📍 Location & Geography
Dorado is a town and municipality located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Toa Alta to the south, Vega Alta to the west, and Toa Baja to the east. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, and golf courses. Dorado covers an area of 60.1 square miles, 23.3 of which is land, and the rest is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates for Dorado, Puerto Rico are approximately 18.4593° N latitude and 66.2676° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Dorado is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area in Puerto Rico. The city is divided into six barrios (districts): Dorado barrio-pueblo, Espinosa, Higuillar, Maguayo, Mameyal, and Rio Lajas.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Dorado has a population of approximately 38,165 people. The population is diverse, with a mix of different ethnic backgrounds, including a majority of Hispanic or Latino residents. The median age in Dorado is around 42 years.
🏛️ History
Dorado was founded in 1842 by Jacinto López Martínez. The name “Dorado” comes from the Spanish word for “golden”, which is said to be inspired by the golden reflections that the sun casts on the sea in the morning. Dorado was initially a small municipality known for its agricultural production, but it has since evolved into a popular tourist destination and residential area.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Dorado is known for its beautiful natural environment, including pristine beaches such as Dorado Beach and Balneario Manuel Morales. The city is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Ojo del Buey, a natural reserve with a river and waterfalls. Dorado’s climate is tropical, with warm temperatures throughout the year.
🏫 Education
Education in Dorado is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. The city has several public and private schools, including Dorado Academy, a bilingual private school. Dorado also has a public library, the Dorado Municipal Library, which offers a variety of resources for residents.
🚧 Transportation
Dorado is accessible by road via PR-2, PR-22, and PR-165. The city is approximately 15 miles west of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Public transportation in Dorado is limited, but there are private taxi services available. The nearest major airport is the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan.
📜 Trivia & Events
Dorado is known for its annual Festival del Tinglar, a festival dedicated to the conservation of the leatherback turtle. The city is also home to the Dorado Beach Resort, a luxury resort that was once a plantation owned by the Rockefeller family. Dorado has been the filming location for several films and TV shows, including the popular series “The O.C.” and the movie “Runner Runner”.