6 hidden beaches in Puerto Rico for your weekend escape 2025
Every time the sun comes out after a weather system passes through, the beach calls our name. Take time to cool off, break from routine, and enjoy the unique beaches our island has to offer.
Before visiting any beach: Remember to check weather conditions and ocean currents with official sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS). You can check the beach forecast for Puerto Rico here. Your safety and your family’s safety come first. 🌊
Here are Puerto Rico’s hidden beaches for your weekend escape:
1. Capitolio Beach
Location: Bus Stop, Luis Muñoz Rivera Avenue, San Juan, 00901
Municipality: San Juan
Who would guess that right in the metropolitan area, just steps from Old San Juan, there’s a little corner inviting us to relax away from the hustle and bustle? Access to Bajamar Beach, as some call it, is right across Muñoz Rivera Avenue, behind the Capitol building.
After crossing the avenue, find San Juan Bautista Plaza. Walk to the right and you’ll see stairs. Follow the path and you’ll immediately be transported to a small paradise.
We’ll admit this San Juan beach isn’t the best for those looking to swim, but if you’re searching for tranquil beaches in Puerto Rico, you can’t miss it.
Its name remains a debate among visitors. Some call it Bajamar and others Capitolio Beach, but once you arrive, there’s a sign that reads «Playa Peña always clean».
Platea Tip: If sunsets are your thing, this will be your new spot! You’ll see the sun setting right at the foot of El Morro fortress.
🗓️ Platea tip: All the festivals in Puerto Rico to enjoy this summer
2. Natural Pools of Manatí
Location: Tierras Nuevas Poniente, Manatí 00674
Municipality: Manatí
The debate about where Puerto Rico’s best beaches are – north, south, east or west – gets complicated when you discover this beautiful hidden beach in Manatí.
At the edge of Las Palmas Beach, you’ll find these small natural jacuzzis with crystal-clear water and a complete spa atmosphere.
Before making the trip, make sure to pack a bag with water, sunblock, and good sneakers, because we warn you – the path is quite rocky. Don’t let this discourage you because the journey is worth it, so much that you’ll want to return!
3. Manuel Nolo Morales Beach
Municipality: Dorado
With calm waters, this beach, also known as Playa Sardinera, features trees offering sun protection and great shady spots for firing up the grill.
Managed by the National Parks Company, it has bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, private parking, lifeguards, and food vendors near the beach. The perfect combination that makes it an ideal spot for family visits.
Platea Tip: Parking is limited, so arrive early.
4. Cabeza Chiquita Beach
Municipality: Fajardo
Hidden within a secret beach lies an even more secret spot. They call it Cabeza Chiquita Beach, characterized by its complete separation from Fajardo’s hustle and party scene.
It’s actually a small pool that divides the strong eastern currents and immediately places you in one of the most summery spots on this 100×35-mile island.
As often happens with Puerto Rico’s hidden beaches, its name isn’t firmly established – some also know it as Playa Ma Grande.
5. Jaboncillo Beach
Municipality: Guánica
From east, we head south. Guánica is the town of eternal summer and surely has many hideaways to enjoy sun and sand more intimately, but let’s focus on Jaboncillo Beach, whose calm waters are perfect for water sports like kayaking and snorkeling.
Along route PR-333, other popular beaches like Caña Gorda and La Jungla attract tourists to this area, leaving Jaboncillo’s access just for you and the occasional curious visitor seeking quiet, solitary time.
6. Playa Brava
Municipality: Culebra
If you manage to snag a ferry ticket to Culebra and want to avoid tourist crowds, Playa Brava is your solution. The hike to reach it takes 30 minutes, but once you arrive, privacy intertwines with nature to give you an incomparable beach day.
White sand, crystal-clear water, shady palms, just the sound of waves, and a space all to yourself.
Planning your hidden beach adventure
What to Bring
- Water and snacks
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Good walking shoes (some beaches require hiking)
- Cash for parking
- Snorkeling gear
Best Times to visit
- Weekdays for maximum solitude
- Early morning to secure parking
- Check weather conditions first
Safety tips
- Always check current conditions
- Tell someone your plans
- Bring emergency supplies
- Respect local environments
This article was translated using Claude and was originally published in Spanish.
