Nicknamed the “Land of Giants”, Carolina sprawls to the east of San Juan and is the former home of Puerto Rico’s tallest man. It encompasses the beachside resort of Isla Verde and the Piñones State Forest, as well as a number of excellent museums in its cultural downtown area.
Things to do in Carolina
See the works of emerging Puerto Rican artists at the Museo Casa Escuté, which is housed in an elegant home once belonging to a wealthy Carolina merchant. Rotating exhibitions are held throughout the year, together with displays on influential people and events that have shaped the city’s history.
Across the road stands the new Galeria de los Gigantes, which celebrates the life of one of Carolina’s most famous residents. See a life-size model and the size-22 shoes of Felipe Birriel Fernandez who was 2.4 metres tall, then admire the photographs from his funeral, one of the largest ever in Puerto Rico.
Relax on the shores of Isla Verde Beach north of Carolina, considered one of the best strips of sand in Puerto Rico. Rent a jet ski and enjoy the thrill of a banana boat ride or venture below the water’s surface while scuba diving nearby reefs.
A short drive from Isla Verde is the Piñones State Forest, which is a popular hangout for locals on the weekends. Follow the mangrove forest boardwalks and explore the tidal pools along the rocky coast, then listen to live bands while feasting on authentic Puerto Rico fare at the food stalls.
Getting around Carolina
Carolina is a 10-minute drive from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and the centre of San Juan. Buses travel throughout Carolina and connect to Isla Verdes.