Top 10 Most Popular Things to Do in Puerto Rico

Tourism is essential as Puerto Rico continues to recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria.

With continued resilience, rebirth and regrowth, the island of Puerto Rico is as beautiful as it always was, but there is still work to do.

Many Puerto Rican citizens rely solely on tourism dollars to live. Provide a massive boost to a struggling economy while visiting an enchanted island with stunning views and a unique charm.

Puerto Rico is packed with adventurous, educational, and fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. Even as the island rebuilds after their most devastating storm in history, it is worth a visit. Many areas are still working on recovery and are not yet open for tourism, but many are going strong.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

If you need reasons to travel to Puerto Rico, here you go.

1)  The Climate.

The weather is perfection, with year-round temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is perpetual beach weather. It can be muggy, but there is always a gentle ocean breeze. Sometimes it rains, but wait a few minutes, and the rain shower will have passed.

2)  Puerto Rican cuisine, my favorite attraction.

Mofongo, beans and rice, fresh seafood, plantains, lechon, fresh tropical fruits; I could go on and on. I average about five pounds of additional weight gain after vacation. But it is so worth it.

Snapper Mofongo from El Patio de Sam.

3) It is very easy to travel from the United States to Puerto Rico.

You do not need a passport, and you do not need to go through immigration. Most Puerto Rican citizens are at least bilingual, so there is a minimal language barrier. There is no currency exchange. Plus, the island is a quick three-hour flight from Orlando.

Here are my Top 10 Must-See Bucket List Attractions in Puerto Rico!

In my opinion, there are two ways to see El Morro, from the inside and from the outside.

The majestic structure has tunnels, ramps, dungeons, spiral staircases, and archways throughout.  Walk into the garitas, the sentry boxes where the guards stood watch.  Imagine what the men saw while protecting their land.  Take a picture with one of the old cannons still in place in the fort.

You will see the kitchen where their food was prepared. And the bathrooms are seriously a room with a view.

The inside of Castillo San Felipe del Morro is truly astounding.  However, in my opinion, spending time exploring the outside grounds of El Morro can be just as fun.

Fly a kite.  Bring a picnic.  Or just sit and relax and take in the view on the front lawn of El Morro.

Head towards La Puerta de San Juan (the San Juan Gate).

Once you walk through the gate, you will discover Paseo del Morro to the right.  Follow this path towards the entrance of San Juan Bay while walking alongside the stately walls of El Morro.

The path ends in a picturesque coastal cemetery with incredible views of Old San Juan and La Perla.

Now it is time to grab a Piragua from the closest Piragüero and cool off.  A Piragua is a frozen treat of shaved ice and covered with fruit-flavored syrup.  The kids love it.

Touring El Morro inside and outside is worth your time spent.  You will capture amazing images, get some exercise, and spend quality time with your family.  It is always one of my favorite things to do in Puerto Rico.

For more information on Touring El Morro Inside and Out, including some fun family pictures, CLICK HERE.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is a combination of history, art, architecture, culture, culinary delights, colorful scenery, and shopping.  Plan on at least half a day, maybe even a full day of exploration.

Old world architecture is prevalent in the area of Old San Juan; the colors are vibrant; the doors are unique. I could dedicate a single post to just the doors of San Juan. They all seem to scream individuality.

At the end of Calle Cristo is the Parque de Las Palomas.

This is a must for the kids.  They will love it.  Buy some bird feed from the vendor and watch the doves become your best friend.

You will find an adult version of Piragua disguised as a Margarita at El Parnaso, a Mexican Restaurant at the end of Calle Cristo, with seating out on the cobblestone street.  The area is usually pretty busy and is the best spot for people-watching.

Here is a bit of advice on exploring Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• If you go early in the morning, you will beat the crowds and you will be able to take pictures before everyone arrives.  The lighting in the morning is gorgeous.  And it can be quite peaceful at this time of the day.
• Go off the beaten path.  The architecture and art of the city are fascinating.  You will find hidden treasures in the sights, sounds, and scents off the beaten path.  This is how I found this amazing façade.

  

• Take your time.  As many times as we have had the opportunity to explore Old San Juan, we still see new things every time.  Each year of life with the kids brings a new point of view of the city.

Travel from the beach to the stunning tropical rainforest of El Yunque National Forest in less than an hour from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The hours of operation of El Yunque National Rainforest are from 6 AM to 6 PM.  They will close the gates if the park becomes full, so arrive early.

You can access the rainforest for free, but I suggest you check in to the Visitor’s Center for directions to Big Tree Trail.   There is a charge of $4 at the Visitor’s Center, but it is worth it.  It is full of information, as well as a gift shop and coffee shop. 

You can try to find the trail with your GPS, but so far I have had no luck with this option. GPS is hit or miss on the island, so best to find the Visitor Center and get proper old fashioned directions.

Our favorite hike in El Yunque, one we have done year after year, is the Big Tree Trail to La Mina Falls.

The hike from the trailhead to the falls may take about an hour, give or take.  When the kids were little, it took sometimes up to two hours.  But, last time we hiked the trail, it took about 45 minutes.

You will be serenaded by the coquis throughout your trek to the falls.  It is much like a peaceful enchanted forest.  Unique flora and fauna.  And the hike comes with a huge reward at the end.

The trail is almost entirely paved. There are some steps to climb.  You will be walking at an incline on the way back to the trailhead.  I would say that the hike is easy to moderate.  There are a few rest stops, in case you need a break or want a snack.  These are useful for when it rains, as well.

You will hear the falls a bit before you arrive.

Your efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful site at the end of your trek, La Mina Falls.

***During our recent visit to Puerto Rico (July 2018), we found that El Yunque was closed until further notice.  Heartbreaking news.  The rainforest was heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria.  The forest roads are unsafe due to potential landslides.  Many of the trails are blocked due to storm debris.***

A relaxing beach day is in order after touring El Morro (inside and out), walking the vibrant streets of Old San Juan and hiking the rain forest.

So many beaches, so little time!

There are many unbelievably beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico, your choice will depend on what you want to do.  Some beaches are quiet and secluded.  If you prefer a more happening scene, there are beaches that are bustling with activity.

Isla Verde Beach.

We always stay in Carolina at The Intercontinental on Isla Verde beach.  There is nothing better in my humble opinion than a day relaxing on a beautiful laid back tropical beach lined with coconut trees.

Isla Verde Beach is calm and the water temperature ranges from about 78-83 degrees F year-round.

Family Beach Day, Isla Verde.

There are plenty of people around listening to music, playing paddleball, making sandcastles, picnicking and relaxing.

If you love watersports, then you can rent a jet ski, ride on a banana boat, or learn to surf.  This is a popular area for kite surfing and parasailing.  I have seen flyboarding, but when we were there in the summer (2018), this activity was not available in Isla Verde.

Beach vendors in Isla Verde, an easy lunch.

Helados Caribe on the beach, a cold, sweet treat.

There are plenty of beaches in other areas of Puerto Rico that are away from the hustle and bustle of Isla Verde.

Luquillo Beach is beautiful, with the backdrop of El Yunque National Forest. Another family-friendly beach with calm surf.  The police officers patrolling are on horseback.  There are multiple kiosks full of authentic Puerto Rican food to sample as well as ice-cold Medalla (refreshing 98 calorie local beer).

Out of the city of San Juan, you will find the following amazing, beautiful beaches:  La Playuelo in Cabo Rojo, Gilligan’s Island in Guanica, Crashboat Beach in Aguadilla, Mar Chiquita Beach in Manatí, Piñones, and Ocean Park.

The beautiful coconut palm-lined Luquillo Beach.

A day at the beach of Guanica Reserve.

The most famous beaches in Puerto Rico are in Condado.  Although I find this area to be a bit rough for children.  But the surfers love it.

If you are really looking for seclusion and unspoiled beaches, hop on a quick flight to one of the Spanish Virgin Islands, Culebra or Vieques. 

In my opinion, these islands have the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Gorgeous coconut palm trees overlooking Flamenco beach on the Puerto Rican island of Culebra. Old remnant tank partially sunk in the sand at Flamenco Beach on the tropical island of Isla Culebra, Puerto Rico.

The US Navy once used the beautiful island of Culebra for training exercises. In the ’70s, the citizens of Culebra and Puerto Rico began protesting their presence on the island. Eventually, they stopped all testing and left the island. The Navy left behind some reminders, including this abandoned, rusting tank covered in graffiti sitting on the pristine shores of Flamenco Beach.

Beautiful Beach on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico.  Photo cred:  ME!

The perfect break from the heat and humidity of the island of Puerto Rico is a day at Plaza Las Americas (“Plaza” in local lingo).

Plaza Las Americas, the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, is in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  It was the very first indoor shopping mall built in Puerto Rico.

I know what you are thinking. It is just a mall, on a beautiful island, with so many other things to do.  However, you will thank me for this tip as it is a nice cool down and it’s fun.

There is a movie theater, Caribbean Cinemas, with recent movies to choose from.

There are lots of stores to shop including large “anchor” stores such as Macy’s and JCPenney.  Plaza also has several of my favorite stores that we do not have where I live, maybe this is why I love it.  These include a Bose Store, Kiehl’s,  Kipling, and Playero.  There are even some boutiques; Carolina Herrera, Cartier, Michael Kors, Tous, and Tiffany &Co.

This is not me, but you get the picture, right?

There is a huge variety of restaurants including one of my favorite mall restaurants, The Cheesecake Factory.  And they have a Starbucks  (It’s the American in me)!

Starbucks keeps me happy.

Kayaking the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico is simply a magical adventure.

There are three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico.  Mosquito Bay, in Vieques Island, Puerto Rico is considered the brightest bio bay in the world.  While visiting Vieques last year, we took a kayak tour of Mosquito Bay.

What is this bio bay all about?

A bio bay is full of tiny unicellular microorganisms that light up when the water is agitated.  This glow is only visible at night.  And it is best seen when the light is low.  Plan your visit with the moon cycle, as you will not be able to see the beauty if there is a full moon.

There are multiple tours for kayaking.  We arranged ours through the Viator Website (link below).  They will pick you up at a designated spot and drive you to the bay.  It is very dark; it has to be for the bay to glow the brightest.  You will paddle your kayak into the middle of the bay and spend about 1 1/2 hours paddling around in the bay.

Be prepared to be in awe.  It is truly mesmerizing and peaceful and beautiful. 

When the paddle hits the water, you will see the water light up blue/green.  Your hand in the water will cause the reaction as well.  What a rush it would be to swim in the bay.  Imagine your whole body lighting up like a glow stick. However, this is forbidden due to conservation efforts.

When fish swim by, they light up.  This can get a little scary because there are some big fish out there.

I don’t have any of my images of this experience for a couple of reasons. Three (expensive) underwater cameras in my possession flooded, therefore I am now forbidden to own one. AND, I could not bring myself to carry my beloved Canon DSLR or my iPhone into a kayak with a ten year when it is pitch dark.

Here is a link to a Vieques Island Tourism site with information and pictures.

Advice for your bio bay adventure. 

• Use bug spray, DEET free to be environmentally friendly. 
• Wear something you don’t mind getting wet. 
• Bring a change of dry clothes and a towel.  We were very wet in the Kayak.

Camuy River Cave Park is a natural attraction boasting one of the largest cave networks in the world.  Another unique adventure in Puerto Rico that is just WOW!

After about an hour and a half drive from San Juan, you will arrive at the Camuy River Cave Park.  They will provide you with a set of headphones for an audio tour.  A trolley will take you deep down into the cave system.  The ride is so much fun, especially for the kids, steep, winding and rolling.

See how the rays of the sunlight up the entrance to the caves.

Once you arrive at the entrance of the cave, you will be walking for this part of the tour.  There are rails to hold on to since the ground can be kinda slippery.  Wear comfortable shoes, pay attention and be mindful.

I have tried to capture the beauty and mystique of these caves and will share some images.  These images will not do justice to the wonder of this cave system.  You must see it for yourself.

The River running through the Camuy Cave System.

Stalactite or Stalagmite?

Cool rock formation in thCamuy Caves.

***Hurricane Maria Update:  Cleanup and restoration efforts continued at Camuy River Cave Park through March 2021. The Camuy Cave National Park is now open again.***

Touring Casa Bacardi in Cataño has been on my bucket list for years.

Bacardi is the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world.

We finally put a checkmark for Casa Bacardi last summer, although there have been plenty of rum tours at my house over the years.

You can catch the Old San Juan Ferry at Pier #2 to get to Cataño. The cost of the Ferry ride is $0.50! And it is fun. A taxi will then take you to Casa Bacardi.

We took the Historical Tour since we had the kids with us.

The cost is $15 for adults and children under 17 years of age get in free.  Sadly, a rum tasting tour or mixology class would not have been appropriate as they were 9 and 11 at the time.

We learned about the history of rum including the reason for the bat logo.

The tour was about 45 minutes.  Afterward, we enjoyed a complimentary rum drink at the waterfront Bat Bar Pavilion.  Purchase rum cake in the gift shop to enjoy with your beverage.

For more information on this tour or to buy tickets, the link to Casa Bacardi is HERE.

At the top of the list of my favorite vacation activities is horseback riding.

There are many places that you can get only on horseback.  I find the sound of the cadence of their footsteps and the rhythmic movement of the ride to be relaxing and peaceful.  We have been on multiple rides on the island over the years.

Recently we visited Hacienda Campo Rico in Carolina.   Campo Rico Trail Rides is my favorite ride on the main island.

What a peaceful ride!

From San Juan, Hacienda Campo Rico is about fifteen minutes.  DO NOT use the GPS as it will take you somewhere else.  Use the directions on the website.  HERE is the link.

All lined up waiting for riders.

Hacienda Campo Rico has several activities to choose from.

Firstly, if you wish not to partake in any of them, you can relax at El Mojito Bar with TVs, an ice-cold Medalla and stunning views of the valley.  They have ATV rides, Archery Tag (didn’t know this was a thing), and ziplining.  They also provide an eco-tour of the Plantation.

Our ride through this beautiful sugar cane farm was humbling but encouraging.

Hurricane Maria devastated the agriculture of Puerto Rico.  However, our ride proved the resilience of nature.  There were new leaves as far as the eye could see.   Our guide pointed out new papayas, guava, mangoes, almonds, and of course plantains.

During the storm, the horses were set free to find shelter in the hills.  It took about 2-3 weeks to clean up and rebuild the stables before they could bring the horses back.   It was heartwarming to hear that they didn’t lose any of their horses during this catastrophic storm.  AND three of them came back pregnant.

This white peacock is something that I have never seen before.  He was beautiful, however, he wasn’t too nice.

I have never seen a reindeer in person.  The last place I ever thought I would see a reindeer was Puerto Rico.

It may seem funny for some to hear  food referred to as an “attraction.”  But hear me out on this.

Yes, Puerto Rico is a beautiful island filled with stunning beaches, nature, history, happy and friendly people, lively music, and vibrant colors.  But, don’t miss out on the unique cuisine of the island.

Puerto Rican cuisine is a mix of Taino (The Native Puerto Rican), African and Spanish influence.

The basics are beans, rice, pork, plantains, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.  These basics are prepared with salt, other delicious Puerto Rican Spices, and love.  Fried or roasted on a spit.

Seriously, the food of Puerto Rico deserves a post all on its own.

But, for now, I will leave you with my favorites.

I begin with my all-time favorite quintessential Puerto Rican dish, Mofongo.  Green plantains fried, mashed with salt, garlic, and oil molded into a “bowl” then filled with pork, fish, chicken or shrimp.

Typical Puerto Rican Platter with pork, moro rice, fried green plantains, and yuca.

“Chillo Frito Con Tostones Y Ensalada”  Fried Red Snapper with fried plantains and a salad.  Order this, you won’t regret it.  Simply delicious.

Tropical Fruits of Puerto Rico.

“Tortas de Bacalao”  fried codfish are often served on an appetizer platter with croquettes (see below), alcapurrias, tostones.  All fried deliciousness.

Croquettes!

Pinchos (meat on a skewer) are NOT fried so might be a healthier option, without sacrificing flavor.

“Coco Frio.”  You can find this scene all over the island.  The top of the cold coconut is chopped off by the machete.  Grab a straw and drink cold coconut water straight from the coconut.  I hear this is amazing with a shot of Rum.

Sorry Starbucks, but the Puerto Ricans have you beat.  You can find strong delicious local coffee anywhere in Puerto Rico.  And it will be better than any Seattle bean that you have ever tasted.

Puerto Rico has so much to offer.

There are adventures in nature, stunning beaches, historical sites, culture and cuisine that you don’t want to miss.

Have fun, take lots of pictures and let me know what you think.