A Guidebook
Isabela & Surrounding Areas
We hope you have booked your stay with us. In the meantime, I’d like to help you have a wonderful time in Isabela, so I’ve put together this guidebook with some of the attractions and restaurants in the area. Don’t forget to bookmark it because I am constantly adding new information. I hope you have a great time!
Food & Drink
Places to Eat
From sit-down restaurants to grab-and-go, Isabela offers many eating venues. In our list of ‘panaderias‘, which are bakeries, you’ll also find coffee shops to try.
Chinchorros are kiosks, food trucks and generally places that sell quick meals to go or to eat in an open area.
Restaurants
Ying Ying Restaurant
Chinese food in Puerto Rico is different from Chinese foods in other countries because they tend to incorporate some of our local ingredients into their recipe. Call ahead to place your order then go pick it up. Try their plantains with garlic. Yummy!
Phone Number: 787-872-1333
Directions: Google Maps
Potter Pizza & Butter Bar
Reviews say that the Harry Potter theme is on point, but reviews are mixed. It doesn’t seem to be handicap accessible, but based on the cars parked around the establishment, I’d say it is quite popular. At least try the pizza so you get to experience the theme.
Phone Number: 787-658-6556
Directions: Google Maps
El Pocito Dulce
A very popular lunch spot that serves cafeteria style. Their menu changes daily. Parking across the street. Air conditioning inside. If you prefer sitting outside, they have a beautiful space in their courtyard. They typically close after 2 p.m. and don’t open on weekends. I haven’t had one bad meal here.
Phone Number: 787-872-2646
Directions: Google Maps
Sonido del Mar Restaurant
If you want to eat in a place with a view, this is the place to go! The food is pretty good as well. This is the place I take most of my visitors when they come into town.
Phone Number: 787-428-2763
Directions: Google Maps
Restaurante El Platanal
If you are interested in experiencing a traditional vibe, this is the place to go. From the decor to the waitresses’s uniforms and drinkware, you’ll experience what it use to feel like to eat in a Puerto Rican home.
Phone Number: 787-633-5553
Directions: Google Maps
Panaderias & Coffee Shops
Panaderia Pan Sobao
They sell the best bread in the area. You can order ‘pan de manteca’ (sweet bread) or ‘pan de agua’ (traditional bread). They now sell food as well. While there, grab milk. Their sweets are pretty good, too.
Phone Number: 787-872-9703
Directions: Google Maps
Isabela Bakery
They have many fresh bakery items to choose from. This is also a good place to grab breakfast, cafeteria-style lunch options, and sandwiches. The coffee is brewed right on the spot for you in their espresso machine. Local Tip: Order the ‘Oferta de 6’. You get to pick any six pastry items from the first two display cabinets for a discounted price. (As of this writing, it’s $7.50.)
Phone Number: 787-291-3015
Directions: Google Maps
The Coffee Spot
A great spot for brunch. They have several coffee options to choose from as well as food options. It has excellent reviews on Google as well.
Phone Number: 787-996-7340
Directions: Google Maps
Verde Menta
If you want pancakes at any time of the day, this is the place to go. But they don’t just do pancakes, they have a variety of menu items and specialty coffees as well. The parking here can be a bit tricky though. You may have to block someone and then move your car when they need to leave.
Phone Number: 787-872-6336
Directions: Google Maps
Chinchorros & Bars
Half Quarter Sports Bar
I’ll let their website give you the details.
Phone Number: 787-609-6713
Directions: Google Maps
Julio’s Sport Bar
This is a kiosk, open-air bar right across from Villa Pesquera Beach. Check out the link in Google Maps for their hours of operation. Parking in this area can be tricky.
Phone Number: 787-830-7483
Directions: Google Maps
La Parada de los Surfers
This establishment is a staple in our community. When we want to grab something quick, this is the place to go. They sell authentic Puerto Rican turnovers (empanadas), cheese dogs, corn dogs, etc. It’s all fried, finger foods. Expect long lines during busy times.
Phone Number: None
Directions: Google Maps
Enjoy
Places to Go
Beaches
Playa Jobos
Scenic beach & popular surfing site featuring clear waters & surrounding rock formations. Don’t forget your goggles! You’ll see many of the surfing schools giving their lessons here. There are many places to eat here as well.
Directions: Google Maps
Montones Beach
A very family-friendly beach. It has a beach pond (natural pool) perfect for the kids. There is a rock formation that protects this area from the crashing waves. Park your car at Villas de Mar Hau for peace of mind and a shorter walk. There is a cost for parking here, but I always park with them.
Directions: Google Maps
Shacks Beach
This is one of the best-kept snorkeling and diving spots on this side of the island. No boat is needed to access the Blue Hole, a reef that covers approximately 300 meters where you will find a great variety of fish, corals, and other species of marine life, including sea turtles. There are many rocks and sea urchins, so wear appropriate gear. One reviewer wrote that it’s the perfect spot for watching sunsets. It isn’t geared towards swimming nor is it kid-friendly.
Directions: Google Maps
Middles Beach
A great beach that is easily accessible but best for the advanced-level surfer. It is not a good place for swimmers. The Corona Extra Pro Surf Circuit is held here every year. The next event will be held from November 21-23, 2023.
Directions: Google Maps
Sardineras Beach
This beach is perfect for young and old alike. You can park your car within your viewing range if you go early in the day or later (sunset time). The rock formations protect the beach pond, or natural pool, from the harsh waves that crash over the rocks pouring water into the pool. When the waves recede, you can witness dozens of small cascades of water along the rock barrier.
Directions: Google Maps
Sightseeing
Cacique Mabodamaca
See our giant homage to the Indian Chief who governed the city of Isabela, Cacique Mabodama. This monument is carved on the side of the rock and is a favorite roadside tourist spot. Selfie anyone?
Directions: Google Maps
Ermita San Antonio de Padua
Ermita San Antonio de Padua de la Tuna are the ruins that remain from the church of the 1700s. It is said that this is the first church erected by the Spaniards in the Northwest of Puerto Rico. The church was built like a cross (if you look from above). There is a small museum attached to it.
Directions: Google Maps
Pozo de Jacinto
Pozo de Jacinto is a natural blowhole at one end of the boardwalk. Legend has it that Jacinto was walking with his cow and the cow fell and made this hole in the earth. If you scream, “Jacinto, give me the cow!” water will splash you from the blowhole.
Directions: Google Maps
Guajataca Tunnel
Guajataca Tunnel is the old railway tunnel that used to connect Isabela with the town of Quebradillas. It was used to transport sugar cane. There are no rails any longer, but the tunnel still stands and you can go see it. On weekends, you can find artisans selling their items.
Directions: Google Maps
Places of Worship
Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
All church services are in Spanish. It is wheelchair accessible (on the right side is the ramp). It has a beautiful mural behind the altar, old Spanish-style tiles on the floor and the statue of the Crucified Christ. Worth a visit.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Telephone Number: 787-872-0126
Directions: Google Maps
Central Presbyterian Church
Iglesia Central Presbiteriana is a wheelchair-accessible church in front of the town square. When driving up from A House in Jobos, you’ll see it to your left-hand side.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Telephone Number: 787-872-2540
Directions: Google Maps
IDPMI Pentecostal Church
IDPMI is a wheelchair-accessible church that has plenty of parking. They have many activities as well as church services.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Telephone Number: 787-551-3656
Directions: Google Maps
STAY WITH US
A House in Jobos
A House in Jobos
This 2200-square-foot home is the perfect size for your family. There is plenty of room to spread out indoors and out. It is located on the very active Jobos Avenue and is on a 1600 square meter fenced property exclusively yours! We have may accessibility features AND we are dog-friendly!
Read more about the property.
Ready to book? Go to Airbnb.
Experience
Things to Do
Bike Riding / Scooter Along the Boardwalk
Paseo Lineal is a 4-mile-long boardwalk along the beach. You can walk, run, or bike along this path. Didn’t bring your bike? No problem. RIDE offers motorized bike and scooter rentals at the beach. They even have carriers for your little ones or your pet.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Telephone Number: 939-397-8035
Directions: Google Maps
Horseback Riding on the Beach
How often do you get the opportunity to go horseback riding on a beach? Why not check this off your bucket list! Tropical Trails offers just that for you. They operate 7 days a week and have a morning tour and a sunset tour. I truly enjoyed this experience. The staff is friendly and this is definitely a family-friendly activity (children must be at least 3 years old to participate).
More information can be found on their website.
Telephone Number: 787-872-9256
Directions: Google Maps
Learn to Surf, Stand-up Paddleboard or Go on a Snorkeling Experience.
Right on Jobos beach you can take a surfing lesson or a stand-up paddle lesson. Wanna go on a snorkeling adventure? PR Surf Adventures seems to cover it all.
More information can be found on their website.
Telephone Number: 787-507-2442
Directions: Google Maps
Wednesday Nights are Artisan Nights at Isabela Town Square.
This is seasonal. Go by the Isabela Town Square on Wednesday nights between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and enjoy the products created by local artisans and artists. Enjoy live music on many nights and an excellent family-oriented ambiance. Just turn right when exiting A House in Jobos and drive for a mile.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Contact Information: nochesdeartesaniayarte@gmail.com
Directions: Google Maps
Thursday Nights are Gospel Nights at Isabela Town Square.
This is seasonal. Go by the Isabela Town Square on Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. onwards and enjoy live Gospel music, artisans, and kiosks. It is another excellent family-oriented ambiance. Just turn right when exiting A House in Jobos and drive for a mile.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Contact Information: 939-630-3005
Directions: Google Maps
Friday Nights are Salsa Dancing at Isabela Town Square.
This is seasonal. Go by the Isabela Town Square on Friday nights from 7:00 p.m. onwards and enjoy Salsa dance lessons, live music, artisans and kiosks. It is another excellent family-oriented ambiance. Just turn right when exiting A House in Jobos and drive for a mile.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Contact Information: 787-240-8887
Directions: Google Maps
Charge it!
Retail Therapy
There is a lot of shopping that can be done in Isabela and in the surrounding towns. But keep in mind that retail stores do not provide shopping bags. You will need to either take your own or purchase them at the store. At A House in Jobos we provide you with several shopping bags to use as needed.
Econo Supermarket
One of the main supermarkets in Isabela. It has two ATM machines and you can buy Powerball and Lottery tickets here. Just turn right when exiting our property and it will be on your left hand side, right before entering the center of town.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Telephone Number: 787-872-4033
Directions: Google Maps
Plaza Isabela Shopping Mall
Many stores to accomplish your retail therapy. They include Walmart, Pep Boys, Journeys, Aeropostale, Selectos Supermarket, Burger King, and Caribbean Cinemas among many more.
Directions: Google Maps
Local Shopping
Help boost local families by shopping in the stores located in the town square. For souvenirs, try Nancy’s Gift Shop.
Want an ice cream cone? Then Rex Cream is the place to go. For coffee there are several options, Bohemio Cafe and Aromas Café. Try a sandwich at Sandwich Delight or a burger at Principe Burger.
Looking for something to do after 5:00 p.m.? Enjoy a glass of wine with the locals at The Wine Boutique.
Directions: Google Maps
Feel Your Best
Health & Beauty
Health Care Facilities
Hospital CIMA Isabela (Emergency Room)
This is the local emergency room. It is wheelchair accessible and has plenty of parking.
Phone Number: 787-830-2705
Directions: Google Maps
Farmacia Jobos
This is the closest pharmacy to A House in Jobos. It is a small pharmacy. Isabela has many pharmacies though to choose from. The service here is fast.
Phone Number: 787-872-3660
Directions: Google Maps
Dr. Santiago Rivera
A local general practitioner who speaks English well and still accepts walk-ins when his office permits. His office is typically closed on Wednesdays.
Phone Number: 787-830-1654
Directions: Google Maps
Dr. Nicole Quintana
Dental services that are less than a mile away from our property.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Phone Number: 787-872-2046
Directions: Google Maps
Beauty
Manicura & Pedicura Spa
Why not get a mani and pedi while in Isabela? They are highly rated on Google and have reasonable prices. Park in the lot right before the business (across from Econo Supermarket) and walk here. Call for an appointment. If they do not pick up, they will call you right back.
Phone Number: 939-278-0444
Directions: Google Maps
Making Divas Salon by Christian Lopez
This is the furthest salon from A House in Jobos, but it is worth the trip. They have amazing hair stylists and make-up artists. They even have a barber onsite. Getting an appointment here might be a little tricky though. Call and see what’s available.
More information can be found on their Facebook Page.
Phone Number: 787-431-0013
Directions: Google Maps
Marc’s Barber Shop
Turn left when exiting our property and drive for about 3 minutes. It will be on your right hand side. If the number of cars parked here is any indication of the popularity of this place, I’d say they are pretty good. This is one of the few places that opens 7 days a week.
Phone Number: 787-560-1508
Directions: Google Maps
