Secret Beach

 2/5

Getting there: From San Juan, drive 1 hour south to reach the lesser-traveled south coast. You’ll need to enter the large gated community of Palmas del Mar. When you approach the gated entrance, tell the guard you are going to the beach, they’ll let you in. Park here, near a gate behind which lies the trail to the beach. Go right at the first fork and left at the next to stay on the main trail and fastest way to the beach. Bringing a phone to be able to use Google Maps is a good idea, just in case. The walk should take no longer than 15 minutes.

Things to do: Walk the beach – It’s a short beach but it’s scenic with a wild feel. Someone build a kind of castaway-style fort that it’s fun to check out. Get in the water – There are places to get in the water but a combination of rocks and small shore break waves really limits where you can get in the water, if at all.

Heads up: Exercise caution if you get in the water, you may be the only person on the beach. This is a good place to look for coconuts so bringing a knife or machete isn’t a bad idea.

Pros

Very likely to be uncrowded or completely empty.
Remote location.
Lots of coral, shells, and sea glass on the shore.
Plenty of natural shade.

Cons

Shore break waves.
A lot of rocks or shells in the shallows.
A somewhat long and hot walk to get there.