The warm summer breeze blows through the tall, elegant palm trees in Luquillo Beach. The aquamarine waters, just a few miles from San Juan, give you a crystal clear view of the ocean life below by your feet. The loose sand allows for kids to dig themselves in it or build elaborate castles.However, what makes Luquillo beach, the best beach in Puerto Rico is the opportunity for a day of fun inexpensive activities.
Even though Luquillo is primarily a tourist town it's not yet tarnished by the big resorts that flare up the cost of dining and entertainment, as in Isla Verde. This beach is about 15 -20 minutes away from Fajardo's Wyndham El Conquistador and Rio Grade's Rio Mar Resort. So what do you do in a tourist place without casinos, dance clubs or fancy restaurants? You experience the local life first hand!
Luquillo beach offers various services such as camping sites, kayak and Jet Ski rentals. Shop at the souvenir shops, eat at two small fast food establishments and refresh yourself at the ice cream parlor. The kids can take a break from the water and play in the playground swings, while adults hide under the shade of cement pavilions. What else can I say? There's never a dull moment.
At a walking distance from the beach you can grab a crunchy bite to eat at Los Kioskos (key-os-kos), a strip of 60 establishments that offer similar menus featuring typical Puerto Rican appetizers. Wash them down with icy coconut water straight from the coconut! Your best bet? Tacos de langosta, lobster tacos, a fritter made out of flour dough filled with savory lobster meat. Yum!
To the east side of Luquillo Beach, surfers enjoy the wild waves of La Pared, a piece of shore surrounded by private vacation condos where the teenagers love to hang out.
"El Flamboyan" is a popular establishment that serves alcohol and local musicians play live music on specific nights. An important FYI: The legal age for alcohol consumption in Puerto Rico is 18. There's a strong police presence in this area ensuring the safety of tourist and locals.
In Luquillo you will experience the laid back lifestyle that characterizes the locals. You will never regret spending one of your days lounging under the eastern Puerto Rican sun. Plus, you will have the tan lines to tell your story. Have fun!
This guide to San Juan's Luquillo Beach was brought to you by T. Matos.