Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The beautiful city of San Juan is Puerto Rico's capital, and it is one of the island's most popular tourist destinations. Many people go for a beach vacation, as the city sits on the island's Atlantic coast. Due to the many interesting landmarks and attractions, it is one of the top tourist destinations in Puerto Rico. Regardless of whether you enjoy history, food, or the outdoors, you will find multiple things to enjoy during your time in this city. Here are the 20 best things for first-timers to do in San Juan.
Enjoy El Yunque National Park
No trip to San Juan is complete without a visit to El Yunque National Park, as this park is probably the best thing to do in San Juan for first-timers. It is a rainforest that begins on the outskirts of the city, and its wonder is unrivaled by anything else you will see in San Juan or elsewhere in Puerto Rico.
The El Yunque National Park is the only tropical rain forest under the protection of the US Forest Service, and it is home to some fascinating wildlife and beautiful plants and trees. If you plan to visit this natural attraction, it is best to book a guided tour.
Visit La Fortaleza
Another famous landmark to visit during your time in San Juan is La Fortaleza. Known as The Fortress, this landmark is part of the Santa Cataline Palace, and it is the official residence of Puerto Rico's governor. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in Old San Juan.
Stroll Around Old San Juan
To enjoy the history of the city and see the traditional Puerto Rican architecture, you should take a stroll around Old San Juan. It is a beautiful part of the town to explore, and it is home to many notable landmarks and exciting attractions. There are also some decent eateries along the streets of Old San Juan, where you can grab some lunch and enjoy some people-watching. While you are in this neighborhood, you should also take a walk along the piers.
Go to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro
One of San Juan's most significant landmarks is the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fort located at the San Juan Bay entrance. Construction of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Historic Site took 250 years and began in 1539. Visitors to the site can explore the barracks, dungeons, tunnels, ramps, and outposts.
See the Castillo San Cristobel
Although there are several historic structures to visit in San Juan, you should include the Castillo San Cristobal in your itinerary. It is a castle that stands guard at the eastern gate of San Juan. The structure is a National Historic Site, and it is one of the best places to enjoy views across the bay. Therefore, you should take along your camera when you visit this historic landmark.
Learn About History at the Museum of the Americas
History buffs should make sure they visit the Museum of the Americas, as this is an excellent place to learn about Puerto Rico's history and cultural development. The museum is located on the second floor of the Cuartel de Ballaja, and it contains four permanent exhibits. There are also temporary exhibits that highlight Puerto Rico's history, anthropology, art, and sociology.
Visit the San Juan National Historic Site
While visiting this amazing city, do not forget to include a visit to the San Juan National Historic Site in your itinerary. The site, which was established in 1949, is an excellent place to learn about the historic battles that have taken place in Puerto Rico. The site encompasses many of the city's best attractions and most of the city walls.
Go to San Juan Cathedral
An impressive structure to visit is the San Juan Cathedral, a historical and religious landmark constructed in 1521, making it the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. Not only is this an architecturally appealing attraction, but it also has lots to explore inside.
There is an impressive array of historical and religious artifacts, including tombs and mummies. It is an operational cathedral, and you can attend mass there throughout the week.
Take a Day Trip to Icacos Island
One of the best day trips if you fancy spending some time away from the city is the Cayo Icacos. You will reach Icacos Island by boat, and it initially looks like a deserted island. This underdeveloped and peaceful island is a great place to relax and admire the natural beauty of the setting. Most people who visit go for a swim or go snorkeling to enjoy the offshore reefs and see the colorful tropical fish.
Have a Tour of the Bacardi Rum Factory
One of the more unusual activities to enjoy during your time in Puerto Rico is taking a tour of the Bacardi Rum Factory. San Juan is the home of Bacardi Rum, and it is where you will find the main production facilities. A guide will give you an informative tour of the facilities at the factory and visit the company's museum. After the tour, visitors can enjoy a shot of pure Bacardi rum and cocktails containing this ingredient.
Spend Time on Luquillo Beach
There are many beautiful stretches of beach along the coast of San Juan, and each has something different to offer. One of the best to visit is Luquillo Beach as the surf is settled, providing the perfect spot for families to enjoy the sands and the waters. It is a typical seaside spot, with lots of kiosks selling food. Another fantastic beach to visit is Flamenco Beach, but you will need to take a boat trip to reach this stunning beach.
Explore the Caves at Rio Camuy Cave Park
Whenever you visit a new destination, you must take the time to admire some of the natural landmarks of the area. With this in mind, make sure you include a visit to Rio Camuy Cave Park to explore the caves. The Rio Camuy Cave Park is one of the world's largest cave sites, and an underground river has sculpted the caves. The discovery of the site occurred in 1958, and it is now a popular tourist attraction.
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy at Plaza Las Americas
If you enjoy shopping, then the best spot to enjoy a little retail therapy is at Plaza Las Americas. It is the second-largest shopping mall in Latin America and the largest in the Caribbean. You will find more than 300 stores at this mall, ranging from shops selling local arts and crafts to high-end clothing stores. There are also several eateries within the mall.
Take a Boat Trip
As San Juan is in a coastal location on an island, boat trips are a fantastic activity to enjoy. It is an excellent way to enjoy the island from a different perspective and enjoy riding the waves. There are many boat trips available, some of which focus on wildlife spotting and others with tour guides to point out various landmarks along the coastline.
Try the Puerto Rican Street Food
Rather than merely dining out in the best restaurants in this city, you should immerse yourself in the culinary culture of San Juan by eating Puerto Rican street food. One of the best places to do this is in the Santurce neighborhood, where you will find Lote 23, a modernized version of the traditional beachside kiosks. You can enjoy traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Some of these include burgers, fish tacos, Asian-Puerto Rican fusion food, and Criollo dishes.
Walk the Paseo del Morro
Walking the Paseo Del Morro is one of the best things to do in Puerto Rico for first-timers, as it is a great way to appreciate the surroundings and landmarks. The Paseo del Morro is a stretch of coastline that has been a designated National Historic Site since 2001, and it is the best way to appreciate the coastal views. The walk begins at the Raices Fountain on Paseo de la Princesa, and the trail then takes you along the coast past landmarks such as the San Juan Gate and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
Go to the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art
One of the top attractions in San Juan for art enthusiasts is the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art. This art museum was founded in 1984, and it has an impressive exhibition of work by the finest modern-day artists in Puerto Rico. The display includes prints, posters, sculptures, paintings, and photographs. You will find this museum inside the Sacred Heart University. The exhibition is constantly changing, and there are events held throughout the year. Therefore, you should check out what is on before visiting.
Visit the San Juan Cemetery
The main cemetery in San Juan is the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazis. Although visiting a cemetery may seem like a morbid activity, the opposite is true. It is a beautiful cemetery set in an elevated position overlooking San Juan Bay. The cemetery has gorgeous grounds, and it is the final resting place of some of the city's most significant people. Strolling amongst the gravestones is a peaceful activity, as the setting is so tranquil and the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Drink Pina Coladas
The Pina Colada was not officially invented until 1954, by Ramon Marrero at the Caribe Hilton. However, the Puerto Ricans claim they invented the drink on their island in the19th century. If you visit any of the cocktail bars in the city, you will find that this is a hot topic of debate. Regardless of its origins, the Pina Colada is a drink that you should try while in this city.
These are just some of San Juan's top activities and attractions to enjoy when visiting this Puerto Rican city for the first time. You will find plenty of other fun and fascinating things to do during your stay. Regardless of which activities you choose, you will have a wonderful time in this diverse and fascinating city.
Have you been to San Juan, Puerto Rico? Have you been to any of these places? Do you have any ideas of things we should add to our list? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments section below.