Puerto Rico has been charming travelers from around the world for ages. Located near the Dominican Republic, these two have similarities. With a plethora of attractions, impressive landscapes, and friendly Puerto Ricans, it is impossible not to fall in love with this country in the Caribbean. In fact, this is one of the best places for honeymooners and vacationers. After all, it is known for its sun, rum, sand, and surf to be enjoyed. 

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Best Places to visit in Puerto Rico

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There are beautiful beaches here that are perfect for rest and relaxation. For adrenaline junkies, go on a zipline over the lush rainforests. Or jump from towering cliffs down to crystal clear waters. You can also show off how brave you are as you make your way down into the underground caves. 

Aside from that, Puerto Rico is also rich in culture and history. Even if it is part of the United States, the country managed to retain its cultural heritage. In fact, you will find plenty of historical structures still standing. History buffs will want to visit museums, churches, and galleries to learn more about pre-Columbian history.

As you can see, there is no shortage of adventures in Puerto Rico. You just need to decide which side of it you want to see and experience yourself. 

Top 10 Best Things to See and Do in Puerto Rico

With so many things to see and do in Puerto Rico, spending a day here will not be enough. In fact, if you want to fully immerse yourself in this country’s amazing landscape, culture, and history, you need to extend your stay for a week or two. That said, here is a list of the 10 best attractions and activities that you can do while you are in the country. 

• Flamenco Beach

Let’s admit it. The first thing that most travelers do when they visit Puerto Rico is to check out its beaches. And when it comes to the best beaches, Flamenco Beach sits on top of the list. This is not surprising since it boasts of pristine white sand complemented by sparkling blue waters. 

What makes this beach more enjoyable is the amenities that you will find here. Think bathrooms, food kiosks, lifeguards, and volleyball nets too. In addition, there is a tourist station here where you can rent equipment for scuba diving and snorkeling. There is plenty of coral reefs and marine life underwater that you can see up close. You have found the perfect spot to enjoy plenty of water activities.

Not only can you go surfing here. But you can also bring the whole family to swim and make sandcastles on the beach. The picture-perfect Playa Flamenco is in Isla Culebra. Which is, by any tourist’s admission, one of the best places to visit. 

• Old San Juan

If you want to learn more about the rich history of the country, you should visit old San Juan. It is in the capital city of Puerto Rico where you can experience modern times mixed with old-world charm. This is why, regardless of whether you will explore it on your own or as part of a guided tour, you should add it to your itinerary. 

The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan will take you to see colorful colonial architecture on both sides. In fact, you should make your way to the San Juan National Historic Site.  Which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find two historical landmarks that the whole family will enjoy. Although there are free trolleys that can take you around the old town, it is best to explore it on foot. 

Among the tourist attractions that you should see here are the La Fortaleza palace, Ponce de Leon’s mansion, and El Paseo la Princesa just to name a few. If you want to see the colorful umbrellas that line the street, you will find them on La Fortaleza street. On the other hand, you can admire the San Juan Gate or the old city walls from El Paseo. Make sure that you visit late in the afternoon since passengers of cruise ships often flock here during the day. 

Aside from the stunning Spanish architecture in Old San Juan, you can also immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture here. While you explore its streets you will notice that there are plenty of events happening in the area. Live music often plays in the background with locals dancing the salsa. This is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture thanks to the vibrant life here. 

• Castillo San Felipe del Morro 

Since you are already in the old city of San Juan, you should visit El Morro. The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of Spain’s military engineering marvels. In fact, this is one of the country’s historical landmarks that you don’t want to miss. This fortification stands on a corner of the islet. Once protected the land against pirates, slavers, and soldiers. Today, it is one of the cruise stops where passengers disembark to enjoy the old town. Aside from that, it is a popular spot for many history buffs because the ruins will take you back in time. 

You will need to pay an entrance fee before you can explore the grounds of the fort. You want to understand the legacy behind this fortification. There are travel guides that can take you around. However, you can explore it on your own if you prefer to do it at your own pace. Each area of the fort has a recreation of barracks, kitchens, and facilities like before. Aside from that, there are plenty of interactive presentations that will teach you the importance of this facility. 

If you want to get impressive shots of the fort, make your way down to the lowest level. This will take you close to the waters. You can enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean, the cemetery, and La Perla. La Perla is a neighborhood that you will find outside the wall in the higher levels of the fort. In addition, there is a pathway that will take you to the Gate of San Juan. 

Aside from that, you can also make your way to Castillo San Cristobal. This was built to help fortify the island against invaders. In fact, this is the largest fortress built in the Americas. 

• El Yunque National Rainforest 

El Yunque National Forest covers 28,000 acres of land that is home to a lush rainforest. In fact, this is the only tropical rainforest that you will find in the United States. There are rivers, waterfalls, thick foliage, and impressive views here that you don’t want to miss. If you are planning on visiting, you should start from the entrance near Luquillo. This is the developed side of the rainforest where you can get information on what to see in the park. 

Nature lovers often make time to visit here because of the flora and fauna that call El Yunque their home. It is not surprising that hiking is a popular activity. Also, zip lining is fun too! But you can also go biking, camping, and having a picnic here too. However, because of Hurricane Maria that affected the Caribbean Island, parts of the forest were closed to visitors. 

On a good note, there are areas that are open for exploration. For example, you can head to the La Coca Falls, Juan Diego Waterfalls, and the Yokahu Observation Tower. You can even hire tour guides that will help you navigate the dense rainforest to visit some of the waterfalls here. You will traverse the forest to see the natural pools and waterfall. Afterward, you can cool down in these pools by swimming or, if you are feeling more adventurous, go cliff diving too.

Meanwhile, if you want a different view of the tropical rainforest, try the zipline nearby. This will give you a bird’s eye view of the lush foliage below. It will take you at least two hours to complete this experience so you might want to add it to your itinerary. 

• Vieques Island 

If you are willing to expand your adventure outside of Puerto Rico, you should check out Vieques Island. This small island is accessible by a ferry and is the perfect place to get away from the crowd. Among the top attractions that you will find here is the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge where wild horses, manatees, and sea turtles call it home. You can also go on a snorkeling tour.

Aside from that, another attraction here that you don’t want to miss is Mosquito Bay. This bioluminescent bay is the brightest in the world as stated by the Guinness World Records back in 2008. You c

an also check La Parguera if you want to see more bioluminescence. Although it was affected by Hurricane Maria, Mosquito Bay lit up once more much to the delight of the locals and tourists. The best time to visit here is during the new moon phase when the waters light up. 

Meanwhile, why not make your way to Isabel Segunda where you will find plenty of historical structures. You can learn more about its history by checking out the museums on the island. The best way to explore Vieques is to rent a Jeep so you can get around easily. Aside from that, go hiking through the verdant forest so you can be one with nature. 

Since you are on the island, you should not forget to appreciate the sandy beaches here. In fact, you should take advantage of the various water sports that you can do here. Among these are snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and jet skiing. The clear water makes it easier to spot the various sea creatures that thrive around this island. On the other hand, you can go sailing to see the island from a different perspective. 

• Rio Camuy Cave Park

The Camuy River Cave Park is on the north coast of Puerto Rico. It is the third-largest underground river across the globe. What makes this a great destination for tourists is its extensive network of underground limestone caves. These have been carved by the river over the centuries. Although the cave system was first discovered in 1958, there is evidence that shows that the indigenous people living on the island found them first. So far, there are 10 miles of caverns, 220 caves, and around 17 entrances that have been mapped. Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg as the cave system is expansive. Experts believe that there is still 800 miles worth left to discover.

You can look for a tour company that will take you to see the massive stalactites and stalagmites here. Take note that some of the caves and caverns are off-limits. Your guide will show you the best paths to fully appreciate the beauty of this subterranean world. That said, anyone who is looking for unique places to see should definitely add this cave system to their list. For sure, you will have a better appreciation of Mother Nature’s creativity. 

This is the perfect place to head to if you are planning a day trip to Puerto Rico. Once inside, you will be amazed at the massiveness of the main cave with its ceiling towering above you. Fortunately, there are walkways and plenty of lighting in these underground caves. Depending on the tour that you got, your guide can speak in English or Spanish. 

Aside from that, your guide will take you to the Sumidero de Empalme. It is a massive sinkhole that is quite stunning to look at especially with the sun’s rays penetrating it.

• Arecibo Observatory 

The Arecibo Observatory is a great place to visit on the main island. You don’t need to be a scientist to fully appreciate the grandeur of this observatory. In towers more than 1,600 feet above the fields and lakes of Puerto Rico which is an impressive feat. It was once the largest radio telescope in the world until China built a much larger version of it. Needless to say, this massive telescope is a must-see for travelers. 

Traveling here requires a short drive into the lush karst region. From here, you can admire the size of this man-made marvel, but wait until you enter the observatory itself. The best way to explore Arecibo is through its science and visitors center. This guided tour will take you through their interactive exhibits, audio-visual displays, as well as their informative panels. Guests will learn a bit of astronomy, how to operate the radio telescope, and atmospheric science too. 

If you haven’t noticed this yet, this observatory has appeared in several shows already. Among these are Contact, Golden Eye, and The X-Files. Aside from that, Arecibo is also known for its great views. Once you are finished with the tour, you can climb up to the observation deck. Up here, you will find that you are higher than the birds! 

This is the perfect spot to get an unobscured view of your surroundings from a higher perspective. It is understandable if you will feel a bit dizzy because of the height, but this is one area you don’t want to miss. The Arecibo Observatory is still operational and sends out signals around the globe. This is one tourist attraction that you should definitely visit.

• Gilligan’s Island 

Yes, you read that right. Gilligan’s Island is a popular TV show in the United States. But it is also the name of Cayo Aurora. You will find it just off the coast of Guanica. Where tourists often head out. However, this smaller island is still worth checking out. Especially, if you prefer to get away from the crowd. 

What’s great about this little island is that you can access it by kayaking to its sandy shores. It will take you at least 20 minutes to reach it from Guanica. Of course, you need to consider if the waters are ideal for it. But you can also rent a boat if you like. There are boat rentals at Guanica that will cost you around $10 to $15. Not a bad price to see this little island and the marine life here. 

Once you are on the island, you will find that there are a few sandy beaches to lie on. If you are with your children, the calm waters will make it easier for them to learn how to swim. There is also a mangrove forest here that will give you some privacy and respite from the heat. 

Of course, exploring the waters is a must as the coral reefs and sea creatures here are thriving. Fortunately, there are roped-off areas for the safety of swimmers and snorkelers. After all, there are some fishermen who come here to fish and for conch shells. If you are feeling hungry, you can head to the northern portion of the island where there are BBQ pits and picnic tables. 

The best time to visit here is during the weekdays when you can have the island all to yourselves. Keep in mind that locals often flock here on weekends for a quick getaway. 

• Ponce

Are you looking for beautiful places to visit in Puerto Rico? Add Ponce to your itinerary. Also referred to as La Perla del Sur. Ponce is home to several historical and cultural landmarks. If you are wondering what is the largest city in Puerto Rico, this is one of them. The tourist attractions that you will see here are quite diverse. In fact, you will have a bit of everything here. 

One of the attractions that you don’t want to miss here is the Museo de Arte de Ponce. This museum is well-known across the globe because of its permanent collection. In fact, there is 4,500 pieces worth of creativity here. It includes paintings, ceramics, and sculptures. The collection spans work from Africa, Puerto Rico, and the Americas. This is a good place to learn more about its history. 

Aside from that, you should also head to the Plaza Las Delicias. Here you will find colonial architecture amidst lush shade trees. In fact, one of these is the Parque de Bombas. Which is an old fire station transformed into a museum. Aside from that, there is also Fuente de Leones. Which is the mayor’s residence. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady Guadalupe too. In addition, you will also find Castillo Serrales here. This was once the house of the Serrales family who owned the Don Q distillery.  

From Ponce, you can make your way to Caja de Muertos. Which is an uninhabited island home to a nature reserve. The clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. You can also go hiking up to the lighthouse where you will get a good view of the island. This is not the only hotspot near Ponce. 

• Cabo Rojo

Another popular beach that tourists and locals flock to is Cabo Rojo. Located on the west coast of Puerto Rico, Cabo Rojo is a charming area that has limestone cliffs and stunning beaches. 

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you come and visit. You can expect pristine beaches and reddish waters here. The red tinge of the water is due to the Salt Flats that increase the minerals in the water. 

In fact, the Salt Flats is one of its popular attractions. You can have a quick stop here as you make your way to the Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Meanwhile, the lighthouse was built to help ships navigate the Mona Passage. Which runs from the Caribbean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. You can access the lighthouse to get a good view of the ocean and the surrounding area. In addition, one of the hiking trails nearby will take you to the natural stone bridge which is a must-see. Go on a short walk here to admire its beauty. 

Afterward, make your way to La Playuela Beach which is near the lighthouse. The waters here are crystal clear and the sandy beaches are perfect for making sandcastles. You should watch out for strong currents if you move toward the deeper waters. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards here. 

Don’t forget to visit Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge too. It is home to native birds and endangered species that the government has been protecting. This is the perfect spot to do some bird watching. 

Other Attractions to Consider

Like it was mentioned before, Puerto Rico has plenty to offer its guests. In fact, this tropical paradise will make you fall in love with its diversity. Aside from the ones mentioned above, you should also include these in your list of places to visit. 

• La Placita de Santurce

La Placita is one of the best stops that you can make while you are in San Juan. It is a two-tiered marketplace where you can buy fresh produce and more. During the day, it is a bustling market where locals buy their needs. At night, however, the neighborhood comes alive. 

You will find the best restaurants and bars here where locals and tourists gather. There are food trucks too where you can purchase local cuisine and street foods. If you want to see what it is like during the busiest days, drop by here from Thursday to Sunday. You will find that the atmosphere has become livelier. 

• Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay

Another bioluminescent bay that you can visit from San Juan is Laguna Grande. It is one of the bio-bays that you will find in Puerto Rico. The bluish glowing lights that appear in the water are from dinoflagellates. These microorganisms glow when they feel threatened. To fully appreciate the beauty of their bioluminescence, make sure that you head here when there is no moon. 

• Isla Verde

If you are itching to start your adventure as soon as you land at SJU Airport, then head to Isla Verde. In fact, this is a popular spot for travelers. Thanks to its immaculate golden sand beach and blue waters. There are palm trees around it that offer shade to beachgoers. What’s more, you can find the best hotel here to stay in. You might be lucky to find golf courses among the resorts here.

What you will love about this island is that it has three parts. First is the Pine Grove. Which is popular among surfers. The second is the Alambique. Which is a strip of land perfect for relaxation. Last is the Balneario de Carolina. You can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere here with plenty of lifeguards to keep you safe. 

• Seven Seas Beach 

If you are staying in San Juan, you will find the Seven Seas Beach nearby. It will take less than an hour to reach this beach. One of the reasons why tourists come and visit it is because it is a gorgeous beach. Also, the water is calm here. Which makes it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. In addition, there are amenities like bathrooms, showers, and a cooking area. It is possible to spend a night here for a small fee. On the other hand, if you are thinking of spending a few days, book a trailer house instead. This will cost you up to $50 per day. 

• Charco Azul 

If you prefer to explore off the beaten path, then you will enjoy Charco Azul. This tourist attraction lies deep within the forest in the Cayey region. You will need to hike across several trails and bridges before you reach your destination. Once you reach it, you can swim in this freshwater hole. Go diving or floating here if you like or watch the fish swim here and there. This may not be the most popular destination in Puerto Rico but it is a tranquil spot that you are sure to enjoy. 

Wrapping Up Tourist Attractions in Puerto Rico

There are plenty of places to see and things to do in Puerto Rico. In fact, even when you are in a small town, there is always something for you to look forward to. What’s great about this country is that it combines old-world charm with modern times. This is why it is not surprising to find tourists not just in the United States but across the globe travel here each year. 

The tropical climate makes it a great place for beachgoers who want to get their tans. History buffs will have their fill of colonial architecture and historical landmarks too. Nature lovers can head to the nature reserves to see a diverse collection of plants and animals. Even those who want to get away from the crowd will find tranquil beaches that they can stay in. 

If you want to make the most out of your trip to Puerto Rico, you should book a tour company early. They will help make arrangements in terms of transport. Plus accommodation so that everything will be laid out for you. This is the easiest way to plan your trip. Especially if it is your first time visiting. Of course, once you get the hang of the place, you can start exploring on your own. For sure, you will have more reasons to keep coming back for more once you see the beauty that lies here.