Dorado

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.

History

Juan Ponce de León scouted the area around the Toa River, today the La Plata, and the region soon had more than 17 estates shipping their harvests down the river. A "Sitio de Dorado" is mentioned in San Juan registers in the early 18th century, and until 1831 Dorado was a ward of Toa Baja (Wikipedia, Dorado, Puerto Rico).

What to look for

• 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.

What to expect

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.

Key facts