What to Do Puerto Rico San Juan: A Detailed Travel Guide for Adventurers

By Steve Dez •  Updated: 12/30/23 •  14 min read

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What to do in Puerto Rico, San Juan? This dynamic city is filled with a myriad of exciting activities for every type of traveler.

Explore the charming historic district of Old San Juan, adorned with cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and local crafts.

Visit iconic landmarks such as El Morro, San Cristóbal, the breathtaking Laguna Grande, and the unique San Juan Gate.

For outdoor enthusiasts , indulge in various activities at El Yunque National Park, enjoy a relaxing day at the beaches of San Juan, or consider a thrilling ATV ride at Campo Rico Ranch after an unforgettable ferry ride to Icacos Island.

If you’re an art lover and culinary enthusiast don’t miss Salsa lessons, visiting the famed Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico , exploring street art in Santurce District and delighting your taste buds with local cuisine and cocktails. You can also experience the renowned Casa Bacardi Puerto Rico and embark on an awe-inspiring LED Night Kayak Excursion in Condado Lagoon.

what to do puerto rico san juan
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Discovering the Wonders of Puerto Rico: Unveiling the Heart of San Juan

Upon setting foot in San Juan, I was immediately captivated by its vibrancy and rich history.

As someone who has an avid interest in Puerto Rican tourism, I simply couldn’t resist exploring. In any case, let me share with you my journey and offer some San Juan traveling tips to boost your own epic adventure.

Exploring the Historic District of Old San Juan: Cobblestone Streets, Colorful Buildings and Local Crafts

You see, this area offers an authentic feel of historic Puerto Rico. The colorful buildings lining the charming cobblestone streets are simply stunning. Without a doubt, these are some of the best places to visit in San Juan if you’re into architecture or history.

Beyond that, I found plenty more to marvel at. The numerous shops overflowed with unique artisanal crafts – talk about a haven for art enthusiasts! By the way, don’t forget to take home some keepsakes for your loved ones.

Visiting Key Attractions: El Morro, San Cristóbal, Laguna Grande and the Iconic San Juan Gate

Now that I think about it,this portion of my journey turned out to be one of my favorites.

The fortresses of El Morro and San Cristóbal form part of the prized San Juan National Historic Site, which is rife with significant historical sites in Puerto Rico.

Then there’s Laguna Grande which never fails to impress with its natural beauty. And let’s not forget about Puerta de San Juan – its grandeur will leave you awestruck!

Outdoor Activities in El Yunque National Park and Beaches in San Juan

All things considered, no trip would be complete without an encounter with the great outdoors. With this in mind, enter El Yunque National Park, where a guided hiking tour led me to some pristine waterfalls. It quickly rose to become one of my top activities in San Juan.

If you lean towards beach activities while searching for what to do Puerto Rico San Juan, Condado Beach, El Escambrón,and Ocean Park Beach are the places to be. Each offers a wide range of water sports like swimming, paddleboarding, jet-skiing and diving – all set against a backdrop of stunning seascapes.

A Ferry Ride to Icacos Island and ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch

Imagine spending your day amidst nature on Icacos Island. Taking the ferry there was an adventure in itself! The island offers plenty more beach explorations for sun-loving travelers.

Looking for more adrenaline? Look no further than Campo Rico Ranch’s exhilarating ATV Adventure – it comes highly recommended among various San Juan activities guide listings. This was definitely one of my personal highlights!

The Artistic Side of Puerto Rico: Salsa Lessons, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Street Art in Santurce District

The pulsing beat of salsa music met my ears as I ventured into Santurce District – another must-visit spot when considering what to do Puerto Rico San Juan. Remember that even if you’re not naturally good at dancing, salsa lessons can turn anyone into a dance floor sensation!

The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is worth checking out as well. Here art lovers can get lost amidst an extensive collection of artworks. And for lovers of street art? The Santurce district provides a feast for the eyes at every turn.

Exploration of Local Cuisine, Cocktail Bars, Casa Bacardi Puerto Rico and LED Night Kayak Excursion in Condado Lagoon

To experience the local flavors like a true foodie, be sure to check out some of the best restaurants in San Juan. On top of that, there’s also an array of cocktail bars to explore if you’re interested in experiencing nightlife in Puerto Rico.

If distilleries intrigue you, pay a visit to Casa Bacardi Puerto Rico. It promises an insightful journey into the creation process behind one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic brands.

I wrapped up my day under the stars with a LED Night Kayak Excursion in Condado Lagoon – truly enchanting! All in all, my stay was indeed memorable and I discovered why things to see in Puerto Rico are on many travel bucket lists.

Remember to respect local culture during your trip and comply with any current COVID-19 requirements while enjoying your stay. Safe travels!

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what to do puerto rico san juan


When planning your trip to San Juan, there are several factors to consider. As outlined in this guide on the best times to visit Puerto Rico, it’s crucial to think about when you’ll get the most out of your journey. Puerto Rico, including vibrant San Juan, offers a tropical climate with mild temperatures year-round. However, you may want to avoid hurricane season which typically runs from June through November.

No matter when you visit, there’s no shortage of exciting places in San Juan that any traveler eager for adventure should not miss. From El Morro fortress’ historic walls to the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, your itinerary will be packed with unique attractions and activities.

Of course, any savvy traveler will want to know more about their destination country before departing. Our post on “Does Puerto Rico belong to US?” offers a fascinating look into Puerto Rico’s unique status as a territory of the United States – an essential read for any history buffs or curious tourists.

Lastly, vegetarians and vegans can rest easy knowing that there is plenty of delicious plant-based food available in San Juan! Check out our guide on whether Puerto Rico is vegan-friendly for some restaurant suggestions and traditional dishes you can look out for.

My Personal Take about What to do Puerto Rico San Juan

Hello there!

My name is Steve, considered by many as a connoisseur of all things related to travel, especially knowing what to do Puerto Rico San Juan.

You see, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Town, diving in the vibrant blue waters of Condado Beach and tasting every scrumptious dish this coastal paradise has to offer.

In any case, writing my blog post titled ‘What to Do Puerto Rico San Juan: A Detailed Travel Guide for Adventurers’I attempt to capture the timeless allure of this Spanish colonial gem through words.

My story could be your next adventure waiting at every turn.

Hey friend! It’s positivity that carries us forward so here’s a few Words of Advice.

Don’t let these tales live only on paper,be the champion people need and take that trip!Puerto Rico’s vibrancy is infectious- one visit just might inspire your own love affair with San Juan. Visit once and I bet you’ll fall in love too- after all, there’s always something enchanting waiting for you there!

 
 
 
 
 
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Frequently Asked Questions about What to do Puerto Rico San Juan

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Before you go…

Takeaway 1: Old San Juan is a captivating historic district with charming streets and colorful buildings.

If you’re in the mood to immerse yourself in history and soak up some serious charm, make sure to spend a full day exploring the historic district of Old San Juan. This place is like stepping into a time capsule, with its cobblestone streets and vibrant buildings that will transport you back in time. Every corner you turn reveals something new and exciting, whether it’s a quirky shop selling unique artisanal crafts or a breathtaking view of the impressive fortresses of El Morro and San Cristóbal. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!

Takeaway 2: There are plenty of options for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

If you’re someone who craves outdoor activities and natural beauty, Old San Juan has got you covered too! Head over to El Yunque National Park for a guided hiking tour or chase waterfalls like it’s nobody’s business. And let’s not forget about the beaches! Condado Beach, El Escambrón, and Ocean Park Beach offer not only sunbathing opportunities but also various thrilling water sports like swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and diving. For an extra dose of beach fun, hop on a ferry to Icacos Island (Cayo Icacos) or try out an ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Takeaway 3: Don’t limit yourself to just the historic district – explore other neighborhoods too!

While Old San Juan steals the spotlight with its rich history and captivating architecture, there are other neighborhoods that deserve your attention as well. If you’re up for some salsa dancing or want to appreciate beautiful street art while strolling around, make sure to check out the Santurce district. And if you’re a fan of distilleries, a visit to Casa Bacardi Puerto Rico is a must! Oh, and let’s not forget about food tours – treat your taste buds to some local cuisine and hit up the cocktail bars for a night of delicious fun. Finally, end your day with a guided LED Night Kayak Excursion in Condado Lagoon for an unforgettable experience under the stars. Remember to respect the local culture and follow any COVID-19 guidelines in place – safety first!

Discover more about what makes this island unique by exploring the things Puerto Rico is famous for.

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Steve Dez

Also known as Richport, is a Puerto Rican creator and writer. He grew up in the island and always had a passion for writing, he wrote his first play at the age of 12 and has been creating content ever since. He's now a well-known blogger and creative who writes posts, songs and poetry that showcase his love for his roots, blending traditional stories with modern themes always with some adobo and boricua flavors in the mix.

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