Pine Grove is the public beach section at the eastern end of Isla Verde, and it is the best surfing spot in the San Juan metro area. The break here is consistent and beginner-friendly — several surf schools operate from the beach, and you can rent boards and take lessons year-round. In winter, when north swells push through, the waves get more serious and the local surfers come out in force.
The beach itself is narrower than the hotel strip further west, and the atmosphere is noticeably more local. There are food trucks and kiosks rather than resort bars. If you want to swim rather than surf, the water immediately in front is usually fine, but the break makes it more entertaining to watch than to splash around in.