Beach Resort Escape
Lykkers, picture waking up to soft golden sand, turquoise waters, and a row of stylish resorts lining the coast. This is Condado Beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a spot where modern city life meets tropical relaxation.
We can start our day with a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, taking in the skyline of high-end hotels like Condado Vanderbilt and La Concha Resort, which offer stunning ocean views and elegant architecture. The best time to enjoy the beach is early morning for calm waters or late afternoon for sunset photography.
Condado Beach is free to access, and the area is well-maintained, making it easy for us to combine a beach day with nearby sightseeing or dining.

Resorts and Accommodations

The resorts along Condado Beach cater to different budgets and tastes:
- Luxury: Condado Vanderbilt, La Concha Resort (Rooms $250–$450/night). These hotels provide private beach access, infinity pools, spas, and rooftop terraces.
- Mid-range: Olive Boutique Hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott ($150–$250/night). Comfortable rooms with easy beach access and modern amenities.
- Budget-friendly: Small boutique guesthouses ($80–$150/night). Ideal for travelers seeking affordability while staying close to the beach.
Even if we’re not staying overnight, some resorts allow day passes to pools, beach lounges, or restaurants for $25–$50, giving us a taste of the luxury experience.

Activities and Attractions

Condado Beach offers more than lounging. We can enjoy:
- Swimming and sunbathing: Free access, rental chairs/umbrellas $10–$15/day.
- Water sports: Paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing ($20–$40/hour).
- Photography: Sunrise and sunset are ideal for capturing the resort skyline, palm trees, and ocean.
- Walking tours: A 30–60 minute stroll along Ashford Avenue showcases boutique shops, cafes, and colorful architecture.
Nearby, we can explore Old San Juan, just 10–15 minutes by taxi or rideshare, for historic forts and cobblestone streets. Tickets for Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal are $10 each, open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, making it easy to combine beach and cultural sightseeing in one day.

Dining Options

Condado Beach offers a wide variety of dining choices:
- Resort restaurants: Ocean-view fine dining with meals $30–$50 per person.
- Local cafes and food trucks: Authentic Puerto Rican dishes such as empanadas, arroz con habichuelas y tostones (a combo of rice with stewed beans), and fresh fruit $10–$20 per meal.
- Rooftop lounges and terraces: Perfect for evening drinks and sunset views, prices $8–$15 per drink.
We can mix high-end resort dining with casual local options to experience San Juan’s full culinary spectrum.

Getting Around

Transportation is simple and convenient:
- From the airport: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is 15–20 minutes by taxi ($20–$25).
- Public buses: Affordable at $0.75 per ride, connecting Condado to Old San Juan and nearby districts.
- Rideshares and taxis: Ideal for comfort and exploring the city beyond the beach.
- Walking: Best for enjoying the beach, Ashford Avenue, and nearby shops.
- Parking: Resort parking $10–$20/day; day-use visitors should check in advance.

Best Time to Visit

- Peak season: December–April, sunny and dry, perfect for sightseeing and beach activities.
- Off-season: May–November, fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, though occasional rain can occur.
- Daily tips: Early morning is ideal for quiet beaches; late afternoon is best for sunset views and photos.

Tips for Lykkers

- Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and bring a reusable water bottle.
- Check resort websites for day passes to pools or private beaches.
- Try local snacks from food trucks for budget-friendly and tasty meals.
- Book hotels early in peak season to secure ocean-view rooms.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking along boardwalks and exploring nearby streets.

Why We’ll Love Condado Beach

Lykkers, Condado Beach is more than just a shoreline—it’s a full experience where luxury, relaxation, and local culture come together. We can lounge on soft sand, explore resort terraces, capture sunrise photos of the skyline, and taste authentic Puerto Rican dishes, making every moment here unforgettable.
Condado Beach perfectly blends beach, city, and resort life, turning San Juan into a destination we’ll want to revisit again and again. So, let’s start planning our next trip to this sparkling tropical paradise!