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North Area

Beginning in the slopes of the central mountains, crossing coastal plains and forests and ending abruptly in the shores of the Atlantic Ocean is the northern region of the island. Not counting those in the Metro area the area encompasses ten towns.

Going west from San Juan the first towns you will find are Toa Alta, Toa Baja, and Dorado. Toa Alta once an important agricultural town is home to El Cañuelo Fort, part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Dorado is known for its golf courses, hotels, and beaches.
Vega Alta and Vega Baja once a single town are an agricultural and manufacturing area. Among the many attractions are Cerro Gordo Beach, Bosque de la Vega, and Casa Alonso.

Manatí, the pineapple center of Puerto Rico is home to many manufacturing operations.

Barceloneta was once part of the town of Manatí and one of the major sugar cane producers, now houses one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical complexes.

Arecibo, the largest city of the north and the third oldest town in the island is home to the Arecibo Observatory and the Arecibo Lighthouse Park.

Hatillo, known for its dairy farms produces about one third of the milk consumed in the island, also known for its Plaza del Norte mall among shoppers. Its next door neighbor, Camuy is home to the Río Camuy Caves Park.