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Looking for the best things to do in Puerto Rico? You’ve come to the right place! I’m not going to lie: before visiting Puerto Rico, I never had any real desire to visit. I’d stereotyped it as a beach vacation destination and being from California, I don’t make it a point to do beach vacation getaways. However, when I found an insane flight deal for $100 round trip thanks to an error fare, I immediately booked tickets for my mom and I.
Although my expectations were initially a bit low, I took the advice of some friends and did a road trip around Puerto Rico instead of staying in San Juan. Not only was I able to visit some of the island’s coolest spots, I was also able to see local towns as well. Even if you decide to base yourself in San Juan, I urge you to get out of the city for a few days to experience the best things to do in Puerto Rico: both in San Juan and out. I’ve listed all my favorite places to go below – you may be surprised to learn that there’s much more to Puerto Rico than spectacular beaches. Here’s what to do in Puerto Rico:
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in San Juan
Old San Juan is the small and charming part of Puerto Rico’s capital, filled with beautifully colored buildings, looming fortresses, and plazas on every other block. If you didn’t know any better, you’d almost think you were in Havana. (Fun fact: my guilty pleasure movie, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, was filmed in Old San Juan. That’s how much it looks like Havana.) Old San Juan is quite small, but there are plenty of amazing things to do both inside and outside Old San Juan.
What to Do in Old San Juan and Beyond
Free Walking Tour in Old San Juan
One of my favorite ways to orient myself in a new city is by taking a walking tour and nowadays, many cities offer free (tip-based) ones. In two hours, you get a great introduction to the city – including the must-see sights and plenty of history. This walking tour is definitely one of the best free things to do in Puerto Rico! Psst: if you’d rather do a tour led by a local writer, consider doing this walking tour instead.
Castillo San Cristobal
As the biggest European fort in the Americas, Castillo San Cristobal is a pretty awesome place to visit, covering 27 acres in San Juan. Plus it has an incredibly cool dungeon. Although it’s not as impressive as San Felipe del Morro, you’ll get great views, plenty of photo ops, and a dose of history.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castillo San Felipe del Morro is far more popular than its counterpart and one of the top things to do in San Juan. If you spend just one day in San Juan, this fort is not to be missed, thanks to stunningly impressive architecture, historical cannons, cliffside views, and plenty of history.
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Juan and current home to the governor of Puerto Rico. It’s a prime example of Spanish colonial architecture, painted in a beautiful pastel blue. It’s open to the public on weekdays and they give free guided tours (missed the memo on this). It’s said to be gorgeous inside and super interesting, so don’t miss out if you’re in San Juan on a weekday!
San Juan Cathedral
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This is the oldest cathedral in Puerto Rico and where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. Inside, you’ll find colorful frescoes and beautiful stained glass windows, despite its unassuming exterior. It’s one of the prettiest churches in the country and definitely worth a visit.
Casa Blanca Museum
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The Casa Blanca Museum was built in the 1500s and was originally the home of Governor Ponce de Leon. For fellow American history nerds, this is a fascinating place to see in real life with its impressive grounds and centuries-old artifacts. If you’re a history buff or particularly interested in the Spanish conquest of the Americas, this is a must-visit!
Parque de las Palomas
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If you’re one of those people who loves the idea of feeding pigeons, then this park, translating to “Park of the Pigeons” is for you. The pigeons here aren’t scared of humans at all, so you can purchase a bag of feed for $1 and feed them and get photos to your heart’s content.
El Capitolio
If you have enough time while in San Juan, don’t miss a visit to El Capitolio aka the official capitol building of Puerto Rico. The outside may look familiar if you’ve been to Washington D.C.: the buildings are very similarly designed. Like La Fortaleza, you can take a free tour of the building (I recommend calling ahead). Inside, there are plenty of jaw-dropping mosaics, pretty marble and fascinating history. It’s well-worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Fort San Juan de la Cruz
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If you haven’t had your fill of forts yet, you can visit this small fort known by locals as El Cañuelo. Located just opposite Castillo San Felipe del Morro, this 50-square-foot fort used to be entirely surrounded by water and was supposedly, in the 1800s, used to quarantine patients with infectious diseases. It’s easy to do a quick visit from Castillo San Felipe del Morro if you’d like to see it for yourself!
Condado Beach, Ocean Park Beach, and Pine Grove Beach
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If you’re in Puerto Rico, chances are you’re familiar with the top beaches in San Juan. After all, you can’t visit San Juan without spending some time getting your tan on. Condado Beach is probably the most popular due to its proximity to Old San Juan (and most hotels) -plus, you can rent chairs and umbrellas. Ocean Park Beach is a bit on the smaller side comparatively, but still a good option. Just 15 minutes by car from San Juan is Pine Grove Beach, which is usually a lot less crowded. There’s also the added bonus of being able to take surf lessons from the nearby school. Either way, you can’t go wrong with any of San Juan’s beaches.
Eat your way through San Juan on a food tour
It’s no secret that food tours are my favorite way to get to know a new culture. What better way to learn about a new place than by eating like locals do? On this food tour through Old San Juan, you’ll sample some of the island’s best food – and Puerto Rican food is delicious (how I miss mofongo!). I always recommend doing food tours at the beginning of a trip so you can get excellent foodie recommendations from the guide for the rest of the time #priorities. P.S. Speaking of good food, I highly recommend dinner at Jose Enrique in Santurce. There will be a wait, but the food is spectacular.
Learn to dance salsa
Get your dance shoes ready and learn the “traditional” dance of Puerto Rico – salsa! If you’ve never taken a salsa class before, you should definitely try it in Puerto Rico because it’s SO much fun. The best part is this class is totally suited for beginners and conveniently located in Condado. The only thing to watch out for? Getting hooked. You may find yourself signing up for classes when you get home as well!
Jet-ski to uninhabited islands
Get ready for the ride of your life with a jet ski tour around five islands of Puerto Rico! SO much fun and you’ll get a 20-minute break to snorkel in between. Jet-skiing is so exhilarating so if you’ve never done it before, do it! You won’t regret it.
Experience Old San Juan on a Segway
If walking tours aren’t your thing, why not explore San Juan a totally different way – by Segway! You’ll get a fun and scenic visit to Old San Juan’s attractions and a thrilling ride as well. That being said, if you’ve never ridden a Segway before or are particularly clumsy (guilty!), San Juan might not be the best place for your first Segway experience due to the cobblestone streets and a few hills here and there.
Adventure through the Puerto Rican countryside on an ATV
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Get out of San Juan and explore the countryside on this 3+ hour ATV ride. ATVs are easy to use and an entertaining way to experience new landscapes. You might get a bit muddy (especially if it’s rainy season), but that’s part of the fun! The countryside of Puerto Rico is incredibly scenic with plenty of changing landscapes, and this is the most fun way to see it for yourself!
Old San Juan is quite small and can easily be seen in a day or two on your own, depending on what you’re interested in. Insider’s tip: For those of you who aren’t up for walking, there’s a free trolley that takes tourists around town.
Where to Stay in San Juan
- Backpack: Hostel H1 Miramar | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: 352 Guest House | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Luxury: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico Outside of San Juan
Best Day Trips from San Juan
It’s tempting to spend most of your time in San Juan, but if tear yourself away from the colorful buildings and pristine beaches, you’re guaranteed to find some spectacular gems in other parts of the country.
El Yunque Rainforest
I don’t think anyone needs convincing to visit the only tropical rainforest in the United States. It has multiple beautiful paths and hiking trails, all sorts of flora and fauna, coqui frogs, and quite a number of rivers and waterfalls. So even if you don’t end up staying at Casa Flamboyant (more about it in the next section), you can still experience the joy of swimming under a waterfall – although you’ll have to share this experience with other tourists. The best part is that the trails in El Yunque are well-paved, which makes for fairly easy hiking.
Because El Yunque is so large, it’s really easy to miss some of the cooler spots in it, especially if you’re pressed on time. I really wish I’d spent more time here or went on a guided tour to really take full advantage of it. If you’re pressed for time like I was, definitely consider doing a “local’s tour” or doing a combination El Yunque / Bioluminescent tour instead!
La Cueva del Indio
Note: if you have a car, you can easily visit La Cueva del Indio, Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy, Arecibo Observatory and Cueva Ventana in one day as they’re all relatively close to each other.
La Cueva del Indio is a somewhat unmonitored cave in Arecibo. It’s pretty rocky and a bit steep to get to the cave’s entrance (wear sturdy shoes!), but once you get to the ladder it’s an easy climb down. The inside is really cool with indigenous carvings and crevices. If you’re claustrophobic or a bit fearful of caves in general, I wouldn’t recommend this place. But if you think you can handle it, it’s really cool. If you continue along the rocks, you’ll recognize the double arches where parts of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 were filmed. It’s a pretty spectacular view.
Note: The parking situation here is a bit sketchy. Apparently if you park near the beach and do a long walk, you can visit the caves for free. We paid $10 for private parking and one of the security people hung around the cave area to make sure we were okay, so it was worth it in my book. There are a couple of private parking lots, and we just pulled into the first lot we saw. We went around 10 am and had the whole place to ourselves.
If you don’t have a car, check out this awesome day tour to Cueva Ventana and Cueva del Indio!
Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy
Parque Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy is the other cave I recommend visiting. This cave, unlike the other one, is set up for tourists, complete with an entrance fee, a trolley ride, and a comprehensive audio guide. My mom loved this one since it included a guided tour, and I have to admit that the stalagmites and stalactites were stunning. We even saw a couple of bats! UPDATE: Rio Camuy has been closed since Hurricane Maria hit. No news on when it will be re-opened.
Arecibo Observatory
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The Arecibo Observatory is home to the world’s largest radio telescope that is used to gather information about the galaxy. If you’re nerdy like me, then this is SO cool to see in real life. There are plenty of exhibits and an informational film that offers historical context and information about who has used the telescope and for what purposes. If you’re at all interested in astronomy, don’t miss this!
Note: If you don’t have a car, check out this awesome day tour to the Arecibo Observatory and Cueva del Indio!
Cueva Ventana
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Cueva Ventana translates to “window cave” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s a low-key and easy tour through the cave (there are a few steps here and there) and you have the opportunity to see fruit bats, which is pretty cool. The best part of this cave is the stunning landscape view you get at the end. Tours last around 90 minutes and you can see the tour times here. La Cueva del Indio was definitely my favorite of the three, but this one was pretty cool as well.
Note: If you don’t have a car, check out this awesome day tour to Cueva Ventana and Cueva del Indio!
Culebra Island
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Just 17 miles east of the main island of Puerto Rico lies Culebra, a small, sparsely-inhabited island. Some of Puerto Rico’s best beaches are on Culebra and Vieques, and one of the best ways to experience the delights of this little island is with a day tour. A catamaran will take you from the main island to plenty of spectacular snorkeling spots and you’ll spend the rest of the afternoon at one of the pristine beaches. Lunch is included and so is snorkeling gear. Win! If you have time, you can stay overnight on Culebra to really take advantage of the beaches, but a visit is also doable as a day trip.
Get Buzzed on a Coffee Road Trip
Have you always been curious about just how your morning buzz goes from bean to a steaming hot cup of deliciousness? As a high-key caffeine addict, I’d always been curious about coffee plantations (I visited one on my trip to Costa Rica). If you’re the same, then you’ll love this coffee road trip from San Juan: a day trip that takes you to TWO different coffee plantations, where you’ll learn all about how the beans are cultivated. I was shocked by how much work goes into making coffee and it was super fascinating to learn what differentiates good coffee from bad. If you’re curious about this, definitely consider this coffee tour!
Zip Line across “The Beast”
If you’ve never been zip-lining, you’re missing out – it’s so exhilarating! Puerto Rico is home to “The Beast,” one of the world’s longest zip-lines, and you can experience it and more at ToroVerde Adventure Park! If you have a rental car, you can easily drive over there but if not, you can also book a tour. Either way, this 8-line zip-lining course is SO much fun and definitely one of the more adventurous things to do in Puerto Rico!
Best Overnight Trips from San Juan
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make when traveling to Puerto Rico is to spend all their time in San Juan and San Juan alone. The city is charming and the beaches tempting but don’t miss some of the other gems that Puerto Rico has to offer. Even if you’re short on time, I highly recommend an overnight trip to experience the bioluminescent bay in Vieques. And if you can spend the night in the El Yunque Rainforest, I can guarantee that it will be an unforgettable experience!
Casa Flamboyant / El Yunque Rainforest
Did I seriously just list a bed and breakfast as “must-do” in Puerto Rico? Well, the answer is yes, because Casa Flamboyant is not your average bed and breakfast. Not only is it the best BnB I’ve ever stayed in, but its stunning location in (yes, in) the El Yunque Rainforest means that there’s plenty to do both in and around the property (obviously, hiking in El Yunque is a must). Paradise does not even begin to describe this place. It is beautiful. The house itself has three rooms and a wraparound veranda. We had a private terrace and our own view of the rainforest. All the water that runs through the property is natural and pure and comes from the forest. The property itself has a pool (with natural water) overlooking the rainforest AND two private trails that lead to secret waterfalls. So yes, Casa Flamboyant is a must-do / must-stay. The hospitality there was superb. Ricky and Florin gave us the royal treatment, with specially made organic and locally sourced breakfast, a large collection of DVDs, and all the amenities we could possibly have needed. If you ever come to Puerto Rico, splurge on at least one night here! Book it on Booking.com.
Ponce
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As Puerto Rico’s second largest city, and just an hour and a half from the capital, Ponce is well-worth a visit and is best seen on an overnight trip (or a long day trip). Don’t miss the Museo de Arte de Ponce, one of the best art museums in the Caribbean, where you can easily spend several hours enjoying the various exhibits. Be sure to also check out Ponceños, Puerto Rico’s most photographed building and Plaza Las Delicias – the beautiful central plaza of Ponce. On the way back to San Juan, be sure to stop at Hacienda Buena Vista coffee plantation to learn all about the cultivation of your daily cup of joe. I definitely purchased more than one bag as a personal souvenir!
Vieques
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Vieques is an island off the cost of mainland Puerto Rico and is most well-known for its impressive bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay. It’s also home to some gorgeous beaches and plenty of snorkeling opportunities. Although you can easily visit the island on a day tour, you’ll need to stay overnight in order to do a tour of the bioluminescent bay (a must-do!). Although I saw the bio bay in La Parguera, I really regret not visiting Vieques on my trip. If you only do one overnight trip while in Puerto Rico, make it Vieques! Note: if you’re short on time, book one of the few round-trip, same-night Bio Bay tours HERE.
Aguadilla / Rincón
If surfing is your cup of tea, you have to head to Western Puerto Rico – specifically, to Aguadilla and Rincon, where surfing is king. It’s around a 2.5 – 3 hour drive from San Juan itself, so I definitely recommend spending the night there if you’re planning on visiting.
We visited a lot of beaches in Puerto Rico, but Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla was my absolute favorite. It has just the right amount of swimmers and surfers, and has great views of the neighboring town. It gets its name from the colorful boats parked on the beach, which I’m told can be rented for the day for some ocean exploration.
Pozo de Jacinto is a small cave and blowhole in Isabela (just 30 minutes from Aguadilla). I had actually never visited a blowhole up close before visiting this, and loved watching the aggressive waves crashing against the rock formations. It’s clearly not the best place for swimming, though (duh). If you’re looking to swim or surf, drive down the road to Playa Jobos.
La Parguera
La Parguera is one of three towns in Puerto Rico where you can see a bioluminescent bay. For those of you who are wondering, a bio bay is a body of water where these organisms called dinoflagellates live. When they come in contact with things, they glow. Puerto Rico is home to three bio bays – the one in Vieques is the brightest in the world. IF you can visit Vieques, you should – I’ve been told that the bay is way brighter than La Parguera’s. Unfortunately, we couldn’t figure out how to make it over there with our schedule, so we opted for the bay in La Parguera.
If you do decide to visit La Parguera, you’ll want to spend the night in the area since the town is around 3 hours from San Juan (or you can do a long drive as well). If you can get yourself to La Parguera on your own and you’re looking for a budget bio bay tour, Johnny’s Boats takes you on a bay tour in a motorboat for $8 per person. It’s a somewhat quick tour but a great way to see the bay if you’re on a budget. The bio bay is really cool, but just remember that it won’t glow as brightly as it looks like it does in photos on Google. Not even close. But it’s still magical and sparkly. And you can’t capture photos, (unless you have a super-amazing camera), so sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re based in San Juan without a car, check out this day tour that includes swimming and snorkeling!
The La Parguera area itself is really lively and is a great place for a night out. It’s filled to the brim with people at night (albeit mostly locals), so getting good dinner service here might be a bit of a struggle.
What to Pack for Puerto Rico
- Backpack OR Suitcase: The Tortuga Outbreaker Backpack is hands down the best backpack I’ve ever used for travel. Not only is it carry-on sized, but it’s also incredibly comfortable and easy to carry, even for a small-framed person like me. It has tons of pockets and compartments for organization, lockable zippers, and it’s weather resistant. If you don’t think you can handle packing in a carry-on, the Osprey Fairview 70 Backpack is just as comfortable but a lot larger. When I don’t bring my backpack, I use my Samsonite bag. I used to always buy inexpensive suitcases to save money but most of them didn’t survive longer than a few trips. This suitcase has been adventuring with me for several years and it still looks new. It’s definitely a worthy investment!
- Daypack: For days where I’m out all day, I always carry a daypack. This daypack is great because it’s durable, water-resistant, has several organizational pockets, and folds into a tiny pouch.
- Locking Purse: Puerto Rico is safe, but I’d rather be safe than sorry, which is why I bring this handy lockable purse with me everywhere I travel. Is it the most stylish purse I’ve ever owned? No. Does it keep me from worrying about pickpockets? Absolutely. Plus, it’s surprisingly roomy – I keep my water bottle, camera, wallet, and other stuff in there and they fit no problem. If a smaller purse is what you’re after, check out this one or this one.
- Basic temperature regulating t-shirt: No matter what the season (Puerto Rico is hot all year), you’ll want at least one basic temperature regulating shirt, like this one. This T is specially made to be moisture-wicking, anti-odor, and offer SPF protection. Plus, it doesn’t look like an exercise top but still offers a lot of the benefits of high-performance clothing. It’s cute enough to be dressed up with a cardigan or nice scarf. If you decide you love these shirts and want more, try this one.
- Lightweight bottoms: If you’re visiting Puerto Rico, you’ll want loose and lightweight everything, including pants. I’m a fan of this particular style but anything lightweight will do. Same goes for skirts.
- Dresses: Puerto Rico is super down-to-earth with warm, beach weather to match. I packed lightweight dresses for days and evenings in the city. Just 2-3 will do, as you’ll want to bring other clothing for any outdoor activities you do, like hiking.
- Workout / Hiking clothing: Planning on visiting the El Yunque Rainforest or hiking in general? You’ll want comfy workout pants for that. I’m obsessed with this pair because they’re great for outdoor activities without looking like workout pants. I always bring this workout bra because it keeps moisture and smells away. Same goes for this underwear (plus, it dries quickly for easy washing). You can easily pair workout pants with one of the temperature-regulating tops I included above.
- Secret pocket scarf: One of my favorite minimalist hacks for travel is to bring several scarves and several basic shirts and mixing and matching them to make it look like a whole new outfit. Cool trick, right? My favorite scarf to pack for every trip is this secret pocket scarf. It’s cute and functional and has the added bonus of having a hidden pocket, where you can keep your passport, some money, or any other valuable you’re worried about.
- Swimwear: You’ll likely be spending a fair amount of time at the beach in Puerto Rico (duh, right?), so don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, cover-up, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and beach sandals.
- Sunscreen: For everyday use, I use Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen because my skin is prone to acne. The original Neutrogena sunscreen is just as good if acne is a non-issue. Neither will leave your skin feeling gross and greasy. For the rest of me, I use the solid body stick, which works well. My friends who dive told me that the chemicals in sunscreen are really bad for the ocean though, so if you’re going swimming, they recommend All Good Sunscreen, which is safe for reefs and the planet. The more you know!
- Insect repellent: You’ll definitely want insect repellent in Puerto Rico, especially if you’re prone to bug bites. This insect repellent specifically was voted number one in consumer tests and I can vouch for that fact that I’ve gotten fewer bites using it. Plus, you can use it on your clothes and your skin and it doesn’t make you feel or smell gross!
- Chafing gel: The only time I ever wish for a thigh gap is when it’s hot and I’m wearing a skirt or dress. Chub rub, that uncomfortable rawness you get between your thighs from them rubbing together, is very real, especially when it’s hot out. I use this anti-chafing balm whenever I visit hot destinations, and my only disappointment is how long it took me to figure out that it’s a thing that exists.
- Moisture-wicking socks: These moisture-wicking socks are perfect for all-day wear without smelly or sweaty feet. Just a couple of pairs will do.
- Sandals: I love these Keen sandals because they’re cute and super comfortable to walk in all day. I bring them with me everywhere and they haven’t failed me yet. If you prefer hiking sandals, I’ve used these in Costa Rica and they’re perfect for the great outdoors.
- All-purpose sneakers: Last year, a friend of mine introduced me to Allbirds, these awesome wool sneakers that don’t make your feet sweat (even if you wear them without socks). Then I found out they’re made of Merino Wool, which explains the magic behind them. They’re cute, they’re functional, and they’re comfy AF. You can wear them to hike up a mountain or to explore a new city. They’re my go-to travel shoes and if they get dirty, I can throw them in the wash.
- Travel Insurance: Yes, you need travel insurance for if things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve been sick, needed stitches, crashed a rental car, had cash stolen and have dealt with luggage delays. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is World Nomads because they’re awesome. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!
- Travel First Aid Kit: I love that this travel first aid kit is small enough to stick in your bag but still has tons of items in it. I’d remove the scissors if you aren’t planning to check your luggage, but otherwise, this is incredibly handy, especially if you’re going to be doing outdoorsy things.
- Travel Camera(s): I know all the cool kids are about that #iPhoneOnly life, but I still like taking photos with a camera. Does that make me old? Whatever, I’m embracing it. Anyway, for adventure footage and photos, the latest GoPro is seriously the best. It’s waterproof, image stabilizing, and a bunch of other cool features. If you’re looking for a nice digital camera that doesn’t involve complicated lenses, I personally use the Sony RX100 II, which I’m obsessed with. This is the older model (I think they’re on the 6 now) but it works great. The Carl Zeiss lens helps take spectacular, high-quality photos but the camera is small enough to fit in a purse. I also bring my Instax Mini 9 with me cause I’m extra like that, but I also understand that most normal people don’t travel with three cameras.
- Kindle: Confession: I’m low-key a book fiend and chances are high that I’m currently in the middle of reading something. As a traveler, I don’t have the luxury of taking up precious space in my suitcase with a book or three. I was uncertain about buying a Kindle initially, but it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Not only can you keep guidebooks on there, but it’s also nice to be able to read at your leisure on those long distance trips or at the beach. This particular Kindle magically blocks sun glare somehow (sorcery, I tell you!), which is why I prefer it to reading on a tablet.
- Headphones: There are a lot of things that suck about planes, but bad headphones don’t have to be one of them. The small Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones do a pretty good job of blocking ambient sound on airplanes (and everywhere else). They’re small and they’re wired, making them much more practical for travel than the bulky over-ear headphones.
- Insulated water bottle and water purifier or water purifying bottle: I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. You can drink the tap water in Puerto Rico, but some travelers have gotten diarrhea from it. To combat this, I bring along a Steripen, a UV water purifier that gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and use it in combination with my CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle. This bottle is particularly awesome because it holds 20 oz and keeps water cold, which you’ll want in a hot country like Puerto Rico. If you’d rather purchase an all-in-one solution, Grayl’s water filtering bottle is a great alternative so you can fill directly from the tap and drink almost immediately.
- Microfiber towel: Pretty much all hotels will have towels for use on hand, but I find that it’s always nice to have a towel I can use when I travel, whether I’m on the beach, at an impromptu picnic, or just a bit chilly. This Wise Owl Camping Towel dries super quickly, takes up almost no room and comes with a bonus face/hand towel for hikes and outdoor activities. I always bring it with me when I travel, and almost always use it.
- Travel clothesline: This travel clothesline has been my lifesaver when I’ve hand-washed clothing or have a wet swimsuit or towel that I need to dry. It may not be worth the hassle to do laundry if you have just a few things to wash or are moving through cities quickly. The clothesline is more a nice to have rather than a must-have depending on your travel style.
Safety in Puerto Rico: Is Puerto Rico Safe?
Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico hard in 2017 and some parts of the island are still recovering. I get that most people are concerned about safety in Puerto Rico, but don’t be: Puerto Rico is safer than most U.S. cities! My mom and I traveled together all over the island on a road trip and never once questioned our safety on the road. The only thing you should be wary of in Puerto Rico is petty theft (namely, pickpocketing) in some parts of San Juan. I combat pickpocketing by carrying my valuables in a lockable purse and secret pocket scarf and have never had issues! Again, just be street smart like you would in any other city and get travel insurance and you should be fine!
Puerto Rico Accommodation: Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
Unlike most visitors, I did a road trip in Puerto Rico with my mom, so I stayed at a multitude of places. If you’re planning on basing yourself in San Juan, I’ve included my hotel picks below. I strongly recommend doing a couple of overnight trips (at the very least, to Vieques and El Yunque) and included some additional recommendations for places all over Puerto Rico as well.
Where to Stay in San Juan
- Backpack: Hostel H1 Miramar | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: 352 Guest House | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Where to Stay in Ponce
- Budget: Casa Luna | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Boutique Hotel Belgica | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Holiday Inn Ponce & El Tropical Casino | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Where to Stay in Vieques
- Backpack: The Lazy Hostel Vieques | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Esperanza Inn | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: El Blok | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Where to Stay in El Yunque Rainforest
- Backpack: Luquillo Beach Hostel | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Luquillo Sunrise Beach Inn | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Casa Flamboyant | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Where to Stay in Rincón
- Backpack: Rincon Inn | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Save: Lazy Parrot Inn & Mini Resort | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
- Splurge: Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel | Read Tripadvisor reviews | Book a Stay
Currency, Language, and Passport
As an American, one of the coolest things about visiting Puerto Rico is feeling like you’re being transported to a totally different culture while still technically being in the United States. That means no passport needed and no currency exchange needed either – Puerto Rico uses US Dollars and ATMs are widely available across the island.
Although Spanish and English are both official languages of the island, Spanish is definitely the dominant one, especially outside of the more touristy parts. Brush up on a few basic Spanish phrases and you should be solid for your travels.
Transportation in Puerto Rico
We rented a car to get around Puerto Rico, which I definitely recommend if you’re planning on doing lots of trips outside of San Juan. If you’re primarily sticking to San Juan, then you can easily get around by foot, bike and Uber (better than taxis so you don’t have to worry about getting ripped off). Outside of Puerto Rico, you can easily do a few organized tours for some of the bigger excursions I mentioned above. What I do recommend, though, is pre-booking an airport transfer to your hotel in San Juan. You can use the GO Shuttle for shared rides or book a private round-trip one. Either way, it saves the hassle of waiting or figuring out rides at the airport.
Need even more Puerto Rico Inspiration? Check out more amazing things to do in Puerto Rico below!
Most people who visit Puerto Rico stay on the east side of the country, sticking to the beaches and nearby islands. Instead, we opted to road trip all around the coast, which resulted in a completely different Puerto Rican experience (but of course, we did see plenty of the tourist sites as well!). No matter what you do, Puerto Rico is an excellent place to spend a relaxing week. Whether you like beaches, nature, or adventure travel, it certainly has something for everyone.
More Puerto Rico Resources
Planning a trip to Puerto Rico soon? Check out ALL my posts on Puerto Rico below:- Puerto Rico Travel Guide
- 27+ Spectacular Things To Do in Puerto Rico for First-Time Visitors
- The PERFECT Puerto Rico Road Trip Itinerary: One Week in Puerto Rico
Have you ever been to Puerto Rico? Which cities are your favorite? Share in the comments below!
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Your trip looks amazing! I was in Old San Juan a few weeks ago and I loved it. I’ll definitely have to go back to check out the rainforest!
Thank you! And yes definitely check out El Yunque next time – it’s gorgeous!
I haven’t been to Puerto Rico since I was a kid. I remember loving Old San Juan, but after seeing your pics, I want to see it all again as an adult. And I love the idea of the Casa Flamboyant! It’s the kind of place I wish I could afford to move into for a month and just write and breathe it all in.
Casa Flamboyant is amazing! I’d love to stay there for a month although my bank account would kill me LOL. It’s one of the most beautiful BNB’s I’ve ever been to, so I highly recommend it whenever you visit PR next 🙂
Old San Juan looks beautiful. To be honest, I’d probably take the trolley around town ’cause of my health issues so that’s good to know!
It is! And so colorful too. The trolley is definitely an added bonus – I wish all cities had them!
Okay that’s it — I want to go! 🙂 I would love, love to stay at an Airbnb that is in a rainforest. Too cool! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Do it! Casa Flamboyant is amazing in every way 🙂
Great list! I’ve been hearing a lot about the El Yunque Rainforest – fun fact – there’s also one in Cuba of the same name! We love nature and the outdoors, so I’m hoping a trip to puerto rico will be in our near future 🙂
Thank you! I had no idea there’s also one in Cuba.
Definitely recommend you visit if you love the outdoors – great hiking, tons of beautiful greenery, and beautiful waterfalls! 🙂
OMG yes! Great pictures and summary of highlights. We’re actually debating to whether go to Puerto Rico or Ecuador for our honeymoon later this year. It was leaning towards Ecuador but this certainly changes my thinking a bit.
Thank you!
Ah, I have no idea as I’ve never been to Ecuador but the Galapagos has been on my bucket list for awhile. Good luck with the decision and congratulations 🙂
Fantastic post! I have a high school buddy living there now, and I’m making her take me to all of these places – especially La Parguera! Can you imagine? A bay that glows in the dark? Must.Go! We’re creating a new Pinterest board just so we can Pin this. 🙂
Lucky you! I’m sure your friend can show you all the cool local spots! I hear Vieques is even brighter, so it may be worth checking out. Either way, glowing water totally impressed me :). Enjoy your trip!
ahhh I have dreams about seeing the biolumiescent bay, what a wonder! Parque Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy looks beautiful and even a bit like the Portugese coast. What about the food in Puerto Rico? Are there specific specialities?
It was on my list forever as well! SO glad I got to go. And the caves are amazing as well.
Puerto Rican food is a bit of a mix of cuisines. The most well-known dish is mofongo, which is a plantain mash made with spices and meat. They also eat a lot of rice and beans, pigeon peas, asopao (chicken stew) and lechon – bbq pork. Are you planning on visiting soon?
Lovely tips for a lovely place. I would specially love the rain forest.
Thank you! The rainforest is a must-do forsure 🙂
Great tips! El Yunque is a must see.
Definitely! So beautiful!
Ok, I might have recently refused to go to PR with some friends. It was supposed to be this weekend. There was a cruise involved. I had my reasons…but after seeing your photos I’ll reconsider in the future! It looks like there are some really beautiful places!!
Hahah I initially felt ambivalent towards PR but it surprised me! It has a lot of hidden gems. I’m not a cruise person though, so I don’t exactly blame you LOL. Definitely reconsider for next time though!
You hooked and reeled me in with the first photo! I’m a sucker for views like that. Wow. Btw, where are the pictures of the bio bay? That really interests me too.
Glad to hear it! The views in PR are incredible. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to get photos of the bio bay :(. We boat out to a dark area and you aren’t allowed to use flash, so my photos were just black. Definitely look some up on google though – Nat Geo has some amazing shots!
Great recos and pics! PR has a soft spot in my heart. It was where I flew down my now husband for his 30th bday on a surprise Caribbean cruise (and where he proposed!)
Awwww that’s so cute! What a great place for a proposal as well 🙂
Sometimes unexpected is best 😉 This looks like an amazing trip!
Thanks, it was! And I agree :). If you haven’t been, it’s definitely worth a visit!
The one place I liked was the La Cueva del Indio caves. They look stunning.
What a gorgeous place Sally. One of my good friends – and internet marketing big dawg – Alonzo Pichardo is Puerto Rican – American, and has mentioned I should see his beautiful country. I do intend to visit one day. Way too close to NJ, awesome-looking place and every person from PR I met in NJ or NYC is so kind and warm.