Isla Verde has long been a gateway to Puerto Rico’s beaches, nightlife, and culture. Its transformation began in the 1950s with the opening of Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and the debut of the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel in 1958, attracting icons like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Liza Minnelli. Today, the beachfront neighborhood offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and city—all just minutes from SJU.
Designed for our Marco Polo Travelers, our 72-hour itinerary highlights the best of Isla Verde, from sunset cocktails to local street food, luxury shopping, and scenic coastal views. Whether for a quick escape or an extended stay, here’s how to make the most of your time.
Day 1: Arrival & Beachside Welcome
Check-In & Sunset Cocktails
After settling into your accommodations, ease into island time with drinks by the water. For a casual, craft-brewed experience, Ocean Lab Brewing Co. (Bal. de Carolina, Carr. 187 Km. 2.6, Carolina, PR 00979, oceanlabbrewing.com) offers local beers right on the beach, ideal for watching the sun set over the Atlantic.
Dinner by the Ocean
Indulge your senses at Caña (Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, 6063 Isla Verde Ave, Carolina, PR 00979, canarestaurant.com), where top chef José Enrique’s modern Puerto Rican cuisine meets a chic atmosphere. For a real gourmet adventure with rooftop views, try Kumo Rooftop (2 José M. Tarak Ave., Carolina PR, 00979, kumorooftop.com), which serves an innovative Japanese-Peruvian menu.
Day 2: Piñones – Beaches & Street Food
A quick drive east leads to Piñones, a beloved coastal area known for its relaxed beaches and food kiosks serving some of Puerto Rico’s best street fare. (10-minute drive from Isla Verde; Ubers available but limited, rental cars recommended)
Morning: Piñones Boardwalk & Beach
Start with a walk or bike ride along the Piñones boardwalk (PR-187, Loíza, PR 00772), enjoying ocean breezes and mangrove views. Then, relax at Playa La Posita (PR-187, Loíza, PR 00772), a natural pool protected by a breakwater, offering calm waters ideal for swimming.
Afternoon
No visit to Piñones is complete without sampling the local street food. Try a bacalaíto (crispy cod fritter), alcapurria(stuffed plantain fritter), or pincho (grilled skewer) at Kiosko El Boricua (PR-187, Loíza, PR 00772) or El Nuevo Acuario (PR-187, Loíza, PR 00772). Best enjoyed with fresh coconut water or a cold Medalla beer.
Piñones is an easy drive from Isla Verde. (Photo: Discover Puerto Rico)
Day 3: Shopping, Exploring & Coastal Vibes
Morning: Quick Shopping at The Mall of San Juan
A short drive or Uber ride from Isla Verde, The Mall of San Juan (1000 Mall of San Juan Blvd, San Juan, PR 00924, themallofsanjuan.com) is Puerto Rico’s premier luxury shopping destination. Whether you’re updating your travel wardrobe or seeking a stylish souvenir, the mall features retailers like Zara, Louis Vuitton, and Carolina Herrera.
For a bite, Lala (The Mall of San Juan, Level 1, opentable.com/r/lala-san-juan) offers upscale Latin food in a chic setting. Or explore the flavors of Italy at the upscale food court Il Nuovo Mercato (The Mall of San Juan, Level 3).
Afternoon: Relax or Explore
After shopping, choose your adventure:
- Isla Verde Beach – Lounge on soft sands and swim in warm waters.
- Water Sports – For adrenaline seekers, options include jet skiing, parasailing, or surfing lessons through WOW Surfing School (Isla Verde Beach, wwsurfingschool.com/wowsurfingschool).
- Old San Juan – A short Uber ride away, explore cobblestone streets, historic forts like El Morro (501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, PR 00901, nps.gov/saju), and enjoy an espresso at Café Cuatro Sombras (259 Recinto Sur, San Juan, PR 00901, cuatrosombras.com). (20-minute drive or Uber ride from Isla Verde)
Day 4: Departure & one last bite
With most flights departing SJU in the morning, there’s time for a final island indulgence. Panadería España (Route 37 Marginal, Carolina, PR 00979, panaderiaespana.com), a local favorite near the airport, serves mallorcas (sweet bread with powdered sugar) and robust Puerto Rican coffee—an ideal send-off before your flight.
Ready to Book Your Getaway?
Our broad array of Isla Verde properties place you steps from the beach, minutes from SJU, and close to all the essentials for an unforgettable Puerto Rican escape. Whether you seek oceanfront relaxation or easy access to adventure, you’ll find it here.
Photo: Discover Puerto Rico