Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Rico
ShowingFilter 21-32 of 32 listings.
San Juan National Historic Site
Established in 1949, The San Juan National Historic Site is home to some of the city’s most famous attractions. Visitors can climb to Castillo San Felibe del Morro, overlooking the San Juan Bay, for an up close look at military efforts more than 250 years ago. Travelers can learn about historic battles that took place against the English and Dutch while visiting the restored lighthouse, chapel and vintage cannons.
History buffs will also love Castillo San Cristobal, near the gate of Old San Juan. While El Morro protected Puerto Rico from seaside attacks, Castillo San Cristobal was designed to stop intruders approaching by land. With grounds stretching some 27 acres, this is Puerto Rico’s largest fortification site, as well as the biggest built by the Spanish after discovering the New World.
Practical Info
The National Historic Site is an easy walk from the pier where most cruise ships dock. Travelers can head north past the Plaza Colon to access most sites. Free trams are also available every 20 to 30 minutes. Most attractions are open from 9 a.m until 6 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Address: San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico
Hours: Daily 9am-6pm, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year's Day
Admission: Adults $5, Children Under 15 Free
From $ 62
Old San Juan
The cobblestone streets of Puerto Rico’s Old San Juan, lined with brightly colored Spanish colonial houses, lend themselves to aimless yet inspired wandering, but don’t let yourself pass by the neighborhood’s key attractions. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and Castillo San Cristobal to restaurants serving plates of aromatic rice and fried plantains, Old San Juan charms travelers at every turn.
The Basics
Old San Juan is a staple in city sightseeing tours, which offer an easy way to get an overview of the historic city (founded in 1521) and cross must-see sites such as La Fortaleza off your list. More tailored options include food tours and walking tours with a private tour guide. Those preferring to minimize walking can opt for a Segway tour or a cruise on San Jose Bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The neighborhood is a must-see for history buffs and those seeking postcard-worthy views.
- Visitors flock to Old San Juan year-round, so be prepared for crowds, especially in the busy summer season.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes to help navigate the cobblestones, and pack lightweight clothing and sun protection for the near constant warm weather.
How to Get to Old San Juan
Old San Juan is located on an islet, attached to the mainland of Puerto Rico by three bridges. If you’re coming from the mainland or the airport, book an airport transfer or drive over the bridges. Those arriving as Caribbean cruise ship passengers will likely dock at one of the many cruise ship piers in the neighborhood. Once in Old San Juan, getting around the area is easy by foot or taxi, and a free trolley system also runs through the area.
When to Get There
Old San Juan is most popular during winter and summer, when vacationers flock to this classic Caribbean destination. This is especially true for visitors from the United States who can travel to and from the US territory of Puerto Rico without a passport. If planning a spring trip, expect temperatures hovering around 80°F (26°C) and diminished crowds.
Address: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Admission: Free
From $ 33
Culebra Island
Picturesque Flamenco Beach is ranked number three among the top 10 most exotic beaches in the world, thanks to its white coral sand, crystal clear water and breathtaking arid tree lined hills. But there are more sandy shores to see on Culebra Island than just this spot for sun and surf"”the island itself is a true paradise for beach bumming travelers.
Visitors can access smaller island destinations like Culebrita and Luis Pena (after obtaining a permit) by using a public water taxi from the main town. These tiny landmasses off the coast of this picturesque island are ideal for hiking, photography and scuba diving. Since rivers and streams don't run into the ocean waters here, so the surrounding seas are unusually clear making for perfect underwater wildlife viewing.
Practical Info
Culebra Island is located about 17 miles east of mainland Puerto Rico and 12 miles west of St. Thomas. It can be reached by boat, private ferry or airplane. Ferries make several trips per day between the island and Fajardo and cost about $5 round trip. A number of festivals are held throughout the year including a windsurfing competition in February, a fishing tournament in March and a craft festival in November.
Address: Culebra Island, Puerto Rico
From $ 113
Bioluminescent (Mosquito) Bay
Bioluminescent Bay (aka Mosquito Bay or Puerto Mosquito) is one of Puerto Rico's three bioluminescent bays, located on the island of Vieques. A popular destination for nighttime boat tours, this bay is by far the brightest. The water is illuminated by dinoflagellates called Pyrodinium bahamense, tiny microorganisms that glow when touched.
The Basics
Any contact with the water"”by the boat, a paddle, or a part of the body"”makes the water glow bright neon blue and green. Jump in for a neon-lit swim, cruise over the water in a pontoon boat, or board a kayak to paddle through the bay. Nighttime kayak tours typically allow you to learn about the biology of dinoflagellates and their interaction with the Vieques ecosystem.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Nighttime tours require a stay overnight on Vieques Island; the tour company can typically provide recommendations for hotels or guest houses.
- Be sure to apply bug repellent, as Mosquito Bay lives up to its name.
- Mosquito Bay is the only bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico where swimming is permitted.
How to Get There
Mosquito Bay is located on the southern shore of Vieques, which can be reached by ferry from Fajardo on the main island of Puerto Rico. Reaching the bay is an adventure in itself that requires a 10-minute drive down a very bumpy and rutted 4WD track. Tours typically provide transportation to the bay from the town of Esperanza on Vieques Island.
When to Get There
The dinoflagellates in Bioluminescent Bay are active year-round but are best seen during the new moon, when the sky is darkest and the water glows brighter by comparison. Tours typically do not operate the day before, during, and after the full moon, when the organisms are difficult to see.
Must-See Vieques Attractions
Isla Vieques was under the control of the US Navy for 60 years and thus remains largely undeveloped. The small island is home to unspoiled rain forest dotted with pristine beaches and archaeological sites including the Hombre de Puerto Ferro, where skeletal remains up to 4,000 years old were discovered. Along with the famous bio bay, Vieques is host to some excellent snorkeling, especially at Blue Beach (Bahía de la Chiva).
Address: Vieques, Puerto Rico
From $ 54
Palomino Island
Crystal clear Caribbean water, white sand beaches, incredible snorkeling, and a balmy breeze await you in Palomino Island. Only 1.2km long and 525 meters wide, this isn't the closest thing to a tropical escape "“ it is the quintessential tropical island you've been looking for. With not much to do except explore the island's coral reefs, seagrass beds, and beautiful craggy coastline, visitors come to Palomino Island for peace, relaxation, and a chance to feed the islands wandering Caribbean iguanas.
Practical Info
Palomino Island is located to the East of Puerto Rico and accessible via boat or ferry. It is a private island for Wyndham El Conquistador guests. The ride from the San Juan harbor takes approximately eight minutes.
Address: Puerto Rico
From $ 170
Ponce
Ponce is Puerto Rico’s second city and a complete change of pace from the capital San Juan. Ponce's low key charm speaks louder to architecture buffs than it does to party animals. Starting at the central Plaza Las Delicicas you’ll find two defining landmarks of the city, the twin-towered cathedral and the vivid scarlet and black stripes of the whimsical Parque de Bombas, once a fire station, now a museum of fire-fighting.
In the streets near the square you’ll soon come across the lemon-yellow Teatro La Perla and the delightful candy pink Museum of Architecture. Head north for the Castillo Serrallés, a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion which houses a museum relating to the island’s all-important sugar and rum industries. It’s just one of the imposing residences you’ll see throughout the city.
After all that visual richness cleanse your palate with the tropical Modernism of the highly-recommended Ponce Museum of Art.
Practical Info
Ponce is on Puerto Rico’s south coast, over an hour by car from the capital San Juan. Many of the city’s sights are in the compact old town centered on Plaza Las Delicias.
Address: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Admission: Free
From $ 119
Ruin of Caparra
When the explorer Ponce de Leon arrived in Puerto Rico he and his men built the first Spanish settlement on the island. The ruins of this once impressive fortress are today among the most popular New World historic sites. Caparra was discovered back in 1917 when the construction of Route 2 unearthed this historic stone structure.
Today, travelers can explore the well-maintained grounds, which are marked with placards noting the historical significance of various sites, and unearth a bit of the past at the tiny museum on site. The one-room collection includes documents and artifacts that detail the colonization of Puerto Rico. Most travelers agree this place will never top the list of “must see” destinations in PR, it’s still worth a quick stop for the sake of history.
Practical Info
The ruins are located in Guaynabo along Route 2, just south of San Juan.
Address: Caparra Archeological Site, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico
From $ 70
Rio Camuy Cave Park
Known for its soaring interiors, million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, and namesake underground river, Rio Camuy Cave Park in Puerto Rico attracts nature lovers and casual visitors alike. The 268-acre (108-hectare) complex is most famous for its cave tour, but it also offers picnic pavilions, walking trails, and a playground.
The Basics
Three crater-like sinkholes and one cave are open to the public at Rio Camuy Cave, the third largest underground river cavern system in the world. These attractions are accessed via a trolley ride that whisks visitors to the cave entrance. Led by a park ranger with guided audio, the 90-minute cave tour offers insight into the geologic history and ecosystem of the area, while also stopping at a spot where you can hear the Camuy River roar past. The cave’s open ends allow in plenty of sunlight.
Rio Camuy Cave Park is easily accessible from San Juan on a day trip. Many travelers visit as part of an organized tour for the benefit of guided commentary and round-trip transportation. This trip is sometimes combined with a visit to the nearby Arecibo Observatory, where you can listen to the sounds of the universe from the world's largest radio telescope.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Park entrance is limited and often capped by 10am; ensure your entry by booking ahead.
- The cave has a cement walkway with handrails, but it is usually wet and slippery so be sure to wear closed-toe shoes with a good tread.
- On-site amenities include a restroom, gift shop, and cafeteria.
- Camping is permitted in summer.
- Dress in layers, as the cave can get chilly, and bring an extra shirt in case yours gets wet.
How to Get There
While a guided tour is the most stress-free way to visit the park, independent travelers can take a private car or taxi to access the site on their own. Fee-based parking is available. The park is roughly a 90-minute drive from San Juan, in the karst region of the north coast.
When to Get There
The park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am until 5pm, but note that parking closes strictly at 2:45pm, the last tickets are sold by 3pm, and the last tour is at 3:30pm. Entry to the popular site often capped by 10am, so it’s best to book in advance. The park sometimes closes during heavy rain due to potential flooding.
Address: Camuy, Puerto Rico
Hours: Wed - Sun 8am - 5pm
Admission: US$18
From $ 111
San Juan Bay
San Juan Bay sits at the heart of the city of San Juan, with innumerable sites, neighborhoods and attractions ringing its shores. The most iconic spots on the bay are the pair of fortresses that face each other at the bay’s mouth. On the eastern side sits El Morro, flanked by the 500-year-old cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Across the way, the Islas de Cabras National Park boasts the San Juan de la Cruz Fort. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but visitors can only walk around the outside walls of the San Juan de la Cruz Fort, as the inside in closed to the public. Just south of Isla de Cabras, you’ll find another icon of Puerto Rico overlooking the bay—the Bacardi Rum Visitor Center, where you can take a tour and enjoy a rum tasting.
Practical Info
For easy access to different side of the bay, or simply to take a trip on the water, hop the ferry in the port of San Juan for the 8-minute ride across to Cataño. From there it’s easy to catch a quick cab to the Bacardi Visitor Center or Isla de Cabras.
Address: San Juan 00962, Puerto Rico
From $ 70
San Juan Gate
Named in honor of Saint John the Baptist, La Puerta de San Juan was originally one of five doorways to the city used to protect its streets from invaders and each gate has its own unique function. Today, this towering red and white entryway that’s tucked into the city’s surrounding stonewall offers a truly magical way to enter and explore Puerto Rico’s capital city.
Travelers who pass through this historic entrance will find energetic vendors selling traditional snacks and ice-cold piragua along walkways heading towards the historic old town. Ancient trees stretch high into the sky and provide cool shade for lovers on romantic strolls. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored Spanish colonial homes and ornate balconies add to the charm of this favorite San Juan attraction.
Practical Info
Travelers who start their walk to the gate from Paseo la Princesa will find the most picturesque views of San Juan Bay.
Address: Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico
From $ 33
Paseo de la Princesa
Quite literally meaning walkway of the princess, Paseo de la Princesa does indeed have enough romance and beauty fit for royalty. A perfect spot to enjoy the Old World charms of San Juan – strolling through this romantic 19th century avenue is perhaps one of San Juan’s most romantic escapes – and yet it’s located just outside the city walls. Lined with antique street lamps, shade trees, and fruit cart vendors – walking the Paseo de la Princesa embues a leisurely sense of ancient romance and serene beauty. With the impressive Old San Juan fortifications towering above you and the glistening San Juan Bay on your left, the Paseo de la Princesa stands a good chance of being your favorite simple escape while in San Juan.
Practical Info
The Paseo de la Princessa is located on the south side of Old San Juan near Plaza de Hostos. Along with fruit cart vendors there is also an open air café which hosts live music on the weekends.
Address: Old San Juan San Juan, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
From $ 33
San Juan Cathedral
Built in 1521, The San Juan Cathedral (aka La Santa Catedral San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico) is one of the highlights of any trip into Old San Juan. The second oldest cathedral in the Americas, this historic landmark lies right in the heart of Old San Juan and boasts an impressive array of religious and historical artifacts including the tomb of notorious Spanish conquistador Ponce de Leon and the mummy of St. Pio. An operational cathedral, you can attend mass here Saturdays at 7 pm, Sunday at 9 and 11 am, and weekdays 7:25 am and 12:15 pm. And experience a traditional catholic mass, or, when service isn’t being conducted, you can wander the nave free of charge, gaze at the huge stained glass windows, or marvel at the construction of the oldest church on U.S. soil.
Practical Info:
The San Juan Cathedral is located at 151 Calle Del Cristo and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Entrance is free with optional donation.
Address: 151 Calle Del Cristo, San Juan 00902, Puerto Rico
From $ 40