By Lydette Lanzó Rivera
Whether you reach Aguadilla by car, touring the PR-2 through the northern coast, passing by Hatillo, Quebradillas and Isabela; or by plane, arriving at the Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN), which welcomed over 600,000 visitors in 2018, getting an aerial view of the northwestern coast, this beach town will entertain you with every step you take. No matter what your interests are, Aguadilla has a place for you, from world class waves to Spanish colonial era structures.
Follow me to discover what the Atlantic Garden has in store for you!
First thing’s first
Nothing’s fun on an empty stomach. Start your day off with a fueling breakfast. Near the airport, there’s a little café selling freshly baked goods while they last. Levain Artisan Breads and Bakery invites you in for a coffee but stay for their flaky croissants and their savory quiches. However, closer to Crash Boat, Mona serves breakfast all day, including crème brûlée French toasts and the great sweet and salty combination that is chicken and waffles. Maybe skip breakfast and join them for lunch. Whichever hour, you won’t be disappointed.
Once you’ve rested, head to the beach! Aguadilla is home to more than 15 surfing spots. From Crash Boat to Survival Beach, you’ll get thrilling surf breaks on all levels. Whether you’re an amateur or a rookie, this beach town will satisfy your needs with foamy waters and turquoise tunnels. Not only that but Punta Borinquen, which is the 11th World Surfing Reserve, borders Aguadilla’s northern coast. It’s 5 miles of coastline between Crash Boat and Survival Beach, offering world-class waves. Don’t miss out on this natural sight!
But, wait, there’s more!
If surfing’s not up your alley, and are more inclined to explore the ocean floor, Crash Boat beach offers the perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving. Crystal clear waters will allow you to see the turtles swimming underneath the docks and a variety of corals adorning the ocean floor. Also, the India “El Natural” Beach is regarded as the best spot for diving according to locals.
Aside from surfing, diving, snorkeling, and bathing at the beach, Aguadilla has various activities on the ground. Hop on a horse in Playuela with Playuela Horse Rides. Starting from Peña Blanca to Punta Borinquen, you’ll make several stops throughout the trail in places like Wilderness Beach and the Punta Borinquen Lighthouse ruins.
Challenge yourself to a game of golf in Puerto Rico’s only public golf course, the Punta Borinquen Golf Club. After the military base where it’s situated closed down in 1973, the property was opened to the public. It was one of President Eisenhower’s favorites. This piece of land overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and, if you visit on the right season, you’ll be able to see whales at a distance. If not, the sunset serves as a fair consolation prize.
Refuel for the remainder of the trip
Sometimes pleasing everybody’s palate in a group or family outing can be a little tedious. However, the Aguadilla Food Truck Park right off PR-110 has got your back. Ranging from Mexican to Peruvian, from Greek to Japanese, the wide variety of food you’ll find in this parking lot is enough to satisfy even the picky eaters. Feel the natural breeze, while enjoying an assortment of dishes. Pro tip: order from more than one food truck and share them, so you’ll taste all of them. If you’re searching for a sit-down restaurant where the air conditioner soothes the heat from the beach, GudVibes is killing it with its all organic, vegetarian menu.
Make your way from PR-110 to the coastline, where you’ll find the town square. Stroll through the town and learn about its history in the process. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Aguadilla and Caribbean Art Museum, which offers several art workshops and yoga classes throughout the year. Further into the town, the Parterre that has an Ojo de Agua, a natural spring which was a source of water for Spanish soldiers, courses through the park, reaches the Fuente de la Juventud Plaza and flows into the Aguadilla Bay. Some color catching houses decorating the mountain will inevitably catch your eye. Vibrantly painted houses make up the largest macro mural in the western region. The Cerro Cabrera neighborhood faces the ocean with a lively aspect and hides numerous artworks between its alleys.
Call it a good day
After a full day uncovering all the wonderful spots in town, the word is the PR-110 and PR-107 are booming with an array of businesses offering a diverse experience, from gastronomy to nightlife. Starting off the 110 road, The Beer Box, since 2012, has been pouring craft beer on tap. Currently, they’re serving 16 beers on tap, with a selection of curated bottles and canned beers. Although they do have imported beers, try out a local one while enjoying their bar bites menu. Down the 107, sit-down restaurants like Desecheo and Zazones have been cooking up flavorful Puerto Rican food. Don’t pass up the opportunity to try a whole fried snapper, which is a local favorite.
Close down your night in Aguadilla Pueblo, where Tu Mojito serves up numerous mojito flavors, frozen or on the rocks. Ranging from the traditional one to delicious combinations like strawberry and passion fruit, this small green building will seal the deal.
