Travel to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

If you landed on this page, then most likely you are planning to visit Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, if so, you are in for a treat, because this little corner of the Island is simply enchanting. It is your time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, delightful cuisines, and laid-back atmosphere of the West Coast of Puerto Rico. 

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Let's talk a little bit about the origins of Ramey Base.  Back in 1939, the U.S. government started scooping up land to establish what eventually became the Punta Borinquen Airfield. Situated north of Aguadilla, this base sprawled across approximately 4,357 acres and played a pivotal role during World War II and the Cold War. Our house in Ramey used to house soldiers back in the day before most of the military housing was sold to the public during the 1970s. Which makes our house in Ramey a very old house. Now a days, Ramey Base still holds a significant military and federal law enforcement presence, as it is home to the U.S. Coast Guard Borinquen, the U.S. National Guard, and U.S.  Customs and Border Protection. For history buffs, a visit to the Borinquen Field/Ramey AFB Museum is a must – and it's free! 

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If you have a few leisurely days in Ramey, there is a good selection of things to do within Ramey Base (most of them free). For the outdoorsy people, Ramey has beautiful hiking trails located in Borinquen Beach that have been maintained by the local non-for-profit Rescate Playas Borinquen. Near the trails you can also admire the historic Ruins that were once occupied by the Spanish, also located in Borinquen Beach.  On your way to the trails, you will pass by the Punta Borinquen Golf Club, which is a perfect place to golf as it overlooks the ocean, and you can also admire the planes as they fly into the Rafael Hernandez Airport.  There are also a few tennis courts and a running track by the Airport.

 

While we are on the topic of exercise, Ramey also has a Pilates Studio and a Gym, if that is more your thing. For some family fun, there is a Skate and Splash Park that consists of three main areas, a water playground zone, a non-wet playground area, and an expansive skateboarding park with various skating pools. Another family-fun activity to do in the area, is Bowling at the Aguadilla Bowling Center located right in front of the Airport. For the night-owls, there is a 24-hour Casino, Ocean Casino.  Important Information: You will need to bring your own gear if planning on visiting the Skate Park & Tennis/Pickle ball courts.

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Thinking of relaxing in the sand with the sound of the waves resetting your soul? There are three main beaches located inside of Ramey Base that are perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, searching for hermit crabs, snorkeling and surfing.  In no particular order, let's start with Borinquen Beach. This beach is perfect for a scenic picnic and enjoying the sunset. There is a parking lot with garbage bins that has been restored by Rescate Playas Borinquen. The surf can get a bit rough, and this beach is known to have rip currents, so be mindful if visiting. From this beach you can drive to the nearby beach of Wilderness, known for its perfect surfing conditions. But before getting to Wilderness Beach, you will see the old Lighthouse Ruins, or as us locals call them, Las Ruinas. A perfect spot to admire the history and take photos. On your way to Wilderness beach, there are lovely hiking/biking trails and pretty beaches. You might also see motor-craft enthusiasts motoring around. Once at Wilderness Beach, you can admire lots of surfers and/or join in the surf.

 

On the other side of Ramey Base, there is another beach called Surfer's Beach. This beach is also known for its surfing conditions, but it is also a good spot for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles! Based on my own experience not too long ago; while standing on the sand, I spotted about 3 sea turtles cruising amongst the waves. This beach is also a fun place to find hermit crabs with the kiddos. If you look closely at the rocks, you will find tons of them! And lastly, through a short walk from Surfer's Beach, we have the ever-stunning Survival Beach. With its stunning rock formations and secluded beach, it is definitely worth a visit. It is about a 15-minute hike thought the woods to get to this beach. You can find more information about how to get there here. For those who like booking tours & adventures, there is a really good snorkeling tour that meets close to D Siesta House at Ramey's local Bakery. Important Tips: There are no facilities or Lifeguards in any of the beaches in Ramey. It is best to go during the day light hours. Be mindful, don't try to get in the water if the surf is rough or the tide is high.

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Now on to what most of us love to do while on vacation, eating! There are a good number of eateries in Ramey, some of them have been around for several decades. One of these Ramey staples is none other than Ramey Bakery. They serve delicious authentic Puerto Rican breakfasts, coffee, sandwiches, and tasty pastries at an affordable price. Make sure you grab some Quesitos from there! Another longtime resident of Ramey is El Sion. This is a Peruvian Food Truck that has been in Ramey for at least 20 years serving generous amounts of delicious food, great for a hefty lunch! But if you are in the mood for greasy deliciousness, check out Cofo's Pizza Food Truck. They have been serving up food for decades in the same spot. These three eateries mentioned are true Ramey Base originals, and definitely worth a visit. 

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Through the years, there have been quite a number of new restaurants in the area. Amongst some of the newer ones, there are some that really stand out. Levain Artisian Breads is a perfect example of one. Here you can shop tastefully crafted artesian breads and pastries that you can enjoy with a delicious coffee or meal that you've whipped up at our D Siesta House. For a night out with family or friends, check out Yonaguni's Sushi Bar. They have ample seating and a varied menu for everyone's palate. Among the local restaurants, Malo es  Na, is a good place to find authentic Puerto Rican Mofongo and Mojitos. These are only a few of the food joints Ramey has to offer. During your stay go, out and explore the area! Let us know if you discover any other restaurant that should be added to our list. Tip: Restaurants hours vary, make sure you call ahead or visit their websites.

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Now that we've scratched the surface on things to do inside Ramey, let's dive into what's to do outside of Ramey.

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Things to do outside of Ramey

 

Less than 15 minutes from Ramey Base you will find a few of the most popular beaches in Puerto Rico. During the weekends and holidays, you can expect these beaches to be bustling with beach goers.  Let's begin with Crash Boat Beach. This beach is perfect for families to bask in the sun and play in the turquoise waters. Bring snorkeling gear as there is an abundance of vibrant fish waiting to be discovered! FYI: Food Trucks on site most days! Crash Boat is also a hot spot for scuba diving and home to CrashBoat WaterSports , a one-stop shop for underwater adventures and beach equipment rentals that include everything from beach chairs to scuba gear. 

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For more family friendly beaches nearby, you can check out Jobos Beach and Montones Beach in the neighboring city of Isabela. Jobos Beach is a very popular beach for surfing competitions. There are many restaurants just a short walk away from the beach. While at Jobos, you can also walk to El Pozo the Jacinto (Jacinto's Well), a natural opening, made by the sea. Legend has it, there was once a farmer by the name of Jacinto that had a favorite cow.  One day, the cow walked too close to the hole and fell, dragging Jacinto along. Based on this local legend, whenever anyone gets close to the opening and yells "“Jacinto, dame la vaca!” (Jacinto, give me the cow), water will shoot up from the hole, angry, as it to say: “you are not taking my cow”. Visitors should use caution as the natural opening and the rocks are very sharp

 

Further down the road, you can find Montones Beach, an ideal spot for families with children. The shallow areas of this beach make it easy for kids to play and splash around, while parents relax on the sand. Plus, for those who love to snorkel, there's a small drop off area where you can explore the underwater world. And with parking and easy access available via Villas del Mar Hau, it's a convenient choice for a day at the beach. 

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Other fantastic things to do in Puerto Rico are visiting a Bio Luminescent Bay (Puerto Rico has 3 of them), hiking El Yunque (the U.S. only Tropical Rain Forest), Horse Back Riding on the Beach, Zip Lining through the mountains, and sipping a cup of coffee at a Hacienda (Coffee Plantation). You can find more information about these adventures here.

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Our guide to things to do cannot end without us guiding you towards delicious foods. Just outside of Ramey, you can find some good spots to grab tasty creative food with a coffee or a cold drink.  Finca & Fern is the perfect example of one. Freshly brewed and local sourced coffee can be found at this quaint shop. But if you are looking to grab a cold beer and maybe a burger with fries, check out The Beer Box. A landmark of Puerto Rico’s vibrant craft beer scene. Another good restaurant and longtime favorite that is nearby is the Golden Crown. This restaurant is known for its delicious Chinese cuisine. Other restaurant worth noting are Palmas Cafe, Reef, Mona, Cinco, and Desecheo. These are only a few among many of the local restaurants. 

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So, know you have sneak peek at all the things you could be doing when you stay in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. We look forward to hearing how much you've enjoyed your stay!

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