23 Things to Do in Isabela (Puerto Rico)

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Beaches | History & Culture | Family-Friendly | Outdoors

From swimming on pristine beaches to enjoying top-notch gastronomy, you’ll find tons of fun things to do in Isabela. 

Isabela features the charm of smaller Puerto Rico towns, along with some of Puerto Rico’s best things to do for surfers, water sports enthusiasts, and families. Plus, it makes for a quick day trip from San Juan.

I’m a Puerto Rico local who’s been to Isabela multiple times, and it will undoubtedly draw you in with its natural beauty.

So, if you’re visiting the town for the first time, here are my picks for what to do in Isabela, Puerto Rico!

Affiliate Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!

23 Best Things to Do in Isabela

Isabela’s Beachfront Boardwalk

Stroll along a boardwalk with amazing views of the beach.

📍 Google Maps 

El Paseo de Isabela is a coastal beach boardwalk that extends 4-miles parallel to Middles Beach and Montones Beach until reaching Jobos Beach. 

I suggest visiting in the late afternoon when the golden hour makes the beach landscape look even more stunning. Plus, you’ll escape the heat of the day.

If you want something more active, rent a bike or a scooter and cycle through the boardwalk. Regardless of your pick, bring your camera along! You’ll stop more than once to snap pictures of the landscape while enjoying this fun activity in Puerto Rico.

Bosque Estatal de Guajataca

Hike in a forest with unique wildlife and multiple caves.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 872-1045 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Tue-Sun, Closed Monday | Entrance: Free 

The Guajataca State Forest is a great destination for day trip adventures on the northwest coast.

Located in the karstic zone between Isabela and Quebradillas, this forest houses great biodiversity, including multiple bat species and the Puerto Rican boa. If you’re an enthusiastic birdwatcher, bring along your binoculars to spot Puerto Rican Woodpecker and the Puerto Rican Tody, along with 10 other endemic species.

Besides some of the best trails for hiking in Puerto Rico, the forest’s top attractions include multiple caves and its viewing tower.

👉 Pro Tip: Cueva del Viento used to be the main attraction within the Guajataca State Forest, but it’s currently inaccessible.

Tropical Trail Rides

Saddle up for a ride through Puerto Rico’s beaches and coastal trails.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 872 – 9256 | Website |  Hours: 8 am – 6 pm daily | 👉 Book a horseback riding tour

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Isabela is riding horseback along its beaches, and that’s exactly what you’ll do with Tropical Trail Rides. Located on the border between Isabela and Aguadilla, Tropical Trail Rides takes you through hidden beaches and scenic trails on the island’s northwest coast.

Ride along the shoreline, admiring the scenery of an idyllic Caribbean beach before heading into the coastal forest, where you’ll take a break from the heat and sun. 

One of the best things about this experience is that you don’t need any riding experience at all. The guides will walk you through everything, and the horses are well-trained and carefully matched to your weight and comfort level.

So you’ll get to relax, enjoy the scenery, and even bond with your horse as you ride. It’s a memorable way to experience Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and a unique adventure I recommend adding to your trip.

Jobos Beach

Mingle with locals at this popular beach.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Surfing Tour in Jobos Beach

Jobos Beach is one of the most frequented beaches in Isabela. It attracts swimmers, snorkeling enthusiasts, and surfing fans as it’s one of the best beaches in Puerto Rico for surfing.

While Jobos Beach’s turquoise waters and golden sand make it very appealing, the beach itself isn’t ideal for swimming, especially for small kids or inexperienced swimmers.

Jobos Beach has strong tides and dangerous currents, particularly during the winter months. But, the east side of the beach is protected by a rock formation that makes it calmer and safer for swimming.

If you’re into catching waves, I definitely recommend booking a surfing class in Jobos Beach. But, if you’d rather stay out of the water, you can stroll along the coast and enjoy local seafood in the nearby restaurants. You’ll also find plenty of surf rentals if you’d like to catch some waves.

Villa Pesquera

Eat everything you can in this beach neighborhood.

📍 Google Maps

Foodies looking for things to do in Isabela need to stop at Villa Pesquera. This beachside neighborhood features food kiosks with local cuisine, including fresh seafood and fried snacks like bacalaitos and alcapurrias. 

Those looking for a drink can find kiosks that make smoothies or mojitos. After you’re done eating, take a dip on the sandy beach across Villa Pesquera.

Montones Beach

Bathe in the tidal pool at Montones.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

Montones Beach is the best beach in Isabela to visit if you have toddlers and small kids. The beach has a tidal pool known as La Pocita Montones, which offers shallow and safe waters for everyone in the family.

In contrast, the west end of the the beach is frequented by surfing enthusiasts. The beach lacks facilities, but it’s easy to visit. At Montones beach, you’ll find one of my favorite Puerto Rican traditional lodges (known as paradores), the Parador Villas Del Mar Hau, apartment rentals, and multiple restaurants nearby.

🚗 Planning to Rent a Car? Check out my guide to where to rent a car in Puerto Rico.

Best Beaches

Shacks Beach

Snorkel or dive in amazing underwater caverns.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Snorkeling Tour in Isabela

Shacks Beach, also known as Blue Hole, is the go-to beach in Isabela if you’re a fan of snorkeling and diving.

This beach is known for having a 30-foot-deep blue hole and a system of underwater caverns filled with coral, fish, and turtles. 

And while they are easily accessible from the shore, I suggest diving with a professional instructor. If you aren’t into diving, you can still enjoy sunsets and dipping your feet in this beach.

During the winter months, the currents can be strong.

👉 Local Tip: Keep in mind there aren’t any facilities or parking lots. You have to park on the main street and walk a few minutes to the beach. 

Playa El Pastillo 

Stroll along a beautiful beach with amazing scenery.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

If Jobos is too crowded for you, I suggest driving to Playa el Pastillo. Although this mesmerizing sandy beach is only for admiring rather than bathing, it’s one of the best sites to unwind and enjoy some solitude in Isabela. 

To the left side, you’ll see a cliff with what looks like a Taino side profile. It’s said nature carved the sculpture in honor of Mabodamaca, the cacique who used to rule over the area.

On that same cliff, you’ll find Cueva Golondrinas, one of Puerto Rico’s popular caves, but it’s only reachable when the tide is low. There is a hiking trail at the entrance that connects with Playa Pelicano nearby.

Pocita de La Princesa Beach

Watch the waves crashing against coastal rocks or swim in a shallow cove in Playa La Princesa.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

While Jobos is probably Isabela’s most popular beach, I prefer La Pocita de la Princesa over it. 

This beach has a beautiful crystal clear natural cove, formed by the water flowing over and between the coastal rock formations. 

Climb between the rocks to watch the waves break against the natural barrier and find small pools filled with fish.  

You can also bathe in the shallow cove to the right side of the rock formations, where you can easily see your feet. 

The beach has little shade, so I suggest visiting during the late afternoon.

Middles Beach

Compete at this surfing site in Isabela.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a surfing class in Isabela

Besides Jobos Beach, another of Puerto Rico’s top surfing spots is Middles Beach in Isabela.

This beach offers high surf that attracts local and international surfers. The Corona Pro Surf Competition takes place on this beach. Even if you’re not into surfing you can enjoy a nice walk on this beach.

Pelicano Beach

Admire the natural landscape on this secluded beach.

📍 Google Maps 

Pelicano Beach is located on the east end of Isabela, and while not a safe beach for swimming, it’s a great destination for hiking and photography.

You can access Pelicano Beach through the Guajataca Tunnel after a short 10-minute walk. But, I personally recommend the longer route if you’re looking to get in your steps.

It starts at El Pastillo Beach and covers the coast for over a mile. You’ll see unique views of the local flora, fauna, and coastline.

I also recommend climbing the boulder at Pelicano Beach for a nice picture.

Best History & Culture

La Casa de la Cultura Isabelina

Take workshops and learn about local culture at this cultural center in Isabela. 

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 248-3549 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 2 pm Wed-Sat, Closed Sun-Tues

La Casa de la Cultura Isabelina has been promoting local culture since its foundation in 1995 through workshops, conferences, and classes. 

Visitors can sign up for their activities and workshops. For culture enthusiasts, I especially recommend the Bomba and Plena classes that take place on tuesdays.

But you’ll also find painting and jewelry classes. Call ahead to learn about the hours of the workshops.

During your visit, you can also get local souvenirs to take home.

Isabela’s Town Center

Catch a local festival in Isabela.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a tour in Isabela’s dowtown

Even if most of Isabela’s things to do are related to beaches, you can’t skip a visit to the town center.

Like most towns in Puerto Rico, Isabela is home to a cathedral, a plaza, coffee shops, hotels, and shops where you can set your inner shopaholic free. 

During the holidays and special dates, the town center hosts festivals and activities your whole family will enjoy.

I recommend checking out Isabela Tiene Sabor in November, a gastronomic festival held in the plaza during which you can taste the best of local food, and Isabela’s Saint Patron Festival in June.

You can also book a history tour through the downtown to learn more about Puerto Rico’s history and culture.

Museo del Tren

Learn about Puerto Rico’s railway in this history museum.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 647-3173 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 3:30 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Mon-Fri | Entrance: $5

Museo del Tren in Isabela is a great stop for kids and adults alike. Located near downtown, this museum has a mission to rescue Puerto Rico’s railway history. 

During the 19th century, the archipelago had numerous operating trains that transported sugar cane between the towns.

This museum has real locomotives that traveled between different towns in Puerto Rico, memorabilia, maps, photo exhibits, and even a recreation of Isabela’s train station.

Although small, history enthusiasts can spend over an hour in Museo del Tren. Make sure to call ahead to know the tour hours.

Ermita San Antonio de Padua de la Tuna

Tour the ruins of a historical church.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 872-0059 | Hours: 10 am – 3:30 pm Sat-Sun only | Entrance: Free 

Ermita San Antonio de Padua de la Tuna is an archeological site I recommend visiting if you’re a history geek. The church was built in 1730 and was used until the early 19th century.

Considered the first Spanish settlement in the northwest, the hermitage stands as a memoir of San Antonio de la Tuna, the town that eventually became Isabela.

The attraction also has an administration office called Casa Tuna, which doubles as a museum, where you can find original church and Taino artifacts found on the site.

Best Family-Friendly

Guajataca Tunnel

Cross between two cities through a historical tunnel.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

The Guajataca Tunnel is a historical railroad tunnel from 1904 that allowed the sugar cane railway to cross between what is now the towns of Isabela and Quebradillas. 

Now it’s a popular recreation area where you can unwind with your family during the weekends. You can find craft vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and a small train-like trolley for kids.

Cross the tunnel and hike for about 10 minutes on a seaside trail to reach Playa Pelicano. While I wouldn’t rank it as one of the best Puerto Rico beaches, this beach is perfect for taking strolls with your loved ones.

Guajataca River

Kayak and paddleboard in this river mouth in Isabela.

📍 Google Maps 

The Guajataca River is another spot to visit in Isabela if you’re an adventurer and an outdoor lover.

Located between Isabela and Quebradillas, this river mouth attracts watersports enthusiasts. You’ll find kayaks and paddleboard rentals on both sides of the river. 

And if you go during the weekends, you’ll encounter plenty of families camping, meaning it’s a free and safe spot to go camping in Isabela.

Kayak upriver to find a historical iron bridge built in 1896 and other picture-worthy spots. The whole route takes about two hours.

If you’re a beginner and afraid to go alone, you can book a tour with Planeta Kayak.

Bundy’s

Indulge in milkshakes and burgers in this 50s-inspired restaurant.

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (939)-493-3843 | Social Media | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Sat-Sun, 3 – 9 pm Mon & Thurs-Fri, Closed Tues-Wed

You’ll find plenty of great restaurants in Isabela, but Bundy’s concept is particularly fun. This 50s-inspired restaurant has everything from milkshakes to a jukebox. 

The menu includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and gnocchi. Vegans will also find plenty of options to enjoy. Kids will love Meal on Wheels, which is a burger and fries combo served in a small car. 

La Cara del Indio

Admire the sculpture of a Taino chief.

📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Cara del Indio Tour

Located on the roadside of PR 2, La Cara del Indio is a famous sculpture carved in rock in honor of a Taino chief called Mabodamaca. He’s famous for resisting the Spanish invasion and fighting for the indigenous people of Puerto Rico. 

The legend says that he leaped from a nearby cliff, and nature made him a memorial in Pastillo Beach, where the inspiration for this sculpture comes from. Despite looking ancient, the sculpture was carved by Isaac Laboy Moctezuma in 2000.

Next to it, you’ll find a few souvenir shops and an empanadas kiosk.

Best Outdoors

Montadero Finca de Agro Aventuras

Camp under the stars at this farm next to the Guajataca State Forest.

📍 Google Maps | Social Media 

While you’ll find dozens of spots to camp on the beach in Isabela, Montadero offers a getaway in Isabela’s forests. 

Camping enthusiasts and overlanders will love the seclusion and the relaxing sounds of nature on this farm. 

But, if you’re more adventurous, choose to explore the multiple hiking and MTB trails on this farm. The lack of light pollution in the area will provide one of the best stargazing experiences you’ll find in town.

This is also great for vans and one of the most accessible camping spots in Puerto Rico.

Pozo de Jacinto

Ask Jacinto for the cow at this pit cave in Jobos Beach.

📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free

El Pozo de Jacinto is a 30-foot pit cave you’ll find on the seaside cliffs next to Jobos Beach. You can’t swim in it, but many locals visit for its impressive views and the legend behind it. 

According to legend, the cave is named after Jacinto, a local farmer who drowned after being dragged by his cow into the cave.

As a result, if you scream “¡Jacinto, traeme la vaca!” (Jacinto, give me the cow) into the cave, the water rises and splashes you. 

You can access this spot from Jobos Beach or Isabela’s Boardwalk. But, I wouldn’t recommend visiting with small kids and toddlers.

Reserva Natural Comunitaria Mabodamaca

Hike, bike, surf, and swim at this community nature reserve.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Entrance: Free

Reserva Natural Comunitaria Mabodamaca is an 80.4-hectare community reserve located between Golondrinas Beach and Shore Island Beach.

Managed by CoCo PR, it’s said this reserve used to have the biggest dunes in Puerto Rico.

While much of it is gone, CoCo PR is working with volunteers on the reforestation of these coasts.

You can hike through the trails in the reserve, both within the coastal forest and on the sandy beaches. But, many families prefer to rent a scooter or a bike at RIDE and hit Isabela’s Paseo Lineal stopping only at their preferred beaches. 

You can also participate in the CoCo PR events, which include cleaning beaches, planting trees, and taking workshops.

Pozo Brujo

Find the bewitched spring on the coast.

📍 Google Maps

After visiting the Guajataca State Forest, visit Pozo Brujo in Isabela. This small spring sits at the King Beach, between the Royal Isabela hotel and Pocita de la Princesa.

Many legends surround the natural spring, but the most popular one is that there are spirits in the well that drag people out to the sea. There are multiple routes you can take to Pozo Brujo, but I recommend hiking about 1.24 miles from La Pocita de la Princesa Beach.

While tempting, I wouldn’t recommend swimming in this aquifer.

*** 

Thanks for reading my top 22 things to do in Isabela, Puerto Rico! Isabela truly is such a unique place, and you’ll have a blast visiting. Up next, check out my list of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico.

Have fun in Isabela!