Things to See in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Old San Juan
One of the most popular things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico is to explore Old San Juan. This historic district is full of Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively plazas. Don’t miss the chance to visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks around the San Juan Bay!
The San Juan National Historic Site includes Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Fortaleza San Cristóbal, and the city walls of Old San Juan.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo Del Morro (known as El Morro) is a 16th-century Spanish fort located on the tip of Old San Juan. The views from the top are absolutely stunning, and it’s definitely worth climbing the steep steps to get there.
Castillo Can Cristóbal
San Cristóbal is another must-see Spanish fort in Old San Juan. It’s the largest fort built by the Spanish in the New World, and it’s also one of the oldest European fortifications in the Americas – it was built between 1634 and 1790.
Puerto Rico Museum of Art
The Puerto Rico Museum of Art is a great place to learn about the island’s rich culture and history. The museum houses an impressive collection of Puerto Rican art, as well as rotating exhibitions from international artists.
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas. It’s been the home of the Governor of Puerto Rico since 1540, when it was built to defend the harbor of San Juan. Now, it’s a National Historic Site.
Catedral de San Juan Bautista
It’s the oldest cathedral in the United States. It was opened in 1540, and it’s still an active parish church. The cathedral is known for its beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, as well as its stunning stained-glass windows.
Puerta de San Juan
The San Juan Gate is one of the original city gates built in the 1600s. It’s located in Old San Juan, and it’s a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture.
Paseo de la Princesa
The Paseo de la Princesa is a scenic promenade that runs along the city walls of Old San Juan. It offers stunning views of the harbor, and it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll.
Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico – Beaches
Puerto Rico is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico that involve soaking up some sun, head to one of the city’s many beaches. Popular options include:
- Ocean Park Beach – a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, as there are many coral reefs located just offshore.
- Isla Verde Beach – known for its clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s one of the best places to go if you want to swim, catch some sun or relax.
- Condado Beach – located in the tourist district of Condado and known for its restaurants, bars, and hotels.
Places to Visit around San Juan
If you’re looking to tour more than just Old San Juan, there are plenty of other places to visit around the city and in Puerto Rico, in general. They’re all unique and worthy of taking your best camera to!
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the United States, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to escape the city for a day. The forest is home to many hiking trails, waterfalls, and lookout points. Driving there from San Juan will take you around 45 minutes.
The Camuy River Cave Park
The Camuy River Cave Park is a must-see for any nature lover. It’s home to the third largest underground river in the world, and it’s one of Puerto Rico’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s not exactly next to the San Juan, but driving there will take you less than 1.5 hours.
The Fajardo Bioluminescent Bay
The Bio Bay is a beautiful lagoon located in Fajardo, and it’s known for its bioluminescent organisms. These creatures light up the water in a beautiful blue-green color, and it’s an unforgettable experience to swim with them. You can get there in around an hour by car from San Juan.
The Casa Bacardi
The Casa Bacardi in Cataño is a place where you can learn about the history of rum-making on the island, as well as take a tour of the rum factory. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning more about Puerto Rico’s culture and history. The drive from San Juan will take you less than 20 minutes.
Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico at Night
San Juan is a city with vivid nightlife. If you’re looking for things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico after the sun goes down, there are plenty of options.
Old San Juan is the perfect place to start your night out. There are many bars and clubs located within the city walls, and it’s a great place to people watch.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back evening, you can head to the Condado district and enjoy the many bars and restaurants that line the beach. You can also take a stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa, which is illuminated at night.
Top Attractions for Children in San Juan (or Nearby)
Puerto Rico is a great place to bring your family, and there are plenty of things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico or nearby that will keep your kids entertained:
- Acampa Nature Adventure Tours offer a variety of family-friendly tours. They have things like zip lining, hiking, and ATV tours.
- Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis is Puerto Rico’s largest zip lining park. It has over 30 different zip lines, as well as other things like a ropes course and hiking trails.
- Toro Verde Urban Park in San Juan is a great place for kids to run around and explore. It has an arcade, ziplines, climbing walls, and more.
- Coqui Water Park is located in Fajardo, and it’s a great place to take the kids for a day of swimming and sliding.
- Olimpia Water Park in Salinas is another option for a fun day out with the kids. It has things like water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
Explore San Juan and More of Puerto Rico
So there you have it – a list of things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history or soaking up some sun on the beach, you’ll find no shortage of things to keep you busy during your visit.
You could also take a tour around Puerto Rico as a whole. There’s so much to see on this beautiful island, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
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