CONDADO. Long, wide and rimmed with the cluster of high-rise hotels in Condado, this beach has been a popular tourist spot to soak up sun and sea for over 80 years. Beach bunnies can watch the more active types participate in parasailing and the other watersports that can be booked at kiosks along the beach or in one of the local hotels. The playita is a good place for families with small children, but be vigilant, there are no lifeguards on duty.

This lovely, unspoiled beach is a three mile strip located on Culebra Island. This is a wonderful day trip for families since the white sand is extremely soft and the clear blue waters are most often tranquil. Visitors are also likely to see old US Army tanks for until 1975 the military used this area for exercises. Picnic tables and restrooms are available. A campground and a few smaller inns are available for overnight stays.

ISLA VERDE. Plenty of shade trees, local restaurants, parking and shower facilities are just a few of the amenities that make Isla Verde Beach so popular with visitors and locals. This long strip of sand runs by the Isla Verde hotels before it becomes a public beach with sand whiter and softer than that found on Condado Beach.

LUQUILLO. This beach, located about 30 miles outside of San Juan, is worth the trip. It is a scenic and unspoiled area but very comfortable facilities are available. Changing rooms with lockers and showers, picnic tables and camping sites are available and refreshment stands and kiosks abound. Reefs protect the turquoise lagoon, keeping the waters calm for swimming or snorkeling. A special ramp runs directly into the water providing access for wheelchair users.

OCEAN PARK. Near a quiet residential neighborhood, the waters at this beach are a bit rougher than at some of San Juan's other sandy spots. It is an ideal spot for windsurfing and volleyball. Sun worshippers will prefer to relax on the golden sands and watch others do the work.