I don’t know why I’ve waited this long to visit Puerto Rico because OH MY GOSH it’s incredible! It’s quickly accessible from basically anywhere on the East coast, safe, easy to navigate, and you don’t even need a passport (even though it definitely feels like you’re in a different country once you arrive!). There’s SO much to do – I’d recommend a road trip!
This mini-guide focuses on San Juan and the southwest coast since that’s what I’ve done (so far! I plan to go back this summer!) but I’ve included some things in other areas of Puerto Rico as well!
SAN JUAN
San Juan is a really cool city, especially Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan!).Old San Juan is lined with colorful historic buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and is surrounded castle walls with water views on all sides. One of the best things you can do is just meander the streets!
SAN JUAN: What to Do
- Castillo San Cristobal
- Castillo San Felipe de Morro
- Luis Munoz Rivera Park
- Walk Calle de la Luna
- Walk Paseo de la Princesa
- Bastion de las Palmas de San Jose
- Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud
- Puerta de San Juan
- Walk Calle San Sebastian
SAN JUAN: Where to Eat
- Barrachina – pina coladas!
- Cafeteria Mallorca
- Caleta del Vino
- Cafe Manolin Old San Juan
- Cafe Cuatro Sombras
- Marmalade
- Princesa Cocina y Cultura
- 100% HP Vegan Restaurant
- El Grifo (in Caguas, worth the drive!)
SOUTHWEST COAST
This is where I spent most of my time in Puerto Rico and not only does it have so much to offer, but there’s so few tourists there that it feels really local and relaxed. It’s a collection of smaller towns with tons of charm, and super close access to the bioluminescent bays where you can swim with glowing plankton! I stayed at La Jamaca & it was great.
SW COAST: What to Do
- Bioluminescent Plankton Tour
- Playa Buye (my fave!)
- Playa El Combate
- Playa Sucia
- Sunset at Faro Los Morrillos
- Salt Flats of Cabo Rojo
- Cayo Caracoles
- Boqueron Beach
- Charco El Pilon
SW COAST: Where to Eat
- Brujula
- Parada La Ceiba
- Annie’s Place
- Estratos Cafe Food Truck
- Boqueron Brewing Co
- Bamboleio
REST OF PUERTO RICO
For the rest of Puerto Rico, where I haven’t yet fully explored, to hopefully save you some time I’m listing out what’s on my list to do in each area! This would make a great start to a week long road trip, or you can pick an area to explore.
NORTHWEST COAST
- Peña Blanca Beach
- Crash Boat Beach
- Playa Doña Lala Beach
- Survival Beach
- Pozo de Jacinto
- Montones Beach
- Gozalandia Waterfall
- Cavernas del Río Camuy
- Zanja Fria
EAST COAST
- Cayo Icacos
- Isla Palominos
- Vieques Island – top of my PR bucket list!
- Caracas Beach
- Playa La Chiva
- Culebra Island
- Flamenco Beach
- Tamarindo Beach
I hope you have the best time!!