Isla Verde is the best urban beach spot in Puerto Rico.
Isla Verde Beach groups three of the most popular beaches on the island: Hobie Beach, Balneario de Carolina, and Pine Grove Surfing Beach.
I frequently visit Isla Verde for a drive along its avenue, to eat at one of its many restaurants, and to see the beaches.
In this article, I’ll cover all you need to know about Isla Verde:
– What is Isla Verde?
– Where is Isla Verde located?
– What is the best way to get to Isla Verde from San Juan?
– How far is Isla Verde from the airport?
– How do you get around Isla Verde, Puerto Rico?
– What is Isla Verde known for?
– Can you swim at the beaches in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico?
– Is Isla Verde touristy?
– Is Isla Verde, Puerto Rico worth visiting?
Isla Verde is a high-end beach, hotel, and residential area in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
The beach area of Isla Verde is known as one of the first stops that tourists visit when they touch down in Puerto Rico, particularly because of its very close proximity to San Juan International Airport.
You can watch a video tour of Isla Verde below:
Isla Verde is located on the coast of the city of Carolina.
The neighborhood is located next to Santurce in San Juan and Piñones in Loíza.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Isla Verde:
The best way to get to Isla Verde from San Juan is by car.
Take the Román Baldorioty de Castro Freeway (PR-26) or the Jesus T. Piñero Avenue (PR-17) for the fastest route.
Although only eight miles from each other, the trip may take as much as 30 minutes due to traffic jams.
Save the Google Map locations below:
Isla Verde is probably the first place you’ll visit on your trip. Why? Because Isla Verde is home to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
It will take you less than ten minutes to get to Isla Verde’s Beach once you leave the airport.
When landing, look outside for a great aerial view of Isla Verde.
The best way to get around Isla Verde is by walking.
I recommend you park on the street (or take an Uber/Lyft) and walk through the coastline (Isla Verde Beach) and main avenue (Isla Verde Avenue), where most restaurants and shops are located.
Isla Verde is known for its beaches, recreational areas, resorts, and youthful nightlife.
Following are five must-see places to visit:
1. Hobie Beach (El Alambique)
The most visited beach in Isla Verde is Hobie Beach due to its family-friendly environment, accessibility, and various aquatic attractions.
Beach gear, boards, jet skis, and other aquatic sports gear are available for rent.
Check out Hobie Beach in the following video:
Hobie Beach is perfect for the relaxed hermit crab of the family and the aquatic merperson alike.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of El Alambique:
2. Balneario de Carolina
Known for its beach volleyball arenas and tournaments, Balneario de Carolina also has a small water park for kids, and excellent waters.
It is the perfect spot for a family day at the beach!
Check out Balneario de Carolina in the following video:
Gazebos, secure parking, and special equipment for people on wheelchairs who wish to enter the water are available.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Balneario de Carolina:
For assistance, call: 1 + (787) 791-2410
3. Pine Grove Surfing Beach
The top surfing destination in the metropolitan area is Pine Grove.
Deep waters and gnarly waves make Pine Grove the perfect place for divers and surfers of all levels.
Surfing lessons and equipment for rent are available.
Unless staying in one of the nearby homes or hotels, getting to Pine Grove is tricky due to limited parking space.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Pine Grove Surfing Beach:
Check out today’s forecast.
4. Vivo Beach Club
Vivo Beach Club brings luxury to the shores of Isla Verde Beach.
Elegant pools, a high-end bar, live music, artisanal beers, and great food make this place the ultimate hangout space.
Below is a Google Map that shows the location of Vivo Beach Club:
To buy tickets, visit the Vivo Beach Club website.
5. Punta Las Marías Skate Park
Trade the waves for some ramps and rails at this seaside skate park.
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Photo Credit: @gibraltar_photo
Built as a community effort, Punta Las Marías Skate Park celebrates unity through art and skateboarding.
Used by all levels of skaters (including Olympians!), everyone is welcome to watch, learn, or show off.
Below is a Google Map with the skate park location:
Swimming is allowed on all of the beaches in Isla Verde.
Hobie Beach and the Balneario de Carolina are the best beaches to swim at.
Pine Grove has deeper waters and harsher waves making it optimal for surfers.
Lifeguards are stationed in Balneario de Carolina and Hobie Beach.
An authentic urban Puerto Rican experience can be found in Isla Verde.
Due to its nearness to SJU, Isla Verde is frequented by tourists. So, there’s a fair share of “tourist traps,” but overall, it’s a place equally (or most) enjoyed by the locals.
A trip to Isla Verde is a must!
But regardless of what you choose — visit the beaches, go to Vivo Beach Club or Punta María Skate Park, take a drive or walk by the main avenue — visiting Isla Verde is definitely worth it.
Isla Verde is safe and highly walkable. Due to its small size, everything is packed together, and all the main attractions are close by.
You can visit Isla Verde anytime, and it’ll always be a great time. Evening walks, afternoon skating sessions and early beach days are perfect.
Isla Verde is the perfect mix of luxury and fun.
Its urban setting next to San Juan and beautiful beaches make it a lively place to spend the day and night.
With 3-miles of sandy coastline, resorts, restaurants and parks, Isla Verde has something for everyone to enjoy.
If you are looking for fun activities near Isla Verde, then check out Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay in Fajardo. This is one of three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.
If you are still deciding where to stay, then check out our article where we cover the 13 best areas & places to stay in Puerto Rico.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I was born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. I know all the ins and outs of the island. For 22 years, I’ve tasted, seen, experienced, and explored most of Puerto Rico’s gems. I still have many road trips planned for all of the things that I’ve yet to experience in Puerto Rico.
