10 Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico
What is Puerto Rico Most Famous For?
Puerto Rico, the “rich port,” is a Caribbean island named for its wealth of natural resources. The U.S. territory is a desired destination for beach vacations and forest adventures.
The best places to visit in Puerto Rico can lead you to exploring miles of underground caves, snorkeling in bioluminescent bays, lounging on white sand beaches, and experiencing the island’s unique culinary repertoire. Each corner of the island has a gem of its own – not to mention the ancillary islands you can reach via ferry. Where will you go in Puerto Rico?
1. El Yunque Rainforest
The only U.S. National Forest classified as a tropical rainforest
Good for: Photo, Adventure
Located in the Luquillo Mountains is El Yunque Rainforest, a top Puerto Rico destination. It contains 29,000 acres of biologically diverse forest, home to wildlife you can’t see anywhere else, like the native coqui frogs. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see an endangered Puerto Rican parrot.
For the best views in El Yunque Rainforest, drive or hike to Yokahu Tower, which is approximately 4 km from the El Portal Forest Center. Atop the nearly 70-foot tall tower, you’ll have views of the northeast side of the forest and can see all the way to the coast. There is also a gift shop at both Yokahu Tower and the Forest Center, so you can bring back a token of your memorable rainforest adventure.
Location: PR-191, Río Grande, 00745, Puerto Rico, USA
Open: Daily from 7.30 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 787-888-1880
El Yunque Rainforest
2. Culebra Island
Dramatic sunsets seen from white sand beaches
Good for: Photo, Adventure
A haven for snorkelers, Culebra Island is a must-visit locale off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. The sparsely populated island is 20 miles from mainland Puerto Rico and bursting with island charm. To get there, hop on a ferry from Ceiba or take a short flight from San Juan. Once on the island, you can take a water taxi and island hop around the area.
Snorkeling is the most popular activity on Culebra Island, as part of the Luis Peña Nature Reserve. Hiking the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge is another popular activity, especially to see the habitats of endangered sea turtles and the nesting spot for thousands of tropical birds.
3. Old San Juan
A mix of history and culinary delight
Good for: History, Nightlife
Old San Juan, an islet connected to the mainland by 3 bridges, is a popular tourist destination, especially as a stop for cruise liners. There’s a reason it’s so popular: an abundance of things to do and see, wrapped up in the romantic charm of the historic area.
For history buffs: visit the 2 forts within the San Juan National Historic Site. For foodies: Take a food tour of the local cuisine, including island cocktail bars you’ll never forget. For night owls: Gamble at the casinos or head to a lounge to hear live music.
4. Ponce
A walkable city with stunning architecture
Good for: Families, Photo
A southern coastal city in Puerto Rico, Ponce is known as the pearl of the south (la perla del sur). The number 1 thing to do in this populous city is to scope out the unique architecture. Don’t miss a tour of Serallés Castle. The Castle was once the home of rum tycoons. Now visitors come to walk through the manicured Japanese garden or climb the tower to get the best view in Ponce.
Another stop in Ponce worth your itinerary is La Guancha. The beachside boardwalk has no shortage of restaurants and shopping. If you want to eat like a local, visit the food kiosks. Last, don’t miss a chance to tour a working coffee plantation at Hacienda Buena Vista.
5. La Parguera
When the sun goes down, the bay lights up
Good for: Budget, Adventure
La Parguera was originally a fishing town. As such, you can expect most of your visit to revolve around water activities, like spending a day at Piscina Rosada, a natural pool surrounded by a wooden boardwalk. Wind surfing and boating are other popular past times.
The biggest draw to La Parguera, however, is La Parguera Nature Preserve. The coastal forest has ample hiking and the clear water makes the “the wall” – a 20-foot coral reef barrier you can see by scuba diving – a true sight to behold. Snorkeling at night is a treat as plankton light up, transforming the waters into a bioluminescent wonder.
6. Distrito T-Mobile
A central spot for arts and entertainment
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Distrito T-Mobile is an entertainment plaza in Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan. Tourists and locals flock to the vibrantly decorated district to listen to live music at the Coca-Cola Music Hall. The concert venue can accommodate nearly 10,000 people and hosts popular artists touring the world.
As you walk around the rest of Distrito T-Mobile, you’re bathed in a neon glow from the surrounding artwork and thriving businesses. You may come for the entertainment (including the movie theater and urban ziplining), but you’ll want to stay for the host of food options. At Distrito T-Mobile you can get the best in local cuisine as well as hamburgers, pizza, Asian fusion, and divine desserts.
Location: 250 Convention Blvd, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico, USA
Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 11.30 am to 11pm, Thursday from 11.30 am to 12 am, Friday–Saturday from 11.30 am to 1 am
Phone: +1 787-998-2000
Distrito T-Mobile
7. Playa Flamenco
A popular day trip from San Juan
Good for: Photo, Budget, Adventure
For a beach day you won’t soon forget, grab your flip flops and head to Playa Flamenco. Go ahead and dig your toes into the soft white sand before heading out into the emerald water. This public beach on Culebra Island is in a cove, so the water is mostly calm – perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
If you’re looking for an iconic photo-op from your day on Playa Flamenco, walk along the shore – a mile and a half stretch – until you locate “The Tank.” You won’t miss the beached U.S. Navy Tank, now covered in colorful graffiti.
Location: Flamenco, Culebra 00775, Puerto Rico, USA
Playa Flamenco
8. Rio Camuy Caves
Archaeologists discovered these caves in 1958
Good for: Families, Adventure
Rio Camuy, a vast underground river in the northern region of Puerto Rico has been hard at work for hundreds of years, carving out an unimaginable system of caves, known as Rio Camuy Caves. The natural limestone caverns span Camuy, Hatillo and Lares, Puerto Rico. The main entrance, however, is in Camuy.
Guides take you through the caves on a paved path, where you can see portions of the river and learn about the surrounding stalactite formations. Note that while some caves are known to be cold, Rio Camuy is hot and humid. After 2 hours exploring the caves, you re-emerge back into the lush landscape. Near the entrance and exit there is a giftshop to commemorate your experience, as well as food stands and picnic tables.
Location: Carr. 129 K. 18.9, Quebrada, 00627, Puerto Rico, USA
Open: Wednesday–Sunday, from 8 am to 3 pm
Phone: +1 787-898-3136
Rio Camuy Caves
9. Lagos dos Bocas
Fish for catfish, sunfish, peacock bass or largemouth bass
Good for: Food, Budget, Adventure
One of the best places to go in Puerto Rico for a unique dining experience is Lago dos Bocas in central Puerto Rico. The lakeside restaurants that pepper the shoreline are accessible via boat. At the pier, let the rep know which restaurant you’d like to eat at, and they will call your ferry. The restaurants are all reasonably priced, specializing in tapas and local seafood – but the view of the lake is the real draw.
Beyond dining, fishing and recreational boating are allowed on Lago dos Bocas. The water is very calm, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing outing on kayaks.
Location: PR-123, Arecibo 00612, Puerto Rico, USA
Lagos dos Bocas
10. El Morro
Also known as Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Good for: History, Photo
Throughout history, El Morro fort has stood against multiple attacks from the British, Dutch, and U.S. militaries. And though the Spanish eventually ceded Puerto Rico to the United States in the 1800s, the structure served as an impressive barrier for around 3 centuries. Today, visitors to El Morro can tour the 6-story harborside building, including the tunnel system.
For the best photo opportunities at El Morro, visit the lighthouse or walk along the Paseo del Morro boardwalk which leads to the Bay of San Juan. Insider tip: It may sound strange, but the restrooms also have spectacular views from their walk-out terraces.
Location: 501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico, USA
Open: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 787-729-6960
El Morro
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