Ocean Park is San Juan's Cinderella. It has two sisters, both larger and flashier who get all the attention, but in its own humble way, it can outshine them both. That's nothing against Isla Verde or Condado, by the way. I just have a soft spot for this quiet gated community that's unpretentious, friendly and relaxed. I love its charming small hotels and inns, its excellent local eateries, and its beautiful beach. I love the fact that it gives you the small-town experience in the big city.

This is not the neighborhood for you if you're looking for the resorts, casinos, and historic buildings (see what I mean about the flashier sisters?). It's not the place you want to be if you're on the hunt for a late-night party. But it is the place for you if you want to get away from it all, have your dinner on the sand just steps from the water, and just chill out in the tropics.

Have an Ocean Park experience to share? Tell me all about it in the forum.