Commonly called La Guancha (end of Carr. 14 south), this brand-new waterfront facility compensates for the fact that although Ponce is on the coast, little of it is suitable for recreational use.

At first glance, the development isn’t too welcoming. There are acres of asphalt parking and an enormous characterless park with tons of playground equipment and picnic tables yet not a lick of shade. Venture farther seaward, though, and you’ll find a lovely wide boardwalk along the water that is lined with large pink-and-green matching pavilion- style buildings that house a variety of restaurants and bars. There are also an observation tower and clean, well-maintained bathroom facilities.

Things get particularly lively on the weekends. During the day you can catch a ferry to Caja de Muertos, five miles offshore, for swimming and snorkeling. And at night, families, teenagers, and couples flock here to parade up and down the boardwalk, feeding the fish and stopping in one of the many establishments for some refreshment.