Looking for unique things to do in Puerto Rico? I spent over a week there, and my travel schedule was packed with activities. I’ve got you covered if you want to explore some of the island’s most popular gems.
Where to Stay in Puerto Rico
When visiting Puerto Rico, a balanced stay between the historic charm of Old San Juan and a relaxing beach town is ideal. In Old San Juan, you’ll be surrounded by colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant local culture.
Staying in the heart of the city allows you to immerse yourself in its rich history, from exploring El Morro to enjoying the bustling local food scene. I stayed at 315 Recinto Sur Old San Juan, a cozy vintage apartment in the middle of the city. It was the perfect location, I could walk 5 minutes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This lux apartment also had a French balcony with gorgeous views.
For the beach portion of your trip, consider the serene beaches of Fajardo or Rincon, where you can swim with manatees or sunbathe. For the best experience, I highly recommend spending your time between the beach and city.
When is the Best Time to Visit in Puerto Rico
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is between mid-December and April. This is the island’s dry season, offering the most pleasant weather with warm, sunny days and less humidity—perfect for exploring the beaches and historic sights. It’s also a popular time for festivals, like the San Sebastián Street Festival in January. While this is peak tourist season, the weather is ideal for enjoying both the vibrant culture of Old San Juan and the pristine coastal areas. If you want fewer crowds and still pleasant weather, visiting in the shoulder months of late April to early June can also be a great option.
When is Hurrican Season in Puerto Rico
Hurricane season in Puerto Rico runs from June 1 to November 30th, with most activity occurring between August and October. During this time, the island is more susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes. It’s still possible to visit, but keep an eye on weather forecasts and make sure all of your bookings are refundable. On a positive note, this is one of the most affordable times to visit the island, and there are less. tourists around.
Fun Things to Do in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has something for every traveler. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart, a history buff, or a foodie, you’ll never run out of things to do. Feel free to explore Old San Juan by foot but if you plan on exploring places outside of San Juan, consider renting a car.
Hotels
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Car Rentals
Renting a car can be easy and stress-free.
Activities
Looking for the best things to do? I’ve got you covered.
Las Paylas / Las Pailas Natural Rock Water Slide
The Las Pailas natural rock water slide is located 56 km from Old San Juan in the rainforests of Luquilllo. Luquillo is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico. The natural water slides are on private property, and entry is $5 dollars.
Sign up for a tour to see more Puerto Rican hidden gems with a local.
El Yunque National Forest
El Yunque National Forest is about ten minutes away from Las Pailas. It’s the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. I loved learning about local plants and wildlife at the visitor center. There’s a video exhibit that runs about every hour. It’s also great for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming. My favorite part of El Yunque National Forest was seeing the gorgeous waterfalls.
Go Scuba Diving in Puerto Rico
For the best scuba diving, you will want to leave San Juan. Sometimes, you can see Manatees in San Juan, but the best diving is on the West Coast. Areas like Rincón and Isabela are filled with turtles, stingrays, and lobsters. It’s worth spending a few days on the other side of Puerto Rico.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, constructed in the 16th century under the orders of King Carlos V of Spain, was built with the labor of enslaved Africans and a declining Taino population. This fort played a vital role as a military base that safeguarded the Spanish colonial port of San Juan against invader assaults.
It’s a great attraction in Old San Juan and close to many other attractions.
Explore Old San Juan: Unique Things to Do in Puerto Rico
Old San Juan is a gorgeous neighborhood with colonial architecture, local food vendors, and many attractions. I recommend spending at least a day walking through the narrow roads of this beautiful city.
For a more complete list, check out this blog post on fun things to do in Puerto RIco.
Where to Eat in Puerto Rico: Top Puerto Rican Foods
The best thing I ate in Puerto Rico was a vegan Alcapurria. It includes beef/vegan beef filled with perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes. Some must-eat Puerto Rican dishes are:
- Mofongo: Mashed plantains seasoned with garlic, salt, and olive oil, often served with meat or seafood. It reminds me of fufu or fungee.
- Bacalaitos: These Codfish fritters are so light and fluffy. They’re very addictive!
- Asopao de Pollo: Chicken and rice stew cooked with vegetables. Sofrito is an essential part of this dish.
- Tostones are fried green plantains that have been flattened and fried until crispy. They are usually served as a side dish or snack.
- Pasteles: Pasteles are made with a masa dough filled with meat and wrapped in banana leaves before being boiled or steamed.
Top Restaurants in San Juan
Eating my way through Puerto Rico was interesting. As someone who grew up with a Puerto Rican best friend, I’m a bit spoiled. Many places in San Juan watered down their recipes for tourists. Raices is a popular spot with long wait times, but I found the food bland. The best food in San Juan was a homely place called Bebo’s Café. It was filled with locals so you know it will be good. Cafeteria Mallorca is the perfect breakfast spot. Make sure to order Mallorca, a sweet, fluffy bread roll often served with powdered sugar or meat and cheese. For vegan food, consider 100% HP. The decor was unique, and the food was good.
Read more blog about Puerto Rico here:
- Unique Things to Do in Puerto Rico: Adventure Guide
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro Guide with Photos
- The Ultimate Guide to Vegan Restaurants in Puerto Rico
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