Guidebook for Vega Baja
Parks & Nature
These are some of the local beaches I recommend. If you google, beaches close to me, these beaches should populate. I also recommend Playa La Esperanza, but this webpage could not find it, however, google maps finds it easily.
I highly recommend Playa La Esperanza as it is a secluded beach. The googlemap routing will lead you to a very narrow gravel/dirt road. Keep following the road until you get to an area where the road opens into a field. As you look to your right, away from the field, you will find smaller dirt paths/roads that you can drive into to find a parking spot. Do not be alarmed by the stray beach dogs who live on the beach.
Great family beach - snorkeling (sea turtles love to swim here), unique lagoon ideal for young children, kayak rentals, food trucks, locals love this beach! Small charge for parking if you park in the lot.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Puerto Nuevo Beach
Great family beach - snorkeling (sea turtles love to swim here), unique lagoon ideal for young children, kayak rentals, food trucks, locals love this beach! Small charge for parking if you park in the lot.
Breathtaking views of sea caves on the Atlantic. If you are in good condition, you might consider climbing into some of them. Cost to enter the area is $5 per person. Hike over the rock formations to a secluded beach on the other side.
204 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cueva del Indio
Breathtaking views of sea caves on the Atlantic. If you are in good condition, you might consider climbing into some of them. Cost to enter the area is $5 per person. Hike over the rock formations to a secluded beach on the other side.
Beautiful beach. Nice wave action. Must be careful of the surf condition. Only 6 minute drive from Ensueno. You may park at the shelter area, or continue a bit further down the road. Just pull off the road to park. Be careful not to go into sand as you could get stuck. Picturesque crystal clear water and light colored sand.
45 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Los Tubos
Beautiful beach. Nice wave action. Must be careful of the surf condition. Only 6 minute drive from Ensueno. You may park at the shelter area, or continue a bit further down the road. Just pull off the road to park. Be careful not to go into sand as you could get stuck. Picturesque crystal clear water and light colored sand.
Mar Chiquita Beach
Unique geology and rock formations.
Balneario Cerro Gordo
Unique beach with hiking paths
One of our amazing local beaches. Take a small (.5 mile) hike on a trail (you might need to ask the beach attendant where to find the trail as it is hidden by a large rock when you are on the beach) to a secluded beach with a cave where you can watch the waves come into the cave from the inside. This is difficult to explain with out experiencing it.
69 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Poza de las Mujeres
One of our amazing local beaches. Take a small (.5 mile) hike on a trail (you might need to ask the beach attendant where to find the trail as it is hidden by a large rock when you are on the beach) to a secluded beach with a cave where you can watch the waves come into the cave from the inside. This is difficult to explain with out experiencing it.
The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size, yet one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here.
319 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bosque Nacional El Yunque - Centro de Visitantes El Portalito
Puerto Rico 191The El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rain forest in the national forest system. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size, yet one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here.
With the most incredible views of the mountains of Puerto Rico, Toroverde became the largest aerial adventure park in the world with The Longest zipline on earth certified by Guinness World Records. Offering adrenaline packed activities on a world class level for all the family to enjoy. It has been featured in numerous Travel and Adventure magazines and has won many awards for its tremendous inspirational attractions. Many celebrities from all over the world have visited and even movies have been filmed on location.
463 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Toro Verde Adventure Park
State Route 155With the most incredible views of the mountains of Puerto Rico, Toroverde became the largest aerial adventure park in the world with The Longest zipline on earth certified by Guinness World Records. Offering adrenaline packed activities on a world class level for all the family to enjoy. It has been featured in numerous Travel and Adventure magazines and has won many awards for its tremendous inspirational attractions. Many celebrities from all over the world have visited and even movies have been filmed on location.
Sightseeing
Go and tour the fort and El Moro in Old San Juan.
460 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old San Juan
100 C. de la FortalezaGo and tour the fort and El Moro in Old San Juan.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, (El Morro) sits atop a high promontory overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean. Although its foundation was laid in 1539, the six-level fortification was not considered complete until 1787. During World War II, the U.S. government added an artillery fire control station. El Morro suffered several attacks from the English in 1595 and 1598 and the Dutch in 1625. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, United States Navy ships fired upon the fortification, destroying the lighthouse, which was
492 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Morro
Calle BeneficenciaCastillo San Felipe del Morro, (El Morro) sits atop a high promontory overlooking the entrance to the San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over a period of more than 250 years and is one of the largest fortifications built by the Spain in the Caribbean. Although its foundation was laid in 1539, the six-level fortification was not considered complete until 1787. During World War II, the U.S. government added an artillery fire control station. El Morro suffered several attacks from the English in 1595 and 1598 and the Dutch in 1625. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, United States Navy ships fired upon the fortification, destroying the lighthouse, which was
Shopping
Plaza Las Américas
525 Av. Franklin Delano RooseveltLos Outlets De Barceloneta
1 Premium Outlets BoulevardEcono
405 Av. San DemetrioClosest grocery store to Ensueno
Restaurants we have enjoyed
Delicious food! The atmosphere is nothing to brag about, but the food is FANTASTIC! Family owned and run restaurant. (Owner is the host, daughter is a waitress and son is one of the cooks!) The owner visited with us, and told us, "If it is not on the menu, but we have the ingredients, we will make it for you." Outstanding food.
Salt And Pepper
Delicious food! The atmosphere is nothing to brag about, but the food is FANTASTIC! Family owned and run restaurant. (Owner is the host, daughter is a waitress and son is one of the cooks!) The owner visited with us, and told us, "If it is not on the menu, but we have the ingredients, we will make it for you." Outstanding food.
Super fresh fish right on the ocean. A bit more expensive, but worth the scenic drive and the price. The name means, "Ocean spray". Dress for the ocean breeze outside. Open only Saturday and Sunday. Please call ahead to make sure it is open. Sometimes it is ONLY open on Sundays.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salpicón
Puerto Rico 681Super fresh fish right on the ocean. A bit more expensive, but worth the scenic drive and the price. The name means, "Ocean spray". Dress for the ocean breeze outside. Open only Saturday and Sunday. Please call ahead to make sure it is open. Sometimes it is ONLY open on Sundays.
Pirilo Pizza Rústica
800 PR-693Excellent Pizza and appetizers.
Fantastic, reasonably priced, fresh Mexican food. Super nice staff. Indoor or outdoor seating.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Poco Loco
Fantastic, reasonably priced, fresh Mexican food. Super nice staff. Indoor or outdoor seating.
Take a lovely drive - a winding road to the mountains tops of Puerto Rico. You will find a combination of reasonably priced Puerto Rican and German food with an AMAZING VIEW! We like to sit on the top level of the restaurant. Go early so you can enjoy the view before sunset. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the restaurant from the condo.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Casa Bavaria
State Route 155Take a lovely drive - a winding road to the mountains tops of Puerto Rico. You will find a combination of reasonably priced Puerto Rican and German food with an AMAZING VIEW! We like to sit on the top level of the restaurant. Go early so you can enjoy the view before sunset. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the restaurant from the condo.
We go here to celebrate. It is a very special, delicious ocean side restaurant.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Havana Beach Club
Puerto Rico 692We go here to celebrate. It is a very special, delicious ocean side restaurant.
Super local, authentic fresh Puerto Rican cuisine. Walking distance from Ensueno. About 1.75 Miles from Chalets
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Casa Del Pescador
Super local, authentic fresh Puerto Rican cuisine. Walking distance from Ensueno. About 1.75 Miles from Chalets
One block from the Villa Ensueño. Best mojitos on the island. Excellent authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. You can carry out and eat it on the terrace. Sometimes the wait is long, but you can go and order, give them your phone number and they will call when the order is ready.
Costa Norte by Kenny
One block from the Villa Ensueño. Best mojitos on the island. Excellent authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. You can carry out and eat it on the terrace. Sometimes the wait is long, but you can go and order, give them your phone number and they will call when the order is ready.
Excellent, healthy brunch and lunch. Check their website for hours.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Panakeia
Calle GuayaneyExcellent, healthy brunch and lunch. Check their website for hours.
Beach Burger Bar & Grill
Great burgers and drinks. BEST BURGERS IN PR!
UP Restaurant & Bar
Carretera Puerto Rico 2Nice selection of food
Costa Azul
Just down 686 towards Manatee
Guacamole Taqueria Barrita
2 Calle 8Good margaritas
Ocean Bakery is a must do. 10 min walk from Ensueno. Just around the corner on San Demetrio Street (just before the Econo) Great breakfast and lunch food.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ocean Bakery
448 Av. San DemetrioOcean Bakery is a must do. 10 min walk from Ensueno. Just around the corner on San Demetrio Street (just before the Econo) Great breakfast and lunch food.
Mangalé Cocina Creativa
All of the locals eat here. Great PR atmosphere.
Ocean side restaurant with fresh authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa Brava
Puerto Rico 681Ocean side restaurant with fresh authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.
Nearby hikes/ walks
Hikes or walks close to the condo
The purpose of sharing "Havana Beach Club" is so I could show you the beach route that I walk daily while at the condo. Exit condo security and turn left. Hug the coastline road, pass the beach and keep hugging the coastline road. The road will dead end at the Havana Beach Club. Do not be alarmed by the stray dogs and horses. They have never paid attention to me. The route out and back is a total of 5 miles. You will see what we call "The Puerto Rican Safari" Stray dogs and horses. Many locals walk this route in the early morning.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Havana Beach Club
Puerto Rico 692The purpose of sharing "Havana Beach Club" is so I could show you the beach route that I walk daily while at the condo. Exit condo security and turn left. Hug the coastline road, pass the beach and keep hugging the coastline road. The road will dead end at the Havana Beach Club. Do not be alarmed by the stray dogs and horses. They have never paid attention to me. The route out and back is a total of 5 miles. You will see what we call "The Puerto Rican Safari" Stray dogs and horses. Many locals walk this route in the early morning.
Easy, accessible hike about 8 minutes (4.4 miles) from the condo. I recommend this any time of day. Park in the lot and proceed to your left. Go up the gravel road/path and go right at the top of the hill. Keep following the path around to an incredible scenic overlook. The photo in the kitchen was taken by me from this overlook. The path continues to a remote, secluded stunning beach. The whole walk takes a leisurely hour. Enjoy!
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Los Tubos MTB Trail
Easy, accessible hike about 8 minutes (4.4 miles) from the condo. I recommend this any time of day. Park in the lot and proceed to your left. Go up the gravel road/path and go right at the top of the hill. Keep following the path around to an incredible scenic overlook. The photo in the kitchen was taken by me from this overlook. The path continues to a remote, secluded stunning beach. The whole walk takes a leisurely hour. Enjoy!
12 miles of hiking and mountain biking paths. Google "Acceso Area Recreativa Tortuguero", park and head towards the shelter. You will find the trailhead close to the shelter. This is dense jungle, with very nice walking/biking paths. I recommend walking during the week as on the week ends, there are many bikers.
Acceso Area Recreativa Tortuguero
Acceso Area Recreativa Tortuguero12 miles of hiking and mountain biking paths. Google "Acceso Area Recreativa Tortuguero", park and head towards the shelter. You will find the trailhead close to the shelter. This is dense jungle, with very nice walking/biking paths. I recommend walking during the week as on the week ends, there are many bikers.
Snorkeling/Stand up Paddle boards/Kayaks
Scuba Motion
Puerto Rico 2Snorkel and dive equipment rental and excursions.
Fernando Rojas lives on the beach in Vega Baja. He will take you snorkeling and paddle boarding. I can give you his phone number to call him directly. I am not allowed to post his phone number on this website. Search BluHaus PR on your social network
BluHaus PR
Fernando Rojas lives on the beach in Vega Baja. He will take you snorkeling and paddle boarding. I can give you his phone number to call him directly. I am not allowed to post his phone number on this website. Search BluHaus PR on your social network
Food scene
Puerto Nuevo Beach