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.
Enjoy a Day of Golf
The TPC Dorado Beach has two 18-hole golf courses – the East Course and the Sugarcane Course – designed by the legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones.
Among these, the East Course has been ranked the number one golf course in Puerto Rico. Both courses have held professional tournaments, celebrities, and top-ranking players.
The combination of the blue ocean and golden beaches makes the East Course one of the most visually stunning courses in the Caribbean. The Sugarcane Course is not much behind with its tropical vibes and verdant greenery. A few sparkling lakes and rivers flowing through the course make the playing experience even more refreshing.
After a satisfying day of golfing, you can relax in the beautiful golf clubhouse while savoring the splendid views. Even if you are a novice player, you can join the Dorado Beach Golf Academy to improve your skills.
Get Close to Nature
Covering an area of 35 acres, the 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.
Visit Cultural Sites
There are several small museums in Dorado that are worth a visit. Built in 1823, the Museo y Centro Cultural Casa del Rey was originally a Spanish garrison. It is the oldest building in the town and houses some unique colonial relics including some items of furniture created for the King and the Queen of Spain.
For a closer look at the fine artistic works created by local craftsmen, be sure to visit the Dorado Museum of Art and History. The museum also has displays about the history of Dorado and the various archaeological findings in the area.
A sunset visit to the Monumento al Velero in Dorado is a must for romantics. The monument pays homage to the sailors and fishermen who are an integral part of Dorado’s maritime history. Since it is located on the waterfront area, the surroundings of the monument are perfect for long walks or simply relaxing on the beach.
Family Time at the Predator Gaming Center
Inspired by the theme of the movie “Alien vs. Predator”, this gaming center is one of the best family entertainment spaces in Puerto Rico.
With its eye-catching interiors and stirring Latin music, the center has a bowling space that can accommodate up to sixty people. It also has a food court and a wood-fired pizza oven where families can enjoy a few bites.
Relish the Local Dishes
No trip to Dorado is complete without indulging in some of the finest Puerto Rican fare. There are several first-rate 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.
Catch the Vibes of a Festival
Festivals and events are a big part of Puerto Rican culture, and the town of Dorado is no exception. In February, the El Carnaval del Plata is held in the main square. This colorful carnival features dance, music, and food, with live performances of traditional music like bomba and delicious bites as part of the celebrations.
In June, the Fiestas Patronales celebration, dedicated to the patron saint San Antonio de Padua is held. The town assumes a vivid look during the festivities with the quintessential rhythm of music accompanied by dance being a big part of the event.
Beyond that, there are Christmas Eve or Nochebuena celebrations with traditional dishes like lechón and arroz con gandules. Since Dorado is close to San Juan, you can also attend festivals like the Festival de la Novilla or the events of Saint John’s Eve.
Swing the Racket
Spend a morning at the 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.