Dorado, the ‘golden’ town of Puerto Rico is a Caribbean paradise that is perfect for an idyllic vacation. Moreover, anyone looking to explore the cultural heart of Puerto Rico will find Dorado to be a fantastic town for permanent residence.
Widely known for the iconic Dorado Beach Resort, the town offers buyers a wide range of exclusive properties in upscale neighborhoods. Since Dorado Beach was developed as a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, it has become a playground for rich and famous personalities.
Dorado is situated on Puerto Rico’s northern coast, just a 30-minute drive from San Juan International Airport. It has some alluring beaches that make it a haven for sun worshippers and water sports lovers. The combination of turquoise waters, golden sands, and swaying palms makes the ambiance perfect for connecting with the island culture.
Steeped in rich history, Dorado has a strong Spanish colonial influence. With its vibrant atmosphere, the town celebrates grand festivals and offers a variety of diverse restaurants that allow you to explore the delights of Puerto Rican cuisine.
Whether you are looking for a new home in Dorado or visiting as a tourist, here are some of the top activities that you can enjoy in the town.
Explore the Beaches
When it comes to beaches, you are never short of options in Dorado. The most popular beaches in Dorado are the Balneario Manuel Morales and the Sardinera Beach, which are linked together.
The former has a cove allowing the waters to remain enjoyable throughout the year. Playa Sardinera has stronger currents and is perfect for windsurfing.
Another pristine destination worth visiting is the Ojo del Buey beach with its calm waters and unusual rock formations. The El Unico Beach is well-known for being the hatching and nesting ground for leatherback sea turtles. For surfers, the high waves at Kikita Beach are a prime attraction. If you are looking for a wide coastline with grand views, Kikita will not disappoint you either.
Right next to the Ritz-Carlton Reserve is the beautiful West Beach. Accessing this beach is possible even if you are not staying at the resort. The natural tidal pool at Mameyal Beach is another hidden gem and a great place for swimming.
Finca Gaia farm with its vast range of flora and fauna is perfect for taking a forest walk. The entire area is focused on the conservation and propagation of various native and endemic plant species. The primary focus is on agrotourism and agroforestry, with the conservation program operated in collaboration with various environmental initiatives.
The other attraction is the Finca Pastoreo, an agroecological farm with various pastoral animals and crops. The tour allows you to view the organic farming methods practiced here, and you can even participate in the processes. While practicing sustainable methods of farming in harmony with nature, the farm also sells delicious meats and eggs.
restaurants in Dorado that are must-visits for gastronomes. From local joints to long-established restaurants, there is a varied range of culinary offerings for every palate.
Some of the Puerto Rican dishes worth trying out are mofongo, arañotas, shrimp stew, mahi mahi, and red snapper fillets.
Besides the traditional restaurants, there are also small kiosks lining the golden beaches that sell authentic Puerto Rican snacks. Deep-fried fresh seafood and other products like plantain and sweet potato are some of the best sellers. Visiting these kiosks is also a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the island lifestyle.
Splash Around in the Watermill Aquatic Park
A water park designed to resemble a traditional sugar mill may seem unconventional, but it provides an exhilarating experience for the whole family. It is the perfect outdoor venue for spending a fun day with the family or for hosting a birthday celebration. However, the park is open only for the guests at the Dorado Beach resort.
The park has dual 30-foot water slides, swimming pools, and a winding lazy river. For refreshments and snacks, there is the Watermill Grill. You can even enjoy nighttime events with choreographed fountains and live music.
Dorado Beach Tennis Center which was established by tennis professionals and caters to players of all skill levels. The center offers private or group lessons, and there are separate sessions to match all players.
In addition, there are also complementary racket rentals and facilities like ball machines. The courts can be reserved 24 hours in advance.
Go for a Fishing Trip
The waters around Dorado offer excellent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. You can take advantage of fishing charters and tours that are led by an experienced captain and crew.
The fishing is great with species like Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna which are tough fighters and will test your fishing skills. However, beginners will also find many targets to sharpen their skills.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the top activities in Dorado, Puerto Rico for those seeking a Caribbean lifestyle. No matter the type of activity you prefer, Dorado has a lot to offer beyond its paradisiacal beaches. In case you are seeking relaxation, there are sophisticated leisure activities to enjoy in luxurious settings.
For potential homebuyers looking for the best property in Dorado, The Colectivo Group offers a premium service as one of the foremost real estate agencies on the island. With a skilled team of agents, we are committed to offering the best service by taking care of your specific needs.
By using our knowledge of the local market and harnessing the power of data, we bring the best real estate solutions for you. To find out more about the best real estate options in Puerto Rico, connect with us.