Highway 22, which merges into Route 2, runs west from San Juan along the Island's north coast. There are several nice beaches just outside San Juan, such as the balnearios at Vega Alta and Dorado. The two Hyatt resorts, built on an old plantation outside of Dorado, are world-class resorts with challenging golf courses and a lovely beach. The Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach has the world's longest river pool. Mar Chiquita beach, north of Manatí, is worth a visit, and Los Tubos is a good place to surf.

A number of worthwhile attractions lie south of Arecibo. This is the karst region, a dramatic landscape of limestone, haystack-shaped hills and caves. More than 800 years ago, the Taínos built the recreation and worship areas of the Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park (take Route 10 from Route 2, then go right on Route 111). Ten Taíno ball courts and stone monoliths are surrounded by limestone hills.

An extensive cave system can be explored at the 300-acre Río Camuy Cave Park (head north on Route 129 from Route 111). Guided tours go through tropical vegetation and into caves, where sinkholes, subterranean streams and giant stalactites abound. The cave system was formed by one of the world's largest underground rivers. The Arecibo Observatory is home to the world's largest radar, radio telescope (from Route 129, take Routes 134 to Route 635 and then on to Route 625). The Cornell University scientists who operate the facility search for radio emissions from across the galaxies. The picturesque Dos Bocas Lake and Lake Guajataca are also in the region.

West of Arecibo, Route 2 edges close to the rough Atlantic coast as it passes through Camuy, Quebradillas and Aguadilla. Several beaches and lodging facilities are in the area. A nice spot is The Tunnel, where an eatery and picnic area border a wide beach at the site of an old railroad tunnel. Crash Boat Beach is lined with palms and has calmer waters.

Rincón (take Route 115 from Aguadilla) is renowned for its surfing, but its long beaches, mango trees and rolling hills will charm any visitor. A nice lighthouse provides a nice view of the area. In winter, watch for humpback whales breaching offshore. Lodging options ranges from simple guest houses and private homes which rent rooms to posh and pricey hotel rooms.