Isla Verde, Puerto Rico – Travel Guide

The beaches of Isla Verde are the main attraction.  Within walking distance of the hotels, there are various restaurants and casinos.  The colorful historic district of Old San Juan is a quick 15-minute taxi ride, El Yunque is 30 minutes away.  Most excursions to top attractions offer transportation from Isla Verde, so a car rental is not necessary to enjoy the best sights of the north and east regions.

See full guide of best things to do in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Pros

• Isla Verde is the closest tourist district to the airport, and hotels are less expensive than those in the district of Condado in San Juan. The best excursions to top attractions offer transportation from Isla Verde, so no car rental is necessary if you’re okay with booking tours.

Cons

• You’ll need a car rental to get around or a taxi ride everywhere.  Besides the beach and some restaurants on the main avenue, there’s not much else to do right in Isla Verde.

The short distance and convenient access to the airport is one of the top reasons to vacation in Isla Verde.  For those planning a weekend escape, time is really valuable, after arriving to Luis Munoz Rivera Airport (best known as the San Juan International), within minutes you could be sipping on a sumptuous Piña Colada at your hotel overlooking the turquoise colors of Isla Verde Beach.

Isla Verde is an easy vacation destination from the moment you arrive at SJU Airport; in just a 10 minute taxi ride, you’ll find yourself checking into your hotel or beachfront resort.  Most of the hotels, beaches, best restaurants, lounges, casinos, and entertainment are located along Isla Verde Avenue; everything is within walking distance if you don’t mind taking a little stroll.

Is a car rental necessary in Isla Verde?

You may want to use taxis for part of your trip and rent a car for a few days, see below.

• A car rental is not necessary to get around the main tourist area of Isla Verde; you can get to the beaches on foot or by taking a short taxi ride.  You’ll need to get a taxi or Uber to see the top attractions of San Juan and nearby, or you can book tours that offer pick-up from Isla Verde.
• A car rental is recommended for a few days of your vacation to go beach hopping and if you wish to explore sights on your own to save some money.

If renting a car, consider parking fees in the city; it may be worth taking a taxi or booking a tour, depending on your budget.   There are parking garages in Isla Verde.

Taxis in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde is a tourist-friendly destination.  Guests staying at hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in tourist areas will enjoy easy access to taxis.  Taxis drive along Isla Verde Avenue, near the beach, restaurant areas, and hotel entrances.  Feel free to ask your hotel receptionist for assistance with a taxi.  Taxi rates are regulated and reasonable.

Bicycling in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Isla Verde is a bike-friendly place.  Along Isla Verde Avenue there are designated bike lanes, and locals are pretty good about sharing the road.  From Isla Verde, you can ride east to the Piñones area, and west all the way to Old San Juan.

Public Transportation in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico

Bus routes run through Isla Verde to and from the airport and San Juan.  Riding the bus may not be the most convenient method to get around, but it is by far the cheapest.  It just may be a viable option for travelers wanting to minimize costs.