Aguadilla Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Aguadilla, located on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico, is a city that beckons with its tropical charm, stunning beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the "Garden of the Atlantic," the city's picturesque setting and laid-back atmosphere make it a haven for tourists seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.

The city's coastline is dotted with some of the island's most splendid beaches. Crash Boat Beach, once a military port, is now a vibrant destination for sunbathers, surfers, and snorkelers. Its crystal-clear waters and golden sands are perfect for a day under the sun. For those looking for a more serene environment, the secluded coves and calm waters of Survival Beach offer a peaceful retreat.

Aguadilla is also a hotspot for surfers, with spots like Gas Chambers and Wilderness Beach offering challenging waves that draw surf enthusiasts from around the world. The city hosts surf competitions, further cementing its reputation as a premier surfing destination.

Beyond the beaches, Aguadilla's Punta Borinquen Golf Club, located on a former military base, offers golfers a chance to play on a course with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The city's skate park, Las Cascadas Water Park, and the picturesque boardwalk at Paseo Real Marina provide additional recreational opportunities for families and individuals alike.

Culturally, Aguadilla celebrates its rich history through landmarks such as the Punta Borinquen Lighthouse ruins, which stand as silent witnesses to the island's storied past. The city's downtown area, with its charming plazas and colonial architecture, offers a glimpse into the life of the local community.

Aguadilla is not without its culinary delights. Local restaurants serve traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, with fresh seafood being a staple on many menus. Dishes like mofongo, tostones, and arroz con gandules are local favorites that visitors must try to experience the authentic flavors of the island.

As a city that prides itself on its natural beauty, Aguadilla also takes part in wildlife conservation, with the nearby Rincón Lighthouse Park serving as a prime spot for whale watching during the migration season.

Alternative names: Founded: 1775 (249 years ago)Population: 16.1 thous.Area: 3.09 mi²Elevation: 108 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 18°26'16"N, 67°9'15"W

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Region: AguadillaPuerto Rico

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Aguadilla Top Attractions

Aguadilla Attractions - What to See and Explore

Aguadilla offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Punta Borinquen Light, El Parterre, Crash Boat Beach, Borinquen. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Punta Borinquen Light
Perched on the picturesque coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, the Punta Borinquen Light stands as a sentinel over the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This historic lighthouse, which dates back to the late 19th century, was originally constructed to guide ships...
Park
El Parterre
Nestled in the charming coastal city of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, El Parterre is a serene oasis that beckons visitors with its lush greenery and historical significance. This tranquil park serves as a centerpiece of local life and a testament to the town's rich cultural...
Surfing
Crash Boat Beach
Crash Boat Beach is a vibrant and picturesque destination located in the coastal city of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, this beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors with its laid-back...

18°28'20"N • 67°9'40"W
Borinquen
Borinquen is a barrio in the municipality of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Its population in 2010 was 7,415.
Art museum • Museum
District Courthouse
District Courthouse, also known as Museo de Arte de Aguadilla, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, was built in 1925. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. It was designed by architect Rafael Carmoega. The second story now serves as a museum of art.
Cemetery
Old Urban Cemetery
Old Urban Cemetery, also known as Cementerio Municipal, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, is a cemetery with burials dating back to 1813 or 1814. Near the town of Aguadilla's north entrance, it spreads between the beach and the foot of the mountain, and is enclosed by mortar and stone walls.
Church • Hispanic colonial architecture
Iglesia de San Carlos Borromeo
The Iglesia de San Carlos Borromeo is a historic church built in 1783, located on the plaza of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. It was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
18°25'45"N • 67°9'17"W
Cardona Residence
The Cardona Residence is a historic house in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. It was built in 1913. It is "one of the most interesting and best preserved" houses in Aguadilla from its era. The house was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
18°25'41"N • 67°8'13"W
Caimital Bajo
Caimital Bajo is a barrio in the municipality of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Its population in 2010 was 4,487. In Caimatal Bajo barrio is part of the Aguadilla urban zone.
18°25'31"N • 67°9'15"W
López Residence
The López Residence is a historic house in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Built in 1914, this one-story, Neoclassical structure is architecturally significant as a typical urban residence for a well-to-do Puerto Rican family in the early 20th century, and as one of the most important remaining works by architect Manuel Gómez Tejera.
Neighbourhood
Maleza Baja
Maleza Baja is a rural barrio in the municipality of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Its population in 2010 was 1,887.
18°25'22"N • 67°8'48"W
Casa de Piedra
Casa de Piedra, also known as Residencia Amparo Roldán, in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, is a Spanish Colonial-style home that was erected in 1875.
Universities and schools
University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla
The University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla is a public university campus in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. It is part of the University of Puerto Rico. In 2010 the campus went on strike as part of the 2010–2011 University of Puerto Rico strikes.

Things to See and Do in Aguadilla by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Aguadilla.

Active

Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena
Aguadilla
Game and entertainment centerIce rinkSport
Crash Boat Beach
Aguadilla
Surfing
Luis T. Diaz Coliseum
Aguadilla
SportSport venue

Day trips

Aguadilla – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Aguadilla, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Arecibo Observatory (Arecibo), Museo de Arte de Ponce (Ponce), Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes (Ponce).

27 milesE
Specialty museum, Museum, Science museum
Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo
Nestled in the lush hills of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, the Arecibo Observatory stands as a monument to the wonders of the cosmos. This grand scientific complex, once home to the world's largest single-aperture telescope, has long captivated the imaginations of scientists...
46 milesSE
Major museum of art
Museo de Arte de Ponce, Ponce
The Museo de Arte de Ponce is a beacon of culture nestled in the heart of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Renowned for its extensive collection of European and Puerto Rican art, the museum is one of the most significant cultural institutions on the island and a must-see...
44 milesSE
Pre-Columbian archaeological site
Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes, Ponce
Steeped in the rich history of Puerto Rico's indigenous peoples, the Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Tibes in Ponce stands as a crucial archaeological site and museum that brings to life the pre-Columbian cultures of the Caribbean.
45 milesSE
Museum, History museum, Spanish colonial revival architecture
Museo Castillo Serrallés, Ponce
Nestled in the lush hills of the vibrant city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, the Museo Castillo Serrallés stands as a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage and its storied past in the sugar industry. This opulent mansion-turned-museum was once the residence of the...
46 milesSE
Landmark 1882 firehouse and museum
Parque de Bombas, Ponce
Nestled in the heart of Ponce, Puerto Rico, the Parque de Bombas stands as an iconic landmark and a testament to the city’s rich history. This distinctive building, originally designed as the main pavilion for the 1882 Exhibition Trade Fair, later became the first...