Of course, one of our days in Puerto Rico had to be dedicated to bikes. What better way to experience the island’s natural beauty up close? Not only did we get to take in the views at a leisurely pace, but we got the salty breeze and wafts of roadside BBQs. Mark, being the master route planner that he is, found bike/pedestrian paths along Puerto Rico’s North Coast.
Our scenic out-and-back ride runs east from Isla Verde, through the lively Piñones area, and into Loiza. It was a perfect mix of golden beach views, mangrove forests, cultural encounters, and delicious food stops. All while being nicely separated from the car traffic.
The route
We departed from our hotel, Marriott Residence Inn Isla Verde, with bikes provided by the hotel. They were big, heavy cruiser bikes, but perfect for our purposes. The first kilometre was a bit dodgy on a busy road, but fortunately, there wasn’t much traffic when we left. We quickly connected onto a separate path – Paseo Isla Verde – and from there we were cruising.
Here is our route on Ride with GPS
Points of Interest
Beaches
So, being an island, the coast is beaches, beaches, beaches! But these were some of the nicest beaches I’ve ever been to. Fluffy, soft, golden sand stretching for kilometres without another person in sight.
- Terraplen La Posita de Piñones – A family favourite and probably the busiest beach we passed! La Posita is a natural pool protected by rock formations that calm the surf, creating crystal-clear, shallow waters. It’s perfect for swimming with kids or relaxing under palm trees. There are plenty of nearby food stalls offering local snacks.
- Playa Piñones – Known for its rustic beauty and authentic local feel. Playa Piñones is a long, scenic stretch of beach backed by mangroves and food kiosks. It’s a popular weekend hangout for locals, ideal for a long walk, a dip in the ocean, and sampling Puerto Rican street food along the Piñones boardwalk.
- Playa Vacía Talega – One of the most picturesque beaches in the Piñones area. Vacía Talega offers soft sand, turquoise waters, and fewer crowds than nearby beaches. It’s a wonderful spot to unwind, enjoy a picnic, or watch the sunset. A note of caution, the waves can be strong, so swimming is best when conditions are calm.
Food
Sample delicious specialties while you hop from food stand to food stand in the lively Pinones area.
Contra Viento y Marea Restaurant & Beach Bar – With tables right on the sand, this spot pairs fresh seafood and cocktails with unbeatable sunset views. We ate here twice during our week-long stay.
Ocean Lab Brewing Co. – crafts beers that are best paired with your butt in the sand of Puerto Rico’s beaches. At their taproom, you can enjoy a flight or a pint of their home-brewed staples.
Other Sights
Plaza de la Juventud – on the eastern end of Carolina Beach. This is a beautiful beachfront plaza with a unique sculpture/structure where you can admire San Juan’s skyline from a distance.
Photo op – On the corner of Route 187 (Calle Los Iturregui) and Route 951 (Calle Espiritu Santo) there is a large Adirondack chair with the Puerto Rican flag painted on it. A fun Instagram spot.
Parque Histórico Cueva María de la Cruz is a fascinating natural and archaeological site located in the town of Loíza. The cave has deep historical significance — archaeologists discovered evidence of human habitation dating back over 2,000 years. These findings offer insight into the lives of Puerto Rico’s pre-Taíno peoples. You can explore the large limestone cave and learn about local culture. There are guided tours, and often traditional music and craft demonstrations.
Detour suggestion. On the way back, ride along Paseo Vereda de la Casuarina for a deeper ride through the forest.
Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a dedicated adventurer, the trails of Paseo Piñones and beyond promise an unforgettable day in the Caribbean sun.
Have you biked Puerto Rico’s North Coast? Share your favourite stops, other rides or tag your cycling crew in the comments — we’d love to hear your stories!
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