Hotels in Isla Verde

A coastal area that lures you inOpens in a new window with its good looks, clean beaches and Puerto Rican flair, Isla Verde is a small Caribbean destination full of pizzazz. Extreme water sports, postcard-perfect scenes, and a fast-paced nightlife are all characteristics of this popular vacation spot.

Isla Verde is part of the barrio of Carolina, nestled between the cities of San Juan and Carolina and bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the north. This popular visitor area beckons with Puerto Rican hospitality, lots of leisure activities and fabulous fine dining.

Sights worth seeing in Isla Verde

Isla Verde Beach

You'll meet plenty of interesting people at the Isla Verde beach. Located along Isla Verde Avenue right next door to San Juan's Condado Beach, this area is a mecca for watersport enthusiasts. Rental shops provide all the gear you need. Lush palm trees, lots of shady spots to sip a cool Pina Colada and a wealth of dining choices are all part of the Isla Verde vibe.

Pine Grove beach

For a quieter ocean-side outing, try the Pine Grove Beach located next to Isla Verde Beach. A reef shelters the calm waters along the west end of Pine Grove Beach, while more active waves to the east are ideal for learning to surf.

Balneario de Carolina

Carolina Public Beach is also within the Isla Verde area to the north of the international airport. This local beach features public facilities, outdoor showers, picnic tables and lifeguards.

Isla Verde casinos

From blackjack to baccarat to slots, you're sure to find the games you love at one of Isla Verde's casinos. Rub elbows with celebrities while you get your game on.

Best areas to stay

While Isla Verde does not really have neighborhood divisions, the upscale hotels cluster in the central beachfront section, while more modest price ranges are typically a couple blocks away from the beach.

The Ritz-Carlton is the epitome of glamorous accommodations, with its five-star rating, casino, swimming pools, on-site spa and tennis courts.

Get there by air or sea

Getting to Isla Verde by plane is easy, as it is adjacent to Puerto Rico's main airport, Aeropuerto Internacional Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU). A short jaunt by taxi gets you to your hotel in record time. Flights leave daily from several U.S. hubs. Air travel time from Los Angeles is approximately eight hours, while flights from New York City take just over three hours. Caribbean cruise ships also visit Puerto Rico on a regular basis.

Events to plan your trip around

SoFo Culinary Festival

In June and December, the SoFo Culinary Festival takes over Old San Juan, just minutes from Isla Verde. Here you can enjoy local music and outdoor drinks, as well as local food.

Casals festival

For classical music lovers, the Casals Festival honoring late cellist Pablo Casals takes place in San Juan, between late February and early March. Founded by the musician himself in 1956, the festival hosts well-known performers from around the world.

Salsa Congress

Each year in July, the International Salsa Congress convenes in San Juan, attracts vibrant salsa dancers from far and wide, who put on a colorful show for visitors. The Congress lasts for two weeks and features a dance competition, with lots of festive music.

Climate and the best time to travel

High temperatures average 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. July through September is storm season, with periodic rain showers being typical in these months. Mid-November through mid-April is the busiest guest season, with prices for lodging and airfare noticeably increasing. If you are looking for better rates, think summertime and book Isla Verde hotels in advance.