Justin's Guidebook - Hidden Gem, Cerro Gordo
Food scene
Delicious food right by the beach! We love this restaurant and our favorite dishes are the spicy chicken pechuga, nuggets de mero, cordon blue bites, mofongo de pollo (chicken), mofongo de camarones (shrimp), the chicken wrap, the shrimp tempura, and more! We have not had a meal we did not like. The place is not fancy but the food is delicious! Directly across from the beach with beautiful ocean/sunset views. It is just a short walk from our place!
Sol Y Mar
Delicious food right by the beach! We love this restaurant and our favorite dishes are the spicy chicken pechuga, nuggets de mero, cordon blue bites, mofongo de pollo (chicken), mofongo de camarones (shrimp), the chicken wrap, the shrimp tempura, and more! We have not had a meal we did not like. The place is not fancy but the food is delicious! Directly across from the beach with beautiful ocean/sunset views. It is just a short walk from our place!
Great place for drinks and live music! You can get giant mojitos! Highly recommend the sliders with fries and the fish/shrimp tacos.
15 locals raden deze aan
El Oasis, Bar & Picadera
Puerto Rico 693Great place for drinks and live music! You can get giant mojitos! Highly recommend the sliders with fries and the fish/shrimp tacos.
This location is walkable and has live music and dancing on weekends. Great place for local weekend nightlife, fun drinks, and pool tables.
Playero Bar & Grill
Puerto Rico 6690This location is walkable and has live music and dancing on weekends. Great place for local weekend nightlife, fun drinks, and pool tables.
Delicious breakfast and coffee! This is one of the closest breakfast spots to the property. Try the millionaire bacon! If you are looking for a special occasion cake, you can order from them (make sure to contact them in advance!). They also do catering!
Azuca!
264-266 PR-693Delicious breakfast and coffee! This is one of the closest breakfast spots to the property. Try the millionaire bacon! If you are looking for a special occasion cake, you can order from them (make sure to contact them in advance!). They also do catering!
Charlie’s Burger
Puerto Rico 690Delicious burgers!
787 Dream Coffee
Calle Méndez VigoCoffee, breakfast, lunch food truck
Go Fresh (Dorado)
Calle ComercioDelicious and healthy! Will have vegan options.
The neighborhood pizza hang out. Pizza is delicious. Can be a long wait when it is busy!
6 locals raden deze aan
Pizzeria Pagan
Puerto Rico 690The neighborhood pizza hang out. Pizza is delicious. Can be a long wait when it is busy!
El Pizzarrón
Great pizza and an ice cream place!
Grecafé
314 Calle Méndez VigoDelicious food and fun atmosphere on the back patio!
Don Tako Cantina Mexicana
99 Calle BDelicious, fun, close to Dorado beach.
Great atmosphere for drinks and music. This is a location for local weekend nightlife.
26 locals raden deze aan
Limo Viejo Beach
133 Calle CGreat atmosphere for drinks and music. This is a location for local weekend nightlife.
Food with a view! This is a little fancier and you might need a reservation. It's a great spot for a celebration dinner!
27 locals raden deze aan
Kikita Beach House
Calle 13Food with a view! This is a little fancier and you might need a reservation. It's a great spot for a celebration dinner!
Delicious breakfast!!! You will need to find street parking as you get close. There are often spots on the main road. Great for vegan options.
9 locals raden deze aan
Green Bites
#282 Calle Méndez VigoDelicious breakfast!!! You will need to find street parking as you get close. There are often spots on the main road. Great for vegan options.
La Terraza
Calle MarginalHighly recommend the steak risotto!!!!
Delicious burgers! They have ones that come with plantain inside.
14 locals raden deze aan
Lula's Burger Bar & Grill
800 PR-693Delicious burgers! They have ones that come with plantain inside.
Want Puerto Rican Food the island is known for? Check this place out for Lechón, carne frita, and more!
Casita Guavate - Dorado
Want Puerto Rican Food the island is known for? Check this place out for Lechón, carne frita, and more!
Punto Plena
279 Calle Méndez VigoGreat for a piña colada and an alcapurria!
Delicous! This is a little fancier and requires a reservation. Great place for a celebration dinner.
New York Steakhouse
200 Dorado Del Mar BoulevardDelicous! This is a little fancier and requires a reservation. Great place for a celebration dinner.
This is an event space and is not open every day. Events require the purchase of a ticket. You can check their Insta page for information or check Ticketera to purchase tickets.
El Patio Fusion Lounge
This is an event space and is not open every day. Events require the purchase of a ticket. You can check their Insta page for information or check Ticketera to purchase tickets.
Delicious! Amazing seafood, steaks, drinks. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. This is a more upscale dining experience.
37 locals raden deze aan
KGB Kitchen Gallery Bistro
Avenue HiguillarDelicious! Amazing seafood, steaks, drinks. Breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner. This is a more upscale dining experience.
Great spot for photos and fish tacos. Located at the shoreline and next to a giant PR flag.
El Caracol Restaurant
Great spot for photos and fish tacos. Located at the shoreline and next to a giant PR flag.
Italian restaurant in Dorado. It is very popular but we can't personally recommend it because we haven't eaten there yet.
28 locals raden deze aan
Grappa
247 Calle Méndez VigoItalian restaurant in Dorado. It is very popular but we can't personally recommend it because we haven't eaten there yet.
Caribbean restaurant. This restaurant is often recommended and is very popular. We have not eaten there yet so cannot give a personal recommendation.
28 locals raden deze aan
El Ladrillo
334 Calle Méndez VigoCaribbean restaurant. This restaurant is often recommended and is very popular. We have not eaten there yet so cannot give a personal recommendation.
Café Cuatro Sombras
800 Puerto Rico 693Great for coffee and breakfast
Açai Express Dorado
Açai option in Dorado (10 min drive).
Sushi Kytto Bar Dorado
Avenida José EfrónSushi and hibachi
Wood Doughnuts Ocean Park
Donut food truck
Delicious Puerto Rican food! It is located across the street from the beach in Dorado (Balneario de Dorado).
27 locals raden deze aan
Katrina
Calle ADelicious Puerto Rican food! It is located across the street from the beach in Dorado (Balneario de Dorado).
Tres Palos Bar & Grill
Food truck park - pizza, tacos, sandwiches, pinchos
This restaurant often comes up as the place with the best Chinese in Dorado. We have not tried it yet.
Nolo's Fried Chicken & Chinese
389 Calle Méndez VigoThis restaurant often comes up as the place with the best Chinese in Dorado. We have not tried it yet.
Relatively new Spanish tapas and wine restaurant. Comes recommended by a friend of ours but we have not tried it ourselves yet.
La Rambla
Relatively new Spanish tapas and wine restaurant. Comes recommended by a friend of ours but we have not tried it ourselves yet.
Lechón Dorado
ROMBO Asador Playero
Cosechando Bar & Grill
Blooming Cup
311 Calle Méndez VigoFinca Pastoreo
Farm with a store, maze, wood fired pizza, and ice cream. Located in Dorado
Gelato Orquídea Negra
Gelato at Finca Pastoreo in Dorado
Maggie Moo's
Avenida José EfrónIce cream and sorbet
Açaí Express
Açaí food truck with drive through
Mi Viejo Cafe Bar & Grill
Calle MarginalPuerto Rican restaurant in Vega Baja.
Waterfront restaurant in Vega Baja. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food!
21 locals raden deze aan
Restaurante Villa Pesquera Cibuco
Waterfront restaurant in Vega Baja. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the food!
Hiedra Cocktail Bar - Dorado
New tapas and cocktail bar in Dorado.
Restaurante El Campeón
New restaurant in Dorado!
Gelati Di Gusto
Gelato, açaí, and café in Dorado.
La Pachanga, Dorado
New Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere in Dorado (10-15 min drive)
COROZO FRUTY CREAM
Sightseeing
Beautiful beach! It is walkable from the Hidden Gem but there is paid public parking as well from Wednesday - Sunday (unless closed due to weather conditions, etc.). We highly recommend snorkeling at this beach. There is a family of sea turtles that are always there (within the rope line!). We have also seen barracuda, spotted eagle rays, sting rays, star fish, and lots of different fish/coral. Great for paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling. The water is beautiful!
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Always check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
31 locals raden deze aan
Balneario Cerro Gordo
Beautiful beach! It is walkable from the Hidden Gem but there is paid public parking as well from Wednesday - Sunday (unless closed due to weather conditions, etc.). We highly recommend snorkeling at this beach. There is a family of sea turtles that are always there (within the rope line!). We have also seen barracuda, spotted eagle rays, sting rays, star fish, and lots of different fish/coral. Great for paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling. The water is beautiful!
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Always check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
The Cerro Gordo Mountain Bike Trail/National Park is great for hiking, adventuring, and biking. There are amazing views, hidden little beaches, amazing views, and fun times along the trails! It is a must do while at the Hidden Gem!
17 locals raden deze aan
Cerro Gordo MTB Trail
Calle PrincipalThe Cerro Gordo Mountain Bike Trail/National Park is great for hiking, adventuring, and biking. There are amazing views, hidden little beaches, amazing views, and fun times along the trails! It is a must do while at the Hidden Gem!
One of our favorite beaches. It is a shallow pool area for kids and rocks to climb on. Beautiful long beach and calm water. Only 15-20 minute drive.
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Always check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Climbing the rocks can be dangerous. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
55 locals raden deze aan
Puerto Nuevo-strand
One of our favorite beaches. It is a shallow pool area for kids and rocks to climb on. Beautiful long beach and calm water. Only 15-20 minute drive.
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Always check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Climbing the rocks can be dangerous. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
Make an appointment for a local rum tour! Just 7-10 min drive. Look for the TRESCLAVOS rum in stores.
San Juan Artisan Distillers
Make an appointment for a local rum tour! Just 7-10 min drive. Look for the TRESCLAVOS rum in stores.
Super cute natural swimming hole. There are swings, kayaks, food stands, and more. It is very popular on Insta. (15 min drive)
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
18 locals raden deze aan
Ojo de Agua
Super cute natural swimming hole. There are swings, kayaks, food stands, and more. It is very popular on Insta. (15 min drive)
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
Best zip lining on the island. Take an adventure up into the mountains for the day and have a great adventure! The views are amazing! It is worth the drive!
Stop at Casa Bavaria on the way or one of the many small restaurants in the mountains.
463 locals raden deze aan
Toro Verde Adventure Park
State Route 155Best zip lining on the island. Take an adventure up into the mountains for the day and have a great adventure! The views are amazing! It is worth the drive!
Stop at Casa Bavaria on the way or one of the many small restaurants in the mountains.
Ron del Barrilito - Hacienda Santa Ana
Puerto Rico 5Rum tasting tour (30 min drive)
There is website for the observatory with information. Make sure you verify if the observatory is open before going.
184 locals raden deze aan
Arecibo Observatory
Puerto Rico 625There is website for the observatory with information. Make sure you verify if the observatory is open before going.
Kasteel San Felipe del Morro
501 Bulevar del ValleOld San Juan
El Morro
Calle BeneficenciaOld San Juan
Distrito T-Mobile
250 Convention BlvdTours available. The mixology tour is consistently a tourist favorite. (35 min drive)
196 locals raden deze aan
Casa Bacardí
200 PR-165Tours available. The mixology tour is consistently a tourist favorite. (35 min drive)
This beach is Insta famous! It is a horseshoe shape and is beautiful. You can climb the rocks for amazing views. There are usually food stands. (27 min drive)
**Note: Majority of the area to enter the water is rocky and can be slippery. We suggest water shoes.
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Always check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Climbing the rocks can be dangerous. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
128 locals raden deze aan
Mar Chiquita Beach
This beach is Insta famous! It is a horseshoe shape and is beautiful. You can climb the rocks for amazing views. There are usually food stands. (27 min drive)
**Note: Majority of the area to enter the water is rocky and can be slippery. We suggest water shoes.
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Always check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Climbing the rocks can be dangerous. Know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
Caves with indigenous petroglyphs. Experience some of Puerto Rico's rich history. (50 min drive)
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. Do your research before going anywhere and know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
204 locals raden deze aan
Cueva del Indio
Caves with indigenous petroglyphs. Experience some of Puerto Rico's rich history. (50 min drive)
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. Do your research before going anywhere and know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
Cultural theme park, lighthouse with marine artifacts, small aquarium and zoo, mini water park, pirate ships, and more. Great for kids! (40 min drive)
103 locals raden deze aan
Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park
Carretera 655Cultural theme park, lighthouse with marine artifacts, small aquarium and zoo, mini water park, pirate ships, and more. Great for kids! (40 min drive)
ATV tracks, go karts, mini farm, horseback riding, and more. (27 min drive)
Hacienda Recreativa Mar Chiquita
ATV tracks, go karts, mini farm, horseback riding, and more. (27 min drive)
Natural spring swimming hole
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. Do your research before going anywhere and know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
22 locals raden deze aan
El Manantial de Tortuguero
Calle VenusNatural spring swimming hole
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. Do your research before going anywhere and know your limits. Use appropriate caution and common sense!
Spring fed swimming hole (this is an adventure and does not have facilities near it)
40 minute drive to get there from the property
14 locals raden deze aan
Zanja Fria
Spring fed swimming hole (this is an adventure and does not have facilities near it)
40 minute drive to get there from the property
This group offers Tanama river tours and trike/motorcycle adventure tours! Check them out on FB.
7 locals raden deze aan
Caribe Adventures
Road PR10This group offers Tanama river tours and trike/motorcycle adventure tours! Check them out on FB.
Fishing charters in salt or fresh water. Based in Dorado. (15 min drive)
7 locals raden deze aan
Puerto Rico Sportfishing Charters
Calle AFishing charters in salt or fresh water. Based in Dorado. (15 min drive)
Horseback riding on the beach. 2 hour tours. (27 min drive)
14 locals raden deze aan
Horseback Riding Manati
Horseback riding on the beach. 2 hour tours. (27 min drive)
The Walk of Wings in Barceloneta (30 min drive). Go to Strawberry & Coffee Lovers for amazing food/desert/smoothies if you go to the Walk of Wings!
Paseo de las Alas
The Walk of Wings in Barceloneta (30 min drive). Go to Strawberry & Coffee Lovers for amazing food/desert/smoothies if you go to the Walk of Wings!
Per their website, you can book lessons, rentals, and tours including surfing, snorkeling, paddle boards, and sea scooters. Make sure to do so in advance.
We do not have personal experience with this company (not yet).
Surf & Snorkel Cerro Gordo
Per their website, you can book lessons, rentals, and tours including surfing, snorkeling, paddle boards, and sea scooters. Make sure to do so in advance.
We do not have personal experience with this company (not yet).
River/cave adventure in nearby Vega Baja (25 min drive). Also referred to as "Charco Azul" in Vega Baja.
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. This adventure requires maneuvering over slippery terrain, steep drop offs, etc. Do your research before going and know your limits. Use appropriate caution!
9 locals raden deze aan
Cuevas De Arenales
Calle Los OrtegaRiver/cave adventure in nearby Vega Baja (25 min drive). Also referred to as "Charco Azul" in Vega Baja.
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. This adventure requires maneuvering over slippery terrain, steep drop offs, etc. Do your research before going and know your limits. Use appropriate caution!
Stunning waterfalls! This is a 1.5hr drive and an amazing adventure!
203 locals raden deze aan
Gozalandia Hiking Area
Sector LechuzaStunning waterfalls! This is a 1.5hr drive and an amazing adventure!
Cerro Gordo Bike Shop
Rent a bicycle in Cerro Gordo!
This is a VERY popular beach to go to explore a small cave over the water.
**Note: Always use caution and common sense when adventuring in nature!**
Playa La Cueva Las Golondrinas
This is a VERY popular beach to go to explore a small cave over the water.
**Note: Always use caution and common sense when adventuring in nature!**
This small beach has a swing.
**Note: We have not been to this beach. Use of anything, including the swing, is at your own risk! Make good decisions out there :) **
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. Do your research before going anywhere and know your limits. Use appropriate caution!
Playa Ojo de Agua
This small beach has a swing.
**Note: We have not been to this beach. Use of anything, including the swing, is at your own risk! Make good decisions out there :) **
CAUTION: Adventuring always has potential risks involved. Check marine conditions/currents before entering any water. Flash flooding can occur after rain in the area and rain further up the mountain. Do your research before going anywhere and know your limits. Use appropriate caution!
Another great beach option along the north coast (Toa Baja). On weekends there are kayak and paddleboat rentals.
38 locals raden deze aan
Punta Salinas Spa
Puerto Rico 165Another great beach option along the north coast (Toa Baja). On weekends there are kayak and paddleboat rentals.
Want to go to Old San Juan but don't want to drive into the city? Go to the Cataño ferry and take a beautiful ride over to Old San Juan. Make sure you know the ferry schedule for your return.
Ferry Terminal
Las Nereidas AvenueWant to go to Old San Juan but don't want to drive into the city? Go to the Cataño ferry and take a beautiful ride over to Old San Juan. Make sure you know the ferry schedule for your return.
Scuba Motion
Puerto Rico 2Casinos
Newly remodeled and reopened! It is small but brand new inside. 15 minutes away.
It is inside the Embassy Suites/Dorado Del Mar gated community. When you pull up to the gate, tell them you are going to the casino.
Blue Dolphin Casino Dorado
Newly remodeled and reopened! It is small but brand new inside. 15 minutes away.
It is inside the Embassy Suites/Dorado Del Mar gated community. When you pull up to the gate, tell them you are going to the casino.
Casino Atlantico Manati
This casino is 20-25 minutes to the West in Manatí.
Gas Stations Nearby
This is the closest gas station. You can pay at the pump using the Puma app if you download it and create an account. Otherwise, you will need to go inside to prepay (this is typical in PR).
Puma Energy
This is the closest gas station. You can pay at the pump using the Puma app if you download it and create an account. Otherwise, you will need to go inside to prepay (this is typical in PR).
Malls
Plaza las Americas is the largest mall in Puerto Rico! (30 min drive)
607 locals raden deze aan
Plaza Las Americas
525 Av. Franklin Delano RooseveltPlaza las Americas is the largest mall in Puerto Rico! (30 min drive)
Los Outlets De Barceloneta
1 Premium Outlets BoulevardOutlet mall (25 min drive)
Closest movie theatre is Caribbean Cinemas in Dorado.
35 locals raden deze aan
Caribbean Cinemas of Dorado
Closest movie theatre is Caribbean Cinemas in Dorado.
Galería Artesanal
Artisan store in the Rio Condo Mall (25 min drive)
Photographers
This is a local photographer who can take family, vacation, birthday, event portraits.
**Note: We have not personally used Mr. Sotomayor's services. He is located very close to the property and you can view his work on his social media page.
Rafael Sotomayor Photography LLC
This is a local photographer who can take family, vacation, birthday, event portraits.
**Note: We have not personally used Mr. Sotomayor's services. He is located very close to the property and you can view his work on his social media page.
Grocery Stores
Supermercado Selectos
Puerto Rico 688This is the closest grocery store. Great for basics.
This is a convenience store with beer, wine, liquor located in the neighborhood. They also make delicious bread daily and often have a pastry for breakfast. They have ice and propane tanks.
Sammy's Liquor Store
Puerto Rico 690This is a convenience store with beer, wine, liquor located in the neighborhood. They also make delicious bread daily and often have a pastry for breakfast. They have ice and propane tanks.
This is a larger grocery store with more variety than Selectos. They have two locations in Dorado (10 minute drive).
SuperMax
This is a larger grocery store with more variety than Selectos. They have two locations in Dorado (10 minute drive).
Gourmet Grocery Store - get delicious pre-seasoned meats to cook on the griddle with pre-made sides!
Recommendations - EVERYTHING is delicious!
Personal Favorites -
Sides: Coditos (pasta salad) and Garbanzo salad (chickpea)
Dips: Spicy Crab
Meats: ALL OF THEM!
35 locals raden deze aan
La Hacienda Meat Center
Puerto Rico 693Gourmet Grocery Store - get delicious pre-seasoned meats to cook on the griddle with pre-made sides!
Recommendations - EVERYTHING is delicious!
Personal Favorites -
Sides: Coditos (pasta salad) and Garbanzo salad (chickpea)
Dips: Spicy Crab
Meats: ALL OF THEM!