Puerto Rico has hundreds of miles of coastline plus offshore islands and cays on which to enjoy the sun and surf. The beaches facing both the Atlantic and the Caribbean front emerald blue waters that are warm throughout the year. Most hotels and many guest houses also have fine pools and attractive areas to sunbathe.

You don't have to leave San Juan to find a great beach. Condado, Ocean Park and Isla Verde have wide sandy beaches, replete with palm trees and refreshing ocean breezes. Lunch or a cool drink is available at the beachfront restaurants, guest houses and hotels that are found throughout the three areas. Vendors, selling cold drinks and snacks, walk up and down the beach or work from nearby stands.

The undeveloped coast at Piñones, just east of Isla Verde and the airport, runs from Boca de Cangrejos to Loíza. (Take Route 187, off Baldorioty de Castro.) The area, though minutes from San Juan, offers a taste of island life. The coast is lined with palms, and waves crash against rocks and reefs just offshore. The winding road passes rustic shacks and simple restaurants selling various local delicacies, such as alcapurrias, pinchos and bacalaítos. Opposite the beach, a few houses dot the landscape, which is marked by tropical trees, lagoons and mangrove swamps. The area also has a nature reserve. Piñones is almost deserted during the week, but on weekends it gets packed with islanders, and a carnival-like atmosphere prevails. The many establishments along the beach are a great place to watch the sunset.

The government of Puerto Rico has also established 13 public beaches called balnearios, where bathrooms, showers, lockers and food and drink stands are available. One is located at Carolina, between Isla Verde and Piñones, and another is at Escambrón, in Puerta de Tierra outside of Old San Juan. The Luquillo balneario is particularly attractive and can be visited during a day trip from San Juan. Some Island municipalities also operate their own public beaches. To get ready for the beach, make a stop at Emotions (283-5555)in Trujillo Alto or Caribbean Paradise (839-5885) in the Patillas/Arroyo area.