Carolina Hotels

Carolina, Puerto Rico

Situated adjacent to Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan, Carolina is famous for its stunning beaches and thriving culture. It is also known as the ‘Land of the Giants’ in honor of a famous resident, Don Felipe Birriel González, who was nearly eight foot tall.

Top Tourist Attractions

Carolina has plenty to offer by way of breathtaking natural features. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors must be sure to visit El Yunque National Forest, a magnificent tropical rainforest with lush vegetation, rivers and waterfalls. For a relaxing day by the sea, visitors head to the dazzling white sands of Carolina Beach to swim or sunbathe.

Isla Verde, near the Old Town of San Juan, is the main tourist area in Carolina, with numerous luxury resorts located on the picturesque seafront. This district has an abundance of opportunities for entertainment with many excellent restaurants, shops, and casinos. Water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing and snorkeling are also available here.

Cultural Sights

Aside from the beaches and natural beauty, Carolina boasts a number of impressive historic venues, museums and galleries. The city was founded by Spanish colonialists in the 19th Century and remnants of this era are still visible in places. To discover more about Carolina’s history and culture, the Casa Escute museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of History, Anthropology and Art are all well worth a visit.

Seeing the old Spanish fortresses, like the Castillo de San Cristóbal and the Castillo San Philipe del Morro in San Juan, is an essential item for the itinerary. For a further dose of culture, a packed schedule of major productions and concerts is on show at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, one of the world’s top-rated entertainment areas around five miles from the city center.

Shopping and Eating

The largest shopping mall in Puerto Rico, Plaza Carolina, houses more than 240 stores, including some top international brands, along with a variety of restaurants and budget eateries. Another major complex with shops, dining and entertainment all under one roof is the Plaza Las Americas in San Juan. Traditional Puerto Rican handicrafts are on sale in San Juan’s Old Town – including grotesque papier-mâché masks worn during the carnivals, exquisite handmade lace, religious figurines and jewelry.

From local culinary specialties to international cuisine, Carolina caters for all with its vast selection of restaurants. Alternatively, one can sample Puerto Rican produce from a traditional food market such as Rio Piedras, about 20 minutes away by car. With a vibrant, social atmosphere, this provides a great insight into local life.

Planning a trip to Carolina? Take a look at our affordable accommodations options in this city and all around.