Condado Beach | |
Native Name: | Playa del Condado |
Pushpin Map: | Condado Beach |
Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Puerto Rico |
Subdivision Type: | Commonwealth |
Subdivision Name: | Puerto Rico |
Subdivision Type1: | Municipality |
Subdivision Name1: | San Juan |
Subdivision Type2: | Ideal Areas for |
Subdivision Type3: | Lifeguards |
Subdivision Type4: | Safety |
Subdivision Name2: | Swimming Diving/Snorkeling Surfing Wind-surfing |
Subdivision Name3: | Available |
Subdivision Name4: | For All Ages |
Condado Beach (Spanish: Playa del Condado) is a large public-access beach located in Condado, a district of Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Condado Beach is located along the Atlantic coast of the San Juan barrio (district) of Santurce. The beach is named after Condado, itself a constituting subbarrio (sector) of Santurce, found directly to the east of the Islet of San Juan. The beach itself extends from La Ventana al Mar Park on Ashford Avenue in the west to Punta Piedrita in the east. Ocean Park Beach is located further east.[1] A smaller beach, called Playita del Condado (Spanish for "Condado's small beach"), is located at the western edge of Condado, directly facing El Boquerón.[2] It is considered an unpredictable beach with strong undercurrents, making it dangerous for swimmers who venture into deep water. In early 2022, the governor stated steps had to be taken to address the issue of multiple drownings there.[3]
Condado Beach is located in a prime area for tourism and recreation. The beach is bordered by renown casinos and hotels such as La Concha Resort, the San Juan Marriott, and the historic Vanderbilt Hotel. Ashford Avenue, often referred to as the Puerto Rican “Fifth Avenue”,[4] hosts world-renowned brands such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, and Puerto Rican brands and high-end boutiques such as Nono Maldonado, Lisa Thon, Harry Robles and Ecliptica. The area also has numerous restaurants of different varieties, gift shops, and smaller inns. The part of the beach found at the end of Vendig Street is considered a popular gay neighborhood of El Condado.[5]