Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Rico
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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
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
Museo de las Am ericas
Preserving the identity of the indigenous cultures of the Americas and, in particular, those that populated the island of Puerto Rico before the Spanish invasion, the Museo de las Americas is a small but powerful museum that not only serves to enlighten, but also to entertain. While wandering the halls here, you’ll find that some exhibits tell the history of the Native Americans, while others display folk art from contemporary artists of the island. Most of these exhibits are available for sale, while other pieces of art serve only for appraisal and admiration. See what originally made Puerto Rico the desirable island it is today with a trip down history lane with the Museo de las Americas.
Practical Info
The Museo do las Americas is located in Historic Old Town San Juan on the second floor of the building on Norzagaray Street . Entrance is $3. The museum closes for lunch from 12-1.
Address: Cll Beneficencia, San Juan 00926, Puerto Rico
Admission: $3
From $ 62
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
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
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
Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve
This protected park in the far reaches of Puerto Rico is home to the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay, rainforests, walking trails, boardwalks and a wide array of flora and fauna. The reserve, which showcases some of the best—and most diverse—of Puerto Rico’s natural wonder covers just 316 acres but includes seven different ecological systems, making it a true wonderland for travelers looking to explore the outdoors.
Visitors will find giant iguanas, crawling crabs and a variety of colorful birds here, in addition to the oldest lighthouse on the island, El Faro de las Cabezas de San Juan. Whether travelers wander over rocky cliffs, or wind through a few miles of easy trails and boardwalks, they will find some of the most spectacular natural scenery on the island at Las Cabezas.
Practical Info
Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve is located at the northeastern tip of Puerto Rico in Fajardo. Entry fee is $12 for adults and $9 for children. Reservations are needed and can be made on the park’s website. Tours are available and last approximately two hours. English tours take place Wednesday through Sunday at 1:30 p.m. only.
Address: Reserva Natural de las Cabezas de San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Hours: Tour times vary
Admission: $12 for adults and $9 for children
From $ 190
Luquillo Beach
Puerto Rico’s Luquillo Beach (Playa Luquillo), also known as Balneario Monserrate, is a tranquil crescent famed for its coconut palm trees and long stretch of powdery white sand. Considered one of the island’s best public beaches, the calm waters here are perfect for swimming, wading, kayaking, and other water sports.
The Basics
With El Yunque National Forest blooming in the background, it’s easy to see why this beautiful beach is such a draw. A fringe reef protects Luquillo Beach from raging surf, so families find it a great place to bring young kids who are often found frolicking in the calm water. Local food kiosks that dot the area are frequented for beachside eating, though locals often set up their own grills and have hearty barbecues. Beach umbrellas and lounge chairs are available for rent, as are kayaks for personal use or kayaking tours. Guided tours that include Luquillo Beach depart from Old San Juan and may combine the beach stop with visits to El Yunque, the Camuy Caves, and the bioluminescent bay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a small entrance fee to use the beach; guided tours usually include this fee.
- The beach has restrooms, changing stations, showers, lifeguards, and paid parking.
- Food kiosks on the beach sell everything from burgers to ceviche; picnics are also a good option.
How to Get There
Puerto Rican buses and jitneys are available, but it is most convenient to rent a car or visit on a guided beach tour. Via car, depart San Juan on Route 3 toward Luquillo.
When to Get There
Puerto Rico is generally very busy in December through February, as it’s a hot spot for those escaping the mainland United States’ frigid winters. Aim to visit in the spring, after the tourist glut and before the hot, rainy season. Luquillo Beach can get quite crowded on summer weekends, when it fills up with local families.
Things to Do Near Luquillo Beach
Near Luquillo Beach is the lush El Yunque Rain Forest, which features hiking trails, La Coca Waterfall, Yokahú Observation Tower, and plenty of local flora and fauna. Another don’t-miss sight is the nearby bioluminescent bay, where visitors can swim in waters that light up with glowing phytoplankton after dark.
Address: Puerto Rico
From $ 92
Isla de Cabras
This tiny islet that’s part of the Palo Seco barrio once served as a leper colony in the early 19th century and travelers to this historic place can still visit Segundo de la Portilla, a stone building that once housed these social castoffs. Today, Isla de Cabra services as a shooting range and training area for the Puerto Rico Police Department, as well as home to Isla de Cabras Recreational Park, where locals and travelers congregate along beaches perfect for fishing and picnicking—almost no one swims here. Visitors love the picturesque views of city walls, known by residents as El Morro, as well as the well-known Fort San Juan de la Cruz, which was designated as a national historic site.
Practical Info
Isla de Cabras is located at the entrance of San Juan Bay in Puerto Rico. The park is free to enter but there is a parking fee for those who choose to arrive by car. Isla de Cabras is close to the Bacardi Rum Factory, so it’s perfect to pair a stop at this destination with a tour of the distillery.
Address: Isla de Cabras, Palo Seco, Puerto Rico
From $ 70
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
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
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