Puerto Rico, for one, is an island of immense beauty, cultural history, and friendly residents. Despite its size, there is no end to the number of fun things that a visitor can do here, be it swimming, surfing, hiking, exploring, or simply lazing around on the region's many beaches. Speaking of which, tourists coming to Puerto Rico are actually spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing their favorite beach. Why? Well, just read this article to find out. Luquillo Beach is located at a 30-mile distance east of the capital, San Juan. Huge and sandy, the crescent-shaped beach is fringed by coconut palms, making a picturesque sight indeed. The beach is rightfully termed as Puerto Rico's most popular beach. The water here is crystal-clear and not too choppy, which means that children can enjoy some quality paddle time. Facilities-wise, Luquillo rocks because of its extensive picnic areas, camp sites, changing rooms, and showers. There are quite a few kiosks here, where you can enjoy a nice seaside meal with the family, with La Parilla being one of the best. Punta Salinas Beach Park, Toa Baja is another option, is ideal for some family fun. The beach is located on the west side of Isla de Cabras, a 20-minute drive away from the San Juan area, and you'll be required to pay a fee of around USD 5 to enter. You'll find a designated swimming area over here, along with picnic portals, changing rooms, showers, restrooms, food and drink facilities, and life guards. You may enjoy kayaking and surfing on this beach as well. Boquerón Beach is one of Puerto Rico's Blue Flag beaches for its environmental management, water quality, and ecology programs. It is also quite popular with the local populace who throng the beach during the weekends. The beach has all the facilities that go with being a family beach, and mind you, the crowds tend to really swell here during the summer. You may want to try a nice Puerto Rican-influenced Mexican meal at Pika-Pika, 224 Estacion, Boquerón. Don't be disappointed by the lack of beach activities mentioned here, as El Escambrón is a tiny haven where most families come to lounge and relax. It's a nice picnic spot, located just outside Old San Juan, and you get some amazing views of the San Cristóbal Fort and El Morro in the distance. The beach is a 5 minute walk from the Caribe Hilton, and about a 30 minute walk from Old San Juan. The water here is calm, perfect for kids to swim in. The shoreline is a bit rocky, but certainly isn't menacing. Regular beach facilities are in place, and you have to pay a small fee to enter the beach. Single bars are quite passe, especially when you have an entire beach dedicated to the cause of singles. Ocean Park beach is a nice place for singles (straight or otherwise) to meet, greet, and possibly take things further. And when we say further, it isn't too far away, thanks to some cozy bars and restaurants that dot the area. And while you can indulge in some regular beach activities, remember that the meet-and-greet takes precedence over everything. Remember to be cautious while swimming here, as the undercurrents during high tide can be a bit harsh. The Rincon Bay beach is a gem of a place that lets you truly enjoy a piece of your private paradise. One can't quite call it isolated, but let's just say that there's enough room for everyone here. The beach is characteristic Caribbean―with its turquoise waters and white sand. It also happens to be a hotspot for surfing and body boarding. Whale spotting is an interesting wintertime activity here, with the humpback whales migrating off the shores. You can enjoy a bite at the kiosks located on either ends of the beach. Flamenco Beach is located on Culebra Island, and is easily the finest beach in Puerto Rico. To get here, you need to take a flight from San Juan, or board a ferry from Fajardo. The beach itself is tranquility personified. Mind you, the beach is not too commercial, so you can only expect basic facilities here. Without a doubt, you've got to snorkel here, as the reefs are quite spectacular, and definitely worth a look. The beach has a lot of waves, which makes it a perfect location for indulging in surfing. If you're planning to stay in Culebra for the night, do indulge in some pretty awesome star gazing (clear skies permitting). Mosquito Bay might just put you off because of its name, but hold on to your tethers for a bit, will you? The area also goes by the name of Bioluminescent Bay, which is sure to pique your interest. Bioluminescent waters are a rare phenomenon brought about by millions of microorganisms that emit an exquisite, greenish-blue glow in the waters with their movements. There are several companies that conduct nighttime kayaking excursions here, and this trip is considered by many to be a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Take a trip in a glass-bottomed kayak to see the luminescent sea creatures move about in the dark waters at night. The place is infested with mosquitoes, so beware and be well-prepared. If you're looking to please the escapist in you, this is the place you should come to. Playa Escondida is a hidden gem that's a long walk from the Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo. And the walk is through the mangroves. But what you get once you reach here is a clean, isolated beach that is a loner's idea of heaven. Calm, quiet, and clean, this is where you come to when you want to do nothing. * Swimming or entering the waters here can prove dangerous, due to the deceptively strong undercurrents. Please do not venture into the ocean at any cost. Armed with this information, you're as good as ready to hop on a plane and hit the best of Puerto Rico's beaches in no time. But if you'd ask me, the best beaches are always the ones that you accidentally encounter and discover yourself. So on your next trip, try to go off the beaten track and uncover some gorgeous beaches yourself.