El Malecon, Esperanza, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Esperanza’s waterfront strip on the south coast, with restaurants, local artists, a family-friendly beach nearby and sunsets over the water.
Free & Open
The ruins of the Playa Grande sugar plantation stand on the western side of Vieques, where lush tropical vegetation has grown over the old brick walls.
Vieques had five sugar mills and plantations. Growing and exporting sugar was the island’s main industry. Workers put in long days for 50 cents of pay. The Playa Grande plantation closed in the 1940s, after the Navy expropriated the land.
The Conservation Trust Museum in Esperanza runs tours of the ruins. Reservations are required. To book, call 787-741-8850.
You can also visit without a guide. The entrance is west of the ROTHR (Relocatable Over-the-Horizon Radar) facility, near Playa Grande Beach. From the road, a trail leads to the ruins, and you can reach them on foot or by bike.
This is a historic landmark. Please leave any artifacts where they are and take your trash with you. Leave no trace.
Hours: Always open
Rules: Take only pictures, leave only footprints
Best time to go: Anytime. Bring bug spray for early mornings and evenings. It can also be very hot and wind-free in the jungle, so bring plenty of water.
Esperanza’s waterfront strip on the south coast, with restaurants, local artists, a family-friendly beach nearby and sunsets over the water.
Free & Open
The last Spanish fort built in the Americas. Interior of the fort is currently closed to the public.
Free & Open
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