Flights to Vieques

About an hour's drive east of the city of San Juan lies Luquillo Beach, a popular, lively beach and a favorite of both locals and tourists. Visitors are mesmerized by its blue waters and by views of El Yunque National Forest far off in the distance. Coconut palms span the mile-long beachfront, providing respite from the sun's rays.

Though it clearly has all the preferred natural attributes, Luquillo also boasts conveniences beachgoers need, such as lifeguards, bathrooms, showers, parking and equipment rentals of all kinds.

Rent snorkel gear and explore the water close to the beachfront — the sea is soothing even if you don't end up seeing any tropical fish.

You can also rent a kayak at Luquillo Beach and glide along the serene water. Bring some snacks and have a picnic, or choose from the treats vendors offer when they pass by.

Of course, any mention of Luquillo Beach has to include a mention of the "kioskos." Dozens of kiosks are located on a strip not far from the beach, and these rustic shacks serve as informal dining spots for those visiting the beach.

Seafood, local cuisine, international cuisine, cocktails, beer—it's all here, and it's affordable, too. It's not 5-star dining, but pull up a chair and chat with the owners. You'll see why these family-owned restaurants are so beloved.

Hidden away on the small island of Vieques, about 8 miles from the Puerto Rican mainland, is the mysteriously glowing Mosquito Bay, also known as Bioluminescent Bay. This tropical beach is perfectly lovely during the day, but unlike most other Caribbean beaches, it attracts many more visitors at night.

That's because it's home to a stunning natural wonder—a sea of tiny creatures that light up the bay in surreal blues and greens.

Though it sounds unbelievable, it's true: Visitors to Mosquito Bay can swim in the waters while the eerie glow surrounds their bodies.

Mosquito Bay is the thriving home of millions of dinoflagellates, organisms that produce a burst of light when they come into contact with other organisms.

In just one gallon of bay water there are more than 700,000 microscopic dinoflagellates, and in 2008 this bioluminescent bay was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the brightest recorded in the world.

If this awe-inspiring curiosity has you entranced, you're not alone. Travelers love to make the trek here to experience it firsthand. The easiest way to get to Mosquito Bay is to book with a tour operator, which can cost up to $60 per person.

It's best to explore the bay by kayak, as motorized boats will likely cause too much of a disturbance. Remember, too, to avoid the bay during a full moon or on bright nights, so you can view the bursts of light in total darkness. And skip the bug repellant—it can kill the dinoflagellates.

Though San Juan boasts impressive beaches right within the city proper, there's nothing like escaping urban commotion to a place where you can truly let your hair down. Make the short drive east to Playa La Pocita (also called Piñones) on the edge of the Afro-Caribbean town of Loiza, a gathering place for those who love traditional bomba beats and Puerto Rican fried treats.

The preferred weekend beach spot for city-dwellers and locals, Playa La Pocita offers lagoon-style swimming, a long stretch of golden sand, and patches of palm trees for protection against the sun's rays. On busier days, expect to hear the excited squeals of children, plus a little salsa or reggaeton music.

Make the trek to the beach an adventure by cycling along the Paseo Tablado de Piñones, a boardwalk and bike path that starts several miles west near a community center and a cluster of food shacks. You'll weave through lush wooded areas and panoramic oceanfront stretches.

Aside from the beach, the town's many roadside kioskos, or food shacks, are the primary draw to the area. Some line the road across from the beachfront, while others are set up further down route 187. Sample local delights such as alcapurrias, fritters of plantain and taro root stuffed with meat or seafood, or pastelitos, fried turnovers similar to empanadas. Mofongo, a dish of fried green plantains mixed with pork or seafood, is a must-try.

Enjoy a refreshing piña colada or a cold Medalla beer. Water from a freshly chopped coconut, poured over ice, can wet even the driest whistle.