Paseo Piñones Beach in Carolina, PR
Step off the plane and into Isla Verde, Carolina– the Puerto Rican municipality home to a number of breathtaking beaches and unforgettable sunsets. Our Isla Verde Nomada Beach Hostel is only a 5 minute walk from the central beach and an 8 minute drive from the buzzing city of San Juan. If you’re a traveler looking for a tranquil oasis with countless of excursions at your fingertips, you’ve come to the right place; Without a doubt,
the paradise of Isla Verde will enchant you.
For the ocean lover, the beaches of Carolina can hardly be rivaled. The Isla Verde beaches are framed by palm trees, blowing in the wind, and have golden sand with turquoise waters. After a long day at the beach, what’s better than an ocean front meal paired with the setting sun? Pick from any one of the beach front restaurants (Hint: El Alambique is Team Nomada’s favorite) and plan the rest of your stay with a drink in hand.
Continue reading for Team Nomada’s top recommendations for dining and day excursions.
Breakfast & Lunch
Panadería España: Reposteria y Liquor Store
1105 C. Marginal Villamar, Carolina PR 00979
Enjoy breakfast the Boricua way! Sit at one of the panadería’s communal tables and bite into the divine flavors of a freshly-baked Quesito de Guayaba. And, don’t forget to take something for the road– whether it be a Sandwhich Cubano or habichuelas con arroz, there is an option for everyone!
3014 Av. Isla Verde, Carolina, 00979
Why go to Starbucks when you can enjoy coffee the local way? This coffee chain provides warm ambiance, excellent service and creative coffee infusions. Snap a selfie in front of the neon 787 Coffee sign and get a taste of adventure with one of the Puerto Rican style, Coquito Infused Lattes.
The Los Chamos Arepas restaurant in Isla Verde, Carolina
PR-37, Isla Verde, Carolina PR 00979
Looking for a quick but delicious bite on you way to the beach? Look no further than Los Chamos for a mouth-watering arepa, filled with pork and topped with the pique of your choice. For those traveling on a budget, Los Chamos has deals under $10 and not at the expense of taste!
Day Excursions
Sunset at Isla Verde Beach in Carolina, PR
Isla Verde Beach
Ave. Boca De Cangrejos, Isla Verde, Carolina, 00979
Walk only 7 minutes from Nomada Beach Hostel and take in the sun at Isla Verde Beach! Isla Verde Beach is the perfect place to swim, go wind surfing or rent surfboards at. Once you finish your beach day, you’re only a 3 minutes walk from the main street with plenty of food options.
Angelito Trail (O.2 miles)
87F3+658, PR-988, Luquillo, 00773
This trail is perfect for beginners and takes you down to the beautiful Río Mameyes. There you can dip your toes into the refreshing water, swim with the minnows and rest in the shade of the Tobonuco trees. For an unforgettable day, don’t miss this nature excursion.
Mi Vida Cafe
96CJ+533, Cll Principal, Río Grande, 00745
After a day of hiking in El Yunque or ziplining through the jungle, there’s no better way to unwind then at Mi Vida Cafe. Ask to sit in the back patio and order one of their freshly squeezed lemonades and bite into a hamburger with the delicious tostone bun– you won’t regret it! Once your belly is full, take a trip next door to the artisinal gift shop with goods hand crafted by local PR artists.
Dinner
The view from La Casita Amarilla in Pinoñes, Carolina
Pinoñes
PR-187 Piñones, Loíza, PR 00983
If you leave for Pinoñes on an empty belly, you’ll come back full! Pinones is the destination for those seeking a self-guided street food tour. Love plantains? Try a Pionono. More of a seafood person? Nab a Bacalaito fritter from one of the vendors. Once you’ve eaten your way down the strip, close your evening out by enjoying a water-front dinner and sunset at La Casita Amarilla.
Alambique Beach Lounge
5803 Calle Tartak Cond, Carolina PR 00979
Revel in a beach-front sunset and bite into El Alambique’s pan seared snapper dish, topped with wild mushrooms and artichoke. Watch out because this destination restaurant will make you consider canceling your flight home.
79 Avenida Isla Verde, Carolina PR 00979
Discover authentic Peruvian and Puerto Rican fusion at Ceviche House, a dining experience beloved by locals and tourists alike. For the classic PR experience, order the ceviche and the Pisco Sour cocktail.
Nightlife
Vagabundo Social in Isla Verde, Carolina
1265 C. Marginal Villamar, Carolina PR 00979
Escape the heat and lose track of time at Vagabundo Social– Nomada Hostels’ very own speakeasy lounge hidden in the heart of Isla Verde. Appease your taste buds with any one of the menu’s eclectic plates or a hand-crafted cocktail. Drink in hand, Vagabundo Social will transport you into an intimate dining experience, free of all prohibitions.
154 Cll. Dos Hermanos, San Juan, PR 00907
Explore La Placita after hours! When the sun goes down, the market square comes to life: Locals flood the square to dance salsa, smoke cigars, sip on cocktails and dine outdoors. To experience La Placita in full swing visit on a Friday or Saturday night.
148 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan PR 00901
Make the trip to Viejo San Juan and discover La Factoría. For the last five years, La Factoría has been listed among The World’s 50 Best Bars which is no mistake. La Factoria is made up of six bars, each bar uniquely curated. At La Factoría’s Shing A’Ling bar, you can dance the night away to live Salsa every Sunday-Monday or enjoy crafted cocktails at any of the other five bars.