Nonstop Flights & Blissful Beaches: Swap San Juan For This Lesser-Known Puerto Rican Paradise

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Some argue San Juan is the most vibrant cultural city of all the Caribbean islands. Think about it – Between Kingston’s violence, Havana’s power outages, and Nassau’s scarce attractions, that leaves Puerto’s Rico historic capital as the place to be.

Better yet, you don’t need a passport to visit!

That goes for the entire island, obviously, but many tourists venturing into America’s unofficial 51st state often stick around the San Juan area for incredible food, buzzing nightlife, and beautiful beaches.

But away from the city’s busy streets lies another gem you can also reach with plentiful nonstop flights.

Whether you’re finishing up your fall travel plans or getting an early start to winter, Puerto Rico’s lesser-known paradise of Aguadilla fits the bill with pristine beaches, far fewer crowds, and splendid weather year-round.

Puerto Rico’s Hidden Slice Of Paradise

A gap in the Caribbean separates one of the most popular beach spots (Punta Cana) from the hidden gem of Aguadilla.

Almost staring at each other from a map perspective, Aguadilla provides much of the same scenery without the fancy shmancy resorts and never-ending hordes of tourists.

Lying on the island’s northwestern tip, this is the nation’s little-known slice of paradise, waiting to be discovered.

Although off the beaten path, many airlines do fly here, but more on that in a bit…

Those in the know, including locals who visit for an epic staycation, have crystal clear waters, spacious beaches, and wallet-friendly resorts to take advantage of, like the Punta Borinquen Resort for $160.

Unlike San Juan, where you’ll surely run into old ladies getting off cruises guilt-tripping you into taking their photos, Aguadilla provides a more idyllic escape without having to weave through crowds or navigate chaotic streets.

Aguadilla is the beach town you’ve been waiting for you didn’t know you needed; blissful playas, savory local cuisine, and affordable beachfront stays await.

Getting Here: Numerous Nonstop Flights From The U.S.

Despite being a low-key getaway, it’s really not a trek to get here more than anywhere else you may have had in mind.

Yes, San Juan is easier to reach, and why wouldn’t it be since it’s home to over 300,000 people?

Aguadilla isn’t far behind, however. With 3 airlines flying direct from the U.S., don’t hesitate making plans to vacation in Puerto Rico’s beloved secret even if you require a layover – it’s worth it!

Whether you’re a budget traveler or a name-brand loyalist, these airlines have you covered:

• Frontier (Orlando)
• United (Newark)
• JetBlue (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York (JFK)

Note: For what it’s worth, despite being listed on Rafael Hernández Airport’s website, Spirit Airlines no longer flies here.

Upon arrival, you’ll have dozens of awesome beaches to choose from dotting the coast.

The airport (BQN) sits about 20 minutes outside the town center, and while this pretty beach town has gained airlines’ attention, Uber is a different story.

Your best bet to reach where you need to go is by booking a reputable taxi from the airport or directly through your choice of stay.

Aguadilla’s Best Beaches (Including An Off-The-Wall Attraction!)

There’s no shortage of great beaches to visit when vacationing in Puerto Rico. To help us out, Forbes recently released their 7 faves to escape the crowds.

One of them was Aguadilla’s very own Playa Peña Blanca, which not only feels sexy to say but even better to visit.

Locals rave about this place amongst themselves but tourists haven’t yet discovered this quaint picture-perfect beach between the airport and town center.

While this beach has been kept under wraps, the top has already been blown off the area’s most famous beach.

That would be Playa Crash Boat. But unlike how it sounds, it’s not a shipwreck, just a stunning paradise and also among the liveliest on this relatively quiet stretch of Puerto Rican shores.

What was formerly a military base purposed with rescuing…you guessed it…crashed boats, is now the #1 beach of Aguadilla boasting white sand, pristine waters, and savory food stands.

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