A coastal tour

Our Local Expert Says:

You can't get any closer to the beach than this charming hotel on the scenic and relatively undeveloped southeast coastal route. The restaurant onsite offers standard and somewhat overpriced Puerto Rican fare, better to bring groceries and libations from outside towns and take advantage of the grills and in room facilities (all other amenities, namely lots of hammocks and comfy lounge chairs, are provided by the hotel).

Description:

Located on the Caribbean's southeast coast, this oceanfront resort is 12 miles from Patillas Lake and the Guavate Forest. All 30 air-conditioned guestrooms have balconies or patios with Caribbean views, ceiling fans, and windows that open. The resort provides towels, hammocks, and lounge chairs for guests to use while swimming in the pool or in the ocean.

Description:

Located by the ocean, this restaurant draws a loyal clientele from the surrounding residential neighborhood. A culinary institution in Ponce for the last 20 years, the restaurant occupies a large, airy, modern building divided into two dining areas, one slightly more formal than the other. Specialties, concocted from the catch of the day, might include octopus salad, four kinds of asopao, a whole red snapper in Créole sauce, or a selection of steaks and grills. The cuisine is standard Puerto Rican fare, and it's a family favorite.

Description:

Simple, clean accommodations in a restored plantation style-setting that once served as a hotel and tourism school. The hotel is situated on a bay, has a fairly large outdoor swimming pool, and 27 air-conditioned rooms with television; he onsite-restaurant serves complementary breakfast. It's located a quick jaunt from the recreational Playa Santa beach, and a short drive to other Gaunica beaches and Cabo Rojo attractions. It's a nice, quiet alternative to the busier accommodations in La Parguera and Boqueron.

Our Local Expert Says:

Puerto Rico boasts distinctive ecosystems across the island, the most rare of which is the protected dry forest at Guánica. The forest is an important habitat for many bird species, and perfect for tranquil hikes.

Description:

Guánica Dry Forest is a vast and tranquil natural preserve dominated by cacti, low canopies, and hundreds of bird species. Guánica is primarily a nature and bird-watcher's paradise. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the island, the forest's many trails are rarely traversed by locals or tourists, and are great for non-strenuous peaceful hikes. Bring plenty of water and mosquito repellent, and afterwards head to nearby beaches at Cabo Rojo or Boquerón to cool off.

Description:

Located in Cabo Rojo, this is a local favorite and informal restaurant that is 15 minutes south of Mayaguez. It serves steaks and a variety of seafood, all cooked to order. Dining is available on an enclosed wooden deck that is build out out over the sea or in the dining room inside.

Description:

Simple, clean accommodations in a restored plantation style-setting that once served as a hotel and tourism school. The hotel is situated on a bay, has a fairly large outdoor swimming pool, and 27 air-conditioned rooms with television; he onsite-restaurant serves complementary breakfast. It's located a quick jaunt from the recreational Playa Santa beach, and a short drive to other Gaunica beaches and Cabo Rojo attractions. It's a nice, quiet alternative to the busier accommodations in La Parguera and Boqueron.

Description:

Located in the town of Cabo Rojo, Combate is a favorite among the young and old. El Combate beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the south side of Puerto Rico. Its tranquil waters, perfect for swimming, are just one of the many things that make it worth visiting. There are picnic area, restrooms and parking. The beach is also close to nearby attractions such as Boquerón's fishing village and the bioluminescent bay.

Description:

The Boquerón public beach is a favorite vacation destination for locals and boaters. Boquerón is on the true Caribbean side of the island, so the waters here are calm and clear, and the attitude here (as in nearby Guanica and Cabo Rojo) is distinctly more islander. As the locals say, "the west side is the best side." At night, the cozy, funky square of hotels, restaurants, and bars alongside the harbor jumps alive. Stroll through the streets, but stop to dance, sip piña coladas, and slurp down fresh clams. Boquerón is a gay and lesbian friendly area, and many of the establishments are gay and lesbian owned.

Our Local Expert Says:

Just "puntas" to locals

Description:

Since hosting the Surfing World Championships in 1968, surfers have flocked to Rincon and never looked back. Punta Higuero is one of the favorite spots for professional surfers, as the waves here are the most challenging. Waves can even reach a colossal 15- to 25-feet range in the winter season. There are several eateries and surf shops nearby.

Description:

Villa Cofresi is a simple, sort of blandly decorated hotel in the town of Rincon. Its location is good compared to other hotels in the area. The beach is right in front of the property and most rooms have ocean views. There's a decent restaurant in the hotel and the pool area faces the beach. The hotel in general is very good, with friendly staff and family oriented amenities.

Our Local Expert Says:

Good snorkeling, along the pilings of the old docks

Description:

This beach is famous for the colorful fishing boats found across the sandy shore and for providing decent waves for surfers. The beach is clean and the water is clear. Because of the facilities that the area provides, such as restaurants, boardwalks, picnic areas and showers, locals flock every weekend to spend entire days between family and friends here.

Description:

El Faro is a lighthouse located in the town of Rincón on the western tip of Puerto Rico. El Faro was built in 1892 and has lived through many natural disasters. Today, the lighthouse still stands and guides ships entering the Mona passage. There's a museum inside that is only open during winter time.

Description:

Villa Cofresi is a simple, sort of blandly decorated hotel in the town of Rincon. Its location is good compared to other hotels in the area. The beach is right in front of the property and most rooms have ocean views. There's a decent restaurant in the hotel and the pool area faces the beach. The hotel in general is very good, with friendly staff and family oriented amenities.