Exploring San Juan: A Local’s Perspective on Puerto Rico’s Hopeful City

Scented by slow-roasted pork and sea breezes, colored by swashbuckling history, this sun-washed medley of Spanish and American influences is a fusion of Caribbean delights.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • El Yunque National Forest

    El Yunque

    El Yunque National Forest is one of Puerto Rico’s crown jewels with nearly 29,000 acres of lush, mountainous terrain scattered with waterfalls.

  • Military tank left behind on Culebra Beach

    Culebra

    Stretching for a mile around a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay, Playa Flamenco (Flamenco Beach) is not only one of Culebra’s best beaches, it also makes a stunning backdrop for relaxation.

  • palm trees at Playa Tortuga (Turtle Beach) on Isla Culebrita, Puerto Rico

    Culebra

    If you need a reason to hire a water taxi, Isla Culebrita (Culebrita Island) is it. This small island, just east of Playa Zoni, is a stunning getaway.

  • The sun setting over the Puerto Mosquito mangrove bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

    Vieques

    Locals claim that the magnificent Bahía Mosquito (Mosquito Bay), a designated wildlife preserve located on the island of Vieques, offers one of the world’s best bioluminescent experiences.

  • The lighthouse at Cabezas de San Juan National Park in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

    El Yunque & East Coast

    A nodule of land on Puerto Rico’s northeast tip protects the Laguna Grande bioluminescent bay, rare flora and fauna, and stunning views.

  • Puerto Rico, Old San Juan, section of El Morro Fortress

    San Juan

    A star of Old San Juan, brooding El Morro sits atop a headland, deterring would-be attackers with its iconic fortress walls dating back to 1539.

  • Castillo de San Cristobal, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    Castillo San Cristóbal

    The city’s second major fort is one of the largest Spanish-built military installations in the Americas, covering 27 acres with a maze of defensive walls.

  • Plaza del Cuartel, in front of Museo de las Americas, near Galeria Nacional/National Gallery

    San Juan

    This museum presents an impressive overview of cultural development in the Americas, including indigenous, African, and European influences.

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Take a class, make a friend and forge a deeper connection with the people and culture of Puerto Rico.

Things to Know

Get a head start on your perfect Puerto Rico trip with these insider tips.

Transportation

The car may be king in Puerto Rico but traffic-clogged roads aren’t your only option. Here’s how to see every beautiful corner of Puerto Rico.

Best Road Trips

Explore the beauty and culture of Puerto Rico on your own schedule by taking a scenic road trip. Here are five of our favorites.

Beaches

Puerto Rico has around 300 miles of coastline and many varied beaches to explore.


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