
148 C. San Sebastián
369 locals recommend
12 minute drive
Beautiful Hotel in well kept grounds. 6 minute walk
23 locals recommend
Casino Metro
200 Convention Boulevard
23 locals recommend
Beautiful Hotel in well kept grounds. 6 minute walk
186 locals recommend
Club Brava
6063 Av. Isla Verde
186 locals recommend