Pinones

While many people come to this area simply to eat, it's also a fantastic spot for swimming, particularly at the beaches of La Pocita and Vacía Talega. Many general tours of the San Juan area stop at this food-forward destination for lunch, and it’s a top spot on local food tours. Joining a tour is useful if you aren’t familiar with Puerto Rican food or want an insider’s take on the best spots to try.

• Piñones is a must-visit for foodies wanting to sample lots of local snacks.

• Parts of Piñones are wheelchair accessible, but other areas are difficult to access due to sand or uneven terrain.

• Vegans and gluten-free diners may find their choices limited, but your guide should be able to help you find options.

Piñones is about a 30-minute drive from Old San Juan on the northern coast of Puerto Rico. You can get there by public transportation, but it will take you more than 2 hours, so most people prefer to go by taxi or car if they’re coming from the capital city.

To see Piñones when it’s least crowded, visit on a weekday. The dry, high season from December to early spring is the optimal time for visiting; rain can put a literal damper on your beach fun if you visit between June and November. Note that the stormy season in Puerto Rico usually peaks in September.

About an hour's drive east of Piñones, Luquillo Beach is another great beach spot to visit, particularly if you're more interested in surf and sand than the food scene. It's a great place for swimming, especially if you've got kids with you, thanks to calm waters that are hemmed in by a protective reef.