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Meridiela.

Dorado

A north-coast town of golf resorts and calm beaches, with a small restored plaza at its centre.

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Typetown
WhereDorado
Nearest cityDorado
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowA day
Getting thereAbout 25 km west of San Juan on PR-22 and PR-693
EntryFree; beaches and resorts vary

Dorado developed from the 1950s when a resort was built on former plantation land, and it has been the polished end of the north coast ever since, with golf courses, gated developments and hotels along the shore. The public beaches, particularly Playa Sardinera and Ojo del Buey, are calmer than most on this coast because of offshore rock. The town centre keeps a small plaza with a restored church and municipal buildings around it.

What you actually see

  • The calm beaches - Sardinera and others sheltered by offshore rock.
  • Ojo del Buey - a rock formation and river mouth at the western end.
  • The plaza - a small restored square at the centre of the town.
  • The golf courses - the resort courses the town is known for.

When to go

December to April is the drier season and the peak. Weekends bring San Juan visitors to the beaches. Summer is hot and humid with more rain.

Honest expectations

Much of the coast is taken up by private resort and gated development with limited public access. Prices are high by island standards. The town centre is small and takes half an hour.

Nearby

San Juan is east, and Vega Baja is west along the coast.

What to pack for Dorado

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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